Moderate breeze today so of course it was great weather to play with a tarp. Really wanted to give O'Rion confidence so flapped it while walking backwards from him. He finally got curious, so I let the wind take it a little more, then placed it on the ground and motioned him towards it.
Usually I put pressure outside zone 1 he pushes against it and goes toward pressure, then runs off. So I'm really trying to do LOTS of friendly but supporting my notion of pressure when he's not afraid. I want him not afraid of the CS or me. But I need him to do what I ask (he's huge and could hurt me). First time he was asked to go to my left with pressure outside his left zone 1 he immediately went forward (success) so I quit in mid ask.
He lipped and bit at the tarp for quite a while while Exy grazed with one foot on it. Cute pics but I can't get them on the computer. Pity. I need to take my camera more often.
Exy allowed the folded tarp to be placed all over her and then I left it briefly on her back while I got the pic. Exy did really well.
After that O'Rion kept biting and pawing it. This went on around 10 mins or so. I put the folded tarp in his zone 1 and did friendly with it. Called it good.
Really nice session tonight. I'm pretty happy.
When I slapped the ground Exy ran to me so that was amazing. :) She's coming along just fine. I am trying to get him and her both to load comfortably so that perhaps one of these days we can go somewhere easily. Tried the other day but thresholds kept us from getting there. No worries, we'll keep working on it.
That will give me something to have a program with. 7 day loading program for Exy and O'Rion both.
Meanwhile Fiona's ear is still scary looking but it's healing. Will not be asking her to do anything til that ear heals. The halter would possibly hurt her ear so that's out taking her anywhere.
Nice healing session with Fiona tonight. I did Healing for Horses (basically healing touch) on her and she blew and put her head down, very relaxed. I thought to myself
that I just wanted to offer her this with no expectations for a return. Just then I had the urge to cry....I went with it and then she began lipping and grooming my shoulder. She tucked her head into my chest and we stood like that for a while. Sweet moment.
September 30, 2010
September 28, 2010
Stick to Me Walk and Trot with Exy
Fiona as a Pirate no more...
Today I noted that Fiona's mask had cut her right ear right in the crease pretty badly. I took it off....I"m sick of it and so is she. ENOUGH already. Her eye still has a small white haze on upper middle of eye, but she can see. I'll keep treating it but she's been through enough with that dang mask...enough. After 2.5 months with it on ENOUGH.
Fi's Beautiful ears. I love her ears...almost cried when I saw the right one today...cut is about 6 inches long and 1/4 inch deep. This happened either last night or yesterday after I saw her. It wasn't there then. Mystery. Treated it really well, cleaned, put cream and anti-fly cream around it. She's been through enough I think. I do not want to totally ruin our relationship.
This is what happens when I'm out in the fields.
exy the sweet and funny. We had such fun tonight.
Rode Boss bareback, he's 26, I basically just sit there as he's Mr. LBI I can't move...so I sit if he wants to stand there fine with me. He's AMAZED I'm not making him do anything...it's blowing his mind!
She on the other hand...loves to play and is in my pocket the whole time I'm out. I had a blast. Exy is my nap girl...she loves to nap. I find her lying all over the field with everyone else standing guard.
I'm all sweaty and stinky right now from playing with my horses. However, I had a wonderful session with Exy, my dapple grey mare. She is actually pretty amazing and very funny. We are playing at stick to me...and she loves to jump on the tarp if I drag it just like a little frog...stiff legged and jumping...it's hilarous.
Tonight I had her walk and trot mirroring me...if I walk, she walked....if I sped up she trotted but I did have to reinforce the trot, but she got it right away. I stopped by exhaling and relaxing..then stopping, she stopped. This went well on one side and pretty well on her other side....preparation for ridingbareback with no bridle. (not sure if I have good enough balance for that but it's my goal at least at exhibitions. also I ran from her and she chased me...she got it right away.
The other horse behind her, O'rion, (rose gray) is a big scaredy cat and I played with him doing lots of friendly, but he wanted to duck out of pressure like put his nose to the ground and then paw. LOTS of friendly and he wanted to bite/lick/chew the carrot stick so I let him. I did a few things with him then let him go. Backed through two fences in stages, let him graze in between, with friendly on gate and friendly on him, too. LOTS of retreat with him...but he's still afraid. I kept thinking "you're ok, I'm ok." didn't seem to help. Also "do what I say but don't be afraid" to myself. He wants to go introverted as a learner, but loves to play with Exy...so I'm trying to be really really patient.
Albie is working nights this week so I did most of the chores alone and fed all the critters. Lovely weather here after it cleared up from this am's rain. I'm grinning from ear to ear. Exy makes me laugh out loud...I need to take pictures of her faces. If you scratch her in the right spot she pokes her lips out and wiggles her lips.....hilarious.
Today I noted that Fiona's mask had cut her right ear right in the crease pretty badly. I took it off....I"m sick of it and so is she. ENOUGH already. Her eye still has a small white haze on upper middle of eye, but she can see. I'll keep treating it but she's been through enough with that dang mask...enough. After 2.5 months with it on ENOUGH. 
Fi's Beautiful ears. I love her ears...almost cried when I saw the right one today...cut is about 6 inches long and 1/4 inch deep. This happened either last night or yesterday after I saw her. It wasn't there then. Mystery. Treated it really well, cleaned, put cream and anti-fly cream around it. She's been through enough I think. I do not want to totally ruin our relationship. 
This is what happens when I'm out in the fields. 
exy the sweet and funny. We had such fun tonight. 
Rode Boss bareback, he's 26, I basically just sit there as he's Mr. LBI I can't move...so I sit if he wants to stand there fine with me. He's AMAZED I'm not making him do anything...it's blowing his mind! 
I'm all sweaty and stinky right now from playing with my horses. However, I had a wonderful session with Exy, my dapple grey mare. She is actually pretty amazing and very funny. We are playing at stick to me...and she loves to jump on the tarp if I drag it just like a little frog...stiff legged and jumping...it's hilarous.
Tonight I had her walk and trot mirroring me...if I walk, she walked....if I sped up she trotted but I did have to reinforce the trot, but she got it right away. I stopped by exhaling and relaxing..then stopping, she stopped. This went well on one side and pretty well on her other side....preparation for ridingbareback with no bridle. (not sure if I have good enough balance for that but it's my goal at least at exhibitions. also I ran from her and she chased me...she got it right away.
The other horse behind her, O'rion, (rose gray) is a big scaredy cat and I played with him doing lots of friendly, but he wanted to duck out of pressure like put his nose to the ground and then paw. LOTS of friendly and he wanted to bite/lick/chew the carrot stick so I let him. I did a few things with him then let him go. Backed through two fences in stages, let him graze in between, with friendly on gate and friendly on him, too. LOTS of retreat with him...but he's still afraid. I kept thinking "you're ok, I'm ok." didn't seem to help. Also "do what I say but don't be afraid" to myself. He wants to go introverted as a learner, but loves to play with Exy...so I'm trying to be really really patient.
Albie is working nights this week so I did most of the chores alone and fed all the critters. Lovely weather here after it cleared up from this am's rain. I'm grinning from ear to ear. Exy makes me laugh out loud...I need to take pictures of her faces. If you scratch her in the right spot she pokes her lips out and wiggles her lips.....hilarious.
September 20, 2010
Making the best of Confinement
Fiona is still alone in a smallish paddock behind the barn and posing as a pirate with her one eyed mask on (small holes to peek out of the other eye)--autoimmune problem with blisters that almost ruptured the eye. It's now stable but we have at least three more weeks of treatment. Yikes. We BOTH are about over it...I'm doing lots of friendly on the eye before and after treatments and tonight she put her head on my chest and sort of snuggled, and I must say she didn't give me too much trouble today. She was very sweet. Yesterday a different story. Think bobbing for apples...that's her head. Down up down up down up...get away from my eye!
Today I did some back by the tail. went Very well...two tries and she shifted her weight back first time, then almost took a step back second time...I quit. Trying to tap it in...not hammer it (I have to REALLY work on that cause I get excited and want to do it again and again and again! yay! ) Horse is looking at me like what's your prob? I'm bored.
Then stick to me. Not very good. She kept thinking I wanted her to back when I wanted her to go forward. She was afraid so I laid the halter over her shoulder and then she got it with the connection and we walked all over the field...over a log...and then back to the water trough. Hate to just have her standing around in the field with her mask on and all these months going by...really working on the relationship and trying to make sure she's ok with trailering and all the stuff we have to go through to treat the eye.
friendly and slap the ground, treat. Rinse, repeat...I want her to come to me when I slap the ground. We did that about 4 times and then she started getting it so I quit. (trying hard not to torture her).
At this point I noticed Exy standing in an empty water tub (it's knee high to her). So I zoomed over there and asked her to keep front feet in the tub and move hind end around in a half circle both ways. Funny expressions. When we finished she seemed stuck in the bucket so I asked her out. She got out and then put herself right back in. I walked away figuring she'd figure it out. When she did make it out of there, I dragged the tub with her chasing me. watch those toes!
O'Rion came to investigate so he got lots of scratches. We played about three turns of "shoulders" and he's not getting it. Feels too much pressure and runs off. Gotta do that on line.
Having trouble with him flipping from RBI to LBE. He can be a pill--very naughty and loves to play--as well as be Mr. Fraidy cat.
Really really want to ride him. He's been played with in the games since he was born and now he's 5. but he's SO BIG that I'm afaid really to be the first one to put lots of miles on him. I need a western saddle so I'll feel a little more secure. Still dealing with pesky fear issues. Same for Exy...I need to get to riding her but am afraid to really do it....but I"m convinced it'll be a non-issue...but still have trouble going forward.
gotta get to riding...I WANT to ride....just want a little less grass green horse. And Fiona is half blind these days with the pirate mask.
I'll work it out....one of these days.
Today I did some back by the tail. went Very well...two tries and she shifted her weight back first time, then almost took a step back second time...I quit. Trying to tap it in...not hammer it (I have to REALLY work on that cause I get excited and want to do it again and again and again! yay! ) Horse is looking at me like what's your prob? I'm bored.
Then stick to me. Not very good. She kept thinking I wanted her to back when I wanted her to go forward. She was afraid so I laid the halter over her shoulder and then she got it with the connection and we walked all over the field...over a log...and then back to the water trough. Hate to just have her standing around in the field with her mask on and all these months going by...really working on the relationship and trying to make sure she's ok with trailering and all the stuff we have to go through to treat the eye.
friendly and slap the ground, treat. Rinse, repeat...I want her to come to me when I slap the ground. We did that about 4 times and then she started getting it so I quit. (trying hard not to torture her).
At this point I noticed Exy standing in an empty water tub (it's knee high to her). So I zoomed over there and asked her to keep front feet in the tub and move hind end around in a half circle both ways. Funny expressions. When we finished she seemed stuck in the bucket so I asked her out. She got out and then put herself right back in. I walked away figuring she'd figure it out. When she did make it out of there, I dragged the tub with her chasing me. watch those toes!
O'Rion came to investigate so he got lots of scratches. We played about three turns of "shoulders" and he's not getting it. Feels too much pressure and runs off. Gotta do that on line.
Having trouble with him flipping from RBI to LBE. He can be a pill--very naughty and loves to play--as well as be Mr. Fraidy cat.
Really really want to ride him. He's been played with in the games since he was born and now he's 5. but he's SO BIG that I'm afaid really to be the first one to put lots of miles on him. I need a western saddle so I'll feel a little more secure. Still dealing with pesky fear issues. Same for Exy...I need to get to riding her but am afraid to really do it....but I"m convinced it'll be a non-issue...but still have trouble going forward.
gotta get to riding...I WANT to ride....just want a little less grass green horse. And Fiona is half blind these days with the pirate mask.
I'll work it out....one of these days.
September 12, 2010
No Water and Playing with a Bag
Our water has ruptured. Sucks... We're roughing it til Albert gets a day off and digs up the water line...it's bubbling up when the pump is on right outside my kitchen window. Can't figure out what went wrong...tree...old age of line? Who knows.
So watering horses is a trial... went out to make sure they had plenty of water for the next couple of days. They did so of course I wanted to stay out with them.
But it's HOT...so I keep directing everyone to the shade.
First Exy. We did stick to me, friendly with the rope. She was doing brilliantly and then I think a gresshopper jumped on her cause she exploded bucking and I saw a grasshopper shoot off her back! That started lots of running and bucking...and she was kicking out in MY direction, so I encouraged her to move her feet really fast and now! She made a huge circle and then kicked O'Rion. So I asked her to move some more. She ran around for about 4 minutes and it was so hot I allowed her to have a sip of water, then asked her to move away from the water and move her feet since her last circle had her head turned outside the circle.
This time her head was turned to me so I allowed her to drink again. She stood there blowing for a while and she faced me so I retreated and she followed. Lots of friendly.
Then approach and retreat with the bag on the end of the carrot stick and she almost immediately tried to jump on it, so I was happy with that. It took about 30 mins of approach/retreat to be able to put the bag on O'Rion and he did start to go introverted once, so I retreated more than approached, and he finally allowed me to pet him with the bag. He nuzzled it once, so I called that good.
Boss took direction from accross the paddock when I was trying to get him to go out. I pointed softy, shook the bag to zone 5 and he went out. Nice.
knee is hurting today (Physical therapy starts this week for 6 weeks then they decide if I have surgery). I'm going to prop up on couch. All animals fed so Albert can give hay and haul water.
Fiona's eye (autoimmune problem with cornea) is doing well BUT we went to Univ of Ga Wed and they cut her cornea getting out the catheter. (eye roll) so now we're dealing with that. Small cut, and I'm hoping it's all healed up by Tuesday at the latest.
She still has her pirate face/eye mask on. Hopefully this will end soon.
So watering horses is a trial... went out to make sure they had plenty of water for the next couple of days. They did so of course I wanted to stay out with them.
But it's HOT...so I keep directing everyone to the shade.
First Exy. We did stick to me, friendly with the rope. She was doing brilliantly and then I think a gresshopper jumped on her cause she exploded bucking and I saw a grasshopper shoot off her back! That started lots of running and bucking...and she was kicking out in MY direction, so I encouraged her to move her feet really fast and now! She made a huge circle and then kicked O'Rion. So I asked her to move some more. She ran around for about 4 minutes and it was so hot I allowed her to have a sip of water, then asked her to move away from the water and move her feet since her last circle had her head turned outside the circle.
This time her head was turned to me so I allowed her to drink again. She stood there blowing for a while and she faced me so I retreated and she followed. Lots of friendly.
Then approach and retreat with the bag on the end of the carrot stick and she almost immediately tried to jump on it, so I was happy with that. It took about 30 mins of approach/retreat to be able to put the bag on O'Rion and he did start to go introverted once, so I retreated more than approached, and he finally allowed me to pet him with the bag. He nuzzled it once, so I called that good.
Boss took direction from accross the paddock when I was trying to get him to go out. I pointed softy, shook the bag to zone 5 and he went out. Nice.
knee is hurting today (Physical therapy starts this week for 6 weeks then they decide if I have surgery). I'm going to prop up on couch. All animals fed so Albert can give hay and haul water.
Fiona's eye (autoimmune problem with cornea) is doing well BUT we went to Univ of Ga Wed and they cut her cornea getting out the catheter. (eye roll) so now we're dealing with that. Small cut, and I'm hoping it's all healed up by Tuesday at the latest.
She still has her pirate face/eye mask on. Hopefully this will end soon.
September 1, 2010
My Parelli Journey with Fiona the (formerly) runaway brood mare.: More Fun Liberty with Exy and O'Rion
Parelli Natural Horsemanship
More Fun Liberty with Exy and O'Rion
Today was hot as hades here, in the 90's, so I have to admit I was not that motivated to play, so of course we ended up playing like maniacs and had a blast! Honestly I forgot all about my knee pain during this, it was fab! (hurt knee x 1 month ago, Doc appt. Friday).
Initially I took my CS out to help with crowd control when I let Exy out of the small pen (she grabs everyone's food so we just stick her out of the way of trouble).
I thought let's do stick to me! and it was a total bust as a HUGE, I'm talking prehistoric Horse Fly from HADES got on her butt and the bucking and farting started. GAME ON...Exy will Zoom up to me to get flies swatted and this time she zoomed up, and zoomed on by bucking and farting...I was glad she didnt' stop so as she was looking out towards the woods away from me I encouraged her feet to go faster. SLAP on the ground. Neutral position...O'Rion joined the game bucking, galloping and farting. I noted that Exy went wayyyyy down the other end of pasture and took a turn so fast her hind went almost out from under her...she was very athletic jumping a limb and more bucking and I thought it was a good thing I was not riding that!
I moved them around a bit then turned them at the fence on either end....they turned towards the fence, so I encouraged more movement. When they cantered by I cantered to establish harmony (we're talking wimpy cantering but I was thinking I'm cantering) and there was a lull in the action when they slowed and trotted, so I trotted, too. (it worked! :) ) so I allowed a stop and drink. Exy wanted to come to me but she was Way too on adrenaline, so I softly asked her to go away and she BLASTED by me again. You would have thought I had taken a HUGE bite out of O'Rion's butt the way he blasted off. Silly boy. I took pains to do lots of friendly at this point.
By this time sweat was rolling down my chest and face...shirt soaked and dust all over my nice shoes (what was I thinking to do farm work in Bjorns?!) LOL...I had been on a date with my husband to dinner and didn't change clothes...poor planning I guess. Or just lazy in this heat?
Boss (26 yrs) just stood eating hay prolly thinking what are these idiots doing in this heat? No way I'm in on this madness. Smart boy.
We got into harmonious cantering again and then trotting and they looked calm so I asked them both in. Both stood about 6 feet away and heads down, breathing hard, so lots more friendly and then some belly and ear scratching...I wished I had my camera as Exy now has a new itchy spot I found and her face was hilarious! O'Rion just put his head way down so I scratched my way up his mane. This boy has to be 17 hands. He's a monster!
Such a fun day!
Now the plan is kick back with some lemonade on the couch and become a potato.
Have a lovely evening of your own. :)
Initially I took my CS out to help with crowd control when I let Exy out of the small pen (she grabs everyone's food so we just stick her out of the way of trouble).
I thought let's do stick to me! and it was a total bust as a HUGE, I'm talking prehistoric Horse Fly from HADES got on her butt and the bucking and farting started. GAME ON...Exy will Zoom up to me to get flies swatted and this time she zoomed up, and zoomed on by bucking and farting...I was glad she didnt' stop so as she was looking out towards the woods away from me I encouraged her feet to go faster. SLAP on the ground. Neutral position...O'Rion joined the game bucking, galloping and farting. I noted that Exy went wayyyyy down the other end of pasture and took a turn so fast her hind went almost out from under her...she was very athletic jumping a limb and more bucking and I thought it was a good thing I was not riding that!
I moved them around a bit then turned them at the fence on either end....they turned towards the fence, so I encouraged more movement. When they cantered by I cantered to establish harmony (we're talking wimpy cantering but I was thinking I'm cantering) and there was a lull in the action when they slowed and trotted, so I trotted, too. (it worked! :) ) so I allowed a stop and drink. Exy wanted to come to me but she was Way too on adrenaline, so I softly asked her to go away and she BLASTED by me again. You would have thought I had taken a HUGE bite out of O'Rion's butt the way he blasted off. Silly boy. I took pains to do lots of friendly at this point.
By this time sweat was rolling down my chest and face...shirt soaked and dust all over my nice shoes (what was I thinking to do farm work in Bjorns?!) LOL...I had been on a date with my husband to dinner and didn't change clothes...poor planning I guess. Or just lazy in this heat?
Boss (26 yrs) just stood eating hay prolly thinking what are these idiots doing in this heat? No way I'm in on this madness. Smart boy.
We got into harmonious cantering again and then trotting and they looked calm so I asked them both in. Both stood about 6 feet away and heads down, breathing hard, so lots more friendly and then some belly and ear scratching...I wished I had my camera as Exy now has a new itchy spot I found and her face was hilarious! O'Rion just put his head way down so I scratched my way up his mane. This boy has to be 17 hands. He's a monster!
Such a fun day!
Now the plan is kick back with some lemonade on the couch and become a potato.
Have a lovely evening of your own. :)
Update on THE EYE
Today Fiona's eye, which they tell me is an autoimmune condition that may or may not have had a fungal infection and/or a bacterial infection (but they said it was not trauma, for which I'm forever grateful, as I was afraid I'd hit her in the eye with my Savvy String) is looking a tiny bit better, I'm happy to report. It still has a small milky patch right at and below the pupil on the cornea but she can see (I tested it) and seems fairly comfortable EXCEPT when I'm either pulling on her eye catheter to make sure it's seated (like they told me to do) and when I'm injecting the meds. We clean the mask twice a day, change pads, and put meds every 8 hours. I"m tired of this routine, I have to admit. But I'm doing what I have to do for my girl's eye...ready for this eye to heal!
Please send all the happy thoughts/prayers/healing energy you can for Fiona's left eye.
Thanks!
Please send all the happy thoughts/prayers/healing energy you can for Fiona's left eye.
Thanks!
August 1, 2010
updates Fiona at UGA
Fiona's Opthamologist is a terrific guy who calls me "Mom" when he talks about Fiona...as in "Mom, we're doing this or that." I love him!
Updates are very positive although they had a scare where she quit sweating and respiratory rate went to 60. This was after shavings were tossed around her (and me) and I noticed I was having trouble breathing in the shaving dust. They told me that wasn't it (I'm not convinced). I was afraid for her...but she's improved now. They put two fans on her and She's breathing around 40 bpm now.
They are to call tomorrow to let me know if I can go pick her up after 12noon. I'm getting the truck ready first thing in the AM so I can go pronto!
Wish us luck. Albert (hubby) is taking day off to help bless his little heart.
I'll get him to drive down there while I keep leg elevated (I hurt my knee) but I'll drive my girl home. :)
Fingers and toes crossed for her to be home tomorrow! We'll have to treat her every 6 hours for weeks. No worries since I do this at work, too. Can't wait to have my pretty girl back home.
Keep her in your prayers and me, too.
Updates are very positive although they had a scare where she quit sweating and respiratory rate went to 60. This was after shavings were tossed around her (and me) and I noticed I was having trouble breathing in the shaving dust. They told me that wasn't it (I'm not convinced). I was afraid for her...but she's improved now. They put two fans on her and She's breathing around 40 bpm now.
They are to call tomorrow to let me know if I can go pick her up after 12noon. I'm getting the truck ready first thing in the AM so I can go pronto!
Wish us luck. Albert (hubby) is taking day off to help bless his little heart.
I'll get him to drive down there while I keep leg elevated (I hurt my knee) but I'll drive my girl home. :)
Fingers and toes crossed for her to be home tomorrow! We'll have to treat her every 6 hours for weeks. No worries since I do this at work, too. Can't wait to have my pretty girl back home.
Keep her in your prayers and me, too.
Fiona Emergeny Trip to UGA (warning ugly picture)
my pirate girl. 
arriving at UGA
OK so I work all night, get the vet there first thing, and she says ya gotta go to Univ. of GA vet school.
I'm still mad cause someone should have looked at her eye on SATURDAY. Not her fault, so I don't take it out on her.
Got Fiona loaded in about 15-20 mins. This is a record. She is TERRIFIED of the trailer and I just kept saying to myself, "this is not about the trailer, this is about me as the trusted leader." She snorted a few times, I let her go on and off a few times, and then we closed the doors in stages, open closed, open closed, repeat a few more times, I closed them and took off. Stopped at McDonald's to get a bite and checked on her--she was sweat soaked-- offered her water (she would not take any) and then we were off for good. I threw a little water on her to cool her at least. Drove a little more than 1.5 hours to UGA (I'm lucky I'm that close) and they admitted us.
I asked for a few moments to "settle her." I had her walk sideways and backwards, and then we went to the barn.
First time in the barn she was a little RB calling and head was up but not on the ceiling, I was happy with her. She immediately began calming.
Hopped right up on the obstacle (I mean scale). They were impressed.
Took her right away to an exam room and they poked and prodded her, she behaved gloriously taking it all in stride. I was about to burst with pride. I told everyone who would listen "this is a Parelli horse. check it out! Parelli.com." yes, I'm a nerd.
Head was occasionally up, but I asked her to put it down and she calmed. Re-read the blog title...she was a STAR!
They sedated her (she did VERY well with the needle--one guy, no histronics) twice--did well both times. Again, about to pop with pride. She was SO BRAVE. And SO Well behaved! Yes!
They put a catheter in her eye under her eyelid and that was a tiny bit hard to watch cause a student did it (Main Doc supervised very well). Fiona tolerated it very well (drunk) and when she was coming around they were still sutering but she took it amazingly well.
I brought treats and when she could have them she got some! Also used Lavendar aromatherapy during the procedure and she eagerly sniffed it. I left it with them for her.
coming home without her was HARD.
Relationship and Draw building
Spontaneous session today.
Dad came over and picked up a broken lawn mower, and some of our dogs like to bite the guests' tires, so carrot stick in hand I prepared to defend Dad's tires.
Exy watched the proceedings so I thought let's play!
Asking her to come to me, very successful and she actually stopped outside my space, which is huge. (she's a space hog=dominant). Something I've been working on, making the horses staying out of my space.
I rewarded her for that with some scratches.
We went to the two salt holders and did at Liberty figure of 8 around the holders with salt. At first I was able to get her to go in a circle one way, but when I drove zone 1 it was too much so she left (although calmly) so I went to her, got her attention, smiled and backed up really fast inviting her. SHE CAME! I was so happy I scratched her some more. Lip action (must bring camera for that, she's hilarious) so I was successful with my reward.
Trying to keep my energy WAY down as I'm LOUD with body and energy sometimes, and she's very sensitive and I can throw her into RB behaviour with too much asking/demanding.
So that was my focus. Be gentle, be calm be clear. Take breaks. Not straight line. Think laterally...(hard for me).
Moved front end and hind end around with phase 1 and then had to touch her hair a ltitle, so that was good. I'm proud of her, she's really trying to get it and do as I ask.
Pause for dwell...licked, chewed. Waited til she looked at me and then we moved on.
There was a grazing incident and I had to stalk hineys...everyone gave me their face pronto! I was just going after Exy's butt but everyone else was in on it, too, and turned and faced. Good herd. I greeted Boss and let him touch me.
We did liberty put your nose on something after that and she got it right away...good girl. Nose on the ball, nose on fence. She stuck with me pretty good but then wanted to get behind me. Got a little frightened when I applied pressure in zone 4/5 way out from her body come up here with me. Tried to before this do friendly on whithers and would have driven from there but couldn't reach there she was so far back. She walked away and started grazing (I'm boring?) so I made noise, she looked at me, and then we started again. Was coming to pop her under her tummy or something to get her attention (yes, I'm the leader, sister) but she gave me it before I got there so I didn't have to go there.
A couple of times she lagged so I ran backwards and she came to me with a lovely pert expression.
I quit and came in, cooked a lovely pesto with basil from the garden and am having a glass of wine.
:)
Dad came over and picked up a broken lawn mower, and some of our dogs like to bite the guests' tires, so carrot stick in hand I prepared to defend Dad's tires.
Exy watched the proceedings so I thought let's play!
Asking her to come to me, very successful and she actually stopped outside my space, which is huge. (she's a space hog=dominant). Something I've been working on, making the horses staying out of my space.
I rewarded her for that with some scratches.
We went to the two salt holders and did at Liberty figure of 8 around the holders with salt. At first I was able to get her to go in a circle one way, but when I drove zone 1 it was too much so she left (although calmly) so I went to her, got her attention, smiled and backed up really fast inviting her. SHE CAME! I was so happy I scratched her some more. Lip action (must bring camera for that, she's hilarious) so I was successful with my reward.
Trying to keep my energy WAY down as I'm LOUD with body and energy sometimes, and she's very sensitive and I can throw her into RB behaviour with too much asking/demanding.
So that was my focus. Be gentle, be calm be clear. Take breaks. Not straight line. Think laterally...(hard for me).
Moved front end and hind end around with phase 1 and then had to touch her hair a ltitle, so that was good. I'm proud of her, she's really trying to get it and do as I ask.
Pause for dwell...licked, chewed. Waited til she looked at me and then we moved on.
There was a grazing incident and I had to stalk hineys...everyone gave me their face pronto! I was just going after Exy's butt but everyone else was in on it, too, and turned and faced. Good herd. I greeted Boss and let him touch me.
We did liberty put your nose on something after that and she got it right away...good girl. Nose on the ball, nose on fence. She stuck with me pretty good but then wanted to get behind me. Got a little frightened when I applied pressure in zone 4/5 way out from her body come up here with me. Tried to before this do friendly on whithers and would have driven from there but couldn't reach there she was so far back. She walked away and started grazing (I'm boring?) so I made noise, she looked at me, and then we started again. Was coming to pop her under her tummy or something to get her attention (yes, I'm the leader, sister) but she gave me it before I got there so I didn't have to go there.
A couple of times she lagged so I ran backwards and she came to me with a lovely pert expression.
I quit and came in, cooked a lovely pesto with basil from the garden and am having a glass of wine.
:)
July 12, 2010
Amazing Draw! Just Like Black Beauty!
Yesterday I had an amazing day, so amazing just like I dreamed as a little girl--AFTER Exy threw a fit, acted all crazy, tried to dominate me, and then came at me with evil intention (I retreated behind the fence but kept the I'M THE BOSS WITCH! Attitude going) and her feet moving. After all that mess, there were still more MAJOR freakouts. O'Rion came over and I chased him away protecting my herd of two. He started bucking and farting and trying to kill one of my dogs, which set Exy off RB. Phase 4 to snap her out of it made her worse. Circles against a fence fixed that. He freaked out again, and she spooked but then looked to me as her trusted leader and chilled quite quickly. It was impressive. Albert bought me a special heavy duty tall cone, so we played with that. Sweet guy!
I had planned to ride Fiona but she ran from me when I took her tack and began scratching her with it, so since Exy ran TO me I played with her. I had planned to start riding Exy but her behavior was NOT rideable so that plan was nixed quite early on.
Anyway, I played with her on some patterns and then did "Stay in that box" when she kept trying to take over and come in to my space. At that time I was shaking and taking deep breaths cause she scared the poo out of me a few moments earlier. stay in box is a good game to play when you're trying to get your stuff together. I was actually shaking! she had been squealing and flying straight up into the air then at me...yeah, I was frightened for a moment. but kept telling myself YOU'RE THE LEADER YOU'RE THE LEADER NOT HER. You can do this! You're ok, You're ok. I did think out loud at one point towards her "I was afraid there briefly but now I'm ok and so are you."
We had some AMAZING liberty after that, but even with me turning away she felt too much pressure and zoomed off. I was deep breathing and just doing friendly but it was too much for her. I was actually turning my back to her when she ran. So I kept going away, regrouped, did friendly whilst retreating. Then signalled her sweetly to come to me.
Oops, she's back. she came GALLOPING to me and stopped right in front of me! It was amazing! Ears forward, wonderful expression, that moment right there was when I thought of Black Beauty and how I loved my herd and life with horses.
We did more liberty, she felt too much pressure again from me and ran off...I did friendly with the whole herd and when they went ZOOMING by I closed the little gate to keep myself from running over 15 acres, and just contended with 5 acres. I moved them when they turned away and retreated when they faced me.
They tried to drink. I allowed one drink them MOVE off, sister!~ (it was hot).
Exy immediately caved and turned to me as leader. Breathing hard, she stood right behind me and followed me wherever I went. It was lovely. I put her in front of me and tried to join Fiona with Exy in a line in front of me. Never did get that.
Fiona next, but she was hesitant to approach. I kept up friendly and retreat, and then she did approach me. I scratched her with her tack again and then left. She was like WHAT WAS THAT, You're not grabbing me? Again a little while later I asked her to come in and she did, I scratched her then left. More ogling at me. funny!
O'rion faced and stood with a "what mom???" sweet expression so I took it.
O'Rion approached the fence and I played a short game of shoulders with him. After three times of turning him he got scared and ran away...I guess my energy was ZINGING after Exy frightened me.
Exy was running the herd as she's currently in a campaign to take over as boss hoss. LOTS of rearing, bucking, farting, darting through trees, I wished I had my camera...nice shots were happening all around me.
I said to myself I"M BOSS HOSS HERE, all face me!
Exy turned her bum so I stalked it and WHAP! Then turned around innocently "who me? I didnt' do that!"
funny. She faced me all the time then!
Third time, they ran around like maniacs, Exy ran straight to me and stopped. I backed her up three steps and disengaged myself, called it a day. Walked smiling back to put away my unused bareback pad. A successful hour!
I had planned to ride Fiona but she ran from me when I took her tack and began scratching her with it, so since Exy ran TO me I played with her. I had planned to start riding Exy but her behavior was NOT rideable so that plan was nixed quite early on.
Anyway, I played with her on some patterns and then did "Stay in that box" when she kept trying to take over and come in to my space. At that time I was shaking and taking deep breaths cause she scared the poo out of me a few moments earlier. stay in box is a good game to play when you're trying to get your stuff together. I was actually shaking! she had been squealing and flying straight up into the air then at me...yeah, I was frightened for a moment. but kept telling myself YOU'RE THE LEADER YOU'RE THE LEADER NOT HER. You can do this! You're ok, You're ok. I did think out loud at one point towards her "I was afraid there briefly but now I'm ok and so are you."
We had some AMAZING liberty after that, but even with me turning away she felt too much pressure and zoomed off. I was deep breathing and just doing friendly but it was too much for her. I was actually turning my back to her when she ran. So I kept going away, regrouped, did friendly whilst retreating. Then signalled her sweetly to come to me.
Oops, she's back. she came GALLOPING to me and stopped right in front of me! It was amazing! Ears forward, wonderful expression, that moment right there was when I thought of Black Beauty and how I loved my herd and life with horses.
We did more liberty, she felt too much pressure again from me and ran off...I did friendly with the whole herd and when they went ZOOMING by I closed the little gate to keep myself from running over 15 acres, and just contended with 5 acres. I moved them when they turned away and retreated when they faced me.
They tried to drink. I allowed one drink them MOVE off, sister!~ (it was hot).
Exy immediately caved and turned to me as leader. Breathing hard, she stood right behind me and followed me wherever I went. It was lovely. I put her in front of me and tried to join Fiona with Exy in a line in front of me. Never did get that.
Fiona next, but she was hesitant to approach. I kept up friendly and retreat, and then she did approach me. I scratched her with her tack again and then left. She was like WHAT WAS THAT, You're not grabbing me? Again a little while later I asked her to come in and she did, I scratched her then left. More ogling at me. funny!
O'rion faced and stood with a "what mom???" sweet expression so I took it.
O'Rion approached the fence and I played a short game of shoulders with him. After three times of turning him he got scared and ran away...I guess my energy was ZINGING after Exy frightened me.
Exy was running the herd as she's currently in a campaign to take over as boss hoss. LOTS of rearing, bucking, farting, darting through trees, I wished I had my camera...nice shots were happening all around me.
I said to myself I"M BOSS HOSS HERE, all face me!
Exy turned her bum so I stalked it and WHAP! Then turned around innocently "who me? I didnt' do that!"
funny. She faced me all the time then!
Third time, they ran around like maniacs, Exy ran straight to me and stopped. I backed her up three steps and disengaged myself, called it a day. Walked smiling back to put away my unused bareback pad. A successful hour!
June 30, 2010
Fiona and the Squeeze
Knee probs have kept me from playing much lately, but I wanted to be with the herd so I took my girl grazing and wanted to do something benign that wouldn't have me running or having an RBE moment with her (knee can't take it) so I did some sqeeze through a circle of PVC that was around 7 feet tall. Sort of flimsy so I had trouble holding it up and getting her to go through...enlisted hubby and she did it brilliantly. I was proud....however when she went through from right to left he put it down before she'd gotten more than three feet from it and she spooked slightly. zone 5 was not ok so must pay attention to do more there. However, I backed her under hanging strings (from a tree branch, looks tacky but it works) and INTO a wind chime with zone 5. I've used that wind chime a lot for all zones backing into and sidling up to. Nothing, she was ok with it. Funny.
Then the trailer. I had hay in the right stall so there was lots of hay grabbing, but we did circle on the ramp, back on and off ramp, circle around trailer. then yo yo onto and off of trailer. When she got all the way in she discovered there was nice hay in the manger. And I gave her a treat, too, scratched her back and did friendly when she was on the trailer rubbing her back and scratching her. She maintained a nice expression and no more freakouts so I called it quits. All in all a successful trailering/squeeze session.
Then the trailer. I had hay in the right stall so there was lots of hay grabbing, but we did circle on the ramp, back on and off ramp, circle around trailer. then yo yo onto and off of trailer. When she got all the way in she discovered there was nice hay in the manger. And I gave her a treat, too, scratched her back and did friendly when she was on the trailer rubbing her back and scratching her. She maintained a nice expression and no more freakouts so I called it quits. All in all a successful trailering/squeeze session.
Hose and Splashing Fun
Two of the herd, O'Rion and Exy, are freaks about the water...they LOVE LOVE LOVE IT and will paw and splash until there is no water in the trough, so I have two troughs, one on a tall platform so they can't get in it! lol.
Fiona and Boss are not as great, although Boss LBI has had things done to him and he didn't seem to mind. Although I know now that he did mind, and was afraid of a bath.
He freezes and hardly ever exploded in the past, but he was almost comatose and staring with glazed eye if he became unconfident.
So yesterday I tried again (this has been an ongoing thing with him) to play friendly with the hose and water.
I did friendly with the water just as if it were the CS and string. Figure 8 around me with the water turned away from him. some staring. Retreat, he looked, I bent the hose so no water came out. Lick, lick, lick. Nice.
Repeated this for about 30 mins and my husband came over "What are you doing with the hose???" he didnt' get it...that's ok. I explained but he looked at me like I was a nut. I'm ok with it.
Retreat and advance with hose flinging a wet figure 8 (rhythmic pattern for relaxation) that didn't touch him. I was breathing with him...leg cocked (mine) and thinking "I'm ok, you're ok." Lick, lick. Every time he turned to me I bent the hose in half and backed a step away. Eventually he started turning 100% toward me and even advanced to the water. I put it on his feet, he started glazing over so I kept at it rhythmically with the silly figure 8 until he licked and looked at me...I bent hose and walked backwards. This is when the big breakthrough happened, he started tracking me with ears and turned to me and advanced wherever I went. Finally put water on his withers and back, and rump, (it was hot! and he is old, I wanted to cool him down) and he was ok with it.
Success! I gave him belly scratches while holding the hose in other hand, and he never glazed over again in this session. Each time I retreated he came to me and had a lovely soft expression. I ended on a very happy note, and a cool one, too, as I squirted myself to celebrate. :)
Fiona and Boss are not as great, although Boss LBI has had things done to him and he didn't seem to mind. Although I know now that he did mind, and was afraid of a bath.
He freezes and hardly ever exploded in the past, but he was almost comatose and staring with glazed eye if he became unconfident.
So yesterday I tried again (this has been an ongoing thing with him) to play friendly with the hose and water.
I did friendly with the water just as if it were the CS and string. Figure 8 around me with the water turned away from him. some staring. Retreat, he looked, I bent the hose so no water came out. Lick, lick, lick. Nice.
Repeated this for about 30 mins and my husband came over "What are you doing with the hose???" he didnt' get it...that's ok. I explained but he looked at me like I was a nut. I'm ok with it.
Retreat and advance with hose flinging a wet figure 8 (rhythmic pattern for relaxation) that didn't touch him. I was breathing with him...leg cocked (mine) and thinking "I'm ok, you're ok." Lick, lick. Every time he turned to me I bent the hose in half and backed a step away. Eventually he started turning 100% toward me and even advanced to the water. I put it on his feet, he started glazing over so I kept at it rhythmically with the silly figure 8 until he licked and looked at me...I bent hose and walked backwards. This is when the big breakthrough happened, he started tracking me with ears and turned to me and advanced wherever I went. Finally put water on his withers and back, and rump, (it was hot! and he is old, I wanted to cool him down) and he was ok with it.
Success! I gave him belly scratches while holding the hose in other hand, and he never glazed over again in this session. Each time I retreated he came to me and had a lovely soft expression. I ended on a very happy note, and a cool one, too, as I squirted myself to celebrate. :)
June 17, 2010
Hide your Hiney
I think Hide your Hiney with the herd when I'm just ambling about is hilarious. O'Rion tends to get a little complacent about thinking of me as alpha...so his is the target usually...the others revolve around me like I'm a little sun. If I get behind, they turn. I love it. Not O'Rion and lately Exy made this mistake, too.
I have thrown pine cones, a tiny pebble, some sand, used the CS (of course) and then when they turn I'm looking at the clouds, like 'who me?' giggles. O'Rion only takes one time before he joins the planets that revolve around me, and he likes to peek at me a lot to make sure I'm not behind him. He's a card.
Today I was doing approach and retreat with the water...if anyone had come at me today with water I would have mobbed them yelling 'squirt me! Squirt me!' But Boss was a little skeptical. He got in the farthest corner and turned away, so I kept the water towards him but retreated, when he looked at me sideways I turned away taking the water away. Only took three times of this to have him face me but the hose was not long enough to get closer so I called this quits. To have someone to squirt I squirted myself and called it good.
Fiona has really been coming to see me lately, as I've decided we're not progressing until SHE takes an interest. She's so lovely, I just want to squeeze her, but she has to want to be my partner, so I'm playing with everyone else. She's more and more curious and that's what I want.
I really really want to ride, so that's good considering how fearful I've been in the past.
PS..I thought O'Rion was worried about going to the left over the log the other day because he stopped, started lipping it and looked like he was going introverted, so I backed him away from it and let him look at it, then asked for the other direction. That went well, so I reversed again and let him go left again. He was slow to pass over the (very tiny) log, but I didn't ask him to, just let him make that decision. He was able to paw the log and finally go over it. Success!
I have thrown pine cones, a tiny pebble, some sand, used the CS (of course) and then when they turn I'm looking at the clouds, like 'who me?' giggles. O'Rion only takes one time before he joins the planets that revolve around me, and he likes to peek at me a lot to make sure I'm not behind him. He's a card.
Today I was doing approach and retreat with the water...if anyone had come at me today with water I would have mobbed them yelling 'squirt me! Squirt me!' But Boss was a little skeptical. He got in the farthest corner and turned away, so I kept the water towards him but retreated, when he looked at me sideways I turned away taking the water away. Only took three times of this to have him face me but the hose was not long enough to get closer so I called this quits. To have someone to squirt I squirted myself and called it good.
Fiona has really been coming to see me lately, as I've decided we're not progressing until SHE takes an interest. She's so lovely, I just want to squeeze her, but she has to want to be my partner, so I'm playing with everyone else. She's more and more curious and that's what I want.
I really really want to ride, so that's good considering how fearful I've been in the past.
PS..I thought O'Rion was worried about going to the left over the log the other day because he stopped, started lipping it and looked like he was going introverted, so I backed him away from it and let him look at it, then asked for the other direction. That went well, so I reversed again and let him go left again. He was slow to pass over the (very tiny) log, but I didn't ask him to, just let him make that decision. He was able to paw the log and finally go over it. Success!
Hello Followers!
Thanks so much to the people who have commented on my blog. However, I have a dilemma: I do not know how to contact some of you! Please email me at chebs1@aol.com if you want me to comment back to you on the comments you left (coming to mind is Petra). :)
I so appreciate your taking the time to ask me a question or just ready my adventures...it means a LOT! Thanks.
Shelly
I so appreciate your taking the time to ask me a question or just ready my adventures...it means a LOT! Thanks.
June 13, 2010
Exy Playing with Tools
Exy is another piece of work. Put halter on, she shook head and acted all pissy. So i took it off, wrapped it up and gave her a good scratch with it. Put it back on, with some wiggling for friendly and she took it MUCH better.
Then put saddle pad (hoping it would stand in for bareback pad) on the ground and directed her to it, letting her paw, bite, sniff, and lick it. In the background O'Rion went for the bareback pad on fence and was doing his best to demolish it, so I directed him to saddle pad and he went at it with Exy. They pawed and bit it, with gusto.
I began to feel better with O'Rion as he obviously had some issues...so let them bite it and carry on as long as they liked.
When I got way too hot standing in the sun I called it a day, took off her halter, and came in to the A/C.
Wanted to ride today. Plan changed.
Off to the pool.....
Then put saddle pad (hoping it would stand in for bareback pad) on the ground and directed her to it, letting her paw, bite, sniff, and lick it. In the background O'Rion went for the bareback pad on fence and was doing his best to demolish it, so I directed him to saddle pad and he went at it with Exy. They pawed and bit it, with gusto.
I began to feel better with O'Rion as he obviously had some issues...so let them bite it and carry on as long as they liked.
When I got way too hot standing in the sun I called it a day, took off her halter, and came in to the A/C.
Wanted to ride today. Plan changed.
Off to the pool.....
Can't get Permission
Today I'm afraid I'm a little bit heart broken. After 5 years I STILL cannot get permission to get on to O'Rion. Oh my Gosh, WHAT THE HELL DO I HAVE TO DO?
I have studied Horsenality. To that end I have determined that he is RBI/LBI. With the occasional LBE thrown in.
O'Rion caught me right away. Played all games, and he offered to back up (nice). I started out today with lots of friendly. Retreat, mirroring. He finally licked and chewed. Took a long time.
Took him to water three times and he would not drink.
Got on the bareback pad with savvy, tightened in four steps and did lots of friendly in between.
Got him to go over a log. (tiny one.) Asked for a trot over it, he was worried to the left, but then played with the log. Bent him both ways (stiff to right although he got it quickly). Would easily disengage hind on both sides.
Played Mirror Me all along the fence, and he was brilliant!
Took him to the fence, climbed on it and gave him a treat, and then scratched him all over. Then asked him to come get me. I was there thirty minutes. Three times I tried to do the savvy mounting--got him in position, gave scratches. Waited. Big sigh, so I tried to rock him, and then grabbed mane and rein softly and put my leg on his side, he walked away. Repeated this multiple times, once tried to put my belly over his back and do friendly. He walked away again and never would get by me again. Pawed fence and ground. (I took this as a sign tension was building so I quit asking anything and just petted/scratched his mane and when he gave me his hind I scratched that). He did use his head to wipe me out once, or tried to. I did body blocks.
Seemed worried although I didn't ask anything except to have him stand by me and receive friendly scratches.
Finally I took off the bareback pad and halter/reins, put it on the fence and let him sniff/bite it. He seemed very interested to do so.
I am very disheartened. This horse was raised DAY 1 with Parelli and STILL I can't get on him with his giving permission. I"m sad today. Did think "this is for tomorrow" but DAMN, how many tomorrows does this take? I"m ready to ride and planned just to go passenger and bending, but if I can't even get on then why do I have these horses?
Had camera to take pics but never even thought of it once I got outside.
I AM very pleased that I know to ask permission, but would be pleased to advance some. Trying to rein in my emotional fitness, but just reporting how I feel.
I have studied Horsenality. To that end I have determined that he is RBI/LBI. With the occasional LBE thrown in.
O'Rion caught me right away. Played all games, and he offered to back up (nice). I started out today with lots of friendly. Retreat, mirroring. He finally licked and chewed. Took a long time.
Took him to water three times and he would not drink.
Got on the bareback pad with savvy, tightened in four steps and did lots of friendly in between.
Got him to go over a log. (tiny one.) Asked for a trot over it, he was worried to the left, but then played with the log. Bent him both ways (stiff to right although he got it quickly). Would easily disengage hind on both sides.
Played Mirror Me all along the fence, and he was brilliant!
Took him to the fence, climbed on it and gave him a treat, and then scratched him all over. Then asked him to come get me. I was there thirty minutes. Three times I tried to do the savvy mounting--got him in position, gave scratches. Waited. Big sigh, so I tried to rock him, and then grabbed mane and rein softly and put my leg on his side, he walked away. Repeated this multiple times, once tried to put my belly over his back and do friendly. He walked away again and never would get by me again. Pawed fence and ground. (I took this as a sign tension was building so I quit asking anything and just petted/scratched his mane and when he gave me his hind I scratched that). He did use his head to wipe me out once, or tried to. I did body blocks.
Seemed worried although I didn't ask anything except to have him stand by me and receive friendly scratches.
Finally I took off the bareback pad and halter/reins, put it on the fence and let him sniff/bite it. He seemed very interested to do so.
I am very disheartened. This horse was raised DAY 1 with Parelli and STILL I can't get on him with his giving permission. I"m sad today. Did think "this is for tomorrow" but DAMN, how many tomorrows does this take? I"m ready to ride and planned just to go passenger and bending, but if I can't even get on then why do I have these horses?
Had camera to take pics but never even thought of it once I got outside.
I AM very pleased that I know to ask permission, but would be pleased to advance some. Trying to rein in my emotional fitness, but just reporting how I feel.
June 5, 2010
Intriguing Stuff-Boss, Fiona, and Exy
Today was lovely, I was very tired so slept til 4pm. Had no expectations.
First fed everyone, had Boss (old guy QH ) in paddock so he'd get all his feed. I'll start there I think.
So after he eats I do a lot of scratching and petting and such...LBI. My goal today is to get him to pick up his back feet willingly and with a very soft touch....feather-like. (this has been a challenge for us both).
first lots of friendly. Then did some massage, as he has been quite stiff at times. He loved it! Put me where he wanted me which I love, so I worked on his haunches and really dug in there. If he could have laughed he would have.
Lots of friendly on back legs,
Now hovered over the cap of hock. Air, count to three, hair, count to three....waiting for the tiniest weight shift.
got to phase 4 and held it forever (hand cramping) I'm thinking PATient and passive persistence....I actually added a little friendly while holding phase 4 with right hand on cap, to his flank so he'd know I was ok, he was ok, but I wanted something and not to be afraid (he looked sort of going off into staring). This friendly on the flank produced some of the BIGGEST yawns and licking. I was on to something!
Weight shift and it was over.
change sides, he did the left side to phase 3 with friendly on flank.
I repeated sides three times to make sure he got it. Second time on his right I had to phase 4 it again...more flank friendly and HUGE yawns.
Third time on right it was phase 1 morphing into phase 2~ NICE! I quit, then thought I'll do ET! So I did saddle block, butt shots, and some of his shoulder and neck, and top of head. (with breaks). He loved it.
Lots more licking and chewing although instead of processing he was ready to leave the paddock, so I let him. He seems to be moving much better. Lovely expression upon the end of session and he comes to me which is huge for our relationship (or lach thereof for 15 years. This relationship has TRANSFORMED). amazing.
Second: Exy eating...lots of friendly all zones, then scratch whithers (one of her spots) and then I went from sitting on fence to leg on her back. No response, so I laid accross her back. I was on there about 10 secnds, she took a few steps away and I just slid very softly off. This girl is ready to move on (I'm mega slow and want someone to put some hours on her correctly so the framework will be there, but so far I've done it all. I'm pretty proud of our relationship, too, as she'll leave the herd for me and stay glued to me if I let her! (sometimes I have to protect another herd of two and it breaks my heart to send her away as she truly wants to stay with me.)
Yoga in the herd next as I'm working on my mind to quiet it and connect with the energy of the herd.
My yoga is one or two poses, so don't get ahead of me here, I'm mostly working on the mind with a stretch thrown in. ha ha.
Anyway, while I'm doing my thing Fiona comes up to me. Sniff, sniff.
I quietly began breathing in concert with her and put my body in alignment with hers.
Then did some slow deep massage strokes down next to her spine and along her rump. The reaction. Amazing.
She looked at me with great surprise and then as I repeated the move she pushed against the move and slowly walked so that i was at her rump....leaning into the massage. face of bliss...
I worked on her butt and did long deep strokes with my knuckles and palms and she just leaned into me and cocked her hind leg, head down, ears on me. She lipped my neck and head. LONG time since she's done that. It brings me to tears the moment is so lovely.
The herd at this point leaves but she sticks with me. Lately I have felt our partnership is smoke, all on my part, and she's not into it at all. right now I feel connected, it's lovely. I've kicked around the thought of just taking on another levels partner (Exy or Boss) but right now as we've come so far I hate to change although to be honest I have actually added them just not deleted her. Fiona's spook used to be the whole field. (at my house) She ran away with the "trainer" who rode her first. Now it's about 10-20 feet. I did that. That's real progress and this was a run away with the previous rider. I want to be what she needs. Have also started trying to ask WAY less with her to get more. She's SO sensitive I just forget sometimes that she's way ahead of me. So let's persevere...
She begins to graze so I mirror her with one hand on her whithers and one hanging like I'm grazing. I mimic her posture, breathe in concert, and we slowly walk and graze (me on her right side with my right hand plucking the ground, mirroring her steps, left hand on her and my spine mirroring her spine. She turnes to the right to look at me many times, (what are you doing?) so do I turn to right. We lift our heads to scent the air and look. We become one as we slowly move in concert. A lovely synchronization. she pics up a walk and I go with her. We rejoin the herd.
She watches me leave and the ears and face are soft, more with me than she's been in weeks.
for the tail end of the day I've had a lovely evening and as I go to help my husband bring in the night I smile a secret smile.
First fed everyone, had Boss (old guy QH ) in paddock so he'd get all his feed. I'll start there I think.
So after he eats I do a lot of scratching and petting and such...LBI. My goal today is to get him to pick up his back feet willingly and with a very soft touch....feather-like. (this has been a challenge for us both).
first lots of friendly. Then did some massage, as he has been quite stiff at times. He loved it! Put me where he wanted me which I love, so I worked on his haunches and really dug in there. If he could have laughed he would have.
Lots of friendly on back legs,
Now hovered over the cap of hock. Air, count to three, hair, count to three....waiting for the tiniest weight shift.
got to phase 4 and held it forever (hand cramping) I'm thinking PATient and passive persistence....I actually added a little friendly while holding phase 4 with right hand on cap, to his flank so he'd know I was ok, he was ok, but I wanted something and not to be afraid (he looked sort of going off into staring). This friendly on the flank produced some of the BIGGEST yawns and licking. I was on to something!
Weight shift and it was over.
change sides, he did the left side to phase 3 with friendly on flank.
I repeated sides three times to make sure he got it. Second time on his right I had to phase 4 it again...more flank friendly and HUGE yawns.
Third time on right it was phase 1 morphing into phase 2~ NICE! I quit, then thought I'll do ET! So I did saddle block, butt shots, and some of his shoulder and neck, and top of head. (with breaks). He loved it.
Lots more licking and chewing although instead of processing he was ready to leave the paddock, so I let him. He seems to be moving much better. Lovely expression upon the end of session and he comes to me which is huge for our relationship (or lach thereof for 15 years. This relationship has TRANSFORMED). amazing.
Second: Exy eating...lots of friendly all zones, then scratch whithers (one of her spots) and then I went from sitting on fence to leg on her back. No response, so I laid accross her back. I was on there about 10 secnds, she took a few steps away and I just slid very softly off. This girl is ready to move on (I'm mega slow and want someone to put some hours on her correctly so the framework will be there, but so far I've done it all. I'm pretty proud of our relationship, too, as she'll leave the herd for me and stay glued to me if I let her! (sometimes I have to protect another herd of two and it breaks my heart to send her away as she truly wants to stay with me.)
Yoga in the herd next as I'm working on my mind to quiet it and connect with the energy of the herd.
My yoga is one or two poses, so don't get ahead of me here, I'm mostly working on the mind with a stretch thrown in. ha ha.
Anyway, while I'm doing my thing Fiona comes up to me. Sniff, sniff.
I quietly began breathing in concert with her and put my body in alignment with hers.
Then did some slow deep massage strokes down next to her spine and along her rump. The reaction. Amazing.
She looked at me with great surprise and then as I repeated the move she pushed against the move and slowly walked so that i was at her rump....leaning into the massage. face of bliss...
I worked on her butt and did long deep strokes with my knuckles and palms and she just leaned into me and cocked her hind leg, head down, ears on me. She lipped my neck and head. LONG time since she's done that. It brings me to tears the moment is so lovely.
The herd at this point leaves but she sticks with me. Lately I have felt our partnership is smoke, all on my part, and she's not into it at all. right now I feel connected, it's lovely. I've kicked around the thought of just taking on another levels partner (Exy or Boss) but right now as we've come so far I hate to change although to be honest I have actually added them just not deleted her. Fiona's spook used to be the whole field. (at my house) She ran away with the "trainer" who rode her first. Now it's about 10-20 feet. I did that. That's real progress and this was a run away with the previous rider. I want to be what she needs. Have also started trying to ask WAY less with her to get more. She's SO sensitive I just forget sometimes that she's way ahead of me. So let's persevere...
She begins to graze so I mirror her with one hand on her whithers and one hanging like I'm grazing. I mimic her posture, breathe in concert, and we slowly walk and graze (me on her right side with my right hand plucking the ground, mirroring her steps, left hand on her and my spine mirroring her spine. She turnes to the right to look at me many times, (what are you doing?) so do I turn to right. We lift our heads to scent the air and look. We become one as we slowly move in concert. A lovely synchronization. she pics up a walk and I go with her. We rejoin the herd.
She watches me leave and the ears and face are soft, more with me than she's been in weeks.
for the tail end of the day I've had a lovely evening and as I go to help my husband bring in the night I smile a secret smile.
May 24, 2010
behind on bloggin
I'm behind but that doesn't mean I've not been playing with my herd.
O'Rion was my recent selection as he caught me and off we went.
Played with building his confidence so did things he's comfy with and then added a tiny bit of new. rinse and repeat.
When I first started playing with this RBI/LBI guy I thought he was more LB than he really is, so I blew him up a time or two. I have slowed WAY down and that gets him confident, so that he can go faster--and I have to be on my toes cause he gets bored and then wants to get into trouble.
He's mouthy and can be the poster child for Alure's twin!
O'Rion was my recent selection as he caught me and off we went.
Played with building his confidence so did things he's comfy with and then added a tiny bit of new. rinse and repeat.
When I first started playing with this RBI/LBI guy I thought he was more LB than he really is, so I blew him up a time or two. I have slowed WAY down and that gets him confident, so that he can go faster--and I have to be on my toes cause he gets bored and then wants to get into trouble.
He's mouthy and can be the poster child for Alure's twin!
let's play tag!
He's funny and I LOVE watching him as he's another horse that was born right here and I think he's gorgeous. (I've not really seen any ugly horses, I might add). He is an Irish Draught who is going to be mine forever along with the others of the herd. His Mum was imported from Ireland and a friend was so kind to let me buy her when she dispersed her herd after her husband died.
(his nose is dirty)
I"m having the time of my life with my horses, and if I never ride again, I'll still have fun.
:)
Exy
This is Exy, my almost four year old. Her Birthday is 6/6/06 so her name, Exy, is "6" in Greek. She is hilarious and one smart cookie. All she's known is Parelli from minute one and it shows. She likes to jump on tarps, will play with anything. I have sat on her but need to ride her but have had a few fear issues, although she's really calm and pretty brave if she has a strong leader.
I love this girl, born right on my farm (a rescue, her mother was pregnant when I resucue the mother--a PMU mare (have found a forever home for Mom), so no flames about breeding please as I will keep this girl her whole life).
I plan to play with her tomorrow with the idea of sitting on her and just sitting, perhaps a little flexion and nothing else. (will do that from the ground, too, and have been all along).
This is a true Pocket Pony, who will leave the herd to be with me wherever they are. I can turn around and voila' there she is standing right behind me with a sweet expression and always wants to play.
I love this girl! Plan for her to be my partner long term. :) The journey with her is fun and she's so easy to teach. Thanks once again to Parelli for letting my dreams come true.
I ALWAYs wanted to raise a foal, but I did not have the savvy. Thanks to Pat and Linda I started her Naturally day one and have never looked back. this is one super duper horse!
I"m so lucky it just blows my socks off!
Smiling again.....
I RODE!
Yesterday I decided to go with the easiest horse (duh) although this has not always been my intent or path. I wanted to learn the most and ride my dream horse (VERY SENSITIVE mare, my Partner Fiona).
Well. Once again, I have to kick myself for not knowing what I had. Dancer's Boss, very smart QH, who had a jarring trot, so I dismissed him as someone I would not be interested in bonding with (pre-Parelli) and now....he takes my breath away. I finally understand him and understand what he's been saying to me all these years. I've had him since around 1986 and he's always been the "guest horse," the one that anyone can ride, (can you say idiot me) and the one that I overlooked.
OK, enough hair shirt.
Yesterday I decided to play with and ride Boss. I WANT to ride, and I'm not afraid of him, so I thought I'd get on if possible (plans always flexible).
We played some games, did friendly (lots of that as he's sceptical of the CS) and wove cones, did fig 8 with cones, circled with obstacle (small log) and then I put the BBP on him with savvy...lots of licking and chewing. He's never liked being saddled and I'm afraid he was manhandled/abused before I got him, so the baggage was NOT from me. I've always been gentle with Boss and he trusts me.
SO...we did games with the pad on and then I got on. Lots of sitting. Lick, lick, chew, chew.
I did flexion and backing (on ground, too) and he was stiff/bracey on right side, more soft on left. hmmm..how interesting.
Tried to get him to go out of the field...gave him an option, pointed towards open gate to playground, and he avoided it...so i retreated to the herd and did pushing passenger, tit for tat, and then tried again. Asked him to move ONE FOOT. then Stopped, said out loud to myself "don't' hurt yourself moving your feet! Let's just stand here." Lots more licking and tongue hanging out. funny.
After four tries (I was riding for the playground) he decided it was also his idea and out we went.
DREAM Realized. We got on the playground and circled a few obstacles--break for lush grazing...
and then he put his feet on the pedestal with me on his back!!! Yay! I was happy....more grazing...
then went back to herd and stood around swatting at flies. LICK, CHEW.
I played with him/rode for about an hour and a half total, maybe. Then called it a day.
His LBI horsenality was thriving on the treats! He was all about the treats and stopping to graze. It was lovely. I actually was comfortable to ask for a couple of trot steps! THAT IS HUGE for me with my fear issues. I was beaming from ear to ear.
Today when I went out he was RIVETED! Nice! Ears way forward, pleasant expression,
and a Bonus...Fiona came to see me. I petted, scratched her and walked off. Her turn later. :)
Well. Once again, I have to kick myself for not knowing what I had. Dancer's Boss, very smart QH, who had a jarring trot, so I dismissed him as someone I would not be interested in bonding with (pre-Parelli) and now....he takes my breath away. I finally understand him and understand what he's been saying to me all these years. I've had him since around 1986 and he's always been the "guest horse," the one that anyone can ride, (can you say idiot me) and the one that I overlooked.
OK, enough hair shirt.
Yesterday I decided to play with and ride Boss. I WANT to ride, and I'm not afraid of him, so I thought I'd get on if possible (plans always flexible).
We played some games, did friendly (lots of that as he's sceptical of the CS) and wove cones, did fig 8 with cones, circled with obstacle (small log) and then I put the BBP on him with savvy...lots of licking and chewing. He's never liked being saddled and I'm afraid he was manhandled/abused before I got him, so the baggage was NOT from me. I've always been gentle with Boss and he trusts me.
SO...we did games with the pad on and then I got on. Lots of sitting. Lick, lick, chew, chew.
I did flexion and backing (on ground, too) and he was stiff/bracey on right side, more soft on left. hmmm..how interesting.
Tried to get him to go out of the field...gave him an option, pointed towards open gate to playground, and he avoided it...so i retreated to the herd and did pushing passenger, tit for tat, and then tried again. Asked him to move ONE FOOT. then Stopped, said out loud to myself "don't' hurt yourself moving your feet! Let's just stand here." Lots more licking and tongue hanging out. funny.
After four tries (I was riding for the playground) he decided it was also his idea and out we went.
DREAM Realized. We got on the playground and circled a few obstacles--break for lush grazing...
and then he put his feet on the pedestal with me on his back!!! Yay! I was happy....more grazing...
then went back to herd and stood around swatting at flies. LICK, CHEW.
I played with him/rode for about an hour and a half total, maybe. Then called it a day.
His LBI horsenality was thriving on the treats! He was all about the treats and stopping to graze. It was lovely. I actually was comfortable to ask for a couple of trot steps! THAT IS HUGE for me with my fear issues. I was beaming from ear to ear.
Today when I went out he was RIVETED! Nice! Ears way forward, pleasant expression,
and a Bonus...Fiona came to see me. I petted, scratched her and walked off. Her turn later. :)
April 23, 2010
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!
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!
April 19, 2010
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.
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. :)
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. :)
April 15, 2010
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.
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.
April 2, 2010
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.
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.
March 20, 2010
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.
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.
February 3, 2010
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. :)
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. :)
January 30, 2010
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."
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."
January 12, 2010
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!
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.
January 5, 2010
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!
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!
January 4, 2010
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!
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!
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