DECEMBER 2012

 Dec 1-3, 2012 In Tampa, Florida as a volunteer with the Horse & Soul event! Very very busy at the Parelli Connect booth, helping people learn about the membership, what it has to offer, and signing up members. I've had the chance to do what I wanted by volunteering - helping out in the backstage so that these front page folks can show them wow! and how! My contribution to helping make the world a better place for horses and humans. Wonderful opportunities also to watch some of the event, and absorb the learning. 
Marion Oesch's spotlight was sublime as were others that I could see. The horse trailering and makeovers with Pat provided my first opportunity to see him in action "live". Watching the eagle.

Dec 6, 2012
 I used the red light for the first time on Zaina's spasming hindquarters. A huge tear rolled down her cheek. I'm guessing that means a big release. Today the evidence was in, muscles almost totally relaxed - a huge tear rolled down my cheek.


Dec 14. It has taken almost two weeks for me to be able communicate my learning from being able to attend and participate as a volunteer at the Tampa Horse & Soul tour stop. I've been "feeling" the meaning, but today as I started to play with Zaina I could finally understand the shift: confidence, knowledge, understanding.
My way of being with Zaina has changed significantly. I'm more "there" for her, my intentions are clearer, I am more passively persistent, and much more confident in her ability to progress.
Spending 3 full days surrounded by eagles - my body feels different, as if I've absorbed into my very being what I was heard and saw.
I had not expected this. Thank you Parelli for making this opportunity possible.

  
Dec 14, 2012  (On Line, 90 mins) Finally able to return to some serious play, with Zaina's condition having improved significantly. Confidence building over raised pole at walk both ways, and at trot to the left. Sideways toward me - using new telescoping pole!!!!!! Sideways length of arena to get to nice grass patch. Hardened crusher dust pile was our pedestal - front feet on and wait, four feet on and wait, front feet off and wait. Yoyo on circle. We're back!

Dec 17 2012   (On Line, 90 mins) Wowsers - development since last play day, today Z WALKED and I mean WALKED over a crossrail!!!!! Both directions.
Then played circling, squeeze games next to the set up, developing flexion. This was so interesting. I was able to help her focus on ME rather than that scarey crossrail through flexion. Didn't ask her to go over it as a trot - will be interesting to see if on our next play with this she's relaxed at the trot. I think flexion rules.
Also today, sideways without a fence; backing over pole (truly, I don't think she can see it under her feet, but she tried so hard to be so careful and not afraid).
After a best left unrecorded liberty session put her back online and played circling game at walk. Was able to slowly ask her to shorten the circle without stopping - yahoo!

Dec 22 2012 (On Line, 90 mins) More success with the crossrail. Walked over with tarp underneath! After an hour of playtime asked for a trot, and after numerous repetitions and when I made sure I relaxed fully she trotted rather than leaping over!
Further development of flexion at walk and trot. Fixed canter circle after last day's wreck at liberty. Needed to be firm but also rewarding and finally had success going to the right (to the left was okay anyway).

Dec 24 2012 On Line, 90 mins Some progress on developing calmness at canter. Backing over pole remains scary, but possible with close range, lots of retreat and reward (rest) - definitely a vision issue as needs to touch pole to know where it is and often catching foot on it and not knowing what to do. Day 4 of building calmness and confidence over crossrail, today trotting over in both directions.

Dec 26 2012 On Line
A's play day. She took charge of Zaina from the get go. Zaina was happy to be caught, waiting for her in the field, and A walked her to the gate with the CS around her neck. Then trotted with her to the back grass, where she then played HQ yields and backing to get a connection and develop her leadership. Then up the hill with some stops for grass.
Then I played with her, asking to touch the outcrop rock with which we've been developing confidence. Today, after a brief touch and a new ask she STEPPED on it with one foot then imagine, put both feet on it!!!! She stood up it looking around, even stayed while I played FG with the CS & S on her back!!!! A and I were soooo excited and pleased.
After this I asked Z to squeeze through the super close rocks and under the tree branch, which she did, eating grass as soon as she went through.

After going down the hill Z took over again, and as we got to the barn we learned a new horse had arrived. Z was preoccupied and got a bit excited, so A was now challenged to up her leadership in order to get back Z's attention and to keep herself safe. In the ring she did FQ yields then stick to me. From the back end of the ring, she played stick to me BACKING all the way to the front. This was a looooong way. A number of stops to reward and to get back straightness. While Z was a bit concerned she did wonderfully, as did A.

Near the gate I took over to ensure safety, and PP'd Z back while I walked next to her. With Z5 at the gate she rested, a bit emotional on walking away, so did it again, with much calmer retreat.

Then A brought her indoors, and we proceeded to get ready for level 1 audition practice. After a bit of play with Z to check out some tasks A was good to go. Audition routine was wonderful, so we left it as is in order to groom Z and take her for grass near the new horse.

Z nonchalant about the newcomer now. Had a look see, checked if the rest of the herd was around and okay with everything, then calmly walked off for grass in her field.

A terrific day, with Z and A both showing great advances in confidence. I am glad I've been able to contribute to both, and realize how much my confidence has also been developing.
Time now for A to move into more level 2 tasks.

Dec. 29 2012 On Line
Beautiful sunny day after a bit of a storm. Used the snow to help condition Z's back end, going up the big hill including sideways. To the rock for refining touch it with two feet, and through the rock squeeze but from the opposite direction. No problems!

Inside,  a bit of bodywork, finding that she's in very good shape.

Played circling game. No problems walking and trotting over a pole. Cantering issues remain. To help with connection and thus listening, had her walk and halt 1/4 circles, then trot halt 1/2 circles. When that was established, canter and halt 1 circle (it has to be a full circle because she's got too much go to who sooner, even though I ask sooner than when 1 rotation is complete). This wasn't getting us much anywhere, and she kept getting worried by the footing. So changed to full arena length falling leaf, at the trot. This kind of blew her mind. After that, trot and canter in a different part of the arena. Got a NICE canter circle to the right, so quit.

Then 45' line touch it pattern. Able to play from further away. Had to be very assertive though at times to get a halt, but was glad to be successful. When I sent her to the ground pole she was happy to stand by it, explore, and walk over it.

Ended with backing over pole. It was a real mess, with no straightness being maintained and worried. I became more focused, and with my confidence enveloping her, took her back over, then forwards, then back, then forwards, then back - with her being willing. Very interesting.

More bodywork afterwards, focusing on neck releases.

Will be eager to see how this session translates into our next one.

Dec 31, 2012
Final play day of the year!

Well, last sessions success over the pole made no change for today, in fact, she was probably more worried.  Switched to backing onto tarp, and was successful very close range and with treat reward for slightest try, along with retreat. Will try next session using the clicker to see if that helps with the pole.

Did have success with calm canters by using the figure 8 pattern. After establishing calm walk and trot. Adding the canter took awhile to establish as she quickly went into her slip sliding mode into ballistic tempo. However, once she understood the pattern - that after 1/2 the figure 8 she could stop, she began to settle and to pay attention to me as she cantered, so it was much easier to keep her connected and thereby prevent her from going totally emotional.

I kept taking the pattern back to the trot if she got worried, and would do 1/2 canters and 1/2 trot. She eventually became interested in maintaining the canter. I never asked her to change the canter lead through the figure 8, but to continue to do 1/2 stop, walk/trot  through the change of direction and then canter. She was able to do these transitions and changes calmly.

Played with 45' line touch it again. Bit better connection - I have to stop micromanaging and moving my feet.

Stick to me on-line, with back up and changing direction to establish connection with her changing eyes. The latter was a challenge, and I had to be very assertive in what I wanted. Clearly I'm still being too soft with my body, so she's not understanding OR choosing to ignore me.

I also realized that once again I haven't been asking for enough movement early on. Have to remember to appreciate that she needs to move her feet, so need to get her into a trot from the beginning and ask for connection in that gait.

Ended the session with brief liberty play, stick to me with changing directions, touch feet on tarp. A stick to me turned into a canter so I pretended that's what I asked for and she made a half circle and didn't take off across the arena! Very nice connection overall at liberty, and very nice way to end a year of play.


HAVE REGISTERED FOR A YEAR OF VIDEO COACHING WITH PP*** GENEVIEVE BENOIT. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE VIDEOTAPING AND THE LEARNING! 

NOVEMBER 2012

   
NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2012
Spent the weekend at a Centered Riding Clinic, participating with a loaner horse whom I had never before met, with a community of riders with whom I had no familiarity. Three years with Parelli has provided this extreme RBI with the emotional strength to do so. It was fun to be with a group of people as passionate as Parelli-ites and as welcoming. So, thank you Parelli for the opportunity to develop the skills to participate in an extra-curricular learning opportunity. Parelli - way more than riding.

November 6, 2012
(On Line, 30 mins) Fun catching game today, Z seemed to be appreciate being invited in, rather than caught. She would catch me and A, then leave again. Lots of fun.
Long rein driving with directional practice, A did yoyo game on featherline only needing phase 2. Practicing PP game without pushing (thanks to Kari B** for this learning) - HUGE difference, what a feel!
(Liberty, 15 mins) Brief stick to me, point to point, one circle to left and 1/2 circle to right!

November 7, 2012
LEARNED TODAY I'VE BEEN SELECTED AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THE TAMPA HORSE & SOULD EVENT!!!!!

November 9, 2012 (On Line, 45 mins) Long rein changing directions away from me - super.

45' line Point to Point. Waaay better then last time, way back in the summer.
Open gate - straightness backing, waiting, disengage on spot - better.

(Finesse, 30 mins) Cradle bridle - super ride. Develop Stage 3. Weave, circles, backing. Super responsive to my hip movements. Back starting to round more consistently when going to the left. Not rounding to the right, but really trying.

(Liberty, 30 mins) Fun at liberty. Partial weave, stick to me with a walk-spin! Lead by tail and leg (for the camera), extreme friendly in Z 4. Circles and figure 8s. Starting to keep connection at canter stick to me.

Walking Z to her field she tripped and had a major stumble, all weight on front legs. Didn't hit the ground. Didn't seem hurt at the moment, but likely will result in soreness.

NOVEMBER 13, 2012 
With Zaina's hindquarters being very tight today was spent helping her to loosen her muscles and relax. "A" interested in clicker training, so we started some with Zaina. VERY interesting. Zaina quickly caught on, and it really helped her to THINK, slowing her down so she could step onto the plywood board and wait, rather than rushing. She was clearly pondering out what she needed to do to get that clicker clicking and apple treats coming her way.
Will be interesting to play with this further with tasks she finds most difficult.

NOVEMBER 15 & 16, 2012
Past two sessions with Zaina have focused on bodywork to help ease her hindquarter spasms. It is wonderful to have developed the parelli skills so that I can have her at liberty during these sessions. When she leaves it tells me I'm going to far with the physical pressure (which could be a touch!).
The Masterson technique is furthering our relationship, as it is all about being "for" the horse not "to" the horse. She's now starting to help me find pleases to release rather than worrying that I will hurt her. On Saturday she gave me 3 hindquarter releases that I'm hoping have helped. Will find out today!

NOVEMBER 18, 2012  Z's hindquarters starting to loosen up. Played stick to me online, developing straightness with backup and being in harmony at the trot. Then lots of bodywork.

NOVEMBER 22, 2012 Continued body work this week. Occasionally get major releases, but her recovery is "stuck" and stiffness is now travelling up her neck. Have put her back on a high dose of muscle relaxant to see if that will make a difference. On the learning side, as we walked about had first real success with asking her to touch the emerged rock (painted yellow) with her foot. This is a major major achievement.

OCTOBER 2012

OCT 2, 2012 (On Line, 120 mins) A's day to play with Z, but I started with circling over obstacle to expand her emotions and assess her confidence. Started out really worried, even though it was one pole on a slant, low to ground. Guess she didn't trust that I wasn't going to over-challenge her. When she was able to trot over it going to the left stopped. Came back to the task after A's play with her, and she was able to trot 3 circles calmly over it, then went into a low-emotional canter, then took herself back to a trot. Going left, 4 calm circles, so asked for canter, 4 times - after 2 started to get heightened emotions, but she still controlled herself.

A's play was terrific. After 3 weeks of NOT doing the walk to halt and back task, Zaina was primed for it. It went so well A went on to do trot/halt/back. Then flowed together the games and tasks in prep for level one audition. Just need to tweak and double check a couple of tasks, and looks like an audition will be in the works by late October. A has also noted she is ready to try out the 22' line. Talk about progressive progress!

OCT. 5, 2012 (On Line, 45 mins) Wow, very interesting day. Zaina went extreme right brain introvert when we walked up to a slightly raised, on a slant, ground pole. Spent 30 minutes waiting with her. When I'd ask her to move, she was like a robot. Her emotional responses to raised obstacles is certainly interesting. This is the deepest RBI she has ever gone. Decided it was NOT a day to ride. Now on to research.

OCT 9 2012 A's play day with Zaina. Back to normal Z, except when we lingered too long after touch it with the plywood board, then she started to go RBI so moved her away. On a second touch it with the board and leaving it immediately Z gave some GIANT yawns. Mmmmm, very very interesting. "A" learned the weave pattern at the walk. Zaina being an excellent schoolmaster.

OCT. 12, 2012   
On Line, 45 mins): RBE/LBE on the circling game - even rearing, which hasn't happened for 2 1/2 years. Then nutsy on the figure 8, so I did an ENTIRE fence line sideways fast. After this excellent figure 8 pattern and then circling. Sideways fixes everything.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Had a great ride, despite rocky start and despite being outside in the wind.
Achievement: strung 12 foot line across the top of the gate and was able to lift up one end, back Zaina toward the fence, turn her sideways, and put the rope on the other angle of the fence!!!!!! Later, I was able to retrieve and put it back across the gate. Z only got anxious a couple of times and 98% of the time she was truly working with me.

 (Liberty, 15 mins) Outside. Stick to me with changes of direction. Close range point to point. Tried a circle, but she left AND then went over to trotting poles and took herself over one of them!!!! That was the highlight.

OCT. 18, 2012  (On Line, 120 mins)  A's play day with Zaina. Squeeze game, weave at walk, sideways. Looks to be that Z's left eye vision has again deteriorated as she seemed to have difficulty understanding and kept repositioning herself. Adjust to fit the situation in terms of body position. Then simulating audition routine. While we were doing that Zaina took herself through the squeeze and played touch it with the board and Z's raincoat!

OCT. 18, 2012  
(On Line, 45 mins) For Aug. 18. Zaina super wound up on circling game. Even sideways wouldn't make a change. So then did travelling circles, despite stuff in the ring. Told myself - her job to watch where she's going, and off we went. She was both right and left brain extroverted so some of the obstacles were a surprise to her, but she mostly kept up her manic canter. At the end of the ring she stopped and had lots of snorts. Started on the way back and she went into a fireball of a gallop, but didn't pull the line out of my hand. I went with her, till she stopped.

Then all was quiet. Very difficult for me to understand her need to move and to allow it rather than trying to stop it. Seems wrong, but then again every time I have applied the "whatever anyone else does do the opposite) idea, it has worked. And so it does again. She definitely needs me to up the challenge, but hard to balance her extroverted learning need with her lack of confidence.

After this, decided to challenge her with backing over ground pole, but to not push her over the edge. Asked more of her in terms of staying straight rather than evading by wiggling. Got two steps back near the pole and quit. Later came back to the task and she was straighter and got near it quicker. Didn't ask for going over YET.

(Freestyle, 45 mins)  Beautiful beautiful ride. See my wall for details. In the cradle bridle. Keeping the inside ear's attention (thank you Colleen Kelley). Felt I could have asked for lengthening of trot but stayed in control and didn't - that's for next time!

OCT. 23 (On Line, 120 mins) A's pay day. Push the ball - Zaina's really liking this activity now, and so does A. After developing a connection on to the audition routine. Lots of difficulties, as A's mind was on being filmed and Z could feel the tension. Plus Z still finds it difficult to go from one task to another without breaks. Trot to halt to back up particularly a mess. After working on that, A went back to it and with more focus things were better.
After A's time, set up a low hanging tarp situation, hanging my jacket over the opaque plastic. Z was curious and concerned, but with some reassurance lowered her head and came through, both directions without running! Now need to increase the difficulty further.

(Liberty, 30 mins) After much "goofing around" and leaving me - thus I played catching game by lots of stalking and then finally just turned away from her and cleaned up my gear. That got her attention, and she came over and ate grass beside me. Guess its no fun playing alone! After that managed a close range trot circle in the outdoor ring no less!

OCTOBER 26, 2012
(On Line, 45 mins)  22ft line from the get go for long rein driving with a purpose, around and about to have grass. Lots of learning with how to position myself behind Z5, and then shift in order to give her direction for turning away from me. Driving back to the ring, sideways to ground poles, then short range support to go over. She told me, "Who said I'm scared?". Travelling circles at trot, then a canter with simple change, back toward ground pole and over!

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Riding in the bit - updated on my wall. GoC stage 3 without even knowing it. Kept the gate open as we rode, and soon stopped worrying about it. Lots of lateral flexion to begin with when played with going to, but not out gate. Then in and out, turn and face and wait. Back inside for trotting, lots of weaving. THEN out of the ring for a saunter to the back of the property (not too far!), and home again jiggity jig. Three apple ride.

(Liberty, 30 mins)  All she wanted to do was go over those poles! Even sideways over. Weave at the walk. Lead by tail, asking for more steps and start asking for turn (difficult).

SEPTEMBER 2012

SEPT. 3, 2012  (On Line, 120 mins)  On the circling game zaina, after one lap, choose to walk over the tarp; on the second lap choose to walk over a partially raised pole. At the trot, went over the tarp (second lap), not the pole yet - BUT maintained gate, direction and looked where she was going!!!! This is HUGE, as previously she would have either stopped, or after avoiding the obstacle picked up speed. I loved how she made the decision to go over the obstacles after giving them a small birth - terrific to see her thinking.
A. played with her, lots of development. Stick to me over the obstacles, circling game walk and trot, and first time - figure 8. Zaina was a terrific teacher, waiting to change direction on the figure 8 while A. straightened out her tools.

SEPT. 5, 2012
Zaina's pasturemate Tago, died suddenly today. Twenty-six years old. Beautiful big guy who provided her with reassurance and leadership when she arrived at a new barn. Six months later she moved again, together with him. Tago wasn't a Parelli horse, but he was clearly a LBI. I'll miss his persistently pushy nose. It will be a transition for Zaina, to be without her Man.

SEPT. 7, 2012

(On Line, 30 mins) Zaina very responsive to phase 1 and 2. Played at sideways, fast along fence. more consistent level 3 responses.

 (Freestyle, 30 mins) More lateral flexion play, and cloverleaf pattern at walk. Once on the pattern she becomes more RBE so back to laterial flexion. She's understanding. I like that I don't feel it necessary to go into a trot to "progress" but to continue to equalize her who with her go.

  (Liberty, 30 mins) Outside liberty. Stick to me at walk, then circling, which ended up as point to point, but then a nice circle game.

SEPT. 9, 2012 
Don't know yet if I'll be selected as a volunteer for the Tampa Horse & Soul tour stop but decided to go ahead and book my flight and hotel. Can always spend a relaxing day in Florida! 

(On Line, 60 mins) Playing in stormy weather today. Z only a bit distracted at the howling, and a couple of jumps, otherwise super super cool. Played at sideways over pole and cavalletti block (block wasn't going to happen today, but most of the pole was soft).
Raised the crosspole and played squeezes at trot, couple emotional each way then calm. Good girl!
Trot circle with changes, lowering my phases.
Oh - and play with the ball, first time in awhile. Z went toward it when it rolled toward her, then she pushed it and followed! Four pushes, then a treat. Back to it later, for four more pushes. What a gal!
Sideways fast on 12 foot line.

(Liberty, 15 mins) Just a bit of liberty - rain is letting up so want to be able to get out of the arena before it storms up again. Sideways along pole, each direction - I'd asked her to walk over and when she started going sideways I made it my idea. That sure surprised her!
Then start of 360 close range. Cool, very cool.

SEPT. 11, 2012  (On Line, 120 mins) Z is lonely, came straight to me from across the grass. I'm glad I can be her friend and partner. A's day to play with her. Developing "walk forward and keep horse out of space". That's a hard one for both of them. A finds it hard to send Z away and Z wanted to cuddle. Circling game, walk and trot, then with a slightly raised pole. Figure 8, with Z keeping her feet still. When A was positioning Zaina for various tasks she was asking for sideways - she figured out how to do it from watching others. Good - no need for me to screw her up by trying to teach her!
Outside the ring, asking Z to touch the van and target touch on my car. More sideways. Pretty soon level one audition!

SEPT. 13, 2012

 (On Line, 30 mins) Preflight play, and developing level 3 cantering. Looking for more responsiveness so asking for transitions, and to help her from going RBE when speed turns up. Great saddling, interesting going RBI when I asked her to chill out in the question box.

(Freestyle, 60 mins) Lots of sideways today. I was able to lift my jacket off the fence, and later put it back! Still some tension. Lots of laterial flexion to keep those feet still. I love the feeling of knowing I can just keep walking and walking and walking until I can feel her able to handle a trot. Progress by waiting.

SEPT. 16, 2012
Oh heavens, sweet dreams are made of this - after weeks of trotting sessions on Steady Edwina following the GoC simulations, I gave it a go with Zaina, outside no less. Soooo, this is what posting is supposed to be like: rhythm, relaxation - harmony.
Who'd a thought, after all these years, that this was possible. Parelli, that's who. Thank you.

(On Line, 30 mins) I savvied up big time for Zaina on the circling game at the canter. Ignored her rushing, didn't get taken in by her stopping - just let her go at it, eventually using travelling circles to walk around and fill the holes she was drilling into the footing. And then she trotted, and then she cantered quietly. And after that we had an amazing freestyle session. I love the "level 3" feeling I'm beginning to occupy.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) 
TODAY, no walking off after lateral flexion.
TODAY, no brace when picking up and putting back a rope from the fence.
TODAY, halting in the corners by dropping my energy and lifting the rein.
TODAY, no evading the question box.
TODAY, able to balance while standing in the stirrups at the walk.
TODAY, trottttttiiinnnnngggg - outside, circles, and a few lines. NO RUSHING. Thanks to Steady Winny's tutelage, my body was (or at least some of it) was doing it right. Circles as soft and relaxed as imaginable.

SEPT. 18, 2012 
 Sooo, today put the "drunken sailor" confidence building task to a purpose. I was about to give Zaina an allergy serum injection when 10 year old A. suddenly started doing a body wave, stumbled underneath Zaina's neck and crumpled to the ground at her feet.
Yikes! Yes, she is okay. Zaina didn't move her feet. Just blinked while I attended to A. Guess she was wondering, "Why are you playing the drunken sailor game at this moment?" Thus, a reminder, drunken sailors all round before the unexpected happens.

(On Line, 90 mins) Circling game at the canter, to see if still playing a crazy game. Very relaxed going to the left, very left brain "I'm gonna go fast" to the right, then stopping behind me - so for sure this isn't RBE. I never turned to look at her, but used the CS to ask for her to continue. After digging a deep rut in the sand, she brought her self to a calm walk without stopping behind me, and was able to do a very relaxed trot.
Then A's turn to play with her. Refining feel for a flexion without Z moving her feet, and then A rubbing Z's legs, keeping Z 8 feet away from her while playing stick to me at a walk, figure 8 around higher obstacles. Had placed a ground pole between the Figure 8 ends to give Z something else to focus on as she's getting bored with the pattern. No problem with stepping over it - used to be a real big deal. Afterward, I asked Z to back over it - hesitant, so lots of retreat. Touched it with her foot and didn't get emotional. Did go a bit inward, but flies brought her out. Then nice step over and waited to be asked to keep going back.

 (Liberty, 15 mins) A. alongside me for a short liberty play. Stick to me, change directions, yoyo (very nice!), and friendly game with CS & String. Zaina's a real partner for A.

SEPT. 21, 2012
 (Freestyle, 45 mins) More positive riding with my new body understanding. Inside today because of the rain. I reacted to the cat crawling out of my bag on the bench, Z didn't. Still, I have to wait until we are level 4 freestyle to be okay with that scenario. Not able yet to do full loose rein at the trot, so no carrot stick trotting yet.
WONDERFUL calm horse when I picked my jacket up from the fence and put it on, then put it back on the fence. AND, over by the tape fence, calm horse as I played with the loose tape with the carrot stick. Open gate here we come!

(On Line, 45 mins) Fun time online, with Z continuing to be LBE on the cantering circling game. And now it has just hit me, I wonder if it is boredom? Mmmmmmmmmm. Will add an obstacle next session and see if that changes things.
Beautiful fast sideways along the wall - exuberance and control.
Nice squeezes over obstacle.
22 sideways feet with my feet still.

(Liberty, 30 mins) Hahahah - Zaina is having so much left brain fun at liberty. And so am I, now that I understand that this savvy, for her, is about fun - I guess as it all should be, sigh. Circling, wonderful flying lead changes, and with perseverance, figure 8 at the trot.

SEPT. 25, 2012
On Line, 30 mins)  Resolved frantic cantering on circling game by adding a raised ground pole. Whereas a few weeks ago this would have sent her scurrying, today she walked, trotted and cantered over it with aplomb. Didn't ask for lots of circles over it, as she would have gotten worried. Enough to know that what she needs is more stimulation, ie. challenges in all the games. What an incredible shift in her way of being.

 (Freestyle, 45 mins) Indoor riding to focus on my position. Everything gets better and better. Used the question box to help focus my riding. Trotting more securely than last time, and asking for flexion when she worries about what is "out there" rather than leaving her to "hang".

Major progress on "open the gate" task. With lots of perseverance, and lateral flexion to own her movement (which super surprised her) I was able to unwrap a featherline that I'd arranged on the arena supports, AND return it! Then, came back to just stand and chill out in the same spot. This was a 20 minute endeavour - I persisted without being direct line. Mmmm, becoming a leader in the saddle.
 
Liberty, 15 mins) Big indoor for liberty so stuck to stick to me, and asking Z to walk over the ground pole. She needed convincing and it was done, and than it was done without worry.

SEPT 28, 2012
(On Line, 45 mins) Stressed Z today by assuming she could handle a more challenging obstacle. NOPE. Simplified and had success. Next time, start simple and build on it.

Freestyle, 45 mins) Outside riding. Z wonderful at the walk. Trot was challenging with her being more emotional than inside. I was able to maintain my balance and position for the most part. Eventually we trotted until we both liked it.
Able to maneuver her sideways to gate and pick up savvy string. Refrain in head: I own your feet. In other words, passively persistent in the proper position. She appreciated the leadership and stood like a champ.

Liberty, 15 mins) Stick to me, then point to point (developing), and walk over obstacle - yahoo on the last one, first time at liberty.

AUGUST 2012

  
AUG. 3, 2012
 On Line, 30 mins  Wonderful connection with Z today. Online during change of directions she stopped in the middle to have many many licks and chews. Circling game trot vg, canter much much softer. Not asking for changes at canter until she can do 4 laps. We are getting there - so nice to see her relaxed. Oh - and she's now being LBE on the circling game - neato!
Figure 8, beautiful at walk and EXCELLENT at trot.
  
Wonderful liberty. Circling she was really LBE, changing direction on her own all the time - GOOD, lots of chance to improve! Realizing she's being LBE really made this into a fun game instead of frustrating. Then to the figure 8 - great at walk. Wasn't going to ask for at the trot since we only did it a couple of times online, but she started to trot away so I asked in order to change it into the figure 8 and this worked. Soooo smooth. Exuberant, calm. stress free.

AUG. 6, 2012 A's play with Z. Excellent send for yoyo game. Draw kind of weakened, as to be expected with stronger send, but not to worry. A. very much improved her energy with good intent shown to Z with stick to me, especially using the trot to let Z know what was wanted. Squeeze game over very low cross rail had Z giving giant yawns. A. walked with Z through car wash for first time, excellent use of her energy and focus to help support Z's confidence.

AUG. 7, 2012 (Freestyle, 45 mins)  Excellent ride, especially at the trot. The week of riding Steady Edwina is paying dividends. My body was quieter, my legs in a better position, my body less coming forward. Zaina thought it was good, hardly any emotional rushing. Still, I was quite tense, and not sure why.

AUG. 11, 2012
Brief online play before riding. Teaching sideways over slightly raised pole. When I'm on her right side she gets stuck at the cavaletti block - but isn't emotional, just can't go further. When I asked her to face the other direction, and stood ahead of her, and asked her to move from right to left, she did it without a problem. Mmmm, isn't that interesting!

 (Freestyle, 45 mins)  Beautiful ride. I was able to think today at the trot, and manage my body with more savvy. Zaina's trot was smooth, consistent, and stress free. Even managed some beautiful circles

 Liberty, 30 mins Lovely liberty session - circling, changes of direction, figure 8 AND single spin at the walk. Wow - really have to manage my energy and communication so as to not scare her. Lots to develop in myself to get this at the trot. Soooo fun - for both of us

At the walk, I'm riding circles and figure 8s without the reins for the most part.

Oh - and at the trot, went over a slightly raised pole WITH NO EMOTION on her part, and thus afterward no emotion on my part. What a major shift. Thank you to Steady Edwina and GoC riding simulation learning.

AUGUST 12, 2012
Dear Linda: Two and half years "into" Parelli and I found my dream horse - right with me all the time. Hours rewatching the GoC riding simulation and practicing on my own Steady Edwina have transformed my position. The outcome, a mare that isn't running out from under me, and circling in harmony at the trot with one rein - and we are now just getting started! Thank you.

AUG. 15, 2012
(On Line, 30 mins) For August 15: Brief online session to check out a few things before our Parelli lesson on the 17th. Lead by the hind legs (with carrot stick in string around barrel then going back to legs); sideways and back without me moving feet sideways over cross poles. All looking good. More confidence sideways over pole, not getting stuck AND interested in looking at the cavaletti block at the end of the pole.

(Liberty, 15 mins) Wonderful, fun liberty session. Z full of left brain play so circling was exuberant with me asking for lots of changes of direction to get leadership. Lots of Arabian head tosses going on behind my back!

AUG 17, 2012 RON PYNE LESSON
Second lesson in my LIFE with Ron. As before, persistantly patient. He focused in on what I needed to do to advance and develop my leadersip. Cool having so many of the NS Parelli Gals in attendance, wonderful to have the support and shared learning. Impossible to provide a full description. Inspiring and educational. Major learning moments:

ONLINE 2-3 HOURS:
- it's not cool to wiggle your rope
- everything with lightness
- stretch Z's emotions

Wowsers - being effective!

FREESTYLE 1.5 HOURS
- Concentrated on disengagement.
- Slow for learning and controlled stop.
- Quick for emergency.

Learning, and teaching zaina disengagement to stop, and to not "go" when I move the reins was a long road. But it was learned! I understand now why I was having so much problems with this technique - too long a rein that let her rubberneck out of the position.

AUG. 22, 2012  (On Line, 45 mins)
- over crossrail and cavaletti block. Z thought her were through the problem of the block. Magnificent.
- Saddling with savvy, from mastery dvd. Watching her reactions and waiting. Not angry, but definitely a prisoner. Went RBI for 10 minutes, came out licking and chewing. I took off the saddle, more licking and chewing.

AUG. 26, 2012  (Freestyle, 45 mins) Saddling with savvy - much happier horse. Calm, no RBI, blowing out when saddled!
Preflight checks of trotting circle and through squeeze (near wall - worries her).
Mounting with savvy.
Lateral flexion over and over and over.
Very calm cloverleaf at the walk.

AUG. 28, 2012
(On Line, 120 mins) A's play with Zaina today. Improving stick to me, emphasizing z's transitioning downward from trotting. Required phase 4 string in front of nose a couple times, but then with repeating the pattern (trot four steps than down transition) Zaina soon got it, and so did A.

First time for A to play the circling game with Zaina. Last Friday Ron Pyne*** gave her a simulation lesson. I started Z off, and then A took over. Z being quite nonchalant about it. Going to the right she played the "I don't know what you mean" game, so I took over, and had Z trot and canter with expression. That made a difference, and A was then able to successfully ask for a walk circle.

A. had watched the Mastery saddling dvd and requested a demo with Z. Z nervous because she's likely worrying that A will be riding her, so she couldn't keep her feet still at first. Then she got worried with the girth. A understood how to maintain the pressure and wait for Z to relax. Oh, and before we started Zaina was happy to put her neck over the saddle!!!! So my two days with saddling savvy have really paid off, as she's never shown such relaxation with the saddle.

JULY 2012

 JULY 2, 2012
Online: Too hot for much! More play on the tarp, change of direction at trot on circle, beautiful soft jump while maintaining trot gait!

 (Finesse, 30 mins) Nice soft freestyle at walk. Backing circle; sideways; figure 8. Then Z wanted to play the GoC. Session 4. Moving into stage 3 when traveling to the left. Almost there going to the right. Much much calmer horse. Going to the right still running when stretches down at the trot, but otherwise big mental and emotional changes for the better.

JULY 4, 2012 (On Line, 60 mins) A beautiful play day with 11 year old Ada learning level 1 skills with Zaina. Then Ada helped to hold up the string with plastic hanging for Z to squeeze under. Today Z was able to go underneath the area with plastic, with it rolled up. Earlier, we played friendly game with the plastic over her head and body.

JULY 6, 2012
(On Line, 30 mins) Touch it from a distance, and squeeze over higher jump. Very good after a couple of reactions.

(Freestyle, 15 mins) Walked half the ring on the rail, and doing circles, no reins, just CS!
Beautiful 20ft sideways (after lots of this online - forgot to mention in that posting).

(Finesse, 30 mins) Day 4 GoC. Lots of stage 2, then bit of stage 3. Getting better overall in terms of Zaina's willingness.
Oh - and she reached for the bit when bridling!

JULY 9, 2012
Today, the saddle slipped right over her side when I was mounting. Zaina simply stood, thinking "dimwit", as I wiggled back onto the mounting block. Pretty good for a RBE. Yeah Parelli!

(On Line, 15 mins) Simple sideways with more intent, and pre-flight check for riding. Tons of licking and chewing..

(Freestyle, 15 mins) Today Zaina let me trot her in freestyle! Much much steadier horse. Used the carrot stick while trotting!!!!!

 (Finesse, 15 mins) More GoC progress. Rounded back for a moment, walking on left rein, when made a downward transition.

 JULY 12, 2012
 (On Line, 60 mins) 11 year old A. played level one touch-it (the ball, pole, and cavaletti block), yoyo, beautiful HQ yield. Also working on using her energy to keep Z out of her space.
  
(Liberty, 15 mins) Brief liberty session after Zaina was played with by 11 year old A. Stick to me, with changes of direction. Lost her a couple of times at the trot, so turned into canter catching game, but then back to very nice stick to me at walk.

JULY 15, 2012 
Today, for the sideways game, it was clear that Zaina is now "getting" it, ie., understanding what I am asking. Sooooo neat to feel that physical and mental connection from a distance. Too cool. This has been a long time developing, with lots of going forwards then getting stuck. The difference, I became more persistent, and now a few plays letter it's gotten to her brain.

(On Line, 30 mins) Today, circling game to the left only. Now understanding why important to keep a steady length and not lengthen one's arm - otherwise how does the horse understand the limit? Steady walk and trot, and a couple good laps of canter. I'm also understanding better about the horse's responsibility being - the horse's. It's up to her to be calm on the canter, it's up to me to change the situation if necessary, but not through micromanagement. I've been trying to manage her emotions, and in doing so, have actually been getting in the way.
Then an obstacle, worried - still her responsibility. Ways to go on this one.

Freestyle, 30 mins. 2nd trotting with carrot stick ride. Million transitions to walk. Getting better.

Finesse, 15 mins) GoC only to the right. Working towards stage 3, but getting stuck, as hind feet aren't coming through. Still, ended on a good note, with relaxation.

JULY 17, 2012  
Today, was 11 year old A.'s 4th play with Zaina. At the end of the session she took Zaina over to the 1x3 foot plywood board and wanted to ask Z to keep her back feet on it. No small task for Z, and I'm only successful 50/50. On the 3rd attempt, Ada, working very hard to control her energy to ask the front feet off, hind feet to come on and halt, it was a success! Truly amazing. Now I know who to call when I'm having difficulties.....

 (On Line, 90 mins) A.'s fourth play with Z. Over an hour walking on the rail, developing confidence in keeping Z out of her space, and working on a longer line. Wonderful to see Zaina so quickly responding, and thus A's confidence further developing. A wonderful partnership already. Then to the plywood board for an amazing touch it game with hind feet, posted on our wall.

JULY 19, 2012  (On Line, 45 mins) Nice wondering around grazing time with a bit of sideways along the tall grass field and squeeze under low tree branches, while waiting for hoof trimmer. Beautiful day. Zaina very zen.

JULY 21, 2012  
 Husband built me a Steady Eddy. Rode him using the information from the GoC dvd set - boy did Eddy have a lot to tell me! WAY too much energy when posting, and when turning I hollow my back and left my butt up.
Today's live ride was hugely different when I was able to post softly and turn correctly. No barging, no bracing, and the CS wasn't knocking my head at the trot! Steady Eddy is helping me be steady.
The GoC is not just about contact - if you have a rushing horse and have struggled to sit back, you'll find the info invaluable.

(On Line, 30 mins) Beautiful sideways!!!! Along wall and fence line. Lots of understanding happening.
Circling game - letting Z figure out her emotions and trot until quiet. Took some time, but we got there. I'm thinking circling is like zen - letting things happen as they happen.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Changed shim pattern to great effect - no issues with girthing. Shifted my position from my steady eddy learning, and can feel Z right through the saddle now. Walked with no rein contact, one carrot stick - follow the rail, and disengage to change directions. Can almost circle without reins!
Then to the trot - wow HUGE difference when I can keep my position correct. Z not barging ahead and HARMONY. Much more difficult for me to sit correctly going to the right. Kept at it "'till we both liked it" - thank you Karen M-B via Don Halliday.
Oh, all this in the hackamore - no brace.

JULY 24, 2012
"The better your horse goes sideways, the better he does everything else" - PP. How true. Having achieved our major sideways breakthrough online, Z will now back easily with the featherline ask, straight and between obstacles. Mounted, she was able to stand straight next to a target and stay relaxed while I played friendly game with it. Sideways changes brain connections, clearly.

(ONLINE120 mins) Played sideways between grass munching, then inside where Z easily went 12 feet without me moving my feet. I then sent her back (without me moving to be in front of her) 20 feet and between two ground poles. She did it quite easily. HUGE change.
Then A. played with her. Refining "protect your space" and Point to Point, massage legs, friendly game. Then fun with the plywood board. Z went on it happily and had major destressing yawns. 

 After that, A. asked her to stand with her hind legs only on it, with great success.
Then it was my turn again, and we set up the carwash, this time with the plastic hanging all the way down (which is only half way down to the ground). Z took a look, selected the most open area, cautiously and a bit nervously went through. Second time, she kept calming herself. Stopped there, no need to go on with it today.
 
We released her and she went over to the board. I put her on, then A. did the same, and then asked her to walk over it. A's first liberty task! What a rush.

JULY 26, 2012 
 Advanced the sideways game with playing it over a ground pole. This has been one of her most difficult tasks, quite stressed about moving over the pole. I asked her to step over it at the midpoint, and sideways close range to the end. Step by step, lots of praise. She didn't rush, but was hesitant.
The big deal is, I moved on to the circling game, and she walked half the circle then walked back to the pole.

Positioned herself on its opposite side (went back to the side we had been on), at the end. I sat down (we are on the featherline), and waited while she licked and chewed. She positioned herself over the pole. With that offer, I moved next to her and asked for sideways. She wanted a treat with every step, but I waited until she reached the end. Which we did, slowly (it seemed like a very long pole) but without stress.
I didn't bother with the circling game.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Lots of hands free walking. Couldn't keep my position at trot, so not as successful as last time. She spooked and ran (first time in forever), and I was able to stay calm and bring her to a halt. She braces though, so almost impossible to bend her.
 
After that I put her into a faster trot then she asked for. We trotted trotted trotted and trotted some more. Finally she blew out. This is clearly what she needed. I ENJOYED it. Now that I'm sitting back and not leaning on the reins I don't feel like I'm going to fall off or that she was out of control. Maybe 
I just have to get used to the idea that she has a big trot, and deal with it?
Unsaddling the pad slipped and fell at her feet. She didn't jump. In fact, she reached down to inspect it. Wow.

(Liberty, 15 mins) Asked for circle, and used learning from this months dvd - slap the ground behind her when she leaves in opposite direction. Wow - that worked. Two times and beautiful calm trot circle in each direction. That's all I asked for as way too hot for more - just wanted to re-establish my leadership at liberty.

Sideways to position her for a bucket rinse off. She was at first going to leave, but changed her mind, and stepped over beautifully.

JULY 27, 2012
Progress continues to be exponential. No matter what I asked of Zaina today, she agreed with softness. Even when asked to go sideways over the cavaletti block at the end of a ground pole. She couldn't get all the way over it, but she tried, and when she got stuck politely left.

Other firsts: beautiful (i.e., with a phase one ask) changes of direction at walk and trot on circling game on line AND at liberty! Since watching the July savvy dvd, I've treated her like a left brain extrovert at liberty, and our circling game which was P-poor, immediately got fixed and has now surpassed expectations.

Oh - and she's more like an LBE on line too. After our sideways game along the pole, she took herself back to the pole and looked to me for a treat. When none was forthcoming she walked over the pole and looked for a treat. None was coming, I asked her to take a step over the pole and then go sideways. She did, treat time! Zaina's no longer looking to treats as praise, but is playing a game for treats!!!!!!!!
  
 (On Line, 45 mins) Zaina continues to go beyond the beyond in her progress. Online, sideways over pole and then also asked for sideways over cavaletti block at end of pole. She was able to do two small sideways steps and get half way over.

Point to Point at length of feather line. Sideways along line, length of feather line - I only had to move my feet once.

Circling game changes of direction phase one, walk and trot; backing on circle without turning in; stopping on circle without turning in.
Played her own "where's the treat game" with the pole which I've written about on my wall.

(Liberty, 30 mins) Astounding liberty session.
Phase one for circling game (with one "tag") and she walked and trotted, and changed directions. Also offered to go over ground pole at the circle.

Stick to me at trot, and change of direction without leaving.

Squeezed over ground pole. This was funny - she would rather not, and started to go sideways so I encouraged it. Mmmmmm, stopped. Over pole? No, More sideways. Mmmmm. Rather not. Over pole, etc etc. Yes, finally over the pole was HER decision. This stuff is way too much fun.

JULY 28, 2012 A's play with Z. Friendly game (massage legs), improving yoyo, friendly with tarp, and touch it with tarp. The latter required A to really up her energy to create a wall with the CS and String so that Z understood what was being asked.

JULY 29, 2012 (On Line, 60 mins) Playing today with more "go" , more distance, and being more particular, as needing to correct inappropriate patterns that I've ingrained. Excellent touching board with feet from distance, figure 8, and backing through two paddocks to get to the big field - the latter generally with phase 2-3 - so a major breakthrough in Z's confidence, responsiveness, and respectfulness.

JUNE 2012

JUNE 2: ONLINE: 12ft line quick play, as I was too exhausted from new dog duties to do much else. Reviewed walk, trot travelling circles; played sideways along fence faster (very nice). Also sideways over pole (scarey, as usual), but she didn't go RBE when she continued over pole and was in a very narrow space between it and fence - dumb move on my part though, as could have been quite dangerous. As usual, horse is savvier than human. Fun hill play, walking and trotting, and going down steep incline. A short but super fun time, for both of us, I think!

JUNE 5, 2012  
 Annual teeth floating today. The vet was so impressed with Zaina's calmness he 1) only gave her a "quarter horse" level of sedation (rather than the double dose most arabians require, and that she USED to need, if not more), and 2) that next year she probably won't require any sedation. He said, "She's a sensible gal."
YES SIRREE, that's my Parelli gal - naturally sensible. I'm still smiling.

 (On Line, 30 mins) Brief session to develop a connection before Zaina's time for teeth floating, as she was showing anxiety in the stall and the other horses were very worried. Figure 8s and squeeze over raised pole (MUCH calmer) and she was focused on me. Walked into the barn and greeted the vet with a relaxed head.

Saddled up with the smart pad for the cruiser today. A beautiful fit! It drapes over my Zaina more comfortably than the theraflex, and required no pulling and pushing to get it and the saddle correctly positioned. I love the raised withers area. Even though Zaina has no withers, her shoulders are big, and this helps keep the pad behind her shoulders.

Plus it looks gorgeous.

Walked and trotted on line, and even with the stirrups dangling, which she still hates and generally does not relax with them banging around, she lowered her head, BLEW OUT, and was pushing with her back legs. Looking forward to when I can try it out mounted in a couple of days!

JUNE 6, 2012. Prior to packing up my level 1/2 dvds to lend out, I reviewed the level 1. WOW, how different to watch after two years. How magnificent is Pat in his explanations and demonstrations. How much more I'm learning by watching it again. Initially, I watched to learn how to get things done. Now I appreciate I'm watching a master, AND his generosity in sharing this knowledge.

JUNE 7, 2012
ONLINE:  Downward transitions on 45' line at circling game. Making progress on staying on the circle line. Positive progress on trotting over a raised pole. Effective short range sideways to maintain connection and build confidence with spooky predator in the area (ie, a person across the field).

 (Freestyle, 45 mins) Fantastic ride in the smart pad. Able to stay in position, lovely halts and backing with Zaina's back rounded! Trot quickly became calm, and was easy to return to calmness. Lots of confidence building, with Barb tossing around a bucket, being a surprise at the door, and a predator across the field. Then a walk through the ring gate, along the arena, and up the hill!!!! First time out of the safety net of the arena in a year. Zaina wondered what all the fuss was about.

JUNE 10, 2012
 Oi - mare in heat day. Pretty pointless to be riding, after all. BUT worked on my skill set, and despite Zaina's mind/body/emotions being anywhere but with me, did not too badly. She spontaneiously cantered, and I stayed IN THE SADDLE.

The smart pad report: Today, for the first time in my riding life, I was sitting back and down when my horse cantered. And it was not a beautiful canter, very flat, and forward, but despite its awkwardness, I was stuck there and able to move my upper body in rhythm with my mare. I'm imagining what the ride will be like when she's round at the canter!

(Liberty, 15 mins) Despite pretty poor performance for freestyle had a lovely liberty. Full circle turns at stick to me, start of move toward me sideways, and a walk circle. The latter very challenging given her distractionality today, but with encouragement one walk circle, and beautiful draw. Glad I knew when to quit, and not wreck tomorrow's relationship.

JUNE 17, 2012. 
 (On Line, 30 mins)  Played at refining HQ and FQ yield. Nice to feel the development of less resistance AND less rushing, especially with FQ yield. Transitions on the circling game staying out and not turning in suddenly HERE!

FREESTYLE: First ride in cradle bridle. Rode outside as others were out and Z would have been very stressed if being ridden while hearing others next to the arena. She was highly distracted by the grass possibilities. Running in the bridle. How interesting. It has a very soft feel, and it appears to allow her to express her opinion - and the opinion is that she's worried about a bit. Stayed mounted until she had some relaxation.

JUNE 19, 2012
 (On Line, 45 mins)  What a great online play today. Simple change on circling game, when changing from going right to left. I could feel my timing/rhythm with her being in harmony, so it just happened. Changing the other way was through the trot, as it was a disharmonious connection. Wonderful to feel how it should and could be, as now I know what to aim for and how to help her develop this skill and make it consistent.
 
Then to the plywood board, for friendly game with hind feet on pedestal. Today instead of rushing off, she was able to have both back feet on and front feet off. I played friendly game with the CS and string in zone five. She stayed stayed stayed - head up - then she caught a glimpse of the string and JUMPED forward and turned - then licked and chewed licked and chewed. Ahhhhh - so she was being a RBI, and then learned she was not being trapped. Changed direction - could only put one back foot on, but she was doing it on her own, understanding the task. Less RBI. This was a huge achievement for her and me. I'm better at the technique, and she's more confident and me and herself.
 
THEN onto the weave at trot. First one was a miss, then good, then better, then BEST! Wow, drive and draw with my energy, on the featherline. She understands the pattern and put effort into maintaining her responsibility. She was calm. How little indeed it takes. I liked how when it was better, I asked for one more and then quit. I liked how I stopped after each go to have a break, before returning in other direction, and thus helping her to stay calm.

 (Freestyle, 60 mins) For June 19, 2012. Second day in cradle bridle. Wow, what a learning day (stayed inside). Immediately felt calmness. Walked on loose rein on the rail, interrupting the pattern when she started to speed up. Weave, using the techniques learned from freestyle figure eight savvy club dvd. Very successful. She kept stretching so going to the left I picked up some contact, excellent stretching. I asked for some more, she kept the contact. I asked for the trot - stretching. She kept the contact - bingo, momentary stretch of her back Good Banana! I almost cried. What a feeling. She blew and blew and blew.
Changed rein - here is where it got most interesting. As soon as she felt the contact she went into a run. I stayed with her, she calmed. We walked, every time she felt the contact she snatched the reins and sped up the walk. I didn't slow her (very hard habit to not revert to), and we played at this for a long time. Staying calm, helping her to understand she was neither blocked, nor going to be forced into a frame. Must have been 30 minutes, and then she relaxed, and I was able to stretch calmly into the contact. I got off. She was relaxed. What a story she was telling me - I'm looking forward to the next - rewritten - chapter.

 JUNE 21, 2012
 Today, on the drive to the barn as I was planning my riding session I suddenly realized I was experiencing a new sense of self - "competent rider". Wow. I had to lick and chew on that for quite a few miles. "Competent rider." I kept trying it on, and it seemed to fit.
What brought this on, after all the years of, well, you know, wearing the LOSER RIDER jacket? One session of the game of contact. Realizing I could be understanding and effective. Extra nice - on the drive home, I felt I'd earned the right to wear the jacket.

ONLINE: Zaina offered calm smooth canters today on the circling game. I thought I was asking her to move out sideways at the trot, to improve her frame, but she picked up the canter. I was smart enough not to make her feel wrong (boy, how easily those feelings of the need to "correct" come up!).
Point to Point from long distance (naturally - how wonderful to feel her understanding and putting in effort and interest, as if our ideas were the same).
Figure 8 - As I focus on being more particular about myself - not moving my feet, I realize that while the turn to the right is good and easy, to the left is not. Overshoots, doesn't seem to understand the pattern. Even at the walk, and on the 12' line it is an issue. Mmmm - more circling? No, I realize that when I ask her to change directions going to the left the same problem arises, she doesn't even seem to feel me drawing on the rope. This will take some figuring out.

FINESSE: Was going to ride freestyle in the bridle but Zaina INSISTED that we play the game of contact. What a difference from the previous day going to the right. A bit of yanking the reins, but she didn't run off at the walk. Couple episodes of rushing in the trot, but quickly calmed with short episode of partial disengagement. I could feel her WANTING to be calm and to dance WITH me. We were able to play in stage 2 in both directions! Kept the session in each direction very short, just looking for relaxation. My unstoppable mare is trotting in rhythm instead of rushing! I just realized, as I was selecting the savvy for this update, that GoC must be finesse, not freestyle - how did that happen??? Oh, I know, because of the Parelli pathway - naturally progressing.


JUNE 25, 2012 
Had a wonderful Saturday afternoon play day with the Nova Scotia Parelli Gals. Here is a video of Zaina, extreme RBE, and a future Parelli professional: http://youtu.be/BRjGV6mJbqc

 (On Line, 30 mins) Online, first play after the playday and Zaina was licking and chewing from the get go in her stall while grooming. Online we played with trot change of directions using the technique Jo Tucker demonstrated, and Z started to understand instead of reacting to the instruction to shift her mind from forward to thinking of me and what I was asking.
She BACKED, with the porcupine game, onto the playwood board!!!!!
Squeeze over obstacle in both directions, was GOOD. She overjumps instead of trotting, but was looking where she was going and was able to more calmly stop and turn and wait.

 (Freestyle, 30 mins) Day 3 of GoC. Very interesting - a little bit of running at walk and trot, but then she shifted into "I'm blocked". Mmmmm, it means, I think, that she was thinking rather than reacting. So I got to play "reins mean go" just like shown on the DVD! We were able to play at Stage 2 in both directions. Afterward, asked for a freestyle trot, still tendency to run, but I was able to calm her with partial disengagement using one rein. PLUS TOOK ON AND OFF JACKET!!!

 (Liberty, 15 mins) Lead by hind leg, figure 8 at walk. Very calm and interested horse!

JUNE 27, 2012  (On Line, 60 mins) Wonderful relaxing time. Z had tetanus vaccine on Monday. Expected soreness but none apparent! Still, just hand grazed, asked for her to touch rock with foot. She gladly walked under very low hanging branches.

JUNE 29, 2012

 (On Line, 60 mins) Touch the ball, and ball on back; circling - went LBE cantering, had to shut down, when got nice trot quite. Played on tarp - hind legs on, HQ yield, sideways; squeeze over low spread jump. Only had to take one stop and look, and circle before jumped fairly calmly both directions!

 (Liberty, 15 mins) Circling at walk (pretty unconnected).

MAY 2012

MAY 2, 2012
(On Line, 45 mins) Bit of online fun while snacking grass - stick to me at trot to get to the grass, sideways up the hill while eating grass, directing from Z5 away from the grass, and squeeze through standards and into the ring. Then out out out quickly, away from biting flies and into the arena!
Figure 8 at walk, directing the nose, super soft response.
Friendly game with saddle; trot circling.

(Freestyle, 30 mins) My focus today was "how soft can I be" in freestyle. I hadn't transferred this to my mounted work, but the end of the last ride showed me how far I still needed to go. Auditing the Kari Bowser clinic showed me strategies for achieving. Bow Tie pattern for dealing with the rushing. Lots of backing, and sideways - plenty of resistance. Plenty of stopping. Trot was better. Still rushy a bit, but not nearly as much. I could feel my body being more responsive, not just reacting.

MAY 5, 2012
(On Line, 45 mins) Playing online outside again as part of moseying for grass: sideways up the hill, yoyo up and down the hill, direct from Z4 and 5. Tremendous to see her big controlled round trot as she moves on the hillside looking at the grass!
Inside, beautiful figure 8 and nice circling.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Very much improvement under saddle. More relaxed, not as impulsive. Walk on rail with Shelley beside it for confidence building helped a lot. Used back up again to deal with impulsion. Trot went from a bit worried, to EXCELLENT.

(Liberty, 30 mins) Stick to me, touch it, circling. Got over excited on circle when wouldn't change and went into RBE canter for quite awhile. Reconnected with friendly and touch it. Beautiful girl.
  
MAY 8, 2012 The Hit the Trail set has a terrific dvd on general skills of groundwork, despooking, and bend to a stop - all with Linda teaching. A fantastic review with new learning opportunities! I discovered "holes" missing in my knowledge and with new found ideas made super progress today in multiple areas. This, along with the GoC set are so jam packed with information and teaching demos they are like updated Blue Pack level 2 and Liberty & Horse Behaviour sets.

(On Line, 45 mins) Progress with online confidence by retreating when Zaina showed a change (as per Hit the Trail info). BIG difference. Brought out a small kids ball to work on confidence building with it on her, and had great success with her left side. Overall, much more attentive today than last session. Guess whatever was in the air has passed!
 (Freestyle, 45 mins) Super saddling session. NO worries with the pad, and no moving away with the saddle, despite my super clumsiness - sigh, poor horse, what she puts up with! Today's theme was bend to a stop, using newfound knowledge from Hit the Trails. She started to cross her back legs, and getting that she needed to stop. Every time she "left" I bent her to a stop, and wow, at one point she finally EXHALED! That's when I got off. It felt so right to end it here, and I think there are huge dividends in store for today's learning.
Also - I think her favorite pattern is the bow time, for destressing at the trot. Mine too.

 (Liberty, 15 mins) Short liberty as I felt the connection was a bit fragile but also needed to be nurtured after our end-riding success. Very soft stick to me, with two (especially the second) wonderfully soft change of direction. Then figure 8 (dare I!), stopped each time she did a half rotation and came to me, rubbed her softly on the muzzle, then asked for the second half. Um, this was pure physical delight in our harmony. I didn't ask for too much, I was polite, and she was oh so willing.
We ended the session with her touching the marker as I picked it up, and she followed me to the rail where we deposited it. I can still feel this session in my teeth, hours later.

MAY 10, 2012
What a time today! High gusting winds made it rather noisy and fearsome in the coverall. But Zaina's got her mojo back ++++. After weeks of worrying about being on the rail (ask me about the "cone" incident!) today she rose to the challenge. "Bring it on" she told the wind, and was marching around the rail INTO the corners with nary a cue or correction. There I am, on her back not very helpfully thinking, "Are you sure, Zaina?????"

 On Line, 30 mins. Figure 8 at the trot VERY NICE, circles and changes. Just a prelim to freestyle today.

(Freestyle, 45 mins) Only need for two bend to a stop before zaina exhaled and was in left brain mode. Happily too me around the rail, despite the wind, and I happily took her on to circles and figure 8s as part of my leadership role - using the carrot stick no less. My goodness, I haven't used it for weeks and it was as if I'd been using it for ages. How things change.
Z was super today with circles - I lowered my stirrups a hole, maybe that was it?
After I threw away the CS I guess she figured we were in for trots so got worried. I just put her back onto the bow tie pattern, she relaxed, and we were able to do some really nice trot patterns. Getting closer....!

(Liberty, 30 mins) SUPER stick to me. Sticky but progressive sideways (rarely played with this at liberty). Then to the figure 8. Started with half the pattern, no problem. Progressed to asking for full figure - left me, but came back. Asked again, left across the arena, I stood my ground swinging the savvy string like a fan. When she turned, I stopped and invited her. She came back, had a rub, asked for it - DONE!!!! She followed me around as I collected arena toys.

MAY 13, 2012. Zaina is 16 years old and today she allowed me to use the clippers on her bridlepath between her ears! Thank you Parelli!
(On Line, 45 mins) Lovely day moseying for grass, and peppering in a few tasks, along with stretches and deep grooming.

MAY 15, 2012
(On Line, 45 mins) Today, Zaina went a little ways down the steep grade (my learning from Hit the Trail). Three times and she walked up and down calmly. Let me bounce a medium ball on her back, and let me touch her face and neck with the pool noodle. Last year the pool noodle was trying to eat her.

(Freestyle, 60 mins) Walk was beautiful today. Was able to play friendly game rubbing CS along the rail. She went along the rail and into the corners, halting. I think I've figured out my balance and use of legs to get good circles, although going to the left is like turning a truck.
Spent a lot of time with trot walk transitions and working on my position. I could feel some beautiful moments of smooth, non-running trot. A dream! Was doing sitting trot circles without even realizing it, it had become so smooth. Smoother than the posting trot. Mmmmm, a position thing no doubt.

(Liberty, 15 mins) Stick to me, and wonderful walk weave (3 poles).

MAY 18, 2012
(On Line, 60 mins) Today I spent at least 30 minutes helping Zaina be confident to circle to the right. How interesting.

(Freestyle, 60 mins) Fantastic walk. Played the pattern shown on latest mastery dvd - halt at the rail, disengage off the rail with CS, then use CS to turn head back to rail and walk forward (not a full circle). Zaina sticky turning off rail to the left, but very soft to the right. She much enjoyed the pattern.

Trotting success once I realized I have been gripping with my knees in the trot. Totally accidental realization. Then riding with relaxed legs completely changed my body, and Zaina's. NO MORE RUNNING. My chest opened, I could breath, and I could think. I'm imagining how awful this has been for her. Got off soon after a bit of nice relaxed trot in order to reward both of us.

 LIBERTY: Beautiful stick to me, touch it from 12 ft, started back up, and into figure 8 (one round). Z very soft and connected.

MAY 21, 2012
(On Line, 30 mins) More ball play confidence with Zaina. Today the big blue exercise ball - no problems with approaching, and she even started giving it a BIG push!!! How cool is that???? What a change from the fall. Then onto her back, and bouncing it. She's not completely relaxed with the bouncing, or it rolling around on Z4, but she has figured out she needs to lower her head to get rid of it - just needs to develop enough confidence to keep it lowered rather than nodding it up and down!

(Freestyle, 45 mins) More beautiful walk. Friendly game with fence rail. BETTER able to stand straight next to it while I rubbed the rail with CS. Long way to go, but at least she's no longer terrorized. Had to do an emergency dismount with a "predator" neighbour was watching from her yard! Then back on. Trot was fast to begin with, then with lots of pattern interupts become beautiful. Soooo many years of wrong riding to rebuild.

(Liberty, 15 mins) Stick to me at trot down the length of ring, and across. Lost her coming back.

MAY 28, 2012. Okay - this is the thing - if you cannot peddle while trotting it likely means you are gripping in your knees, even if you hadn't realized it (ie, the death grip is not apparent). If you give up the grip, your back will soften, if your back softens so will your shoulders. A+B+C= SHAZAM - a softly trotting rather than racing horse! So, watch your peddling!

May 21, 2012: BIG BLUE BALL
Big Blue exercise ball play online progress! Able to bounce ball on Zaina's back. This progress occurred because of my retreating AFTER she showed a change toward relaxation. On the 21st she let me bounce the ball on her back but was tense; on the 23rd she figured out that I'd stop bouncing if she lowered her head. After that, she'd keep it down as I was bouncing it!!!!

Bouncing ball on back is a level 4 online task, and I wasn't scheduling even having the ball ON her until later in the year. But when I realized I was retreating at the wrong time I decided to start ball play with small balls and work up to the big one. Well, only two sessions were needed with smaller balls because of the change in approach.

May 23, 2012: 45' LINE
Started serious play with 45' line on the 23rd, second play on 26th. Very "live" rope! What a surprise to me, as I expected it to be more difficult to handle because of its length. Energy runs down the rope very quickly so it is an excellent tool for stopping RBE issues and for backing.
Point to point is kind of crazy with it! Need to review online patterns to check out my technique for that task.

May 26, 2012: Freestyle
Aha - sublime riding. Giving up more tension and gripping, and putting Zaina back in the natural hackamore - and riding inside to help with calmness. I was also much more effective, rather than a wimp at the walk, expecting her to be more responsible for standing and backing and moving sideways. Result - better standing, backing and sideways!

May 29, 2012 BIG FIELD CATCHING GAME
Aha! Zaina was out in the big field when I arrived, so we got to play the catching game! Liberty circles (at a gallop) with lots of changes of direction and chance to practice simple changes.  Zaina was determined to stay on the grass, but then I could see her puzzling this out: "Mmmmm, I'm on the grass, but I'm not eating the grass. And the grass is tall, so this is hard work. And the ground is bumpy, so this isn't comfortable. Mmmm, what's the point, might as well go with her." Yahoo - ten minutes of fun not frustration.
Wonderful online play. Yoyo about 30feet, working on straightness.
New task today - coming over obstacle toward me. Difficult for her, as she wanted to go to the side, but I helped her stay straight. Did one back up toward the obstacle as well. Next over was MUCH more confident.
Lovely liberty, squeezes and she wanted to go over the pole again, so we both did.

MAY 31, 2012
(On Line, 60 mins)  45' Line, point to point - still rather close range but I'm getting a bit handier with the rope BEAUTIFUL circling game: walk not really a circle though, but bit more active; trot became relaxed; gorgeous relaxed canter. Couldn't canter more than 1 1/2 circles at a time, but I didn't push it, accepting what she was offering and disengaging early as reward. I love the parelli mindsite: expect a lot, accept a little, reward often - satisfying for both of us.
Backing - much straighter.

(Freestyle, 60 mins) Fantastic walk, including backing. Almost no brace. Trot is becoming steadier (yahoo!). Used transitions much more effectively, including backing to help shift the weight when she got foreward. Played corners game, which seemed to give the trot more purpose and helped shift her mind a bit too. Was very mindful of keeping my chest up, and hands back as part of keeping her weight back. Meant I forgot about ensuring I was posting correctly, so body didn't feel as light afterward. Thankfully through my head is Linda's telling me that we can't fix or work on everything all at once.
 
(Liberty, 15 mins) Stick to me at trot, from a fair distance, but MUCH better than has been, with Z NOT taking off into a canter. Backing - resistant, wanted to go sideways so that's what we did, then backing when alongside the wall. Accepted a few steps, as she was responsive to being corrected for straightness.

APRIL 2012: IN REVIEW

APRIL 2012: REVIEW
Reviewing my entries for each savvy this month doesn't show much, but soo much was happening. A lot of time spent on line doing much by waiting waiting waiting. Controlling my energy while Zaina processed her thoughts has resulted in massive changes. It has been such an important component of my learning as well - not just jumping from task to task, but paying attention to HER emotional and mental progress through the tasks. 

April riding has been about working out her trot anxieties, and in doing so working out my fears of the speed. Still a work in progress as month comes to an end. 

Not much liberty play, but lots of closeness. She's catching me when I come to the field, eyes forward, moving by Tago despite his inclination to keep her to himself.

April 2, 2012 

For the past couple of days I have been protecting Zaina's space from invasion by her pasture-mate when I come to get and return her. It hasn't taken much, just a few shakes of the finger or carrot stick, and he understood the need to stand and wait for an invitation to come in for a carrot treat instead of being bargy.

Payoff? Today, when I arrived Zaina looked up and immediately started coming to me. Pasture buddy reached out to bite her ribs and she JUST KEPT COMING! Later on, when I was wondering through, she left her flake of hay to come and say hello.


Do Parelli people ever get tired of smiling? 
Thank you to Barb McL for the reminder of the importance of being the protector of our horses.

April 22, 2012   

Something's changed with Zaina emotionally. I could feel it as I was grooming her. A sense of a bond between us - very deep. Stopped me in my tracks, and I just leaned on her and was grateful. Ten years for this moment to occur. 

After riding, and being unsaddled she looked queenly. Very different - not looking "done in"; proud, dignified.

April 25, 2012   

Little blonde boys in bright red sweaters are apparently wolves in sheep's clothing! How good to know to "GET OFF NOW" - with memories of 3 years ago and the bright purple sweater incident swirling in my head. Whew, so much better this time.

APRIL, 2012: LIBERTY LEARNING

APRIL 2012: LIBERTY
Didn't ask for a lot at liberty this month as was spending a lot of time during our sessions riding.

April 2, 2012 

After our grand walk-about I released Zaina into the outdoor ring. After she had a bit of a look around she came over to me, ignoring the nearby grass, and permitted me to groom her thoroughly without a move away. How awesome is that?

April 16, 2012

Friendly game, sponge bath after the ride. Nice, how she stayed with me.

April 22, 2012   

First liberty play in the outdoor arena! stick to me - walk, lead by the hind leg (left vg, right very worried), circling game w, t, - her own idea to canter. But that's okay, she was more relaxed after doing so.

 April 25, 2012   

Very short liberty as I could not compete with the bit of grass in the corner of the arena. Established stick to me at the walk, then let her get to it. Next time I'll be smarter and end it at the grass so she isn't walking away from me. Sigh - savvy is as savvy does!