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Post by crazycolt on Sept 26, 2014 8:15:06 GMT 1
Well guys, a bit of an update from today. Gina came for our 'lesson,' watched me tack him up, we stood and did the 'Stand still and pay attention,' very good, and we took him up into the field. She suggested I just do what I would normally, and if I was happy she'd comment on what she saw, and see how I felt about what she said. So we had a walk around, to loosen him up a bit, and she stopped us after a few minutes. Is he leading as you'd like/want him to? Err - no, very sluggish. she agreed. Is he paying attention to you? Err - no, not really. She agreed. Is he moving in the direction you want? Err - no, she agreed. She already knew the background. So we worked on leading, walk and trot, he had a little moment when I trotted him through a 'corridor' I ignored him, let him calm down, and carried on. So when the leading was better, next, are you happy to get on him? Yes, so I did. He stood very quietly and didn't move while I mounted, good boy. Asked him to move, by kissing, by 'walking seatbones' by using rein to direct, - nothing, not a thing. She asked me to assess how he felt, bearing in mind that as soon as we spoke, he rested a foot and shut his eyes. He still felt that he'd really rather not, thanks, I'll just have a snooze. She asked what I'd do next. Told her that I hadn't really used a leg aid, other than toe wiggling, and mentioned the 'rump tap.' So, we tried with a leg squeeze, nothing. Tried quite a few times, nothing. Okay, let's try the tap. Her opinion was that I was using quite light pressure, and he was ignoring it, knowing that I didn't really mean it. Back to intent!! So, 2 very light taps, and he moved forward, and I went with him. 2 steps, and stop. Repeat, the same, but 3 steps. Repeat, the same, but 6 steps, and so on, then a halt, let him think. Then start again. After about 5 minutes, he put in a little tiny buck, when tapped, which we ignored. He did this about 2 or 3 times, then seeming to find no response, didn't bother any more. Then we added in a leg squeeze, and Gina took the 'carrot stick', which she only used twice, until after about 15 minutes, he was walking nicely around the field, with only a very occasional stop, and moving on from a kiss, and seatbone movement, with an occasional leg squeeze, and no 'rump taps.' And he'd started snorting, cheeky! Another break, lots of praise, and off again. We continued and added some walk-halt-walk transitions, which he did very nicely, then added in some right - left turns, using body and slightly open rein, which again he did nicely. Halted and had a short discussion, he stood still, and after about an hour, ended on a very nice halt, and called it a day. So, have I called his bluff, upped my game so that he finally believes I mean it? Or have I made my intentions clearer, which means he understood better? or both, or something else! All discussion welcome, and of course, tomorrows' another day! Sorry, forgot to say Liz, this seems to echo what you were saying about getting the basics right, which even though I thought he was okay, another eye thought not as good as I imagined! Another reason why a good helper on the ground is invaluable. I have to say that once I got the intention that he was moving, I was softer than before, but guess my body position and my intent gave much clearer signals. x
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Sept 26, 2014 9:20:44 GMT 1
Hi cc it makes such a difference doesn't it when you have someone on the ground that makes you aware of what you are doing? And good that she started right at the beginning with tacking up etc. I think also it will help you, when you're on your own, to stop and speak to yourself about what you are doing and break things down into small steps to help you and him understand what you are intending to do. Just reiterates about going back to basics and build up slowly and even when you achieve the smallest of movements it makes you feel more positive. And the fact that you're riding in a "field" - I'm very impressed - I couldn't even contemplate riding H in the field!! There was a time I couldn't even lead/long line him in the field, and sometimes I need to remind myself of that to realise how far we've both come. Unfortunately my friend is unable to come today (her horse became ill yesterday), so can't take advantage of her help to assist with getting H moving forward into trot while I'm riding him so will stick with the basics until Dido comes on 14th October. I do find long lining H to be the most beneficial aid for both of us especially when on our own, as it gives me a chance to watch what H is doing and to give him more confidence in what I am asking. I've been working him in the paddock on the long lines this last week and concentrating on my keeping my "ask" very quiet and keep the pressure off him (and me), and although to begin with his response wasn't happening, gradually without me getting "loud" he started getting the message again. Whilst leading him through the "tunnel" yesterday the wind got up and the tarpaulin ballooned in front of him giving him quite a fright!! Luckily it worked to my advantage as it actually made him more alert and focussed on me (his protector), after which his responses were excellent Again upping the energy without the adrenalin rush. Intending to take H out for a nice "quiet" ride down bridleway this morning but am giving myself a good talk beforehand that I must keep the pressure off both of us and keep the "ask" low key - "I mustn't get loud"!! Well done for all that you are doing. don't get hard on yourself if things don't go as good the next time (I'm sure they will though), just find something that you know you are both good at and use it to finish each session on a positive note. xx
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Post by crazycolt on Sept 26, 2014 9:54:50 GMT 1
Hi hislordshipsmum Thanks. Yes, agree with all you've said, it is difficult being alone! That's why I take photos, and video every so often, gives me a shock sometimes! The 'field' is only small, it's their paddock, and it's all I've got, but I just decided that I needed to deal with it, and draw a line between work and play, he was great actually, as he's been all along, so different to William, who had so many bad memories and experiences. Could you not section a part of your field off, with cones, boards anything? I totally agree about long-lining, lets you see how they're carrying theirselves, and draws attention to how you're communicating too! Shame that your friends' horse isn't well, for her and you. Never mind, carrying on with what you're already doing will fix it in his mind, hopefully so that becomes the normal. Sounds like you did well with the tunnel, and enjoy your ride today.
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Sept 26, 2014 12:02:21 GMT 1
Had mixed ride, lots of positives though. Got on and had to pass a man moving large tree branches from garden into his car!!Harry was very brave, processed and went by no problem. Harry walked out well down bridleway, I got off to lead pass pig and then got on again, kept moving forward well apart from one getting stuck, he heard something so head came up being unsure (so reason), I let him process, no pressure, gave him a stroke and asked to move on which he did. Rode further than I had before on my own, turned round, was OK then got well and truly stuck. I did the usual "quietly" to try and get him to move even just a step, we managed a bit but I could feel I was getting a bit frustrated, so got off and led him. Went forward, then met two horses/riders coming towards us - now this was one of H's big issues - hated other horses and in the pass would freak, he has got better and today he stood perfectly still, although alert, and I was able to talk to riders for about 5 minutes with H standing next to the horses - this has never happened before so I was WELL chuffed.
Carried on and got on further down the bridleway, but he had switched off, so as I rode down the road I did some halt, rein back, walk on transitions which got his attention (not perfect but he did respond to each "ask"), we had a couple of lorries and vans pass us and he was very good with them, so all in all I was pleased. I didn't even think of asking him to trot (which I don't think I would have got anyway).
I do have the paddock which is basically sectioned off from the field, but I have vary rarely ridden in there on my own (have on occasion if someone with me); but I just don't have the confidence - long standing I'm afraid. Perhaps next year when Laura's back might have another go.
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Post by crazycolt on Sept 27, 2014 9:04:55 GMT 1
Sounds pretty positive though, no huge issues, and very good with the other horses. As for the field, you obviously long-line him in there, which is the way I started. I then assessed him carefully the first time before I get on, and as he was very calm, I simply practised mounting for a few minutes. Calmly on, sit still, and off, and repeat. I then progressed to a short walk, reward with a stroke/good boy and off again. Built it up slowly, always assessing his mood first, and if he appeared at all distracted, not listening, adrenaline up, stuck with groundwork or long-lining. I always do some groundwork or long-lining before I get on him in the field anyway, to loosen him up, and allow me to assess how he's feeling. Maybe you could try this pattern with a watcher, and that may give you the confidence to try on your own. I decided to go for it as if I didn't I would probably hardly ride him. Sorry if I'm teaching granny to suck eggs, but sometimes just being reminded helps. Good luck.
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Sept 27, 2014 14:24:28 GMT 1
Hi cc, read your post on the Members Forum, all very positive and interesting (sometimes you really sound like me and what I do with Harry!!), spooky how similar we are with what we're doing. I haven't posted on the members comments as I felt this is really between you and LizP and didn't what to put my say in when we can do it here. Yep I've worked Harry with the riding in the paddock as you say, but that was when I had Laura with me, although have done a bit on my own but real basics, just getting on and off and a little walk round; but loved seeing it explained in writing - nice to read that what I have done in the past is just as you explained it. Having read it must admit giving me a bit of confidence to perhaps have a go soon - will try and time it with H. I must admit Dido's visit on 14th can't come soon enough.
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Post by crazycolt on Sept 28, 2014 21:50:05 GMT 1
Hi hislordshipsmum Nice to know that we agree. I've had the grandsons over this weekend, so have had to have a couple of days off, so will see what the next week brings. I have to admit I do feel better having someone with me, but sometimes needs must! I'm still careful to assess him though, although with Morgan I find that difficult. Never mind, shall keep going, see what we get. Shall follow your progress, and good luck for the 14th. x
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Oct 3, 2014 17:09:38 GMT 1
Had my friend come and help me today, which was a big help, able to get Harry into trot a lot easier with someone backing me up on the ground. She actually thought he was doing very well; she has known him since day one so knows how far we have come and what we have already achieved; said I shouldn't be so hard on myself (where have we heard that before!!). Whilst I was riding him we had a tractor come by us, friend put him on the lead rope as additional security for him (and me) and he didn't move - and I stayed on (first time ever with a tractor), such a good boy; which gives me more confidence. I rode pass pig again and a few scarys so pleased with that, Harry very brave and just checked with me each time that all was well and once I had given him a stroke of reassurance he walked on by. Harry did plant a couple of times, but friend put him on lead which helped him understand what I was asking. So very positive and now something to take forward with Dido on 14th. Just wish I had someone with me all the time, but we can't have everything
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Post by crazycolt on Oct 4, 2014 18:16:16 GMT 1
Hi That's great, sounds really positive. Great about the tractor, and lovely that he feels reassured by you. It really makes a difference having someone there doesn't it? You do sound very much like me and Morgan. Looking forward to your update for the 14th. Update for me and Mogs, guess you've read the last bit on the Members board, didn't realise until now that I hadn't put it on here. I decided at the beginning of the week to go back to basics, and do exactly as we were doing when we came home from Moor Wood, same tack as well. He's been much better, and since I've discovered that in an emergency, I can mount from the ground, although I don't like doing it, we've moved on a bit. Even though he doesn't appear worried, I'm starting to get the impression that he hides it well. Yesterday we set off, walked out very nicely, and in the distance could hear cattle making a bit of a racket. As we got nearer it got louder, cattle bellowing, people shouting, but we couldn't see them. A couple of 4 x 4's with trailers on came past, and he was okay with that. But he didn't like the noises from the cattle, so I got off. As we walked round the corner, they'd blocked the lane with a trailer, and were loading bullocks up, you can imagine the racket. So he circled around me a bit, and I stood quietly, and eventually they let us past and we walked on. Went up the bridleway then, but until halfway it's not fit to ride on, and then got on. Rode him up past the pheasant fields, absolutely fine, and all the way home, doing walk-halt-walk now and then. So he was really trying. Hopefully the riding will become more and the walking will become less, but I've always tended to get off before home with the other horses, and give them a break before we get back. So very pleased overall. Good luck with the 14th, and keep on doing what you're doing, it's obviously working. Oh forgot to say, threw the hazel stick away, wasn't happy using it, and he was fine.
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Oct 4, 2014 18:51:35 GMT 1
Well done cc, that sounds really good what you had to cope with, especially the cows!!! That would terrify me (let alone Harry) as I hate being anywhere near cows. I too always get off for the last 5 minutes walking home, loosen girth etc to relax after ride. My friends coming again on the 14th for Dido's visit so hopefully be able to get some more photos as well.
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Post by crazycolt on Oct 5, 2014 21:10:44 GMT 1
I'll look forward to hearing about the day. x
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Oct 14, 2014 12:41:16 GMT 1
CC Unfortunately Dido has had to postpone today's visit, but we've booked in now for Friday 24th Oct, so will update you then. Having quite mixed outings with Harry at the moment; sometimes he has been really good and dealt with lots very well and other times he seems quite switched off and is like a "stride" behind me (mentally) - not sure whether a confidence issue or something physical. Have started giving him a probiotic powder, along with his Ulcer Calm, just in case his tummy is upset again (always a risky time with him (colic) coming into the winter with change of grass/weather). Also as it's been really wet again the field is sodden so can't do any work in paddock or field so having to just either lead out round village/bridleways with the occasional ride. Will keep up with the basics and hopefully Dido will have an answer.
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Post by crazycolt on Oct 15, 2014 8:01:43 GMT 1
Hi - yes, I'm struggling a bit too, Morgan sounds the same as Harry. The weather of course doesn't help, as with you! I've decided to take a step back, stop stressing, and do what I can. My 2 both get Yea-sacc, just in case, but they're normally okay with feed etc; I normally spend winter stressing about not being able to do much, so I've decided that when the weather allows, to just see how we're both feeling, and do what we can. I want to keep going, not stop completely, so shall see! Hopefully Dido will get to you on 24th, will look forward to seeing how it goes. So frustrating when the weather stops play! but, we're not the only ones, are we! x
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Post by hislordshipsmum on Oct 15, 2014 10:45:59 GMT 1
Yep, on the same thinking as you cc. That's partly why I'm getting Dido up now so that she can give me some things to do throughout the winter to hopefully help next year when we start regular riding again. Luckily now that I have retired I can look out the window and get H out when the weather is being kind and go with how we're both feeling - a lot less stressful than having to fit around work and dark evenings etc
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Post by crazycolt on Oct 16, 2014 8:03:30 GMT 1
Aha, yes, I'm in that situation too, it does help. That's how I'm feeling too, I'll do what I can, when I can, and hopefully keep ticking over, and enjoy it, that's really the main thing. I'll keep watching, be interesting to see what Dido comes up with. My foot trimmer/friend tells me that even a 10 minute walk each day will keep things going, so I'll go with that. I also tend to get on him on the yard, bit dodgy I think, but it's a tiny space, and I always wear my hat, and he's never given me any inkling of misbehaving, so I just work on the aids for about 10-15 mins. We'll see how it goes! x
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