MARCH 2 2011
(On Line, 90 mins) Spent a long time
revisiting the weave at trot, interspersed with other tasks. Finally, I figured
out that the issue was ME - go figure????? I had to be much clearer, ie,
stronger, in my communication of what I needed Z to do once she passed the
second pylon. So instead of letting her continue, early on I had ensure I had
her attention and once I had that, I could ask her to move through the next
two.
Wow - it is just amazing when you
can SEE that they understand, "Oh, you want me to go THIS way. Well, why
didn't you say so before!" Also interesting that as Z was struggling to
figure things out she was sweating a lot, but once she got it, she dried up.
So, remember "Mind, flexion, weight, feet". Also worked on saddling
today. LOTS of anxiety about that. Put the pad and saddle on separately because
it wasn't working to try and do both (the puffiness of the theraflex means it
slides off when the horse moves around!).
To help gain her confidence I
encouraged Z to step back, away from me, when I was standing with the saddle. A
few times doing this and she was willing to stand and have the saddle put on
her. She did well with the saddle last time, so wonder if her growing knowledge
of being able to communicate her needs is telling me that there is old old old
baggage about saddling to deal with. On the other hand, maybe it was the ice
SLIDING OFF THE ROOF! Doesn't matter.
What does matter, is that while I
was working with her our eyes connected, not easy for an RBE, and it was clear
that she understood that I was trying to help her gain confidence and not force
her to accept the saddle. Remember the frenzied feeling of love? These moments
bring those back - the depth of understanding, and realizing that one is doing
the right thing.
MARCH 4 2011
Have spent the past 3 sessions playing with weave pattern at the trot. Aside from developing Z's confidence over obstacles, this has been by far the most challenging. She's great at the walk, but at the trot her mind leaves her and she was blowing past me after the 2nd pylon (also perhaps confused because thinking it was the figure 8).
Great ride today. 30 minutes, 15 at walk and 15 at trot. Kept the trot in a sort circle pattern, and it helped her gain confidence - and me too. I am not so worried about doing a perfect circle anymore, but about using the pattern to for the purpose of development. That makes a HUGE difference, she didn't get stressed or bored, but settled into it.
MARCH 4 2011
Have spent the past 3 sessions playing with weave pattern at the trot. Aside from developing Z's confidence over obstacles, this has been by far the most challenging. She's great at the walk, but at the trot her mind leaves her and she was blowing past me after the 2nd pylon (also perhaps confused because thinking it was the figure 8).
Great ride today. 30 minutes, 15 at walk and 15 at trot. Kept the trot in a sort circle pattern, and it helped her gain confidence - and me too. I am not so worried about doing a perfect circle anymore, but about using the pattern to for the purpose of development. That makes a HUGE difference, she didn't get stressed or bored, but settled into it.
My lower back is not rounding at the trot. Need to review videos on pushing passenger.
Bracey on turns in the hackamore. More review of videos!
Great disengagements and halts. Good 9 step back up, except out of corner. Turns instead, I think it is a confidence issue.
MARCH 5 2011
(On Line, 90 mins) Success trotting
the weave pattern! Walked it two times, then trotted - clearly she now
understands it. Did one more trot through (only going one way), then quit so as
to not push her into RBE. Z really had to work hard to not run out, she was
tense at the 3rd cone as she was working to figure it out and follow my
instructions, and once she DID it, going around the 4th was easy, with a very
calm disengagement and wait.
Friendly game with the saddle ended
in disaster. Was able to work through issues with the saddle pad, and putting
the saddle on, and walking with it, but on taking it off when I lifted the
girth she went RBE. So then I tested things out, she's reacting extreme to
anything raised up, including my hand. This is new. Will need to figure out if
its an outcome of days of ice coming off the roof combined with too much time
inside, OR if her vision is worsening.
She took a long time to be trusting
again, but finally came to me for her supplement syringe, and let me put her
blanket on her. Its been over a year since Zaina has had major fear issues. I
hope I haven't blown through too many thresholds and have been the cause. Big
self doubts until I get the chance to play with her again.
MARCH 6 2011
(On Line, 90 mins) Whatever was up
with Z last session I guess she's over it. Greeted me with happy eyes and
nickers (even calling me over to her stall when I dallied too long saying hi to
the others).
Gorgeous weather and less ice meant we could walk on the road. She offered a on-line hack so that is what we did, down a different rode, her as confident as can be, not worrying about garbage (gotta love it!) or potholes filled with water, or the passing car, or or or.
Even trotted a bit staying with me and not getting over excited. Good hill therapy, will use this road more often now, and maybe eventually do some driving on it (dreams and hopes). In the yard practiced squeezing next to the trailer, with grass as a treat. Waved my arms around and up high - no worries.
Gorgeous weather and less ice meant we could walk on the road. She offered a on-line hack so that is what we did, down a different rode, her as confident as can be, not worrying about garbage (gotta love it!) or potholes filled with water, or the passing car, or or or.
Even trotted a bit staying with me and not getting over excited. Good hill therapy, will use this road more often now, and maybe eventually do some driving on it (dreams and hopes). In the yard practiced squeezing next to the trailer, with grass as a treat. Waved my arms around and up high - no worries.
MARCH 9 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Today I think I
learned that once Z has had a warm up (touch this that there here, mirroring,
stick to me, tit for tat), that I need to get her energy UP, even though this
might send her toward RBE. When this finally happened today (after I urged her
into a FAST canter, and mirrored her startle-jumps every time she saw a cone)
what a difference. A change from 45 minutes of lackluster effort and going RBI
to fully attentive - weave, sideways, zone 3 next to gate (very scary), squeeze
through 3 foot gap (also scary). For the latter two, which are more difficult
for her, I could see that she was willing to try, even though she was not 100%
sure of the idea. That was a major breakthrough!
MARCH 12 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Zaina's emerging
trust has taken our relationship to a new level. It is an incredible feeling.
Who knew??? Um, Pat & Linda.
Walked through a puddle of water in the barn even though skeptical at first; walked with me over a new (and thus scary) obstacle after a lot of approach and retreat; went confidently to the tarp; accepted the saddle pad; trotted the weave pattern. Also - sending her to RBE at the beginning and when she's worried works to get her focused!
I've also learned that once Z has had a warm up (touch this that there here, mirroring, stick to me, tit for tat), that I need to get her energy UP, even though this might send her toward RBE. This helps her focus her attention on me, and I've used it to help her release tension when worried.
Task achievements this week:
- touch it with tarp, on 22 foot line with confidence
- trot weave pattern
- trot change of direction on circle
Played with a fleece/quilted saddle pad. A little skeptical at first, but then no problem having it on and off her back or lifted high above Z 3.
Walked through a puddle of water in the barn even though skeptical at first; walked with me over a new (and thus scary) obstacle after a lot of approach and retreat; went confidently to the tarp; accepted the saddle pad; trotted the weave pattern. Also - sending her to RBE at the beginning and when she's worried works to get her focused!
I've also learned that once Z has had a warm up (touch this that there here, mirroring, stick to me, tit for tat), that I need to get her energy UP, even though this might send her toward RBE. This helps her focus her attention on me, and I've used it to help her release tension when worried.
Task achievements this week:
- touch it with tarp, on 22 foot line with confidence
- trot weave pattern
- trot change of direction on circle
Played with a fleece/quilted saddle pad. A little skeptical at first, but then no problem having it on and off her back or lifted high above Z 3.
MARCH 14 2011
(On Line, 90 mins) Great on-line
hack today. This time down the road with not just confidence but with
curiosity.It was windy, and she took over leadership so I did fore and
hindquarter turns, and yoyos to get it back, and get my energy up. It worked!
Found a path that took us behind the property, up a hill, through trees and
brush. Amazing how squeeze games are easy when there is curiosity and a
purpose! Back to the property for grazing, yoyos, squeeze over a log, then
games around the trailer.
MARCH 16 2011
(On Line, 120 mins) At last there is
enough grass poking through to once again mosey before playing. Also used that
time to get Z's attention: yoyo down a hill (scarey), walk over a log (boring
now), and squeeze by the trailer (Z5 is a bit wary). Inside, on the circling
game she willingly walked and trotted over a ground pole!!!! Played lots of
friendly game with girth, as that seems to be what set her off a few sessions
ago. She was worried, but worked with me to regain her composure. Did lots of
tail massage and that helped. I was able to saddle her without incident and
play at tasks at the walk. She was a bit skeptical but remained calm. Played
with walking over the new scary obstacle again today. Progress through trust.
MARCH 20 2011
(On Line, 30 mins) Moseyed for grass
and did a few tasks to keep her respectful and focused on me. Had to get very
firm, as she was LBE wanting the grass. Interesting, I can finally really
"get" the difference when she's being dominant versus when she's
confused or scared, and how different I have to be. When I went to phase 4 to
get a hindquarter disengagement, man did she ever pay attention to my asking
for a yoyo, and DID it without worrying.
(Liberty, 30 mins) UDT as Z soaked
up the sun and I picked pooh. Couple of times went closer to her and brought
out carrots and she sauntered over. After treating her I turned and walked away
before she could. Blew her mind! Lots of dominant neck swinging. How
interesting.
MARCH 23 2011
Circles continue to improve. Z is letting me be more insistent - ie,
not getting scared when I insist on her circling, so she must be
understanding that she is supposed to be doing "it" until asked
otherwise.
Is trotting over a pole without concern. I've been able to bring her to a trot from a RBE canter AND keep her out on the circle. She's "getting" the difference between being asked to slow down versus being asked to disengage - well, rather I'm "getting" how to ask for each of these properly.
Saddling fears seem to be overcome. It WAS the girth that caused the most anxiety. Played lots of friendly game, and most interestingly it was clear that Z was working with me to calm herself. She understood I was trying to help her get left brained, because I was able to change her from entirely fearful to accepting in 30 minutes of one session. Previously this would have taken a number of sessions, and going for 30 minutes would have been torturing her, not progress. If all goes well next session, plan to have a short ride!
Is trotting over a pole without concern. I've been able to bring her to a trot from a RBE canter AND keep her out on the circle. She's "getting" the difference between being asked to slow down versus being asked to disengage - well, rather I'm "getting" how to ask for each of these properly.
Saddling fears seem to be overcome. It WAS the girth that caused the most anxiety. Played lots of friendly game, and most interestingly it was clear that Z was working with me to calm herself. She understood I was trying to help her get left brained, because I was able to change her from entirely fearful to accepting in 30 minutes of one session. Previously this would have taken a number of sessions, and going for 30 minutes would have been torturing her, not progress. If all goes well next session, plan to have a short ride!
MARCH 26 2011
(On Line, 60 mins) Used my savvy
skills today to keep Z from becoming a rocket as we moseyed outside for new
grass before going inside to play. Remembering to let her move is difficult,
but she certainly appreciates it once I do, and it helps to immediately calm
her down. Short on-line session of primarily figure 8 trots, and circles (6
each way!). Had a plan to ride, for the first time since November. After a lot
of friendly game to saddle up, got on, took a couple steps then jumped off.
Enough given the high wind and Z's tension. She gave a big sigh when I was off
- so it made her happy not to be pushed as well. Came home happy instead of
with an injury.
Z's looking at me differently. When we were playing today, her eyes were sending messages of trust, expectation, and questions. Now I really feel the responsibility to treasure her willingness, and handle with care. Wow.
She
gave me a lot today, despite the wind and hail that sent her RBE
outside, and made her LBE inside. Great circling, even though the trot
was looooong, she was attentive. Figure 8 trots were super, had not done
these in a long time. She was working hard to do what I asked with
sideways and hindquarter isolated moves, looking at me for
acknowledgment of her skill.
MARCH 28 2011
(On Line, 45 mins) Zaina's circling
game is just getting better and better. She's choosing to go over the ground
pole all the time at the walk and trot, and even sometimes at the canter - as
if she's trying it out at that speed - and not going RBE.
When asked to step over the ground
pole as a squeeze game, she did it with a bit of trepidation but with
willingness - looking me full face the entire time. Whew, she was asking me if
I was sure it was safe. When I nodded, she stepped over with ONE FOOT and
WAITED. Usually it's step and GO. Big moment. Lots of licking and chewing
afterward. She got RBE when near the door because the wind was blowing around
stuff, but kept at a sane paced canter and didn't pull the rope taut. Played
squeeze games near the area and by the saddle, which seemed to be the thing
that settled her down.
(Freestyle, 15 mins) Rode for 10
minutes today. Z was a rock, even as I was fiddling for my stirrup. Ii think
she appreciates the hackamore, no chance of pulling her mouth so no risk of
confusion. Ran through indirect and direct rein turns; power position to stop
(LOVE IT!); and flexions each way. Lost my mind and asked her to walk on the
rail, but she remembered that our pattern is for me to be a passenger while she
chooses where we go. Once I did that she was quite happy, going into the
deepest corner!!!!! I became nervous because of the wind to continue, knowing
that if she jumped I was to tense to stay on. Gotta review all those riding
dvds!
MARCH 30 2011
(On Line, 45 mins) Quite the LBE
today, especially outside, as she WANTS HER GRASS, and is quite impatient as I
play various games with her to ensure she's thinking about me, too. Starting to
be able to achieve a bit of yoyo downhill, as long as the slope is not steep
AND if she's positioned at an angle. Short session indoors as two riders
arrived today, so wanted to make sure I could get in this play before mounting
up. She responded beautifully to the saddle, no worries at all. Mmmmmmm, maybe
I've been moving too slow with it, as today I was more casual but firm with the
intention? Or maybe just a change. All for the better.
{FREESTYLE}
Zaina's body has changed. Now when she trots, even when nervous, she's moving in a looonnnng frame, rather than compact. How interesting, and pretty. Even when she canters kinda RBE she's not as up and down, so it is coming there too. Never anticipated this transformation - bet it feels good to her, to not be tightly wound.
Today was third ride day; two others were in the ring, and Z was a rock. A little nervous when a trotting horse kicked sand against the wall, but okay overall. No problems at all saddling - I was less apprehensive about it cause I needed to get a move on before the other riders entered. Maybe that was it, maybe it was cause I had taken more air out of the pad the time before so it felt more balanced on her. Maybe maybe maybe - whatever, its GOOD.
Oh - and trotted a couple of sorta circles, to the left. Felt very good. I was much more balanced than previously. Maybe her longer body? Maybe the pad? Hard to keep a good circle cause she's bullish in the hackamore, but this will probably improve. Didn't try to trot to the right, as got too nervous. Plus - have to leave something for next time!
Gotta review old level 2 riding dvds to remind myself to move with her. But today I remembered to breathe.
{FREESTYLE}
Zaina's body has changed. Now when she trots, even when nervous, she's moving in a looonnnng frame, rather than compact. How interesting, and pretty. Even when she canters kinda RBE she's not as up and down, so it is coming there too. Never anticipated this transformation - bet it feels good to her, to not be tightly wound.
Today was third ride day; two others were in the ring, and Z was a rock. A little nervous when a trotting horse kicked sand against the wall, but okay overall. No problems at all saddling - I was less apprehensive about it cause I needed to get a move on before the other riders entered. Maybe that was it, maybe it was cause I had taken more air out of the pad the time before so it felt more balanced on her. Maybe maybe maybe - whatever, its GOOD.
Oh - and trotted a couple of sorta circles, to the left. Felt very good. I was much more balanced than previously. Maybe her longer body? Maybe the pad? Hard to keep a good circle cause she's bullish in the hackamore, but this will probably improve. Didn't try to trot to the right, as got too nervous. Plus - have to leave something for next time!
Gotta review old level 2 riding dvds to remind myself to move with her. But today I remembered to breathe.
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