Nov
10 2011
(Freestyle, 60 mins) Freestyle question
box today. I even asked for more trot from her! She was happy to oblige, lots
of happy snorts and sneezes as I took on my leadership role instead of being a
load of baggage. All this in a rope halter and long reins. Sigh. Lovin' it.
Nov
12 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Online inside due to
sopping ring. Lots of confidence issues for Zaina inside, especially with barn
cleaning going on. It was gratifying to be able to help her overcome these -
and for me to realize them before mounting!
(Freestyle, 45 mins) Another day on the
Question Mark pattern, this time inside. The pattern oh-so-helped zaina become
confident under saddle. When I mounted she wanted to "go". I kept her
disengaged, and when she could halt, stayed on the pattern. Eventually she
breathed, and we could also trot. Added a ground pole raised 4 inches, just
walking over today. I didn't have the confidence to trot it! Glad to have
enough savvy now to not attempt it unless I feel secure.
(Liberty, 15 mins) Brief liberty
"try" today after the ride. Disengaging and drawing. REAL nice to
feel that connection. Wow.
Nov
16 2011
On return home from play time with
Zaina learned about Westpoint. This space is dedicated to reflection on his and
Linda's relationship. Silence between the notes.
Nov
20 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Really nice online
session - Zaina told me in our least session that she needed a break from
freestyle, I guess I was starting to drill... Focusing on building level 3
skills. Today's play focused on squeeze over pole at trot, Z3 next to ball (Z
so loves to touch it now it's difficult to get her NOT to do that!), front feet
on pedestal (board) from further away, canter circle (need calmness). I love
online play.
Nov
22 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Quick visit to beat
tomorrow's winter storm. Out to give an allergy serum injection and because it
was so beautiful out (calm before the storm???) we played outside a bit. She
was keen to get the frosty grass so I worked on developing my connection with
her by asking her to do something each time her head or body went to the grass.
It was a challenge, but I gave her a reward even for the briefest of looks.
Then onto the road for a trot walk session. She loved it - so good that her
breathing is now back to normal. Difficult again to maintain her interest, so
clearly I need to increase my expectations! Too short but very enjoyable time.
Nov
25 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) A serene play time
online, focusing on a few tasks to develop level 3 skills and move toward
excellence. First big snow sliding off the coverall experience. Zaina was a
trooper - she showed me how to be more confident! Playing at a farther distance
for touch it (and moving quicker to different obstacles), Zone 3 beside
"fence" simulations (inside now), and backing through obstacles. Plus
canter circling game - lots of excitement there. The big green ball has indeed
become her favourite project - thank you Mikey. She goes to it for relaxation,
and is pushing it with her nose with intent - how incredibly wonderful for this
RBE worried about the world mare.
Nov
28 2011
(On Line, 120 mins) Another wonderful
play day. Sideways along fence, belly of rope on ground, then disengage and
then sideways in opposite direction. First day with this pattern and I was
amazed at how well it went - usually Zaina cannot "flow" from one
task to another because she needs time to think and relax. This means me and
her are both advancing! Canter circles improving, less emotional, she's
starting to understand that she can come down to a trot instead of going faster
when she gets worried. Nice stepping onto platform and waiting. Used
"flicking" to back rather than rope wiggling and she MUCH preferred
that technique. Straight back instead of crooked. Maybe "wiggling"
finger and rope causes her to wiggle her body in response???? Then time having
hooves trimmed. LB today during the session - it is great to have her so
confident!
Nov
30 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Refining sideways
along the fence, disengage and reverse. Today it was as if she's been doing
this all her life? Pushing the ball AND following it. How neat is that for an
RBE???? Teeny bit more confidant backing between obstacles. Now need to play
with this from a further distance. OH - the platform, pheeeew easy smeasy!
(Freestyle, 30 mins) Big deal today.
Cruiser intro. Would it be okay? Yes yes yes. Green light to saddle. Green
light to mount - and then Z just snoozed! Green light to walk, and went over
ground pole on her own. Green light to trot. NO BRACE circling. Balance point,
and staying with her body. Amazing, simply amazing.
