Sometimes I feel like I'm working with a teenager. :P Appropriate, since Pro *is* sixteen, I guess. Or maybe a two-year old would be a better description. He throws fits over the most minor requests. He'll give me a decent walk, but slightly counterbent. I call him out on it, and MAJOR meltdown ensues. If he'd just BEND...he would expend a LOT less energy.
I had Erik out today to take pictures. He got some video of us walking through the puddles from last night's rainstorm:
(I'll upload the pole jumble video tomorrow!!!)
He had some decently good work throughout the rest of the ride, but I ended up spending over an hour in the arena just with simple requests. He seemed quick to let his temper explode over anything, even though I catered to his boredom by adding in fun stuff to our warmup. So when all I want is a circle at the posting trot in a nice easy frame, I can't tolerate the scooting by the trot pole, I'm sorry. I half halt, and he gets PISSED. He was fairly okay during his canter, at least not rushing this time, but reluctant to sufficiently bend. After I'd correct him for something, and he'd get really pissed, I'd let him "cool off" in the "playground" (water or pole jumble) briefly as a reward for finally accepting a correction, but it didn't seem to remedy his mood.
At least I know I'm not horridly off track...Gayle said he's pretty much going to fight me forever, because work will involve challenging him and pushing him, and he's been trained his whole life toward disobedience. She has told other people in the past that their horses aren't suitable for dressage...and she hasn't told me that...so I guess I feel hopeful in that regard, but still. It's frustrating when he's SO good in his good moods. Pleasant, light, soft, free-moving. Just a delight. But push him at all and he's throwing tantrums like a little kid. It gets very exhausting, and REALLY grinds on my patience. But he has come a long way since September (when I started working with Gayle) and I know he'll get better even though he's throwing fits. Gayle said he was "quite buff!!" when she saw him last, so at least his muscle development is still progressing nicely. He just feels the need (like a teenager) to question EVERY SINGLE thing I ask of him, and question it loudly.
Parenting's going to be a breeze once I survive Pro. ;)
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8 comments:
The video is so funny!! I love how he picks his back feet up really high when he is in the puddle. Thats too cute!
Phew...Pro sounds exhausting! Aren't there some magic tricks for convincing him to work with you, not against you?
That video is soo funny.
Glad you all liked the video - it only took about 15min to load, ugh. But he is cute with all the splashing.
Haha Gabby - short of a brain transplant, I don't think so. :( Gayle said he's 16 and set in his ways...so we can improve him, but his attitude is likely set since he's a grouchy old man. :P
I love the video! :) Pro DOES sound exhausting! I can tell he is very intelligent...which makes it harder to keep him entertained and almost impossible to change some ingrained habits, huh?
Kate, I just popped over here from NCHN to see what you're all up to - wow!
What a great blog!
I would love to join, but probably won't be able to post much until I get through August.
And I have to say - Pro looks absolutely fabulous. His body looks so well-drawn and muscled beautifully. I'm inspired!
Good job, all. I definitely need some motivation.
Billie - Welcome!!! :) Thank you for the compliments on Pro's physique...it's been a LOT of work between me, Andrea, and Gayle since September but it seems to be paying off.
If you like, I'd be happy to add you as an author and you can post when you can. :) This blog is great for motivation!
OMG I LOVE that video!!! Kate, I think your quote might have to go in my sig line- STOP PAWING!!!! (juby falls on floor laughing)
Honestly, it sounds like your doing a really great job with him! So congrats and good luck on your future rides this week with all the rain and EVEN MORE PUDDLES!!!
What do you need to add me? I should know this, as I used to coordinate a blog with many authors, but I can't remember!
Both Keil Bay and Cody got their chiro today and are off work until Saturday morning. That is my main issue - even after retiring the mare, I have TWO that need regular work. Not to mention ME needing regular work!
I am also seriously considering lessons on a schoolmaster for 6 months or so to tune up my own cues/muscle memory to a higher standard. Why did I stop riding for so long??
Daughter will ADORE taking photos of me in the saddle and critiquing them, LOL!
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