This afternoon I played with Twosox. We had a lot of fun! We got another foot of snow (not including the foot of snow we got yesterday) plus it was warm out so things were slippery, plus deep. It was interesting. I started out with asking Twosox to back between the barrels but I could tell that he wanted to move his feet so we went to some circles. Twosox did so well. At first he wasn't very mentally connected to me so we did some transitions and change of directions and then he started to get interested. Both our transitions and change of directions are getting even better. Twosox even cantered quite a bit. He looked really handsome cantering in the snow!
After that we did some Stick to me. Twosox is getting a lot better at staying beside me when we are trotting instead of running out beside me. So that is good. Then we went back over to the barrels. I made the gap between the barrels smaller and then sent Twosox to it. All I wanted him to do was walk through the gap... or do something with the barrels. But Twosox walked over to the barrel and jumped it! It was so cool! I was really surprised even though I guess I shouldn't be. But for Twosox to offer that is really amazing! I decided to end there so I let Twosox go but he didn't leave me. He stayed with me while I gathered me equipment and then went with me down the hill. It was a really wonderful play time! Even though the snow was really rather deep ;)
Naturally,
~Keri
Friday, February 26, 2010
Prince: Change of directions, Stick to me, and exuberance!
February 24 2010
WOW... that is about all I can say right now! This afternoon Prince and I had a lot of fun playing! It was snowing and well really rather miserable out but I went out anyways. Prince was up in the riding ring so I went up so see him. He came over to me when he saw me and I scratched him for a while then haltered him. We just stood there for a while before going and doing anything. I found an itchy spot so I scratched Prince a little bit more. Then we went over to the other side of the riding ring. On our way over Prince was trotting so I then started to canter in my body and guess what!?! Prince started cantering almost immediately! It was so cool!
After that we did some circles. Prince offered to canter plus he kept the slack in the rope, the belly of the rope was pretty much on the ground the whole time! It was really neat! Since Prince was so connected to me I thought we would try some Change of directions. They were perfect I couldn't have asked for better change of directions! One thing I have to study up on are Flying lead changes. I need to figure out how to tell if the horse changes with his hind legs also. And also what it is supposed to look like ;)
Both Prince and I were having a lot of fun. One time Prince was cantered along and he jumped up onto the pedestal! It was really neat! When he looked at me he had the cutest look on his face! I love him so much! After we got those really amazing Change of directions I decided to end there. I let Prince go but he stuck with me. So we played at Liberty. It was fun! It was even more special because the gate was open so he could have left if he had wanted to. We did Stick to me w/t/c, spins, sideways, jumping the barrels and lots more! It was a blast!
We didn't play long because it was snowing harder by that time and I wanted to end on a really good note!
Naturally,
~Keri
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Twosox: Natural obstacles and zone 5 driving.
Yesterday (February 22 2010) morning I played with Twosox. Twosox came right over to me so I scratched him for a while and then haltered him. I brushed him after that. Prince came over to me while I was with Twosox so I gave him a good scratch too. After that Twosox and I went up to the riding ring but since it was closed off (yesterday the horses got into part of the fence that they weren't supposed to be in to we closed the riding ring gate until we could fix it. So I decided to just play in the hill and trees that are outside the riding ring. It was a lot of fun. We did some Touch it, circles with me standing on the side of the hills and Twosox had to go up and down the hill. At first Twosox was pulling himself along with his front end. But after a couple time of going up and down the rather steep hill he started using his hind quarters a little bit. So that was good.
After that we went down the hill and I asked Twosox to back down a narrow path that the horses have. He was a little unsure at first but after a couple steps he was fine. Then we went around to different places and we did some zone 5 driving with one rein. It was a lot of fun! After I let Twosox go he stayed with me and followed me down into the corral. It was neat!
I spent a little bit of time with Prince after that. He came over to me and wanted to be scratched so I scratched him and then went inside. It was a great morning :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that we went down the hill and I asked Twosox to back down a narrow path that the horses have. He was a little unsure at first but after a couple steps he was fine. Then we went around to different places and we did some zone 5 driving with one rein. It was a lot of fun! After I let Twosox go he stayed with me and followed me down into the corral. It was neat!
I spent a little bit of time with Prince after that. He came over to me and wanted to be scratched so I scratched him and then went inside. It was a great morning :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Prince: Stick to me, straddling the barrels and more!
Today Prince and I had a great play session! I was tired and really didn't want to go out and play but I decided that would at least go out and groom Prince. So I went out. I gave Prince a really good brushing. I didn't halter him so first we played at Liberty. We did some sideways towards me, leading by the tail, and some really cool yo-yo's.
Prince is shedding like crazy so I think I ended up wearing at least half of his hair ;) But it was nice to be able to spend some time time just hanging out together. After a little while I decided to halter Prince and play around a little bit. I put my savvy string on the halter instead of the 12ft line so we played the whole time on a 6ft rope! It was really fun and challenging.
We trotted up the hill to the riding ring. Prince stuck with me perfectly the whole time. Then once we were up there we did some more Stick to me, walk, trot, and even canter! I was really proud of Prince because the whole time (including when we were cantering) he kept slack in the rope. So that is a huge improvement because just a couple weeks ago Prince had a hard time circling close to me at anything higher than a walk. So it was really nice! Prince stuck with me beautifully. After that we did some traveling circles at the trot. Prince broke gait a couple times but for the most part he trotted around really nicely. We even did some change of directions!
Then I wanted to play with our straddling the barrels. Prince got it on the first try. The end barrel moved a little bit but it was really slippery because the snow was melting. So feel really confident that I can check that off our self assessment now. I am the type of person that I have to know with out a doubt that we can do something before I can check it off. It was exciting to finally be checking something off the list. It has been a while!
I decided to blow Prince's mind and instead of letting him go up in the riding ring we went back down to the corral and I let him go there. Prince stayed with me for a while before leaving and then he came back to me again! It was neat. I gave him a really good scratch before I left. It was a really great play session. I am glad I went out... but then I am always glad that I go out... it is the going out that it the hardest part for me. But slowly but surely I am over coming that!
Until next time...
Naturally,
~Keri
Prince is shedding like crazy so I think I ended up wearing at least half of his hair ;) But it was nice to be able to spend some time time just hanging out together. After a little while I decided to halter Prince and play around a little bit. I put my savvy string on the halter instead of the 12ft line so we played the whole time on a 6ft rope! It was really fun and challenging.
We trotted up the hill to the riding ring. Prince stuck with me perfectly the whole time. Then once we were up there we did some more Stick to me, walk, trot, and even canter! I was really proud of Prince because the whole time (including when we were cantering) he kept slack in the rope. So that is a huge improvement because just a couple weeks ago Prince had a hard time circling close to me at anything higher than a walk. So it was really nice! Prince stuck with me beautifully. After that we did some traveling circles at the trot. Prince broke gait a couple times but for the most part he trotted around really nicely. We even did some change of directions!
Then I wanted to play with our straddling the barrels. Prince got it on the first try. The end barrel moved a little bit but it was really slippery because the snow was melting. So feel really confident that I can check that off our self assessment now. I am the type of person that I have to know with out a doubt that we can do something before I can check it off. It was exciting to finally be checking something off the list. It has been a while!
I decided to blow Prince's mind and instead of letting him go up in the riding ring we went back down to the corral and I let him go there. Prince stayed with me for a while before leaving and then he came back to me again! It was neat. I gave him a really good scratch before I left. It was a really great play session. I am glad I went out... but then I am always glad that I go out... it is the going out that it the hardest part for me. But slowly but surely I am over coming that!
Until next time...
Naturally,
~Keri
Twosox: Advancing Touch it
Thursday February 18 2010
I played with Twosox this morning. We didn't go up to the riding ring but we played in the corral and a little bit outside of it. We had a lot of fun! We mainly played Touch it in many different ways. I wanted to get Twosox farther out on the 22ft line. So we went around the corral and I tried to find the smallest things possible for him to find... at first Twosox wasn't really trying but then once he figured out what I was asking he started touching every thing and then looking at me and asked a question. It was really neat!
After that we went out and played around the trees and rocks just outside the corral. We went over to a little rock ledge maybe 3- 3 1/2 feet high that is just outside the corral. All I wanted Twosox to do was put his nose on it but Twosox offered to climb up it! I was really surprised and a little worried because while he was climbing up it he slipped and fell but I didn't want to interfere because I would have just made it worse. Twosox made it though and was fine. I guess he is tougher then he looks ;)
We then went back into the corral driving from zone 5. We walked over to the manger and I let Twosox eat for a while before I let him go. So it wasn't a long session but we had fun!
Naturally,
~Keri
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Prince: Stadding barrels, maintaining gait, and so much more!
WOW! This afternoon Prince and I had an amazing play time. I was kind of tired so I didn't really feel like doing a lot with Prince but once we got started we couldn't stop! It was just to much fun! Prince came over to me a couple minutes after I got into the corral then I spent the next 10 minutes or so brushing Prince. He is shedding so much hair! I didn't get him 100% clean but then I really don't mind having a dirty horse ;) After that I haltered Prince and we went up to the riding ring. This time though I put the rope on Prince's neck and we walked up to the riding ring at Liberty basically. It was really neat! Prince stayed right with the and when we got about half way up the hill we ran the rest of the way up... well okay I ran, Prince trotted ;)
I wasn't planning on started of with circles right away but Prince kind of offered it so I took it and so after he trotted about half a lap or so I asked him to canter. We did a traveling circle type circle. Some where between a normal circle and a traveling one :) Prince did so well! He broke gait a couple times but it was just for a couple strides and then picked up the canter again. So all in all he cantered about 5-6 laps!!!! I was so proud of him! I could have quit right then and there and I would have been perfectly happy with our play session! I gave Prince a long rest and helped my mom with a couple things then we went and did some stick to me. Walk, trot, canter, back up, and sideways. Prince did really well at it all! After that I set up the barrels to play with our straddling. I really do think that Prince likes to jump! Even before I sent him he cantered off and jumped over the barrels. It took a couple tries but after about the forth try we got it! I am still experimenting with how light I can be but still get the message to Prince's feet. It is fun! Prince successfully straddled the barrels three times! Not bad for just learning it the other day! :) He is a fast learner!
After that I got ready to ride. I mounted by the neck. It was a little ruff because we haven't done it for a while but the end result was the same ;) We actually didn't do a whole lot while we were riding. We did some point to point (four feet on the pedestal and some other things), getting more speed on our 9 step back ups, refined indirect and direct reins, transitions and then the last thing we did was while Prince had all four feet on the pedestal I stood up on him and played the extreme friendly game while up there. It was so much fun! Prince did very well and stood nice and still ;)
I was really proud of how well Prince did. He was extra light in everything I asked him to do.
Here are a couple pics from today...
I wasn't planning on started of with circles right away but Prince kind of offered it so I took it and so after he trotted about half a lap or so I asked him to canter. We did a traveling circle type circle. Some where between a normal circle and a traveling one :) Prince did so well! He broke gait a couple times but it was just for a couple strides and then picked up the canter again. So all in all he cantered about 5-6 laps!!!! I was so proud of him! I could have quit right then and there and I would have been perfectly happy with our play session! I gave Prince a long rest and helped my mom with a couple things then we went and did some stick to me. Walk, trot, canter, back up, and sideways. Prince did really well at it all! After that I set up the barrels to play with our straddling. I really do think that Prince likes to jump! Even before I sent him he cantered off and jumped over the barrels. It took a couple tries but after about the forth try we got it! I am still experimenting with how light I can be but still get the message to Prince's feet. It is fun! Prince successfully straddled the barrels three times! Not bad for just learning it the other day! :) He is a fast learner!
After that I got ready to ride. I mounted by the neck. It was a little ruff because we haven't done it for a while but the end result was the same ;) We actually didn't do a whole lot while we were riding. We did some point to point (four feet on the pedestal and some other things), getting more speed on our 9 step back ups, refined indirect and direct reins, transitions and then the last thing we did was while Prince had all four feet on the pedestal I stood up on him and played the extreme friendly game while up there. It was so much fun! Prince did very well and stood nice and still ;)
I was really proud of how well Prince did. He was extra light in everything I asked him to do.
Here are a couple pics from today...
Naturally,
~Keri
Ruffian: Jumping, smelling the tail, and change of directions.
This morning I played with Ruffian. It had so much energy! It was a lot of fun to play with. To let Ruffy move his feet we did some traveling circles at the canter and a little bit of gallop in there. Ruffy had a lot of fun! You can just tell that he loves to run and play! We also did some transitions and change of directions. Both are getting a lot better and were a lot of fun! We did canter to halt transitions, walk to canter, trot to halt and lots more! Our change of directions are getting very smooth!
After that we did some sideways and other things. Then when I felt that Ruffian was in a good learning frame of mind I decided to teach him to smell his tail. So first I had to just play friendly game with his tail because he thought that as soon as somebody picked up his tail it meant back up. So after that I asked him to bend his head (lateral flexion style) while I was standing farther back and then once all that was going well I put it all together and it was so cool! The first try Ruffian wasn't quite sure what to do so he started moving around a little bit but not long after he stopped and his nose and tail touched then I immediately released. He licked and chewed almost right after that. I wanted to try it one more time just to see if he understood and he didn't move his feet one inch! He bend beautifully and sniffed his tail for about 5-10 seconds! It was amazing how fast he caught onto that!
There were two barrels in the middle of the arena so I asked Ruffian to circle at a closer range and jump them each time he got to them. He did it perfectly! He did about four 15ft circles at the trot or canter and really put a lot of effort into jumping them! So after that we went over and I sat on the fence and we spent some undemanding time together. Then when I took the halter off Ruffian stayed with me the whole time. He is such a cool horse!I have been having so much fun playing with him :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that we did some sideways and other things. Then when I felt that Ruffian was in a good learning frame of mind I decided to teach him to smell his tail. So first I had to just play friendly game with his tail because he thought that as soon as somebody picked up his tail it meant back up. So after that I asked him to bend his head (lateral flexion style) while I was standing farther back and then once all that was going well I put it all together and it was so cool! The first try Ruffian wasn't quite sure what to do so he started moving around a little bit but not long after he stopped and his nose and tail touched then I immediately released. He licked and chewed almost right after that. I wanted to try it one more time just to see if he understood and he didn't move his feet one inch! He bend beautifully and sniffed his tail for about 5-10 seconds! It was amazing how fast he caught onto that!
There were two barrels in the middle of the arena so I asked Ruffian to circle at a closer range and jump them each time he got to them. He did it perfectly! He did about four 15ft circles at the trot or canter and really put a lot of effort into jumping them! So after that we went over and I sat on the fence and we spent some undemanding time together. Then when I took the halter off Ruffian stayed with me the whole time. He is such a cool horse!I have been having so much fun playing with him :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Twosox: Transitions, zone 5 driving, leading by the tail, and follow the rail.
Yesterday afternoon (February 15 2010) I played with Twosox. He actually came over to me when I got to the corral! So that was a special surprise :) After I haltered him we went up to the riding ring. On our way up I put my arm over his back. I never really realised just how tall Twosox it ;) One thing I wanted to play with was getting Twosox more confident sticking closer to me when we are playing Stick to me. At the walk he is fine but at the trot he doesn't like being really close. So we played with that. Then we did some Touch it. Twosox offered to put all four feet up on the pedestal! So we stayed there for a while and I did some extreme friendly game, massaged his legs and some other things. Then we went and did some zone 5 driving with one rein. Twosox did really well and even when the rope got caught on one of his legs, instead of running off he just turned and face me and then came over to me! It was neat!
After that I went over to the pedestal and stood on it and sent Twosox out on the circle. My goal was to get him mentally connected them quit. At first he wasn't mentally connected at all. So after lots of transitions and change of directions he started getting more and more connected. Our Change of directions are getting really nice! Twosox even offered the canter after a couple of them! :) Once Twosox was connected we quit. He had a huge lick and chew over that.
Then I got on and we rode around for a while. We did Follow the rail, indirect and direct rein, 9 step back up, point to point and more! Twosox was really relaxed and responded very well. After riding around for a little while I slid off. Twosox had a huge lick and chew and then I let him go. It was a wonderful play session. I wanted to keep it short and sweet and that it exactly what happened :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that I went over to the pedestal and stood on it and sent Twosox out on the circle. My goal was to get him mentally connected them quit. At first he wasn't mentally connected at all. So after lots of transitions and change of directions he started getting more and more connected. Our Change of directions are getting really nice! Twosox even offered the canter after a couple of them! :) Once Twosox was connected we quit. He had a huge lick and chew over that.
Then I got on and we rode around for a while. We did Follow the rail, indirect and direct rein, 9 step back up, point to point and more! Twosox was really relaxed and responded very well. After riding around for a little while I slid off. Twosox had a huge lick and chew and then I let him go. It was a wonderful play session. I wanted to keep it short and sweet and that it exactly what happened :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Monday, February 15, 2010
Prince: Bowing, close range circles, and some Liberty.
This morning I wasn't planning on playing with Prince but it was really nice outside (well at least it was not snowing) so I decided to go out and play for a little while. We had a lot of fun! Prince came over to me.
We started with playing around with bowing. I am not sure if I am going to continue though. I have to think about it. I want to make sure that Prince's and my relationship is so good and that we are really ready for it. I know that for Prince it is a huge trust issue, I know that bowing/laying down is a trust issue for any horse but up until a couple months ago Prince was still not totally okay with me being with him while he was lying down so anyways I will just wait and see how things go.
After that we did some short range circles with just my savvy string for a rope. Prince did really well and at the end I had my carrot stick on his neck and used that to directed him instead of the rope. Prince did very well and was really light. Then we did some leading by the tail, making turns and backing up with just a few hairs, and then we played around with spinning. Prince is really getting the hang of it. After that I unhaltered Prince and we then played at Liberty for a bit. We did Touch it, from about 20ft away, Sideways, spins, backing up by the tail, Touch it from zone 5, Stick to me and some other things. It was a lot of fun!
Near the end I sent Prince to the pedestal and asked him to put all four feet on there and then stay while I picked up my equipment. Prince did really well and only moved once but got right back up with I asked and I didn't need to move my feet a lot. Prince has gotten really good about ground tying. He is so clever! :)
When we were finished I took Prince back over to the manger but he didn't want to leave me. He would keep coming back to me. He is so sweet! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
We started with playing around with bowing. I am not sure if I am going to continue though. I have to think about it. I want to make sure that Prince's and my relationship is so good and that we are really ready for it. I know that for Prince it is a huge trust issue, I know that bowing/laying down is a trust issue for any horse but up until a couple months ago Prince was still not totally okay with me being with him while he was lying down so anyways I will just wait and see how things go.
After that we did some short range circles with just my savvy string for a rope. Prince did really well and at the end I had my carrot stick on his neck and used that to directed him instead of the rope. Prince did very well and was really light. Then we did some leading by the tail, making turns and backing up with just a few hairs, and then we played around with spinning. Prince is really getting the hang of it. After that I unhaltered Prince and we then played at Liberty for a bit. We did Touch it, from about 20ft away, Sideways, spins, backing up by the tail, Touch it from zone 5, Stick to me and some other things. It was a lot of fun!
Near the end I sent Prince to the pedestal and asked him to put all four feet on there and then stay while I picked up my equipment. Prince did really well and only moved once but got right back up with I asked and I didn't need to move my feet a lot. Prince has gotten really good about ground tying. He is so clever! :)
When we were finished I took Prince back over to the manger but he didn't want to leave me. He would keep coming back to me. He is so sweet! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Prince: Spins, straddling the jump, and sideways towards me.
Prince and I had so much fun today! I trimmed Twosox this morning so I was pretty tired and didn't really feel like going out and playing but it was really warm out and I knew that I should. So out I go to play with Prince. At first we played at Liberty a little. We did some spins, Touch it (standing on the pedestals while I was about 15ft away!) and some other stuff. Then I haltered Prince while I was on my knees. He did really well with that. Normally Prince won't keep his head low very long but today we kept with it and it didn't take long before Prince kept his head low and was patiently waited for me to halter him.
After that we went up to the riding ring. We did some Stick to me first and then we were going to play with our change of directions but then I changed plans and decided to play around with straddling the jump. There was a pole that was on top of two stacked tires and the other end was on the bottom rail of the fence. So it made the perfect jump to teach Prince to straddle something. The first couple tries Prince jump flew right over it but after a couple jumps Prince started to see that it was a different puzzle so he started trying different things. I was surprised at how in tune Prince really was with me because if I dropped my energy to soon he would stop right in front of the jump and look at me like "Why am I stopping?" So it took a couple tries to get it all right but pretty soon (less than 10 minutes) I could see that Prince was getting really close to figuring out the puzzle. A couple times he would walk over it part way but it was still what I wanted do he got a rest then we tried again. Prince did an almost perfect one and so I was going to stop there because he had jumped and stopped but it almost went over completely but stopped so I was going to stop there but decided to try one more time and this time Prince did it perfectly! He jumped it part way and stopped and didn't move an inch! It was beautiful! All I did was drop my energy and I didn't even need to use the rope! It was incredible!
We after that. I asked Prince to come sideways towards me and then I took the halter off. Prince didn't leave though. He just stayed with me so we walked over to the gate and I then he left. When I got back down to the corral Prince came over to me again and it was really cute because he climbed right up on the pedestal with all four feet and then stopped and asked me a question! It was so cool!! Then Prince followed me over to the fence and we spent a little bit of time together there before I left. I am really glad I went out even though I was really tired. It was a lot of fun :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that we went up to the riding ring. We did some Stick to me first and then we were going to play with our change of directions but then I changed plans and decided to play around with straddling the jump. There was a pole that was on top of two stacked tires and the other end was on the bottom rail of the fence. So it made the perfect jump to teach Prince to straddle something. The first couple tries Prince jump flew right over it but after a couple jumps Prince started to see that it was a different puzzle so he started trying different things. I was surprised at how in tune Prince really was with me because if I dropped my energy to soon he would stop right in front of the jump and look at me like "Why am I stopping?" So it took a couple tries to get it all right but pretty soon (less than 10 minutes) I could see that Prince was getting really close to figuring out the puzzle. A couple times he would walk over it part way but it was still what I wanted do he got a rest then we tried again. Prince did an almost perfect one and so I was going to stop there because he had jumped and stopped but it almost went over completely but stopped so I was going to stop there but decided to try one more time and this time Prince did it perfectly! He jumped it part way and stopped and didn't move an inch! It was beautiful! All I did was drop my energy and I didn't even need to use the rope! It was incredible!
We after that. I asked Prince to come sideways towards me and then I took the halter off. Prince didn't leave though. He just stayed with me so we walked over to the gate and I then he left. When I got back down to the corral Prince came over to me again and it was really cute because he climbed right up on the pedestal with all four feet and then stopped and asked me a question! It was so cool!! Then Prince followed me over to the fence and we spent a little bit of time together there before I left. I am really glad I went out even though I was really tired. It was a lot of fun :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Ruffian: Figure eights, Circles, and Touch it!
Yesterday (February 10 2010), after I had finished playing with Prince, Ruffian came up to the riding ring just as my mom and I were about to leave and he started nibbling on my mom's halter so I decided to play with him. Even before I had the halter ready he had brought him head around and was holding it there for me to put the halter on. Ruffy sure know how to tell you he wants to be played with ;) I couldn't believe how much energy Ruffy had! All he wanted to do was run! So we did some traveling circles, change of directions, Touch it, Figure eights, sideways over things, jumping and lots more!
We didn't play for long but it was a lot of fun! After I took the halter off Ruffy stayed with me so we did a little bit of stuff at Liberty... hind quarter yields, forequarter yields and some other things. Ruffy followed me down the hill and the went a head into the corral then came back over to me when I got to the corral! He is such an amazing horse!
Naturally,
~Keri
We didn't play for long but it was a lot of fun! After I took the halter off Ruffy stayed with me so we did a little bit of stuff at Liberty... hind quarter yields, forequarter yields and some other things. Ruffy followed me down the hill and the went a head into the corral then came back over to me when I got to the corral! He is such an amazing horse!
Naturally,
~Keri
Prince: Circles, jumping, point to point... and a special surprise at the end!
Yesterday (February 9 2010) I had a wonderful play time with Prince. We started with a little bit of Liberty in the corral. Instead of haltering Prince and then putting the bareback pad on him I decided to put the BB pad on Prince and then halter him. Prince stood perfectly still and was really good! Then we did some sideways (while I kept my feet still), stick to me and then I asked Prince to back into the shelter while I stood about 20ft away. It was so much fun! Prince was really interested too! After that I haltered Prince and I we went up to the riding ring. To start off with we did some Touch it. Some of tires that were covered in snow were starting to peak through so I sent Prince to all of them while I stood on the pedestal. Prince did really well and found most of them!
After that I asked Prince to come to me and then get up on the pedestal while I was standing on it. Then I asked him to put all four feet up on it. Prince was happy to just stand there so I massaged his legs and then climbed under him. I didn't go all the way under though and just stayed right under him and rubbed him then came back.
Then we went over to the other side of the corral and I asked Prince to canter on the circle. He did so well! He broke gait a couple times but then picked up the canter again pretty quickly and that was with me standing still! The last lap and a half or so I walked around a little bit and Prince cantered the whole circle and a half with out breaking gait. The bareback pad started to slip... okay it had slipped right onto Prince's side. So I decided bring Prince in. It wasn't the most beautiful circles ever but they were a lot better than last day.
Before I got on to ride I set the barrels up side by side but put them length ways. Then asked Prince to jump them. I shouldn't have been surprised when Prince trotted up (a rather slow trot too) and jumped right over them! He flew right over and didn't even touch the barrels!! It was so cool!!
After that I prepared to get on. I tied the 22ft line into a hackamore type thing and went to the pedestal. I am totally out of shape in the jumping on my horse area. I just couldn't do it! Poor Prince. He stood nice and still while I tried to get on then finally I made it! After I was up we just stood there for about a long time doing nothing. It was so nice! Okay that may sound weird but it was! It was so nice just to be with my horse, not having to go anywhere , do anything, just being able to stand there in the sun and feel really blessed that I have such a wonderful horse that is willing to try! We may not be doing really fancy things and we may not get everything on the first try but Prince still tries! And to me that is worth way more than being able to do really fancy things. Parelli is way more than riding!
We didn't do a whole lot of stuff while we were riding. We played with refining our indirect rein and also going from a indirect rein to a direct rein/pivot of the hindquarters. Prince did really well! We also did sideways over a barrel, point to point at a trot, backing up with out using my reins and some other stuff. It was really fun! Prince is getting very light and tries really hard to do what I am asking... even if he doesn't quite do the right thing ;) The last and best thing we did was I asked Prince to stand on the pedestal with all four feet then I stood up on him!! It was a lot of fun! Prince didn't move an inch the whole and I wasn't even holding my reins! Even after I sat down again Prince just stood there looking around. It was really special!
After that I got off. I let Prince go but he just stayed with me then we walked over to the gate and then he left. It was such a wonderful play time! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that I asked Prince to come to me and then get up on the pedestal while I was standing on it. Then I asked him to put all four feet up on it. Prince was happy to just stand there so I massaged his legs and then climbed under him. I didn't go all the way under though and just stayed right under him and rubbed him then came back.
Then we went over to the other side of the corral and I asked Prince to canter on the circle. He did so well! He broke gait a couple times but then picked up the canter again pretty quickly and that was with me standing still! The last lap and a half or so I walked around a little bit and Prince cantered the whole circle and a half with out breaking gait. The bareback pad started to slip... okay it had slipped right onto Prince's side. So I decided bring Prince in. It wasn't the most beautiful circles ever but they were a lot better than last day.
Before I got on to ride I set the barrels up side by side but put them length ways. Then asked Prince to jump them. I shouldn't have been surprised when Prince trotted up (a rather slow trot too) and jumped right over them! He flew right over and didn't even touch the barrels!! It was so cool!!
After that I prepared to get on. I tied the 22ft line into a hackamore type thing and went to the pedestal. I am totally out of shape in the jumping on my horse area. I just couldn't do it! Poor Prince. He stood nice and still while I tried to get on then finally I made it! After I was up we just stood there for about a long time doing nothing. It was so nice! Okay that may sound weird but it was! It was so nice just to be with my horse, not having to go anywhere , do anything, just being able to stand there in the sun and feel really blessed that I have such a wonderful horse that is willing to try! We may not be doing really fancy things and we may not get everything on the first try but Prince still tries! And to me that is worth way more than being able to do really fancy things. Parelli is way more than riding!
We didn't do a whole lot of stuff while we were riding. We played with refining our indirect rein and also going from a indirect rein to a direct rein/pivot of the hindquarters. Prince did really well! We also did sideways over a barrel, point to point at a trot, backing up with out using my reins and some other stuff. It was really fun! Prince is getting very light and tries really hard to do what I am asking... even if he doesn't quite do the right thing ;) The last and best thing we did was I asked Prince to stand on the pedestal with all four feet then I stood up on him!! It was a lot of fun! Prince didn't move an inch the whole and I wasn't even holding my reins! Even after I sat down again Prince just stood there looking around. It was really special!
After that I got off. I let Prince go but he just stayed with me then we walked over to the gate and then he left. It was such a wonderful play time! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Monday, February 8, 2010
Twosox: Transitions, jumping, and Touch it.
This afternoon I played with Twosox. We played around more with the catching game. Twosox is started to understand it better. He knows to turn and face but it is the coming to me that we need to play with. Today I was able to get him mentally connected even before he came to me so that when I took a couple steps back he came right to me. So it is progressing even if it is slowly :)
After I haltered him we played a little bit in the corral before going up to the riding ring. I askedTwosox to put all four feet on the one pedestal. For the last couple play sessions I have been asking him to put his front two feet on the one pedestal and his back to feet on the other one so he offered that first, which was fine! But then I asked him to back up onto the back pedestal. Twosox used to have a lot of trouble with that but he has gotten a lot more confident and was able to keep his back feet on the pedestal and then put his front feet on there too. So that was neat! Twosox was really relaxed and fell asleep standing on the pedestal. After that I stood on one pedestal and asked Twosox to back off the one he was on and then back out the gate and tp the end of the 22ft line. He took it slowly but once he got there he had a big lick and chew about it.
We then did sideways all the way down the path to the point where you turn off to go up the hill to the riding ring. On our way up the hill I would send Twosox around trees and then see if he could figure out the puzzle. He did really well. Once we were up in the riding ring we did some Touch it and then Figure eights. Twosox gave me two really nice Figure eights at the trot so we stopped there. After that we did circles with Transitions and Change of directions. Both are getting much better. Our change of directions are getting really smooth! At the end Twosox trotted a couple! So that was really cool! We had to do quite a few transitions before Twosox was mentally connected to me. But it was a lot of fun! At the end Twosox was really in tune with me and I only had to use my rope as a back up a couple times, the rest of the time he just responded to my carrot stick.
I then decided to see if Twosox would jump the barrels when they were standing on end. The first time he half jumped it but that was okay. The next time he jumped it from a stand still and knocked the one barrel over and got a little bit scared. So I think that was why he wasn't to sure if he wanted to jump it again. So we played with it and even though he still knocked the barrel over on the last one he did much better.
After that I sat on the tire near the fence and set Twosox over to the pedestal and asked him to put all four feet on it. It was about 20ft away from me. Twosox did really well and did exactly what I wanted! After that I brought him over and asked him to come sideways towards me so I could take his halter off. Twosox did really well and even after I took the halter off he didn't leave, he just stayed with me until I left. It was nice! The sun had gone away so it was really rather cold... I think I am ready for spring :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After I haltered him we played a little bit in the corral before going up to the riding ring. I askedTwosox to put all four feet on the one pedestal. For the last couple play sessions I have been asking him to put his front two feet on the one pedestal and his back to feet on the other one so he offered that first, which was fine! But then I asked him to back up onto the back pedestal. Twosox used to have a lot of trouble with that but he has gotten a lot more confident and was able to keep his back feet on the pedestal and then put his front feet on there too. So that was neat! Twosox was really relaxed and fell asleep standing on the pedestal. After that I stood on one pedestal and asked Twosox to back off the one he was on and then back out the gate and tp the end of the 22ft line. He took it slowly but once he got there he had a big lick and chew about it.
We then did sideways all the way down the path to the point where you turn off to go up the hill to the riding ring. On our way up the hill I would send Twosox around trees and then see if he could figure out the puzzle. He did really well. Once we were up in the riding ring we did some Touch it and then Figure eights. Twosox gave me two really nice Figure eights at the trot so we stopped there. After that we did circles with Transitions and Change of directions. Both are getting much better. Our change of directions are getting really smooth! At the end Twosox trotted a couple! So that was really cool! We had to do quite a few transitions before Twosox was mentally connected to me. But it was a lot of fun! At the end Twosox was really in tune with me and I only had to use my rope as a back up a couple times, the rest of the time he just responded to my carrot stick.
I then decided to see if Twosox would jump the barrels when they were standing on end. The first time he half jumped it but that was okay. The next time he jumped it from a stand still and knocked the one barrel over and got a little bit scared. So I think that was why he wasn't to sure if he wanted to jump it again. So we played with it and even though he still knocked the barrel over on the last one he did much better.
After that I sat on the tire near the fence and set Twosox over to the pedestal and asked him to put all four feet on it. It was about 20ft away from me. Twosox did really well and did exactly what I wanted! After that I brought him over and asked him to come sideways towards me so I could take his halter off. Twosox did really well and even after I took the halter off he didn't leave, he just stayed with me until I left. It was nice! The sun had gone away so it was really rather cold... I think I am ready for spring :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Prince: Maintaining gait on the circle, Figure eights, and Change of directions.
Yesterday (February 6 2010) afternoon I went out and played with Prince. We had an interesting play time. Lots to think about that's for sure. On our way up the hill I decided to try something a little different. I asked Prince to follow me up the hill.... from 22ft away. It was funny to see the look on Prince's face. He did well though and kept the slack in the line while staying at the distance I wanted. Once we were up in the riding ring we played some Touch it at the end of the 22ft line. There were two barrels standing on end, I am not sure how far apart they were but it was just enough for Prince to fit in between them. Prince did really well and went sideways right between them. Then looked at me and asked a question. It was so cute!
After that we started our circles. We started with some Transitions then after that we did maintaining gate at the canter. I didn't know this when we started but Prince canters easier to the right then to the left. If I had of known that it would have made this easier but oh well. I know now! We started going to the left. Prince kept breaking gait so I tried different things and after a while he cantered a full circle. So I brought him in and gave him a long rest. Then I sent him out to the right. Prince was able to canter a lot easier going to the right. I started walking around a little bit and Prince maintained the canter he cantered about 3 laps and only broke gait 2 times but picked the canter right back up again. So that was interesting.
We also played around with our Change of directions. Right now they are pretty much hit and miss. We had really nice change of directions earlier last year but something happened to them and they have never been the same since. After a while of playing around with them I decided to go right down to the walk and fix them there. So I asked Prince to walk. Our transitions are getting a lot better.... I mean they are amazing!! So at least we have those working for us ;) At the walk we were able to get our Change of directions working. Prince was really responsive and after a couple good change of directions at the walk I asked Prince to trot. He offered a nice slow trot which was perfect for practicing our Change of directions at the trot. This time they were much better! Prince responded to the pressure instead of just running right through it. After a couple nice change of directions at the trot I brought Prince in. He did really well!
After that we started Figure eights. Prince and I haven't done these in a while so they were interesting. After a couple Figure eights Prince started getting lighter and put more and more slack into the rope. It was interesting. After that we did some hindquarter and forequarter yields using the porcupine game. Prince did really well and actually put extra effort into doing it. So that was really nice! :)
Once we were finished playing we spend some undemanding time together for about 10 minutes. It was nice. So this play time gave me lots to think about... I will know how to improve for next time :)
Naturally,
~Keri
After that we started our circles. We started with some Transitions then after that we did maintaining gate at the canter. I didn't know this when we started but Prince canters easier to the right then to the left. If I had of known that it would have made this easier but oh well. I know now! We started going to the left. Prince kept breaking gait so I tried different things and after a while he cantered a full circle. So I brought him in and gave him a long rest. Then I sent him out to the right. Prince was able to canter a lot easier going to the right. I started walking around a little bit and Prince maintained the canter he cantered about 3 laps and only broke gait 2 times but picked the canter right back up again. So that was interesting.
We also played around with our Change of directions. Right now they are pretty much hit and miss. We had really nice change of directions earlier last year but something happened to them and they have never been the same since. After a while of playing around with them I decided to go right down to the walk and fix them there. So I asked Prince to walk. Our transitions are getting a lot better.... I mean they are amazing!! So at least we have those working for us ;) At the walk we were able to get our Change of directions working. Prince was really responsive and after a couple good change of directions at the walk I asked Prince to trot. He offered a nice slow trot which was perfect for practicing our Change of directions at the trot. This time they were much better! Prince responded to the pressure instead of just running right through it. After a couple nice change of directions at the trot I brought Prince in. He did really well!
After that we started Figure eights. Prince and I haven't done these in a while so they were interesting. After a couple Figure eights Prince started getting lighter and put more and more slack into the rope. It was interesting. After that we did some hindquarter and forequarter yields using the porcupine game. Prince did really well and actually put extra effort into doing it. So that was really nice! :)
Once we were finished playing we spend some undemanding time together for about 10 minutes. It was nice. So this play time gave me lots to think about... I will know how to improve for next time :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Ruffian: Circles, Leading by the tail, Transitions, and riding!
After I had finished playing with Prince Ruffy came over so I haltered him and this time we made it up to the riding ring. Ruffy had so much energy! We did some traveling circles to start off with. Just so that Ruffy could burn off some energy. Ruffy really wanted to stand on the pedestal so I decided to play with it. I asked Ruffy to canter and then stop and stand on the pedestal. We did this a couple times. The first time Ruffy got it right away. He really does like that pedestal! Our change of directions are getting a lot softer also. Plus our transitions are really smooth! After that we did some leading by the tail, Touch it, sideways, and a couple other things. Ruffy was in a great mood! We also did some Stick to me.
Since Ruffian was in such a great mood I tied the 22ft line into a hackamore type thing and we went over to the barrel and I got on. Ruffy was really good and stood still while I got on. I checked out lateral flexions out. They were really soft and Ruffy was totally relaxed. Ruffy was more on the "whoa" side then the "go" side... which was good. We did some Follow the rail, direct rein, 9 step back ups. Ruffy did really well and responded at light phases. The first time I asked Ruffy for an indirect rein he wasn't exactly sure what to do but after that he was so light. It was incredible. I couldn't believe how fast Ruffy caught on.
All in all we had a really good ride and at the end Ruffian had a big lick and chew and was really relaxed. Which was good for him because before when I would ride him he would go internal. When I let Ruffian go he just stayed with me and followed me down the hill. He is so sweet :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Since Ruffian was in such a great mood I tied the 22ft line into a hackamore type thing and we went over to the barrel and I got on. Ruffy was really good and stood still while I got on. I checked out lateral flexions out. They were really soft and Ruffy was totally relaxed. Ruffy was more on the "whoa" side then the "go" side... which was good. We did some Follow the rail, direct rein, 9 step back ups. Ruffy did really well and responded at light phases. The first time I asked Ruffy for an indirect rein he wasn't exactly sure what to do but after that he was so light. It was incredible. I couldn't believe how fast Ruffy caught on.
All in all we had a really good ride and at the end Ruffian had a big lick and chew and was really relaxed. Which was good for him because before when I would ride him he would go internal. When I let Ruffian go he just stayed with me and followed me down the hill. He is so sweet :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Prince: Drive and Draw, Bridleless riding, itchy spots, and our first brideless steps outside the corral!
So after I had let Twosox go and taken him over to the manger to eat Prince was just standing there looking at me so I invited him over and he came right over to me. I wasn't planning on playing with him let alone riding him.... let alone riding him bridleless.... but I just couldn't resist! Prince has been scratching his neck a lot while I was playing with Twosox and I just happened to stumble across the same spot so I spent a long time scratching Prince. Then my fingers got sore and that was when I realized that I had a halter in my hand... so lets just say that Prince should love seeing that halter now! Prince was REALLY itchy. After a while I decided to climb up on Prince... yes I was being a bad girl today and riding my horse with out playing with them a whole lot. But the I knew that I could always get off and both Twosox and Prince where in really good moods... but again then they always are right? ;)
I took Prince over to the water trough and lined him up (well he lined himself up) then I got on. Prince didn't have a problem with me getting on. I checked our back-ups and turns with my savvy string. Prince was super super light. We did some sideways, transitions (walk to halt etc), direct rein, and our very first indirect bridleless! It was really cool!
After a little while of riding around I decided to see if we could ride out of the corral a little bit. Prince was amazing! We didn't ride out to far but Prince did really well and was really responsive. We rode out a ways and then came back in. After that we did a little bit of sideways over a pole. Prince was offering a lot! It was amazing how sensitive he is! After that I got off. It was a great note to end on! It was so much fun! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
I took Prince over to the water trough and lined him up (well he lined himself up) then I got on. Prince didn't have a problem with me getting on. I checked our back-ups and turns with my savvy string. Prince was super super light. We did some sideways, transitions (walk to halt etc), direct rein, and our very first indirect bridleless! It was really cool!
After a little while of riding around I decided to see if we could ride out of the corral a little bit. Prince was amazing! We didn't ride out to far but Prince did really well and was really responsive. We rode out a ways and then came back in. After that we did a little bit of sideways over a pole. Prince was offering a lot! It was amazing how sensitive he is! After that I got off. It was a great note to end on! It was so much fun! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Twosox: Catching game, mini trail ride and more!
This afternoon I played with Twosox.... Prince.... and Ruffian. I wasn't planning on playing with all three but it kind of... well.... happened. It was sure fun though!
To start with Twosox and I played the catching game. Twosox is really good at turning and facing me but he seems to get stuck there and won't or can't come to me.... or maybe he just doesn't no what to do. So we played with that. After a couple tries he finally comes to me. I didn't halter him right away. After a while I asked him to do a couple small things at Liberty. He did really well but then we lost connection and he left. This time he was a lot easier for him to come to me. So that was nice! We did a couple more things at Liberty then I haltered him. I decided to climb on the fence and play from up there before heading up to the riding ring.
Twosox offered to line up right beside the fence as if I was going to get on. So I spent some time playing friendly. Twosox eventually fell asleep. I decided that take it a step at a time and see what Twosox thought about me getting on him. He was fine with me having my leg on his back so after a while I slid on. Twosox was perfectly fine. He didn't walk off or anything. So we just stood there for a while then we turned around to face my mom who was sitting on the gate rubbing Ruffian. Twosox was happy to just stand there and relax and so was I. I had the 22ft line on him so we didn't do a whole lot. Just some lateral flexions, indirect and direct rein and a couple other small things. Then my mom suggested that I try riding towards the gate and see how that went. So we switched to a 12ft line and off we went. Twosox did really well. He wanted to go back to the horses so we took our time and before we knew it we were at the gate. After a rest at the gate my plan was to go out the gate a little ways and turn around and go back to the side of the corral that we started at. But Twosox was happy to just stay on the outside of the corral for a little bit so we explored around (not to far from the corral though) then went back in. Even though I really wanted to go farther and I felt that Twosox would have been okay also I thought that it would be better to end on the good note we had.
We rode straight to the other gate and I got off there. Twosox was relaxed the whole time we were riding. It was really great! Plus I felt 100% confident. Which it has only been the last couple rides that I have felt that way... ever since the time I fell of Twosox back in the summer I didn't have complete confidence when I rode but fortunately it was just a little bit and I was able to move closer and stay longer and now I am fine! :)
So even thought it wasn't a "normal" play session I was really pleased at how well it went!
Naturally,
~Keri
To start with Twosox and I played the catching game. Twosox is really good at turning and facing me but he seems to get stuck there and won't or can't come to me.... or maybe he just doesn't no what to do. So we played with that. After a couple tries he finally comes to me. I didn't halter him right away. After a while I asked him to do a couple small things at Liberty. He did really well but then we lost connection and he left. This time he was a lot easier for him to come to me. So that was nice! We did a couple more things at Liberty then I haltered him. I decided to climb on the fence and play from up there before heading up to the riding ring.
Twosox offered to line up right beside the fence as if I was going to get on. So I spent some time playing friendly. Twosox eventually fell asleep. I decided that take it a step at a time and see what Twosox thought about me getting on him. He was fine with me having my leg on his back so after a while I slid on. Twosox was perfectly fine. He didn't walk off or anything. So we just stood there for a while then we turned around to face my mom who was sitting on the gate rubbing Ruffian. Twosox was happy to just stand there and relax and so was I. I had the 22ft line on him so we didn't do a whole lot. Just some lateral flexions, indirect and direct rein and a couple other small things. Then my mom suggested that I try riding towards the gate and see how that went. So we switched to a 12ft line and off we went. Twosox did really well. He wanted to go back to the horses so we took our time and before we knew it we were at the gate. After a rest at the gate my plan was to go out the gate a little ways and turn around and go back to the side of the corral that we started at. But Twosox was happy to just stay on the outside of the corral for a little bit so we explored around (not to far from the corral though) then went back in. Even though I really wanted to go farther and I felt that Twosox would have been okay also I thought that it would be better to end on the good note we had.
We rode straight to the other gate and I got off there. Twosox was relaxed the whole time we were riding. It was really great! Plus I felt 100% confident. Which it has only been the last couple rides that I have felt that way... ever since the time I fell of Twosox back in the summer I didn't have complete confidence when I rode but fortunately it was just a little bit and I was able to move closer and stay longer and now I am fine! :)
So even thought it wasn't a "normal" play session I was really pleased at how well it went!
Naturally,
~Keri
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Prince: Circles, Zone 5 driving, Change of directions, and over all a wonderful session!
This afternoon I went out and played with Prince... despite the light flurries and over all gray weather. I am really glad that I did go out because Prince and I had a really fun play session. I decided not to catch Prince in the normal way so I walked into the corral and checked a couple things then after seeing that Prince wasn't interested I decided to try something really new (and something that Mrs. Parelli suggested in the Level 2 pack) and I picked up a small piece of frozen manure and flicked it at Prince. He didn't take much notice of it (or he didn't show on that he did) I got Ruffians and Twosox's attention thought! So I kept flicking pieces of manure at Prince until he turned and looked at me, then I turned and looked at the trees and the snow that was falling. After that Prince didn't take his eyes off me! A couple times he would look away just a little bit so I would start to turn around and he would look at me again. After a little while Prince came over to me then started licking and chewing... a lot! The look on his face was priceless though! He wasn't sure what to make of it ;)
Before I haltered Prince I scratched him, massaged his tail, and rubbed him with the halter then he bent his head around and waited for me to put the halter on. So I did. He was really patient while I put it on. Then after a couple minutes we went up to the riding ring. We played stick to me up the hill... man running up that hill in the snow is hard.
We didn't do a whole lot but what we did do was pretty big. We started off with played with don't change gait at the canter on the circle. I really have to do a better job a being consistent with that! I didn't ask Prince to canter right away. I let him trot a lap or so then asked him to canter. While he was trotting he kept the slack on the ground and trotted a nice circle. Our maintain gait at the canter needed some help.... after a while Prince cantered a lap so I brought him in and gave him a rest then asked him to go back out again. This time he was a little bit quicker at cantered a full circle. Prince really does a lot better when we are on a traveling circle. I didn't want to get Prince really sweaty so we stopped after that.
Then we went and did some zone 5 driving with two lines. Since we now have two 22ft lines it was really nice! The 45 is nice because it isn't as heavy but the 22ft lines are really nice because they don't get caught on everything! We started off with just some walk/trot transitions along the fence and then did some traveling circles at the trot (including change of directions), sideways, Touch it, yo-yo's, and a bunch of other stuff. Prince did really well and was really responsive! It was a little harder because the snow was kind of deep in some areas but other than that it was great!
After that I wanted to play around with our change of directions. I knew that they were broken so we needed to play with them. Prince did really well in keeping the belly of the rope on the ground. I think that having the extra 2 1/2 feet on the 22ft line really makes a difference. Our first couple change of directions weren't at all pretty. But after some experimenting, isolating, separating and recombining we got it figured out.... at least I think it is. It will make a couple more play sessions to see if what we did today worked but it was a good start. After that I brought Prince in and gave him a long rest. As I was standing beside Prince I suddenly realised just how short Prince really is.... it isn't his fault but he is short! I don't mind though. It just means that there is a better chance that I can jump up on him bareback some day ;)
After I took Prince's halter off but before I took it totally off I drove his hind quarters around in a full circle (something Mr. Parelli showed in the Level 3 Liberty DVD) Prince didn't leave once the halter was totally off. He just stood there and waited for me. We then played Stick to me over to the gate (which was already open) and then he slowly walked off. Part way over to the gate I stopped really quickly and Prince stopped also... then we continued on.
When I came back down into the corral Prince, Ruffian and Twosox all came over to me then Prince followed me over to the fence. It was a really fun play time. I am still on schedule so that is good! It all goes according to the plan I should be able to play with Twosox tomorrow and then Prince on Saturday! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Before I haltered Prince I scratched him, massaged his tail, and rubbed him with the halter then he bent his head around and waited for me to put the halter on. So I did. He was really patient while I put it on. Then after a couple minutes we went up to the riding ring. We played stick to me up the hill... man running up that hill in the snow is hard.
We didn't do a whole lot but what we did do was pretty big. We started off with played with don't change gait at the canter on the circle. I really have to do a better job a being consistent with that! I didn't ask Prince to canter right away. I let him trot a lap or so then asked him to canter. While he was trotting he kept the slack on the ground and trotted a nice circle. Our maintain gait at the canter needed some help.... after a while Prince cantered a lap so I brought him in and gave him a rest then asked him to go back out again. This time he was a little bit quicker at cantered a full circle. Prince really does a lot better when we are on a traveling circle. I didn't want to get Prince really sweaty so we stopped after that.
Then we went and did some zone 5 driving with two lines. Since we now have two 22ft lines it was really nice! The 45 is nice because it isn't as heavy but the 22ft lines are really nice because they don't get caught on everything! We started off with just some walk/trot transitions along the fence and then did some traveling circles at the trot (including change of directions), sideways, Touch it, yo-yo's, and a bunch of other stuff. Prince did really well and was really responsive! It was a little harder because the snow was kind of deep in some areas but other than that it was great!
After that I wanted to play around with our change of directions. I knew that they were broken so we needed to play with them. Prince did really well in keeping the belly of the rope on the ground. I think that having the extra 2 1/2 feet on the 22ft line really makes a difference. Our first couple change of directions weren't at all pretty. But after some experimenting, isolating, separating and recombining we got it figured out.... at least I think it is. It will make a couple more play sessions to see if what we did today worked but it was a good start. After that I brought Prince in and gave him a long rest. As I was standing beside Prince I suddenly realised just how short Prince really is.... it isn't his fault but he is short! I don't mind though. It just means that there is a better chance that I can jump up on him bareback some day ;)
After I took Prince's halter off but before I took it totally off I drove his hind quarters around in a full circle (something Mr. Parelli showed in the Level 3 Liberty DVD) Prince didn't leave once the halter was totally off. He just stood there and waited for me. We then played Stick to me over to the gate (which was already open) and then he slowly walked off. Part way over to the gate I stopped really quickly and Prince stopped also... then we continued on.
When I came back down into the corral Prince, Ruffian and Twosox all came over to me then Prince followed me over to the fence. It was a really fun play time. I am still on schedule so that is good! It all goes according to the plan I should be able to play with Twosox tomorrow and then Prince on Saturday! :)
Naturally,
~Keri
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Ruffian: Undemanding time, Zone 5 driving, Circles, and more...
This afternoon I played with Ruffian. When I went out he was lying down in the corral so I went and sat with him for about 20 minutes at one point I just leaned right against him and would have probably fallen asleep too but the sun was right in my eyes ;). After he had a good nap he then got up and then I haltered him. He brought his head around and waited very patiently while I haltered him. Then we went over to the other side of the corral and Ruffy took another nap. He was really tired today ;) Don't blame him :)
We played for a while in the corral. I asked Ruffy to put two feet on each pedestal, back through the gate, go sideways towards the fence and over a pole (at the same time), come sideways towards me, lead by the leg, and some other things. Then I decided to try something different and I put the rope in between Ruffian's front and hind legs (so that it was going straight under him) and then I asked him to back up towards me. At first he wasn't sure what to do and so he turned and faced me but then he figured it out and he backed up really softly. What a clever horse!
After that we played Stick to me up the hill and then when we got up to the riding ring we did some circles, traveling circles, change of directions, transitions, Touch it from 22ft away (Ruffy put all four feet on the pedestal while I was standing about 21ft away!), we did drawing in at the trot, sideways, and lots of other fun stuff. One thing we did was I asked Ruffy to put his front to feet on the pedestal and then I asked him to porcupine his hind quarters around the pedestal. He did so well! For the most part it was all at a phase 1 maybe 2!!
Ruffy was in a great mood. He was very much like his old self... just not quite as playful! But he really wanted to cuddle! He would come and softly put his head really close to you and the fall asleep! After a while I decided to try some two line zone 5 driving. Ruffy did really well considering he hasn't done it in a while. He got a little bit confused once or twice but in the end he was responding to the pressure really well. We ended when we got some really nice walk, trot, walk, halt, back up transitions. Ruffy learns so quickly! :)
After that we went over to the big tractor tire that is standing up and I climbed up and asked Ruffy to line up to it as if I was going to get on. He did and was totally fine with me lying over him, having one knee on his back and lots of other stuff. What was really nice was that he didn't go internal like he usually did in the fall. Today he was looking around, sniffing my leg, and all the signs that he was confident! It was such a pleasant sight! I didn't get on him but that was perfectly fine. I had the bareback pad on him and am hoping to get him used to having something on him again.
Once I let him go he didn't want to leave. He stayed right with me and so we spent some more undemanding time and even when I opened the gate he didn't want to leave but I needed to close it so I softly asked him out and he just walked a couple steps, turned around and came back and stood behind me for the rest of the time that I was up there.
I had a lot of fun playing with Ruffy and I am hoping to be able to play with him at least once a week... plus still play with my two horses. I figure that I should be able to play with both Prince and Twosox twice a week plus play with Ruffian once and then trim on Wednesdays... and have Fridays and Sundays off! It will be busy but totally worth it! At least it should be fun ;)
Naturally,
~Keri
We played for a while in the corral. I asked Ruffy to put two feet on each pedestal, back through the gate, go sideways towards the fence and over a pole (at the same time), come sideways towards me, lead by the leg, and some other things. Then I decided to try something different and I put the rope in between Ruffian's front and hind legs (so that it was going straight under him) and then I asked him to back up towards me. At first he wasn't sure what to do and so he turned and faced me but then he figured it out and he backed up really softly. What a clever horse!
After that we played Stick to me up the hill and then when we got up to the riding ring we did some circles, traveling circles, change of directions, transitions, Touch it from 22ft away (Ruffy put all four feet on the pedestal while I was standing about 21ft away!), we did drawing in at the trot, sideways, and lots of other fun stuff. One thing we did was I asked Ruffy to put his front to feet on the pedestal and then I asked him to porcupine his hind quarters around the pedestal. He did so well! For the most part it was all at a phase 1 maybe 2!!
Ruffy was in a great mood. He was very much like his old self... just not quite as playful! But he really wanted to cuddle! He would come and softly put his head really close to you and the fall asleep! After a while I decided to try some two line zone 5 driving. Ruffy did really well considering he hasn't done it in a while. He got a little bit confused once or twice but in the end he was responding to the pressure really well. We ended when we got some really nice walk, trot, walk, halt, back up transitions. Ruffy learns so quickly! :)
After that we went over to the big tractor tire that is standing up and I climbed up and asked Ruffy to line up to it as if I was going to get on. He did and was totally fine with me lying over him, having one knee on his back and lots of other stuff. What was really nice was that he didn't go internal like he usually did in the fall. Today he was looking around, sniffing my leg, and all the signs that he was confident! It was such a pleasant sight! I didn't get on him but that was perfectly fine. I had the bareback pad on him and am hoping to get him used to having something on him again.
Once I let him go he didn't want to leave. He stayed right with me and so we spent some more undemanding time and even when I opened the gate he didn't want to leave but I needed to close it so I softly asked him out and he just walked a couple steps, turned around and came back and stood behind me for the rest of the time that I was up there.
I had a lot of fun playing with Ruffy and I am hoping to be able to play with him at least once a week... plus still play with my two horses. I figure that I should be able to play with both Prince and Twosox twice a week plus play with Ruffian once and then trim on Wednesdays... and have Fridays and Sundays off! It will be busy but totally worth it! At least it should be fun ;)
Naturally,
~Keri
Monday, February 1, 2010
Transitions, Zone 5 driving, and Liberty...
This afternoon I played with Twosox. We had a lot of fun playing the catching game with my mom and Knightly before I haltered him. After I haltered him we played did a little bit of Stick to me and we went up into the riding ring... and boy was it cold! It was rather windy up there... being on a hill I guess that had something to do with it... but we still had fun. We did some Touch it, yo-yo's and then some circles. While on the circle we played around with Change of directions and transitions. At first Twosox wasn't playing attention but then he started getting more and more connected.
After that we did some Figure eights. Those were much better! Not as light as the a last time but all in all not bad. Twosox was SO light when I asked him to back up by the tail. I was only holding onto a couple hairs and he was backing up with effort! We backed about 10ft or more! It was really cool! After that I decided to try some zone 5 driving with two lines. I tied the 22ft line into two reins. It didn't give a whole lot of extra room but it helped Twosox because I was closer and it gave him more confidence. Twosox did really well. We did transitions walk/trot/ back up, Touch it, and a couple other things. It was a lot of fun!
Then we played at Liberty for a while. Twosox did pretty good. We did get some really nice halt-trot-halt transitions! We also did a couple Figure eights and some Touch it (Twosox offered to put all four feet up on the pedestal!) After that we played some Stick to me with my mom. Poor Twosox, he is really good when he stays with me but when he leave he gets totally lost... I would really like a round corral... I am praying about that :)
All in all Twosox did really well. I had something else on my mind that has been bothering me for a while now and today it kind of jumped out at me and well I just can't ignore it anymore. So Twosox didn't get my full attention so it wasn't totally fair to him. But he did well and I was proud of him :)
~Keri
After that we did some Figure eights. Those were much better! Not as light as the a last time but all in all not bad. Twosox was SO light when I asked him to back up by the tail. I was only holding onto a couple hairs and he was backing up with effort! We backed about 10ft or more! It was really cool! After that I decided to try some zone 5 driving with two lines. I tied the 22ft line into two reins. It didn't give a whole lot of extra room but it helped Twosox because I was closer and it gave him more confidence. Twosox did really well. We did transitions walk/trot/ back up, Touch it, and a couple other things. It was a lot of fun!
Then we played at Liberty for a while. Twosox did pretty good. We did get some really nice halt-trot-halt transitions! We also did a couple Figure eights and some Touch it (Twosox offered to put all four feet up on the pedestal!) After that we played some Stick to me with my mom. Poor Twosox, he is really good when he stays with me but when he leave he gets totally lost... I would really like a round corral... I am praying about that :)
All in all Twosox did really well. I had something else on my mind that has been bothering me for a while now and today it kind of jumped out at me and well I just can't ignore it anymore. So Twosox didn't get my full attention so it wasn't totally fair to him. But he did well and I was proud of him :)
~Keri
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