AUG 3 2011
(On Line, 15 mins) Bit of a left
brainer today with having her feet trimmed - how interesting! A few minutes
spent playing stick to me at the trot, HQ and FH yields, and yoyo helped her
focus on us. Most interesting was how she stuck with me, and did a straight
yoyo. Lots of changes happening.
AUG 5 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Z was CONFIDENT
with the saddle on, online trotting outside, up and down a hill, yoyo back (few
steps STRAIGHT) up hill and down.
(Freestyle, 30 mins) Continue to
work on my freestyle seat. Getting better. Was outside today, so bigger
challenge, with Z wanting to be back at the barn more than with me. I'm
continuing to develop my confidence, able to trot without gripping the reins
(most times).
AUG 7 2011
(Freestyle, 45 mins) Fantastic
freestyle day. Finally figured out my balance point at the trot - rewatching
Oct. 2010 dvd, LP's bareback riding lesson got me straightened out. I was way
too forward. When I was on my bp, Z' came off her forehand and I was able to
regulate her speed with partial disengagement. HUGE difference. 45 minutes of
smiles.
AUG 9 2011
(On Line, 15 mins) Excellent yoyo,
very good circling at trot with saddle, including over small log.
(Freestyle, 30 mins) Getting better
at the trot now that I have my balance point. Much much better circles to and
fro the rail, not so good in the middle of the ring. Very responsive halts from
walk on the rail, and good from trot, although not yet responding first to my
body.
AUG 12 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Leisurely online
session, after a number of freestyle sessions with lots of progress. Revisited
the ball, yoyo (perfect backing 12 feet!), sideways to fence for mounting on
off side - well done, lots of grass chewing between tasks.
AUG 16 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Short visit with
nice grazing, couple brief tasks to get a connection. Time spent in a
relationship. Loving it.
AUG 18 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) A short session
playing at yoyo game (further back, straight on hill!), and forequarter turns.
Between tasks, grazing and walking. VERY LB today, introverted I think. So I
slowed down my walk when she was reluctant to keep up with me, and had to be
particular about making her do more than me. How interesting!
AUG 21 2011
(On Line, 120 mins) Afternoon lesson
with Ron Pyne ***PP. Strategies for maintaining Z's attention, being a leader
by having her move rather than me, friendly game (skipping) and rubbing to a
stop. Major advance, circling game at the walk. First time ever Z circled on
22feet line with slack, ten circles each way (decreasing corrections) - done
with responsibilities, interest - doing her job cause I was doing mine! Then,
maintaining safety by keeping her out of my bubble when leading to stall, and
backing into her stall from a distance - Hooray!!!! Wrap up by getting
assistance with how to practice saddling with a hug. Learning details will be
blogged: http://donnav-happytrails.blogspot.com/
Four and half
hours of knowledge enhancement and savvy inspiration with Ron Pyne ***,
supported by Karen Pyne, and the Nova Scotia Parelli gals.
Expect more; be more provocative; every session take Z to a limit in order to progress.
Reward the slightest try - but be progressive (expect more with each try).
Faster and at a greater distance.
Have
a plan (not just what tasks are going to do, but what want to achieve
and how - be particular), and be flexible within the plan.
Always
be aware of what she is doing - where she is looking, what she is
attending to, and if it isn't me, cause her to want to pay attention to
me.
Expect
Z to pay attention to me, when she isn't, do something to regain
attention (be provocative). Might be as little as upping my energy,
tossing a bit of sand at her, do as little as it takes - but do it.
Have Z move out of the way, instead of going around her.
Have Z stay out of my bubble.
Backing gets rid of brace.
Backing - point body (finger, belly button) NOT at Z but toward where want her to go!
Hindquarters turn - pressure is where heel would be when riding. Get a response (and transfer this to riding).
Draw
back - phase one (rope on ground) for as long as can stand it. Phase 2
(rope off ground but not moving halter) fast, 3, 4 (draw in as quickly
as can).
Rub to a halt (remember to be at ease with body).
Scoldings:
- don't rub Z's head hard (stroke downward once)
Praise:
- timing of release
Homework:
Circle game on line, walk each direction 20 revolutions minimal corrections.
Then
add trot, but focus on transition (how little does it take) and then go
back to walk. Return to walk if transition is emotional. When
transition is calm, continue circling. Then same with moving to canter.
------
I've been able to play with Zaina two times since my Ron Pyne *** lesson.
The
first time back to the barn was amazing. Z's ears were up and eyes
toward me - as well as all the other horses - the moment I arrived. I
was much more attentive to my responsibilities from the get go,
including putting a halter on her while grooming in her stall, to
maintain her respect. That worried her - shift in the hierarchy?
In the arena she had a poop - which she usually doesn't, also signifying worry. But she was bright and willing to proceed. I played the circling game, and it took one full hour before completing 10 circles each direction. I stopped counting corrections. My realization - I did not put in the time for proper prior preparation - ie, I had no connection before expecting one on a 22' line! Still, I was able to practice my technique, and that went well. The proof was in the pudding, with Z's soft eyes on me in the stall afterward, even choosing to stay with me rather than be lured to the barn owner, whom she adores and respects!
Day
two, Z is going into major heat so is vocal and distracted. Followed
same practice in the stall while grooming, then outside played at FQ and
HQ yields, and backing. Had to remind her to pay attention to me quite a
bit. When had success, went to ring to play with circles. First time at
it, was pretty dismal, then I shortened rope to 15' and it was MUCH
better. Need to succeed here to gain her respect and confidence before
moving to the goal of 22'.
After
our session, I had her wait while I put her apple and carrot treats in
her feed bowl and for me to give her permission to eat. She knew what I
was doing, and it was no problem!
A
major shift for me, from the lesson, was that I feel unmuddled in
giving Z directions, and my use of the tools. Much less commotion! This
will be very meaningful for Z's progress as she hates ambiguity. I have
more strategies, and feel I can be clearer and more proficient in my
directions to her, and in creating a plan.
AUG 23 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) First play
session since our Ron Pyne Lesson. On-line focused on circling game at the
walk. Goal: ten rotations each way, counting corrections. hahahaha - gave up
the counting corrections, and it took a loooong time, but we did achieve the 10
rotations with confidence. Must remember to relax the BACK of my head when at
ease. Biggest mistake - not enough time spent developing a connection on a
shorter line before asking for circling game on 22 foot line. Will blog the
details of today's learning http://donnav-happytrails.blogspot.com/.
AUG 25 2011
On Line, 60 mins) Day two of circle
game. Z going into strong fall heat, so today I was smarter, and properly
prepared her for circle game by doing FQ and HQ yields, and yoyo game. Circling
game was more successful today when I shortened rope to 15 feet as our
connection was not strong enough to keep her focus on the 22 foot line. Will
work up to 22 feet instead of starting at the goal!
AUG 27 2011
(Freestyle, 60 mins) Day 3 of
circling game and super success! 21 rotations each direction (walking) with
only two corrections each way. This despite her being in heat and wanting to be
with her guy pals. Stayed inside, and was able to do the circles on 22 line.
Will see how it goes when we take it outside. Excellent HQ yield. Still much
savvy to go for FQ yield.
AUG 28 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Upon arrival Z
was sight unseen, down in a field. When I walked through the barn and looked
out the door she was galloping toward me! I greeted her, then went to get her
halter and she turned and left. Oh poohie I thought. But when I got to her gate
she turned BACK and GALLOPED to me again! Was able to get great HQ yields and
better FQ yields in less time than yesterday. Added transitions to our circling
game - nice and soft phase 1 transitions into trot, phase 2 back to walk. She
wasn't able to maintain the trot though beyond one circle without corrections.
Played at obedience walking out the barn toward her field - waiting at the
door, then backing when she came through without permission. It is very
powerful to have this level of control with the need for so little energy.
AUG 30 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Outside play
today. Much more connected with me than last time outside. Refining HQ yield,
expecting more with FQ yield (ie, control so not moving forward). Walk circles
including over ground pole excellent. Trot to right good, going next to pole
tense. Trot to left broken. Will trot with phase 4, but then stressed, robotic
and need phase 4 to transition down. Very connected in stall afterward.
