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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.
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Post by horsey123 on Sept 26, 2008 17:48:37 GMT 1
well done glad you are making good progress things can only be on the up now x
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2008 7:47:42 GMT 1
That really is excellent news, Chris. I am extremely pleased for you. I know she's been very hard work, but when you get breakthroughs, it does make it all worthwhile and rewarding. Poles sound like a great idea, and if she does enjoy the odd jump, you could maybe make them a reward for her if she does a nice session on the lines.
Onwards, onwards...
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Post by confidentgal08 on Sept 27, 2008 21:53:32 GMT 1
well done you. and a stunning horse by the pic
best of luck for the future
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Post by chrisbetson on Sept 28, 2008 14:11:02 GMT 1
Whoopee!!!
Gave the scullywag a bath in the sunshine today - put her cooler on and took her for a trot up the lane and then into the manège - set up a foot high pole on X and trotted her round as per yesterday - then steered her to the pole - she refused the first and second times and then on the third occasion popped straight over once then twice - same on the other rein. Then I put the pole up to 2 ft and she went straight over again - really tidy and a lovely jump!!
Still no photos though - Mrs B is not a whizz at using the camera!!!
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hdonna
Olympic Poster
Posts: 629
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Post by hdonna on Sept 28, 2008 19:34:15 GMT 1
Im so glad you are doing well. I am beginner of long reining never done it before. just started with sons pony with someone leading her so if you have any advice books or dvds that are good point in the right direction that would be great
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Post by chrisbetson on Sept 28, 2008 21:30:33 GMT 1
Kelly's book, Perfect Partners, has a chapter on long lining.
But if I were you I would get one of the RAs out to show you how to do it - it is all about feel and timing!
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Post by chrisbetson on Sept 29, 2008 16:43:53 GMT 1
I put my test pilot (RI) on Scully today for the first canter over the stubble - totally controllable and sane! Here's a video - uk.youtube.com/watch?v=aknmL4NxpCsOn the last run across the field (0.21 mile) she averaged 22 mph!!
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