APRIL 2012: FREESTYLE FUN

APRIL, 2012  FREESTYLE

Not much riding in April (5 rides). Started riding outside, and so put Zaina in the bit and bridle. Waited until received the rein leathers to do this, as worried about hurting her mouth. Wanted to use the bit to have more control outside since she's zinging around enough inside at the trot! 

April 16, 2012:
 First outside ride and first ride using the rein leathers and bit. Played at self-haltering, and stretching into the bit. She likes the leathers... Worried at first, lots of disengaging, lots of transitions. Went for the trot, more disengaging and transitions. Gave me beautiful few strides of canter even though I didn't think I asked for it. Then I got scared and transitioned down. But learned that this is possible (both the up and the down) without fear (from her - mine is still there).

April 18, 2012

Took a totally different approach to freestyle trotting today. Partial disengagement has not been making a difference, nor has full disengagement, in terms of resulting in a calm trot EVENTUALLY.

Soooo, instead of trying to "get" her to trot at a pace I was comfortable with (all about me) by interfering with the pace (and perhaps rewarding it by stopping it????) I let her choose the speed and took it into circles and figure 8s. In other words, I tried to make it about her needs.
 Many of those circles got awfully small and man this gal is so nimble she can keep up the speed! Figure 8s were more difficult because she'd worry at the change, so I'd alternate small circles then change, then more circles then change.



Sometimes she even decided to canter - which we haven't done for two years. Nice and slow and even, despite my lack of balance....

The neat thing is, I didn't fall off! And when it got too fast I gave a small disengagement to the outside and she trotted. That I could do the disengagement means I've got some balance going.



I was able to do all of this on a longish rein, and one rein riding. 



After about 30 minutes Zaina was THINKING about maintaining a calm trot rather than running, although we've got a number of rides ahead of us before its solidified.
When I dismounted felt I had a successful ride rather than failing because of not being able to get her settled.





Sooo very interesting. The lesson here, for me, was to stop working against Zaina's worries at the trot. Instead, just trot trot trot trot trot trot a million circles. 

Those canters were too cool. I think she just wanted to move.

April 20

Spent a lot of time on a small circle pattern at walk with a disengagement at each rotation, and not walking again until she relaxed. Then began trot, let her proceed at her speed, transitioned to walk and disengagement and waited for relaxation. Then walked only - this blew her mind as she expected to be "told" to trot. Trot still fast and worried, but that's just how it is for now.

April 22, 2012   

Major breakthrough with the trot. Had some moments when Zaina didn't feel as if she was going to be killed - how nice! Cloverleaf pattern helped tremendously (thank you, Jo). Was able to use partial disengagement effectively - she's now understanding and paying attention! End with a relaxed trot to the right. Super big deal.

 April 25, 2012   

Shorter than anticipated freestyle because Zaina's emotions were pretty raw. Flies were bothering her, and when the boy in the bright red sweater appeared across the field she figured it was in the cards for her! Lots of resistance to backing, even kicking out. Mmmm, how interesting. But very nice walk figure 8s and weave. No trot, given the high headed warning phase! When I got off with her worrying she was soooo relieved. I think doing so will pay off big time - I let my mare know I cared and understood.