Finally out to play with Z today, after 4 days between times, with the horses having been in for three days because of the rain. I was amazed at how happy she was considering the confinement. Good air, and roomy stall make a huge difference.
Busy day at the barn, with Margo and her horse Willow there, so this is new for Z. Plus Kelley and Emma working horses.
Played with Z on-line as Kelley was lunging. Willow and Margo were in the area by the gate. This was distracting for Z, plus she was unconfident. Put her head to the ground a lot. I played with her very very slowly. She was happy to come back to me, ears forward, eager! Did a neat sideways against the wall, using just the end of the rope moving back and forth. At first Z thought I wanted her to go backwards, so I'd stop and get her to face the wall, and after a few times she understood. It was nice.
Did friendly game with the rope over her butt. Again very disturbing to her at first, but then quieted. Then did lead by the leg, which we haven't played for a long time. At first she was worried again by the rope, but gained confidence and we worked on taking a step, which she still doesn't understand so I needed to use the lead line to help her, but she was good with moving forward once she understood what was being asked.
When mounted I became VERY tense. Worried that she'd jump at willow being near the door. She was distracted and I mirrored her, which helped. She spooked lightly first couple times when walked into spongy area, but then relaxed. Interesting, how pre-parelli this would only have gotten worse. Walked the cloverleaf pattern and this got her concentration and settled me down.
I wasn't able to trot her. Too tense and concerned about applying what I learned yesterday at the centred riding clinic. Z jumped when Margo came to the door, which she hasn't done in ages, but I was able to immediately disengage her. She was worried about Willow being in the ring (or maybe it was all because of me????) so we walked a lot doing patterns and this helped.
I dismounted and played on-line while Margo lunged. Z was finally able to trot a circle both directions with me walking and talking to her - she is still worried about the stirrups bumping her, so this is a friendly game not a circling game.
I'm disappointed in myself for becoming nervous - and finding that old habits return - I kept staring at her neck, forgetting how uncomfortable that feels (re: yesterday's clinic). But I am also proud of myself for being savvy enough to play with her slowly, and to get off.
Z was happy in her stall afterward, coming for lots of head rubs, so I guess I didn't do too badly by her.
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