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.
