Friday, March 19, 2010
One week to go - Fast Track 3
I'm really working at not getting anxious or overwhelmed with prep for the course in Fl. I am so excited to have this opportunity and am determined to remain emotionally fit:-) It's a bit difficult not to get stressed about leaving hubby, animals, and business for four weeks. I have lots of support and help and believe all will go well while I'm away. Step into the uncomfortable for growth, right?
Play with the horse that shows up
I was planning, yesterday, to spend some time playing OL and Freestyle in the arena. Let me say, the arena has been my nemesis. I'm much more comfortable riding up the mountain with the cows. My horse and I have had a couple bad experiences in the arena and it became a threshold for me. We did have a great experience there last month when David Lichman visited, so I've been going back some, but have not made a program of it. AFter watching the new L3 videos I was very motivated to do just that. So off we went. The arena had a few people in it, so I began playing OL with the 22' rope outside the arena. Things were going okay in the beginning, but she wasn't truly connecting, so I tried to get more interesting by changing things up. Each time she pulled out of the circle, I said "go sideways". Each time she ate grass, I did the same. I used change of direction when she didn't maintain gait. She went from okay to "Now I'm not happy with you; I want to eat grass". I ignored that and tried to match her energy, which didn't go too high considering what I've seen her do in the past. I kept my music playing and remained calm throughout. Yeah!! Personal victory. Still listening to "Hey Soul Sister" by Train:-) She had a couple RB moments and really became hyper alert at the pond nearby. There are lots of tall grasses and bushes/trees around, so she could hear things she couldn't see. I did lots of retreat and sideways and backup. At one point, she went to eat grass while on the circle after we had retreated and I looked at her and thought she might be sticking her head in the sand. She looked a bit introverted so I decided not to put more pressure on her, just wait and see. Lots of blinking while eating grass. Eventually, she began to look like she wasn't introverted and was breathing naturally, so I began playing again. She wasn't totally RB, but she was unconfident about the pond, so I decided to change my plan and take as long as we needed to build her confidence. Tested the squeeze game between me and the pond from far away. Jesse did it, but wasn't confident. Turn and face. Back up/retreat. Lick and Chew. Do it again. We did this until she was squeezing between me and the pond confidently, then moved closer. Each time she would lick and chew after a squeeze, or put her head down to look for grass, I'd start again. Eventually, she was right next to the pond eating grass and calm. The best part of this was that I had a strategy and wasn't worried about what people around me were thinking. I felt confident and was only concerned about doing what the horse needed. Breakthrough for me! My horse asked me so many questions and seemed to be looking to me for comfort throughout. Beautiful!! I put on her bridle and rode up the mountain to go through the cows. She did try to eat grass some and had her opinions about which way to go, but never was there an argument. I practiced indirect and direct rein and follow the trail with the fence and paths in the pasture. My horse walked under the fly rope hung for the cows when I lifted it very confidently. We cantered and trotted to work on purity of gait. She was calm, cool, and collected with both. Didn't maintain gait perfectly, but definite progress:-) Stopped with my energy from both. I didn't cry, but came awfully close:-) She didn't take the left lead, but did take the right lead when I put my right arm forward and tickled her with my left hand. We'll do bowtie to work at that left lead. She did pick up both leads OL. What a journey!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Online notes
Ok; so this has been extraordinary for me! I've had three sessions Online since my last OL post. For sessions 6 and 7 of purity of gait program, I remained on the 45' line and my horse has begun to offer canter and is much more consistent at maintaining the trot. I used change of direction as a strategy if she broke gait. She would go in the opposite direction and I would say, "great! ...and then some". It was going well.
THEN...I received the new Level 3 pack I had just ordered and watched Pat show us what Level 3 OL is all about.
So, two days ago, after riding, I had the chance to play with all the new ideas I had after being so inspired by the video. I went to the 22' line and used the techniques Pat showed (or at least tried to:). My horse was truly riveted! Very little arguing; just a couple snippy small kicks with the hind leg. I hardly used the stick; mainly the strategies. My horse eventually got her ears on me, was showing exuberance...yes; my horse was showing exuberance! Now I know what it looks like:-) It was going so well and I knew I needed to change games when she offered so much so as not to nag or bore her, so I decided to focus on the squeeze game. Lots of small limbs and palm frans around the field, so I started small and slow. Then, I asked for more impulsion. Then I increased challenge of squeeze with my final goal as the barrel. She jumped it four times! Time to stop and REWARD!!! Man, what a feeling!
Note: at the barrel, she got caught between wanting to move it and jump it, as she figured out what I was asking for. Next thing I knew she had kind of stumbled on the barrel with her front leg putting her weight on it. It gave a bit and cracked. Just wait, I thought; let's see. She looked at me, I stood there calmly and breathing. She got her weight organized and stood back up. Back to the game, I said.
Whew!
So, THAT'S WHAT PARELLI HAS DONE FOR ME! I've got a horse who has stepped on the reins and gotten a front foot through, had the saddle under her belly (twice I'm embarrassed to say), stepped in a huge sink hole that could've been a leg breaker, and laid on a barrel that cracked under her...all situations which she thought her way out of and NO BIG DEAL. Thanks Pat and Linda! If I never progressed from here, I'm already there:-)
THEN...I received the new Level 3 pack I had just ordered and watched Pat show us what Level 3 OL is all about.
So, two days ago, after riding, I had the chance to play with all the new ideas I had after being so inspired by the video. I went to the 22' line and used the techniques Pat showed (or at least tried to:). My horse was truly riveted! Very little arguing; just a couple snippy small kicks with the hind leg. I hardly used the stick; mainly the strategies. My horse eventually got her ears on me, was showing exuberance...yes; my horse was showing exuberance! Now I know what it looks like:-) It was going so well and I knew I needed to change games when she offered so much so as not to nag or bore her, so I decided to focus on the squeeze game. Lots of small limbs and palm frans around the field, so I started small and slow. Then, I asked for more impulsion. Then I increased challenge of squeeze with my final goal as the barrel. She jumped it four times! Time to stop and REWARD!!! Man, what a feeling!
Note: at the barrel, she got caught between wanting to move it and jump it, as she figured out what I was asking for. Next thing I knew she had kind of stumbled on the barrel with her front leg putting her weight on it. It gave a bit and cracked. Just wait, I thought; let's see. She looked at me, I stood there calmly and breathing. She got her weight organized and stood back up. Back to the game, I said.
Whew!
So, THAT'S WHAT PARELLI HAS DONE FOR ME! I've got a horse who has stepped on the reins and gotten a front foot through, had the saddle under her belly (twice I'm embarrassed to say), stepped in a huge sink hole that could've been a leg breaker, and laid on a barrel that cracked under her...all situations which she thought her way out of and NO BIG DEAL. Thanks Pat and Linda! If I never progressed from here, I'm already there:-)
Freestyle riding
I've ridden two times since last post on freestyle; all up the mountain with the cows. The session after my last post, I noticed my horse had a scrape on her left hind leg and a scrape on her foot. She didn't seem to be sore, so I wrapped the foot to ensure no further scraping and decided to ride, as we were supposed to check on some cows and calves. I had been feeling great about my OL program, so I decided to ride in the rope hackamore. What a great ride! I do use the reins too much, but found my horse is exactly the same without a bit as she is with a bit. Some snatching grass, but responds to my suggestion and backed up great as well. We had a beautiful ride. I used partial disengagement if she appeared to be going to eat grass and decided to take it easy that day; just walk around from point to point checking the cows. My horse got lots of rest time as I was sitting and watching a couple cows that appeared injured.
However, she was pulling toward home a bit, initially, so I turned and ran home...and then some. We cantered all the way back to the mountain gate and she went over small logs, through koa and tall grasses up hills...fun! After that, she was way more in tune with where my focus was when we quietly walked back where we needed to go.
Then, the most incredible gift! I saw a cow give birth. Such a beautiful day!
We were so in tune, I decided to canter back home and test both of our emotional fitness levels:-) It felt amazing!
Note: I played music throughout my prep and ride this day...makes a huge difference for me. My current favorite song for keeping my emotional balance is "Hey Soul Sister" by Train.
After that ride, I gave her a few days off to ensure her scrapes healed up and didn't want to make them worse by accidentally scraping something else. She had stepped into a huge sink hole during our last ride and was calm and confident enough to step out of it after she stumbled and, luckily, there was no harm done. But, I wanted to be sure there was no inflammation the next day.
Tuesday, we helped move the cows. Lots of sitting and watching as these cows come when called and know what to do! Very cool! I am learning the system and all the gates, etc, so this day was more about work for me. Also, the ground was muddy around some gates, so we were moving rocks to make walking paths in the mud. So, my horse really got rest. We only had to really move a few cows down to the new pasture, and my horse seemed to enjoy it. The small herd of 19 head came running toward us when called and we led while they followed us. My horse was a little amped and I didn't do groundwork before riding, so she got a little concerned. I turned and faced the cows and bent her where necessary, and she was fine. Very interesting for her to have them running up behind her. Great experience for this LBI.
Yesterday, I was so excited to ride after watching the new L3 Freestyle video with Pat, but we got a surprise rain storm, so I spent lots of undemanding time and groomed her to ease her itchiness and help her shed out...that time of year.
Spent time with Mambo (6 month old bull calf who lives with my horse), too. I had my horse loosely tied when it started raining. She was a little concerned at first so I decided to wait 'til she was calm and confident and then untied her. She walked away a bit...toward the horse she lives with, but then came back for a while. Nice!
However, she was pulling toward home a bit, initially, so I turned and ran home...and then some. We cantered all the way back to the mountain gate and she went over small logs, through koa and tall grasses up hills...fun! After that, she was way more in tune with where my focus was when we quietly walked back where we needed to go.
Then, the most incredible gift! I saw a cow give birth. Such a beautiful day!
We were so in tune, I decided to canter back home and test both of our emotional fitness levels:-) It felt amazing!
Note: I played music throughout my prep and ride this day...makes a huge difference for me. My current favorite song for keeping my emotional balance is "Hey Soul Sister" by Train.
After that ride, I gave her a few days off to ensure her scrapes healed up and didn't want to make them worse by accidentally scraping something else. She had stepped into a huge sink hole during our last ride and was calm and confident enough to step out of it after she stumbled and, luckily, there was no harm done. But, I wanted to be sure there was no inflammation the next day.
Tuesday, we helped move the cows. Lots of sitting and watching as these cows come when called and know what to do! Very cool! I am learning the system and all the gates, etc, so this day was more about work for me. Also, the ground was muddy around some gates, so we were moving rocks to make walking paths in the mud. So, my horse really got rest. We only had to really move a few cows down to the new pasture, and my horse seemed to enjoy it. The small herd of 19 head came running toward us when called and we led while they followed us. My horse was a little amped and I didn't do groundwork before riding, so she got a little concerned. I turned and faced the cows and bent her where necessary, and she was fine. Very interesting for her to have them running up behind her. Great experience for this LBI.
Yesterday, I was so excited to ride after watching the new L3 Freestyle video with Pat, but we got a surprise rain storm, so I spent lots of undemanding time and groomed her to ease her itchiness and help her shed out...that time of year.
Spent time with Mambo (6 month old bull calf who lives with my horse), too. I had my horse loosely tied when it started raining. She was a little concerned at first so I decided to wait 'til she was calm and confident and then untied her. She walked away a bit...toward the horse she lives with, but then came back for a while. Nice!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Relationship
Today went well with Jesse not eating grass as much as usual and seeming to offer more when I asked. We helped move the cows. I was very focused and what a difference! We went down one hill so steep I thought of the concept of a Horse being willing to go down a hole for u if the relationship is there. When I remembered the 8 principles and FOCUS, things were great. I am naturally inclined to micro manage (I learned through the parelli program) and try to be aware of that so I can let it go. Jesse is forgiving and today was fun and she truly tuned in to me. Gotta remember undemanding time:-)
Today went well with Jesse not eating grass as much as usual and seeming to offer more when I asked. We helped move the cows. I was very focused and what a difference! We went down one hill so steep I thought of the concept of a Horse being willing to go down a hole for u if the relationship is there. When I remembered the 8 principles and FOCUS, things were great. I am naturally inclined to micro manage (I learned through the parelli program) and try to be aware of that so I can let it go. Jesse is forgiving and today was fun and she truly tuned in to me. Gotta remember undemanding time:-)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day 5 maintain gait ol
Circle on 45' line. Started w point to point and driving Jesse. Lots of distractions with wind, tractor, obstacles,etc. She would offer a lap and then stop. I brought her in at first to b sure to do the relationship thing but then sent her again. When I required more of her she pitched a mini tantrum and went on adrenaline. I said, "let me help u" that didn't last long. Stopped and rested til she licked her lips after two quality laps with nice expression at trot. Rode and planned to focus on purity of gait ; circle at trot around cone. Difficult with this lbi. I was there for over an hour but didn't get frustrated; repeated the 8 princliples to myself and stuck with it. Stopped at cone when she stopped pulling me toward home every pass and got softer. Long rest. She went a bit introverted and I waited with her. Big breakthrough for me not giving up, doubting myself or getting mad. Whew! Undemanding time back at home after moseying slowly home and stopping for grass outside arena:-)
Circle on 45' line. Started w point to point and driving Jesse. Lots of distractions with wind, tractor, obstacles,etc. She would offer a lap and then stop. I brought her in at first to b sure to do the relationship thing but then sent her again. When I required more of her she pitched a mini tantrum and went on adrenaline. I said, "let me help u" that didn't last long. Stopped and rested til she licked her lips after two quality laps with nice expression at trot. Rode and planned to focus on purity of gait ; circle at trot around cone. Difficult with this lbi. I was there for over an hour but didn't get frustrated; repeated the 8 princliples to myself and stuck with it. Stopped at cone when she stopped pulling me toward home every pass and got softer. Long rest. She went a bit introverted and I waited with her. Big breakthrough for me not giving up, doubting myself or getting mad. Whew! Undemanding time back at home after moseying slowly home and stopping for grass outside arena:-)
Day 4 relaxation
Spent two hours checking the herd; calves just branded and castrated. Jesse wanted grass. I used the partial disengagement when she was gonna go for it. She relaxed, but kept eating grass a bit. Spent a lot of time sitting and watching so I offered grass. Used logs and hills and gullies to trot over, back over, go sideways, etc trying to be interesting. Felt good
Spent two hours checking the herd; calves just branded and castrated. Jesse wanted grass. I used the partial disengagement when she was gonna go for it. She relaxed, but kept eating grass a bit. Spent a lot of time sitting and watching so I offered grass. Used logs and hills and gullies to trot over, back over, go sideways, etc trying to be interesting. Felt good
Day 4 maintain gait
OL 45' line. Began well with her offering good stuff on the circle. She even picked up a left lead. Another person entered the small arena and we had to make our circle smaller. I got a little anxious at first worrying what to do but decided to keep it simple and focus on the relationship. Ended well with 3 quality laps at trot
OL 45' line. Began well with her offering good stuff on the circle. She even picked up a left lead. Another person entered the small arena and we had to make our circle smaller. I got a little anxious at first worrying what to do but decided to keep it simple and focus on the relationship. Ended well with 3 quality laps at trot
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 2 Relaxation Results - Cow work
Seems like the maintain gait and relaxation programs I'm using this week are helping me more than my horse:-) I feel like she's saying..."finally! Now let's have some fun:-)" We've been given the opportunity to help with the cows on the ranch where I board, which is an amazing opportunity for me to have a reason for my LBI mare to do things since I'm still not so creative. So, we were helping to move the herd and sort some calves out. Whoa! We've been doing this since April 2009 and today my horse really go into the sorting! So fun! I would focus on the calf to move and she was there pinning her ears and even nipping a bit to get them moving. I am realizing lately how I still get in her way and micromanage. It's my nature and I may always be challenged with it, but I got a glimpse of what it can be like if I can get it right:-) I used the partial disengagement when she went for a bit of grass while we were riding out to the cows and didn't get frustrated. She never got on adrenaline, so I didn't need it too much for relaxation. The arena is where that's really gonna help. And maybe at the lake when the ducks are around; they freak her out!
Next up: Day 3 maintain gait OL and Day 3 Freestyle Relaxation. Watched the savvy club dvd on purity of gait again with Linda and Allure. Thinking I should add the purity of gait program to my days of OL purity of gait. This will provide change and two Freestyle options for me each day (relaxation and purity of gait). Let's see what happens.
Next up: Day 3 maintain gait OL and Day 3 Freestyle Relaxation. Watched the savvy club dvd on purity of gait again with Linda and Allure. Thinking I should add the purity of gait program to my days of OL purity of gait. This will provide change and two Freestyle options for me each day (relaxation and purity of gait). Let's see what happens.
Day 2 Relaxation - Freestyle - Feb mastery dvd
Cows
Today, we help move and sort the cows. Plan is to use for day 2 relaxation program and reverse psychology for impulsion. Tip from horsenality report was "...and then some"; if she wants to go in the opposite direction I ask for, go with her...and then some:-) let's see if I can be a better partner for her today
Today, we help move and sort the cows. Plan is to use for day 2 relaxation program and reverse psychology for impulsion. Tip from horsenality report was "...and then some"; if she wants to go in the opposite direction I ask for, go with her...and then some:-) let's see if I can be a better partner for her today
Day 2 maintain gait - OL results
Maintain gait 45' line
Day 2 plan for maintain gait based on mastery lesson was interesting. I went to the 45' line and she went to the end of it right away on the circle. I began my day with driving her v/s leading her and moving her til she wanted to stand still while grooming her. She's in heat and has lots more energy than her usual lbi self. I used to think I was seeing rb tendencies during her cycle but her horsenality report suggested she is on the cusp of LBE and can switch very quickly so...
Today showed those tendencies. She changed direction alot (towards hone) and I realized she knew I wanted her to maintain gait but was testing me by trying to come in, stopping to see what I would do, getting punky...
In the end, she was still giving an "egg" but softened her expression and was trotting much closer to me instead of at the end of the rope. Lots of slack and ear on me, so I ended the session. Didn't get to day 2 Relaxation but will tomorrow:-) I LOVE this journey! Thank u Pat and Linda for sharing your passion for horses and working so hard to create a program we can study from home. I am much changed for the better;-)
Day 2 plan for maintain gait based on mastery lesson was interesting. I went to the 45' line and she went to the end of it right away on the circle. I began my day with driving her v/s leading her and moving her til she wanted to stand still while grooming her. She's in heat and has lots more energy than her usual lbi self. I used to think I was seeing rb tendencies during her cycle but her horsenality report suggested she is on the cusp of LBE and can switch very quickly so...
Today showed those tendencies. She changed direction alot (towards hone) and I realized she knew I wanted her to maintain gait but was testing me by trying to come in, stopping to see what I would do, getting punky...
In the end, she was still giving an "egg" but softened her expression and was trotting much closer to me instead of at the end of the rope. Lots of slack and ear on me, so I ended the session. Didn't get to day 2 Relaxation but will tomorrow:-) I LOVE this journey! Thank u Pat and Linda for sharing your passion for horses and working so hard to create a program we can study from home. I am much changed for the better;-)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 2 OL and relaxation programs - Feb mastery dvd
Day two of current OL and relaxation programs based on February mastery lesson. Using 45' line today. I'll place obstacles in arena again and require her to maintain gait. Last session ended w/ two quality laps at trot. I'll look for more today. Maybe more laps, maybe canter...depends on the horse. Gonna try relaxation plan bareback at walk; maybe trot. This gives me a great strategy so I don't fear/avoid bareback riding at higher gaits:-) I just received my horsenaluty report for Hesse and will be sure to go slow from the beginning, driving her c/s leading her and remembering to use reverse psychology...not being pushy but being a consistent leader. Not my best traits but improving me is how I get better for my horse.
Testing...
I'm setting up the blog and testing mobile posts to be sure I know how to use this thing when I'm at the center:-) I've got a google page set up with lots of resources for my plan, such as weather in Ocala, a packing list, Linda's blogs, and maps set up to map locations around the center before I get there. Hoping I can use that on my phone, as well. Testing, testing, 123...
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