I know, I know...I haven't posted in like forever. But hey, I'm posting now!
Poor Pepsi's been having an identity crisis over the last few weeks. He can't figure out if he wants to be a Fred or a Pepsi. He'll be Fred for a few days, and then he'll be Pepsi for the rest of the week. Poor guy.
For example, the other night he was an angel. I rode him bareback in a halter for about 20 minutes. Mostly walking with a bit of trotting thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention that this was all one rein stuff? As in, I just threw the leadline over his neck and switched sides with it when I needed to. (What you had Charlie do with Bleu years back Alex.) He was completely laid back about the rope swinging back and forth over his face, and really listened to all my cues.
So a few nights later I take him out in the round pen and he goes nuts! And I mean nuts even for Pepsi, so you all can only imagine... Anyway, about 10 minutes into the session he decides he's had it with me and turns off the rail, comes about 2 strides in towards me, rears straight up, turns on his haunches and kicks straight out at me. (rolls eyes) I certainly wasn't in any danger, but he was giving me the horsey finger like never before! Needless to say, that session went well over an hour until he was walking around the pen like an angel. (sigh)
And then, I came out to ride a few days later after midterms, and he was a perfect gentleman! Forward, but not rushing, listening (ok, mostly listening!) and just generally being good. So now, my horse is not only ADHD, but he also has Multiple Personality Disorder. Greeeeeeat.
The good news is that I had a 20 minute lesson yesterday! The bad news is that once we asked him to REALLY work at the trot he came up off (not really lame, but definitely off), so we quit. Still, I figured out the best way to get him to track up, and now I have even more stuff I can do at the walk to help build up his back and stomach muscles.
We're going to try some trail rides this week since I'm off for fall break. Wish me luck!!!!
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5 comments:
I'm glad that you have been riding.
To stop a lot of those Pepsi days...make sure you are doing groundwork EVERY time. You need to get him focused and relaxed before doing anything more.
How are the hoof trimmings going?
Oh, believe me- we absolutely do groundwork every time. It doesn't help that it's gotten cool now though either- both I and the BO have seen him act like a complete fool out in the pasture! (sighs)
The trimmings are going pretty well. We'll probably end up with shoes soon, but he doesn't have enough hoof to nail anything to right now.
I'm glad you have been riding some, too! I've been wondering about you guys, so it's good to hear an update! I know...I need to post an update, too...
Good luck...sounds like he's bipolar! Poor pony.
How's school going? Are you able to head out to the barn regularly?
I've been wondering where you've been! At least Pepsi still has Fred days, that's a good thing. He's just trying to come to terms with his inner Fred, maybe.
Good luck with the trail rides!
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