Bareback riding with Boss

Dancer's Boss, my 26 year old QH is a solid LBI.  He has to see the cookies to be motivated.  So combining his love of food, and my fear of riding, I got him tacked up with halter and snap reins and had my husband Albie boost me up bareback.  We were in a small paddock and I checked flexion.  very stiff.  Two or thee times and he softened right up. 

We were off!  On horseback I sidled up (a few false starts but finally he got what I was asking) and we opened the gate sidepassing towards it.  (my cues were sloppy as I was sort of freaking out at being on horseback bareback). 

The game today:  the ONLY game today besides friendly:  Let me direct you to a pile of hay.....you eat and be calm.  Then follow my focus using the least cues possible to another pile of hay.  rinse and repeat. 

It took him about 10 mins of being introverted (I sat quietly and took deep breaths saying to mysef "I'm ok, you're ok,") before he really started to breathe and then figured I was not asking that much, and when he figured it out the game was on.  First time I picked up the reins very softly...he tensed.  Boss had been in his previous life kicked to go and pulled to stop....ect, you get it.  So he's never liked riding or saddling or anything that didnt' have to do with eating.

So we went to the first pile and stood there for 10 mins....I could actually feel his skin slide into relaxation and he started breathing.  It was really nice.  I was tense, too, and really tried hard to stretch and relax...

We rode that way around the field for about 30 mins.  He was soft and relaxed at the end...I put belly down and feet up on his hips trying to get him ok with me lying accross him.  

Nice session and he was licking and chewing a lot. 

I at one point burst out crying I was so happy or could it be shedding some old emotional baggage? 
Very successful time with Boss....I'm happy!

She RAN to me~ :)

Today the white mare of my dreams who has broken my heart by running from me this week and last week and the week before....pricked her ears at me and ran To me!  I could feel my heart smiling....watching that lovely face and a soft expression run to me.  Ears pricked forward.  Nice. 

here she is taking an apple from a visiting non-horsey friend--converting her to horsey!

Ironically I was with another horse at the time and when I took a moment to smile at her, nod, and send her love, I had to protect my herd with Boss and send her away.  It was something I didn't want to do but it made her want to be with me more!  Boss is a gem that sadly, I did not appreciate until I found Parelli.  He's an LBI with LBI tendencies occasionally (much less lately)  and funny as heck.  Smart, calm, a rock.  I thought he wasn't good enough for me cause I liked BIG horses.  What an idiot I was.  I hardly ever did anything with him the whole time I've had him and now it's almost too late.  He's getting older...26.  Today I just did lots of belly scratches and the shedding comb, gave him some sheath cleaning and a treat here and there and he was parking out, putting me on the itchy spot and the licking and chewing...wow, his tongue was hanging way out!  funny to see and sad, as our relationship has just started really after 15 years.  I'm ashamed of that, but happy I finally got a clue at what a great guy he is. 

Fiona has been running from me so I must change my strategy.  Today was a lesson learned.  I have to get this.  Not to do the thing that I initially want to do always is sometimes great and wonderful.  I wanted to grab her and hug her to me,stroking her soft and beloved face--which makes her want to run from me.   Today I sent her away, which really was the thing to do as it piqued her curiosity.  She kept trying to come to me...finally I finished with my 26 year old fuzzy bear Boss with a belly scratch and invited her in using the inhale and a tiny backward lean.

She came right to me and very briskly....this is something I have been working on...doing less and getting more.  It was beautiful.  I let her sniff my head and then had to do a little gentle arm block.  This mare can be pushy but she's very sensitive and I feel that in the past I have yelled with my body language when just a tiny 'no, do not crowd me' in a whisper would do.  Today I whispered and she gave me my space while continuing to want to be with me.  She was inquisitive and sweet.  I petted and scratched her all over, did a little front end movement both ways (phase 1), stick with me at liberty, lifted all four feet (found a sweet gum ball in one and got it out with the shedding comb) and just loved on her.  Got her to put her head on the ground, she sighed, and I walked off. 

Today was a really lovely day here. 70F and sunny with puffy white clouds.  A slight breeze, which occasionally made me a little cool.   

Exy (4) and O'Rion (5) were trying to come in but I was with Boss today...so I defended our herd of two.  He's always been very dominant (with me previously and with the herd) and today it was nice to see that he accepted me as leader--just stood there while I ran everyone off and he never gave an evil look or any of the other things he usually does when they come in too close to him.  His face remained soft and calm..  This is not the norm with this dominant horse.  He was content to let me be boss mare...I loved it.  The first day I tried Parelli games with Boss he attacked me.  We have come a very long way and I've had to dig deep for patience with this guy...he will go catatonic on me if I push him.   RBI tendencies.   today he was rocking to keep my scratching in the right belly place and the licking and chewing went on for a long time...tongue just hanging out.  He kept turning and looking at me and licking and chewing.  This is big for Boss and I was so happy that I was able to spend about 30 mins currying him and de-shedding him. 

He has gained weight and I'm thinking of doing a little bareback riding with Boss as he loves to go slow and so do I. 

We're having fun.  Might not be on the fast track but we're on our own journey of discovery and I'm smiling a lot.  Must be right for me.   :)

following blogs

Hello my Parelli friends,

I just wanted to say thanks for your blogs, your comments, your following me and allowing me to follow you.  You inspire me to try harder, to play harder, to make progress.  I wish you all lived right around the corner cause we'd have one heck of a play date! 

Hope to see you either in person, on the forum, at a tour stop, or maybe one day when I get to the ISC.  Can't wait to meet you if I haven't 'already.  I have met some of you, and that's been really wonderful. 
I'm in the Over the Hill Gang on the Forum and the Carpe Diem group, too.  Great groups of people and I learn about a lot more than horses from you all.  Thanks for that. 
:)
Keep it Savvy,
Shelly

and Fiona my partner.

Lovely Sunny Good Friday--one hour play

Rode Fiona bareback today..twice.  First time she was soft and nice, I did pushing passenger and bend both ways.  The herd was bucking and farting and her head was UP UP UP so second time laid accross her back, then got on and did an emergency dismount cause I thought of it.   really trying to move closer stay longer.   She was like...wha???  why'd you get off?  but I was happy.

Then tried to get back on but she was never giving me permission so I took her out of the field...did some moseying, grazing, then games with the trailer. Loaded her once, did yo yo backwards on and off trailer...played can you put your back feet on the ramp? Can you go in circles around and on the ramp? never did try to load her again.

some back ears at first out of field...but then she calmed right down and when I engaged her mind ears came forward and she was ON me...looking and really present with our games.  Nice! 

Put zone 5 on things.  One was a wind chime (a very large loud one!)   and one a post and she never flinched.  I was so proud of her!!!   Nice expression throughout.  No backwards ears with zone 5 touching.

grazed some more.

Synched our energy--stick to me and beyond that (spelling) and did transitions with upping energy and then a deep breath to slow/stop. I did sort of dressage on the ground with shoulders in and shoulders out--I had to look at her hind to get her in the right frame for this (she did really well) and then sideways both ways. (on ground with no touching).  Had to touch her side with elboy gently once.  Otherwise she offers sideways always...she loves it!

She offered to put feet on things, we did patterns, and she did really well.  She tries to go sideways in the figure 8 middle.  funny. 

then let her go and did shedding duty on the whole herd. They are shedding like crazy. Exy backed up to me like "get my butt right here please." funny..the lip was going when I did scratch her tummy...


when Exy was eating I put all my weight on her and a leg over. she just stood there. I love that girl. She has that huge neck like Perch momma.

Finally Back playing

After weeks of snow, rain, horrible wind, I'm BACK!.  

Today was a snorting, rip-roaring, bucking, farting sort of day.  I took my saddle pad and bridle (ha!) and opened the gate to the playground...thinking (snort) that I'd ride today.  NOT.   when I got outside I heard a huge machine tearing up the woods accross the road.  They were NOT happy with this as it was clanky and loud.  Messed me up...but I kept saying to myself it's not about the loud machine.  It's about my leadership.  so continued on. 

First of all Exy Cantered to me.  I thought Yes!~  this is going to be good...then the whole herd including Exy went roaring by and bucked, kicked, bit each other..reared....just general pandemonium.  I saw Exy biting Fiona so I'm guessing she's taking over the lead mare position or trying to. 

I had every horse turn tail and RUN from me full tilt!  Each time I approached and retreated you'd have thought I was breathing fire and had a big I EAT HORSE sign on my chest.  good grief.

It took me about an hour to have a horse approach me and catch me (Exy).  So I played with her...she's pretty funny and a circle is really close for her....I tried to get her to back off some but didn't want to ruin the relationship over it.  I took what she offered which was a lot.  We played touch it with nose and feet.  Circled over logs, did porcupine with hands.  Squeezed over a log, turned and faced. 
I was happy with a little today.  LOTS of scratches and pauses in between.  Lots of licking and chewing and today was the FIRST time a horse has rolled on the end of my line!  I was happy with that. 

O'Rion next.  I only played touch it and lots of friendly with him....lots of scraches and letting him see/play with the line and halter and let him go.  Blew his mind!  I also was going REALLLLLLY slow and walking slow, not asking much at all.  He was funny.  The slower I'd go the faster he went.  He's a hoot.

OH MY WORD I must have put my fire breathing person back on....more herd bucking and rearing up....freakout in general.

I did friendly with rope and halter and walked away..aproach... and retreat when they faced me. 

FINALLY my partner Fiona licked and chewed and came to me. 

She was so soft and pretty....I loved all over her with the halter and rope...they scratched her.  More licking.  The carrot stick scratched her....licked.

I played about three games then let her go. 

Then led by leg both sides, moved HQ and FQ with fingertips and that was it for today. 

Forget riding.

FAB Day Today

I'm MAD!  Took a pic of what I did today WHILE I WAS on Fiona and it was a FANTASTIC piccie, and now it's not on my camera. 

OK, my plan today was friendly with all 4 horses of my herd, and PRACTICE MECATE REINS with the 22' (thanks, S!). 

Went out with only 22' and halter.  Fiona came right up (they all did) so I put on halter, went slowly as she seemed a tiny bit unsure.  Threw rope from Z 2 about 8 times...head came down so I proceeded to tie reins.  Did games with the reins like this and Fiona was So SOFT and SO Expressive, I thought "this looks  rideable!"  (!!! BIG THING FOR ME).

SO...I took her to an adjoining field and we played at the fence with the other horses, stick to me and move all quarters.  Was trying NOT to think about riding (escalating fear in the past from just that) instead tried to concentrate on getting WAY more from WAY less.  It worked!  Phase 1 with fingertips to move fore and Phase 2 to move hind. 

I thought, OK I'll get on the fence and practice the sweet spot pickup.  That took WAY less time than in the past and she sidled right up with a little tweeking, but stood calmly.  I rocked her (giving her plenty of warning.  Shortened rein...put my belly on her back/withers.  And rubbed, just hanging there til I could BREATHE.  She and I just stood. 

I slid off cause I thought about it.  She did NOTHING.  Nothing to even deserve that thought, but I'm working on MY brain, so I did it.

OK..moment of truth.
 
Got back on fence, she came right up and picked me up.  I just stepped on and sat there. 

She blew out, I did, too, and we both just stood breathing.  NICE and NO FEAR AT ALL. 

So the plan was follow the fence.  There was lots of tweaking but she got it on the second pass down. 

Then bend (I realize I should have done this first but was so happy to BE ON MY HORSE that I forgot.) 

I did the rein positions that Pat sent in the last video and she did fantastic...right side was not quite as perfect as left, so we repeated both sides bending/disengage front.  Last time I tried it was lovely and soft both sides but right is not quite perfect yet. 

Then disengage hind. 
Once I got MY body right she followed right along. 

LOVELY! 

So I called it a WILDLy FANTASTic SUCCESS and got off.

Then did more at liberty with follow a feel with the rope....
Fiona followed me at a zig zag with the tail of the rope over her neck.  NICE!

I left and she came to the fence to see me off after a lot of scratches and rubbing and loving all over her. 

amazing feeling....she was blowing and licking big time...we have a breakthrough with BOTH of us, I feel! 

I FEEL 10 FEET TALL RIGHT NOW! 

I RODE MY HORSE! 

To answer especially Mary's questions:  HOW did playing with Kelly's horses change my play with my horses or help me any?  Wow...well it showed me that I was accepting things that were unacceptable.  That my horses could be WAY more responsive than I was wanting/asking for/accepting.  And now I want that...and I can see it peeking in to Fiona's and my play...she has become way more responsive because Buckly taught me how to ask, perhaps?  Or she showed me what was possible in a real way and not "out there somewhere with some horse I'll never see." if that makes sense.   :)

Attack Horses--Defending their property! (Beware of Horses?)

OK this may be weird, but today there were two dogs who were wagging their tails, came to visit (they had a cat in tow).  When my 5 dogs went to investigate them in the field the cat skedaddled, but they were all sniffing and wagging...until the idiot pit bull ran and body slammed one of the dogs.  Chaos ensued with the two new ones trying to pin the pit bull.  (he's a goof really). 

Out of the blue, Exy and O'Rion gallop over and CHASE OFF the two dogs who were trying to fight my one dog.  They ran them off good and proper.  I wish I had seen all this...it was relayed to me by Albert, who witnessed the whole thing. 

Funny.....I have attack horses! 
Maybe I should change the sign from "beware of dog" to "Beware of Attack Horses....they will kick your butt." 

2 1/2 hours, three horses

I was taken to CAVALIA for my 50th Birthday in Atlanta by my sweet hubby.  We had a lovely meal and then saw the show.  Fantastic!  I highly recommend it, although there was one stallion who did not seem happy with his job, most horses had ears forward and seemed to be happy with what they were doing.  It was Lovely! 

It was COLD.  Do I look like I'm riding this one bareback?  Ha ha!

NICE day today!~  It was 40's F today and not much wind.  The farrier (new one and less expensive but I think just as good and one that will not pop my horses!  Yes!) was coming today so I played with each horse before I gave him/her to the farrier.  They all did outstanding!  I was proud.   First was Boss (QH).  We did friendly and then stick to me.  Then moving HQ and FQ because of some nasty ears.  Then friendly (he IS afraid of the stick).  Circle with an obstacle (tree).  Yo Yo over a log.  then straddle the log and stay there.  Then back and stay there.  Lots of licking at this point.  Circle of 8.  Weave around some poo.  Nice expression.  Ready for farrier.

Next Exy.  We did friendly and lots of that, some extreme friendly and driving in zone 3.  Ready for farrier.  she wants to play!  Is very exuberent and I did not want to get her wild for the farrier.  Just in a calm frame of mind.  Success. 

Third was Fiona.  Friendly (she's afraid of the stick, too).  I really did lots of blowing with the intent to bring WAY down my energy.  She responded to this beautifully and was way more relaxed today (so was I and I could really tell she was trying hard to do what I asked.)  We did Stick to me (beautiful!) and some moving FQ because of nasty ears.  when the ears came back forward we moved on.  Match my energy came next.  Transitions on a circle up and down.  REALLY the BEST ever today!  I thought Walk...she walked, TROT, and upped my energy...what do you know...she trotted.  (I had to support with the stick just a tiny bit the second time).  Other side was brilliant!  No stick support at all.  Good girl!  OK here comes her bugaboo...canter.  I had to really keep my energy way up and WHACK the ground zone 5 but she got it and although I was thinking CANTER loudly in my head, I blew and relaxed while keeping my molecules cantering...she BLEW (lips flapping) and slowed her canter down beautifully...and when I trotted in my body so did she...then a duck landing on the ground.  That girl STOPPED!  YES!  I was so proud.  This is an extreme runaway who has had such strides of improvement!  We did that three times each side and it was lovely with lots of scratches and a rest period on there (for both of us) in between.  It was fantastic!  Now if that can just transfer to the saddle we'll be cooking with gas!  I'm chuffed! 

Tried something that I did with Buckley, Kelly Sigler's horse, the passage.  I thought UP and then did stick support under her chin and belly.  She got it.  Nicer banana than the fat belly hanging.  Then we trotted and I supported under her chin/belly  while I was ridiculously throwing my knees WAY HIGH...and trotting in place doing Passage with my body (it was hilarious I'm sure).  She didn't get it at first so I stopped, showed her UP with head and belly again, and then tried it again.  I think I got a little suspension that time (a tiny tiny tiny bit) so I called it good and moved on.  She licked a lot....and had a really nice expression on her face!  I'd say fascinated!  Belly scratches. 

I bowed really big and picked up her right front and brought head down....we did that three times and called it good.  More licking.  (really trying to do something way different than we usually do).  Trying hard not to be BORING!  I think Fiona really enjoyed our play time today.

Then did lead with tail.  Fairly non-successful but I think I missed her giving HQ to me...so my fault  that time. 

Last was O'Rion, my bad boy...very mouthy and playful/naughty!  Lots of friendly then extreme friendly zone 1/2/3.  He did very well. 
Circle of 8 with two piles of poo.   LOTS of licking and chewing and he picked it right up.  Weave with poo.   He REALLy licked and chewed this time.  And I gave him lots of time in between as he's LBI and can go over to RBI/catatonic if I push him.  I laughed a lot and blew (trying not to get myself so straight lined and hyper).  Tongue was hanging WAY out licking..it was hilarious.  Wish I'd had the camera.  That'll teach me!   It was a lovely day.  At first we did have a little nasty ears back so moved FQ some...ears quickly nice. 

 (remember we have a playground but were at the fence waiting for the previous horse's hooves so poo looked really good to play with!). 

O'Rion wanted to play with the rope so I said GREAT!  Let me help you with that....and pulled it tight.  he let go. 

Lead by front legs.  He did AMAZINGLY WELL, got it right away!    I was proud of my boy! 

He did pretty well for farrier.  Yay! 

Late NOTE:  The other night he choked.  Albert left off his 5 inch rock (slows him down or he chokes).  I heard him choking after Fiona put her head right up giraffe style...so I checked him out and found him choking.  No air movement.  Massaged his neck and got the food to go down....watched him for a while.   He stood quietly and let me get the lead rope/halter on even though he was making a horrible noise.  I'd say just enough air to keep alive.  It was VERY frightening. 

Albert felt badly so I didnt' scold him, just asked him NEVER feed O'Rion again without his rock in the bucket!  I feel without Parelli this horse would have been fighting for his life.  He could not breathe! 
I thank God every day for Pat and Linda!~ 

nighty night.  My cat just gave me a love bite.  she's a funny one.

Frozen hoses

We had to haul water today as the hoses are frozen.  It's COLD here! 

Horses ran around like crazy...we put a new round bale of hay in the field.   For some reason they thought they should help.  It was fun.  I love my horses..they really make it lovely around here.

Too cold to play but I got in some undemanding time and treats...scratches.  Had nice times with all four today.  Just simple undemanding .....nice! 

talk to you soon!

Played with Buckley!

AMAZING day yesterday! 

Got to play with Kelly Sigler's Buckley...he was like a HOVER BALL!  I thought something, he did it, and even did things I didn't realize I was sending out, but on reflection, I can see it.  He did get his play drive up a little and we played shoulders...he really got BIG for a moment...so I backed off, but dang it was FUN!  I was laughing.

Buckley likes to be CLOSE!  So that was interesting with a horse I didnt' know, but he was right with me.  Not over top of me but RIGHT THERE.  He is AWESOME!  did I mention I love Buckley!!

he sidepassed to me with just a string on his back and then faster than a walk....still sideways.  Stick with me...LOVELY....

Drove from zone 2/3 then 3, then 4 then drove from zone 5!  I was so happy. 

We did spins.  first time ever for me.  He taught me how!  (Nicola helped me see it). 

Passage!  Passage!  We did Passage!  Fantastic (on the ground).  Made me really happy....thanks, Nicola! 
She showed me how...and we were off!  both sides easily....oh Buckley I love you! 

Bad part:  I had no camera.  sigh....but memories are lovely. 

He's the best.  Hopefully I'll be better for my horse now. 

thanks, Kelly!