Post by chrisbetson on Sept 26, 2008 15:15:02 GMT 1
Well I have had Scully for 6 months now and we have been doing IH for 5 of them.
Our initial leading, loading and tying up problems are far behind us and my complex "Ferrari" of a mare is rewarding me with walks & trots on the bridle path and is going forward on the long reins without too much persuasion.
As my main goal is to do dressage with her in the future, today I decided we would try something different on the long reins. Instead of going out in the lanes we went into the manège and I got walk and trot in circles and then large on the track (even up the scary end) followed by doing figures of 8 at trot - a bit untidy to start with but she soon cottoned on and willingly changed rein at X just as I crossed her rear, no need to steer her on the lines.
Then we did 10 metre circles in the corners and shallow loops down the long sides in walk - again fairly untidy to start but she soon got the idea.
Finally we went back to doing 20 metre circles but in canter this time - she was having a fun time but at no point was she not listening to me.
Such a huge step forward in our relationship, I think that finally I am more important to her than the distractions outside the manège - the tractor, the cyclist and the other horses got no attention at all.
We got one whinney - but more of a "Look at me!" than "Is anyone out there!"
I just wish I had had a camera today...
Next time we are going to introduce poles and even jumps.
Our initial leading, loading and tying up problems are far behind us and my complex "Ferrari" of a mare is rewarding me with walks & trots on the bridle path and is going forward on the long reins without too much persuasion.
As my main goal is to do dressage with her in the future, today I decided we would try something different on the long reins. Instead of going out in the lanes we went into the manège and I got walk and trot in circles and then large on the track (even up the scary end) followed by doing figures of 8 at trot - a bit untidy to start with but she soon cottoned on and willingly changed rein at X just as I crossed her rear, no need to steer her on the lines.
Then we did 10 metre circles in the corners and shallow loops down the long sides in walk - again fairly untidy to start but she soon got the idea.
Finally we went back to doing 20 metre circles but in canter this time - she was having a fun time but at no point was she not listening to me.
Such a huge step forward in our relationship, I think that finally I am more important to her than the distractions outside the manège - the tractor, the cyclist and the other horses got no attention at all.
We got one whinney - but more of a "Look at me!" than "Is anyone out there!"
I just wish I had had a camera today...
Next time we are going to introduce poles and even jumps.
