So...I know I haven't been on here much lately, but here's an update. ;)
With exams at full-force, I hadn't been able to get out to the barn for over a week, almost a week and a half. For me, that's like not breathing for a week. And for Pepsi, that's like leaving a toddler alone with no babysitter for that long as well. In other words, the next time you go out, expect to have fun. ;)
So, I went out a few days ago and he was surprisingly calm walking to the barn. Once we got there though and he caught sight of all of the geldings running and playing in the pasture he just couldn't take it. I tried for about a minute and half to get his attention back on me before I realized that we needed some SERIOUS round pen work! So, off we went.
I took off his halter (I don't normally, but I just decided to this time) and he went RUNNING AND LEAPING AND BUCKING around that pen like never before. It was really funny and quite adorable, but he was supposed to listen to ME. So, I asked him to move forward and he took off like a shot- hand galloping around the round pen, blowing and snorting. Uh-huh. That's nice horse. Now pay attention to ME. I asked for a change of directions. You'd have thought I chased after him with the Triton of Death. He SLID to a stop, turned on a dime, gave a HUGE leaping buck, snorted, and galloped off.
Ok. So this is going to take a while.
We did some more changes of directions (for his reaction, see above) and then finally after about the 8th time he started to settle and at least pay attention to me. I wouldn't say he was listening, but at least he realized that I was there in the round pen with him. ;)
Next, I started asking for some transitions, which he promptly ignored. So I promptly demanded a nice, forward canter until he got tired and DID start listening. Then we did some transitions and more changes of directions, until his head was nice and low, he was listening to me the entire time, AND he responded promptly. Once he settles, I'm finding that I'm starting to be able to control the SPEED of his gaits now...it's only a little bit at a time, but it's a start. (And compared to a year ago, it's a HUGE thing!!)
Anyway, we came back in, I finished grooming him, and let him graze for a bit before I put him back up. :D
PS- that time spent in the paddock worked! He's lost at least 50 pounds, maybe even 75! Yay! No more pudgy pony!
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7 comments:
I used to ride a horse that I had to lunge everytime before I rode. She acted just like this. After a good lunging session, she was controlable. Some horses just need it, alot of horses need it after some time off. My 19 y/o lease horse needs it too, when he has had some time off.
Taking his halter off is probably a good idea, with him bucking and galloping, you never know what his halter could get caught on.
Good for him doing well after the first yee-haws. I hope your exams went well.
LOL, the image of Pepsi's reaction to your imaginary Triton of Death cracked me up! You have some Star Wars airs above the ground going on!?! I am glad he finally settled down some for you! I hope your exams went well, too!!!
Oh, Pepsi, you are very silly.
Glad you finally got to get out and it sounds like it was probably an entertaining session, even if maybe not quite what you'd hoped for. But if you measure progress within the "ride" then that was a VERY productive round pen session.
I hope we have time to go out to the barn tomorrow! I will bring my camera just in case. I can't wait to get to talk to Pepsi again!!
Woohoo, go Pepsi on the awesome weight loss! Diet Pepsi? ;)
Yes Alex, get pictures!!!! We need to see more of this beautiful boy in action again. Mary, I think you're making great progress in figuring out how to decode that little brain of his...
Diet Pepsi! That's clever : )
Good for you for demanding his attention - sometimes it's the last thing those silly ponies want to give us.
hehehehe...diet pepsi...too funny :)
I'd love to see photos of him...it's been a while!
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