I missed my ride on Monday because of the rain. I was also kinda in a "funk" and didnt feel like riding. I guess Ive just been getting bored with the 20 min warmups (he is old and out of shape) and then only 10-15 mins of actual work. If I ride anymore than that, he is dripping in sweat and huffing and puffing. It just takes time to get him back into shape.
Anyway, when I got to the barn today, Mandros saw me and neighed at me, it was so cute! It was like he was saying "hey, I missed you on Monday!". I tacked him up and had to use the saddle that doesnt fit me because Mandros' owner was using "ours". I use her saddle and she was riding her horse when we got there.
The trot work was ok, but I kept getting in the way of the other rider, so I didnt get to do many laterals because they take up alot of the ring. The canter was ok, the right lead was pretty good, it was a little fast and he keeps trying to cut the corners, but overall it was good. His owner said it looked nice. The left lead wasnt good at all. He kept breaking and I kept pushing him back into it and he was fussy. He finally stopped being an idiot and cantered correctly. When I asked him to pick the left lead up again, he did it and then tried to break and I kicked him, then he bucked. I made him continue to canter and he was fine. Dont horses know that if they just do it correctly the first time, they wont have to do as much work? I asked Mandros' owner this a while back and she said "Ive been telling Mandros that for 8 years".
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6 comments:
It's cute that Mandros neighed at you. I totally understand what you mean about the horses having to do more work if they don't do it right the first time-- Won't they ever get it? :)
Is it possible that something is still bothering him? It's odd that he hates that lead...but I know horses are def. one-sided. Hobbes hates the right lead, but its due to years of discomfort, I'm sure.
Some days I just have no interest in riding, either. I have to force myself to get on so I realize how much better I feel afterwards! Riding is like mental floss : )
Gabby, at first we thought maybe his leg was still bothering him. But when we stretch it, he shows no pain, and we stretch it farther and higher than he uses it.
and its not like Im asking him to canter for days on end. Its just one 20 meter circle, and then once around the ring. It is more uncomfortable on that lead, but thats because he actually has to use that leg more. The more he uses it, the better it will be. Im not as comfortable in the saddle we used yesterday, so my signals werent as strong.
I think we ALL have those days...the ones where we'd rather be lazy @$$es and sit on the couch than do anything productive. So I feel ya there. ;p
But I'm glad that he's getting better. The trick is always to convince them that while it hurts a bit for a while, it feels better later on! Heck, it took my PT the better part of 3 months to convince me of that!
Keep up the great work!
Yeah, I think we all have those lazy days...or at least I know I do, and I guess it makes me feel better to know I'm not alone!
Sometimes I wonder, too, why the horses don't ever figure out that it will be less work in the end if they just do it right the first time! I bet the saddle had something to do with the difficulties too. You'll continue to make progress as he gets more fit! You guys have already made a lot of progress, too!
No, I have those days too - even when Pro's going well. After working all day and then doing feed/chores, I have to really focus on just getting my riding clothes on, getting tacked up, and getting on. It's usually okay from there.
Awww, Mandros missed you!! Too bad he's not getting the clue that it's easier to just do the request the first time. I think that's a message that most horses need to learn...
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