OCT
1 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Z's breathing is
almost completely normal, so I can ask her for more. She had a very difficult
time with a circle/squeeze game (passing between a jump block and barrel very
far apart). Seemed to be switching between LB and RB reactions, and only much
later today did I realize that I should have gone to control mode. My failure
to do so resulted in her leaving the building, along with my 22 foot line. She
was happy to come back though, and proceeded to play with me on a task that
moments before was a problem. Mmm, how interesting! I'm figuring out how to
make everything into a game, rather than directives. The payoff - Zaina
trotting a figure 8 with more understanding and pleasure than previously. Sigh,
I love Parelli.
OCT
6 2011
(Freestyle, 60 mins) Beautiful
responsiveness today. Invitations to play are resulting in calmer and more
interested interactions. Trotting the figure 8, and jumping a vertical were
today's goals. The latter was super - as if she's never had an issue with it
before. Figure 8 was more fun, as she's starting to get it, and thus enjoy it -
mmm, soon she'll be left brain and give me sass! Loving it.
OCT
8 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Beautiful day of
play. Zaina's fans, shelley and Patty graciously attended (over an hour's
drive) and were effusive in their comments. Patty had not seen Zaina for two
years. Zaina was a star, dancing through, over, and around.
OCT
10 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Today was a run
through with videotaping. Keeping my emotions under control was a goal, and for
the most part I was successful - a big change for me, before parelli I'd be
completely focused on what was being captured on film. I was proud of myself
for politely passively persisting. The proof was at the end, when after
releasing her and leaving her field, she stayed by the fence line instead of
wondering away with her boyfriend.
OCT
12 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Great play session.
I upped my energy, provided quicker responses, moved from task to task more
quickly, and challenged Z more. The result was a more attentive horse who was
able to repeat tasks with decreasing emotion. Great success - Z moved the green
ball with her knee! She was surprised and worried about it having moved but
quickly centred as I had immediately moved her away as a release.
OCT
15 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) A brief session of
quick tasks to get connected before feet trimming session. I focused Z on
responding more quickly to me, and driving her with a purpose (back, to grass).
Must have worked, because her session with Susan was super calm. I had her on a
totally loose line, and she stood like the angel she is, softly and happily.
OCT
19 2011
(On Line, 15 mins) A brief online session
to prepare for our first mounted session since august. Very good touch it,
circling, FQ and HQ yields. Improved lead by the mane (backing).
(Freestyle, 30 mins) Very pleased with
our freestyle session. First ride since August because of Z's allergy issues,
and she was rock solid. What a difference to a year ago, when she was doing
well, but I could feel she was still tense. Walk and trot, with circles. A
short session because she's been out of mounted work for so long, and warm
because of her winter coat. Looking forward to our next session!
OCT
22 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) A subdued day today,
grieving the loss of our 16 year old Chase (dog). Not emotionally able to
maintain a connection, so lots of grooming (mud rolling time), a delightful
road walk and trot online, and a couple of squeeze games asking for Z to wait.
It was a good decision to visit with her, as it helped move me out of my self.
OCT
26 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) A pre-ride check,
with playing at moving the ball - difficult to motivate Z to touch the ball
with her knee more than once, but I persisted, and did multiple side passes
around the ball when she wanted to leave - that worked well to get her to stay
in the correct position and try again. Three touches and left it at that.
Excellent trotting and changing direction wearing the saddle. Not too long ago
this was very scary for her. I start her walking, then just trot a couple of
steps, transition to walk etc., and once she's okay with that I ask for more
trot.
(Freestyle, 30 mins) My confidence in
the saddle has very much increased. Today I was able to have a clearer idea of
what I wanted from Zaina, and play in small steps toward the goal. Outcome:
trot to walk to halt transitions at particular places; MUCH better flexion -
doing squares instead of circles is helping because my body language is then
clearer and she gets a big reward for going straight because I can stop asking
for longer bits; straighter backing - when she turns out of it I ask her to
turn further and faster, after that she's happy to just back straight. All of
this meant a very calm and connected horse.
OCT
30 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Thought today would
just be a quick hello visit, administer allergy serum, and be on our way before
the weather got worse. Instead, it was an "Oh boy! I get to practise
parelli to help zaina focus. Two miniature donkeys in the stalls next to the
arena, and man was Zaina LBE!!!! Touch it, circling (with transitions learned
from Oct dvd), sideways, yoyo - perfect backing on 22 line. Amazing, so much
more connection when she's LBE, and lots of challenges.
