After Artie behaved with the twitch the first time, I thought he'd be evasive and a handful when "it" (the twitch) came around again.
Last night, he was WONDERFUL! YAY! He was back on top of my favorites list.
This morning he must have thought we were playing tag; so I had to push him away several times. But he soon, very soon, realized that he was fighting a losing battle. I must admit though; I like watching him run around a bit though. hehe. When it came time for Ms. Twitch to meet Mr. Artie's nose, he actually lowered his head for me and never even wiggled his nose or bobbed his head. Alex and I think he's addicted. ;-) He didn't even flinch for his shots. I don't really care if he is addicted -- so long as he stands like a gentleman. :-P hahah.
Hopefully his affair with Ms. Twitch will continue through the next 7-8 days of injections. *crosses fingers, knock on wood*
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Pro's Ride
Hey,
I guess since this is my first actual post I should introduce myself at least some. I'm a grad student at UNC getting my PhD in Bio. I grew up with horses riding mostly hunters. Around high school I got bored of hunters and attempted to swap to jumpers/eventing but my TB at the time was not amused by the idea of logs on the ground as jumps. He'd jump 3'6" without blinking in the ring, but a solid 18" tree trunk in a field terrified him. So we stuck with Jumpers and then I started doing dressage when I moved to NC and had no horse to ride. I figured if I was going to pay for riding time (lessons) I might as well learn something. Around Christmas I saw Kate's post that she was looking for someone to half-lease Pro in exchange for barn chores. Definitely best deal I've ever gotten in on! My mom bought a 6 month old Polish Arabian 12 1/2 years ago and I miss him so Pro's a great substitute. (That's my mom's Arab, Lyric, in the picture).
So, back to how today went. I last rode him on Sunday right after he'd pulled his "OMG everything is going to eat me!" trick on Kate, so he wasn't sure what to expect. I'd been very low key about the things that seemed to be residual nerves, lots of pats and good boys. Of course that meant that today he was offering to spook at random stuff just to see what I'd do. Nothing like fighting with a desert bred horse in 95 degree heat... He wasn't bad, we just had to go through all of his 212 resistance tricks to get to the good part. Once he was going better I did some work on getting a really nice, animated trot out of him. He tends to get stuck in his front end so I used Kate's almost-walk-now-TROT trick and kept after him with rhythmic bumping from my inside leg. Then I tried to really collect him at the canter. Kate gets him to do this amazingly collected canter but then he starts swapping leads in back. I don't collect as much and he doesn't do that, but I was tired of him thinking I was the push-over rider so I made him collect more. I'd say that contest ended up being something of a draw.
We've got a lesson scheduled with Gayle on Wednesday, so I'm excited about that. Kate's going to ride after me on one of the other horses at the barn, Elvis, so I'm looking forward to a full afternoon of horses and horsey gossip and pretending grad school doesn't exist!
(Kate's edit -- Sorry to hijack, but I just HAD to add in a picture of Andrea and Pro!!!!)
Roundpenning Pepsi 6/5/08
Well, Pepsi was SO good while I was working him today. I went out at about 8:00 because it was just too hot for me to work him before that. I put him in the round pen and let him warm himself up at the walk. When he started trotting I started going toward the fence again and waving the lunge whip at the fence. He just turned right around and went the other direction. :D
After about 15 minutes of him being absolutely perfect I took him in to hose him off. We were almost done when one of the boarders pulled up with her trailer and unloaded her horse. Pepsi was NOT happy that he couldn't see what was behind him (she pulled up directly behind the wash stall, which, in her defense, is about the only place on the farm where the trailer will fit!) and started throwing a fit. After about 90 seconds of him ignoring me when I told him to knock it off and calm down, I finally grabbed him by the halter, looked him straight in the eye and told him to KNOCK IT OFF NOW! After staring him down for close to a minute he finally got the hint and behaved.
Anyway, we were almost done when I was trying to put some medicine on his feet (just to ward off thrush) and he tried to swing into me. I slapped him good and told him to quit it, and that horse pointed his butt right at me and seriously thought about double-barreling me. His feet didn't actually come OUT, but they did come up, along with his butt which was about 3 inches in front of my face. I didn't even hesitate- he got pulled back into the round pen and I let him run himself around until he could hardly breathe. Only AFTER he listened to me did I allow him to walk and then finally to come into me and take a breather. We did some moving over of the hindquarters and shoulders while he was in the middle, and once his eye was soft, his head was low, and he was moving over when I asked did we finally go back in.
At this point I stuck him in the wash stall, hooked him to the cross-ties and just sat down on the ground in front of him while he got to stand there for 10 minutes. AFTER he stood patiently I hosed him back off, did some more moving over IN the washstall, and then we went out to graze.
When I was ready to go home I walked him up to the field and made him do even MORE hindquarters and shoulders over, along with lots of backing up and halting before I took his halter off. Once I did take it off he stood there for a moment for a scratch and then calmly turned and walked away.
I am winning the battles, but I'd prefer for there not to BE any battles in the first place!
After about 15 minutes of him being absolutely perfect I took him in to hose him off. We were almost done when one of the boarders pulled up with her trailer and unloaded her horse. Pepsi was NOT happy that he couldn't see what was behind him (she pulled up directly behind the wash stall, which, in her defense, is about the only place on the farm where the trailer will fit!) and started throwing a fit. After about 90 seconds of him ignoring me when I told him to knock it off and calm down, I finally grabbed him by the halter, looked him straight in the eye and told him to KNOCK IT OFF NOW! After staring him down for close to a minute he finally got the hint and behaved.
Anyway, we were almost done when I was trying to put some medicine on his feet (just to ward off thrush) and he tried to swing into me. I slapped him good and told him to quit it, and that horse pointed his butt right at me and seriously thought about double-barreling me. His feet didn't actually come OUT, but they did come up, along with his butt which was about 3 inches in front of my face. I didn't even hesitate- he got pulled back into the round pen and I let him run himself around until he could hardly breathe. Only AFTER he listened to me did I allow him to walk and then finally to come into me and take a breather. We did some moving over of the hindquarters and shoulders while he was in the middle, and once his eye was soft, his head was low, and he was moving over when I asked did we finally go back in.
At this point I stuck him in the wash stall, hooked him to the cross-ties and just sat down on the ground in front of him while he got to stand there for 10 minutes. AFTER he stood patiently I hosed him back off, did some more moving over IN the washstall, and then we went out to graze.
When I was ready to go home I walked him up to the field and made him do even MORE hindquarters and shoulders over, along with lots of backing up and halting before I took his halter off. Once I did take it off he stood there for a moment for a scratch and then calmly turned and walked away.
I am winning the battles, but I'd prefer for there not to BE any battles in the first place!
Knight's Ride 6/4/08
Ok, I went out to ride Knight again yesterday after I finished round-penning Pepsi. This horse was an ANGEL!
I've started to groom him and tack him up as he grazes by the hitching post- he just stands right there while I do everything I need to do and doesn't move.
Anyway, I couldn't find his bit and was running around looking EVERYWHERE for it before I finally found it. This horse just stood there and watched me the whole time like, 'Whatcha doin??' Still not moving although he had plenty of opportunity too!
So I get on and we warm up down the trail. We go through the woods and out into the fields. He's VERY up today (not sluggish or sore AT ALL) and as we're walking along through the fields he spooks from some deer. Almost unseated me just because I was so NOT prepared for it, even though all he did was canter for about 3 strides. Anyway, today we worked on trot sets and walk-trot-halt transitions. He didn't really want to slow down, and my seat isn't quite solid enough yet to really help him with the downward transitions, but we eventually got there. He gave me one more good LOOK at something as we were trotting along, but that was it. We worked fairly consistently for about 30 minutes, and the ride itself was about 45 minutes long. We also did lots of serpentines and circles through the field. Going through the field really helps your eye too because you can see EXACTLY where you're tracking and where you're not- so you can see all the ugly circles and all the pretty ones!
Finally, as we were heading back in I decided to see what he would do about this one tiny little log on the trail. (Remember he was originally a jumper!) So I ask him for a trot about 20 strides away and just get into two-point and give him the reins. He sees it and at first I think he's just going to trot over it but at the last minute he seems to go "You'll let me JUMP IT?!!" and just goes whee!!! over it. He barely came off the ground over it because it was so tiny, but he was sooooo cute going over it and just seemed so excited about getting to jump anything at all after it that I gave him a great big pat and called it a day.
So all the horses were good for me yesterday! I hope the trend continues!
Oh, and before I go- he's started to understand that he'll get an alfalfa cube after the end of every ride, and now he just stands and STARES at me until I give it to him. I mean, seriously- he'll just stand there not moving and watch me walk all around putting up his tack and stuff, and he'll even follow me with his head and neck to see when I'm coming to him with the alfalfa cube. Then, after I've gven it to him, he'll happily go back to grazing until I put him up for the night. :)
I've started to groom him and tack him up as he grazes by the hitching post- he just stands right there while I do everything I need to do and doesn't move.
Anyway, I couldn't find his bit and was running around looking EVERYWHERE for it before I finally found it. This horse just stood there and watched me the whole time like, 'Whatcha doin??' Still not moving although he had plenty of opportunity too!
So I get on and we warm up down the trail. We go through the woods and out into the fields. He's VERY up today (not sluggish or sore AT ALL) and as we're walking along through the fields he spooks from some deer. Almost unseated me just because I was so NOT prepared for it, even though all he did was canter for about 3 strides. Anyway, today we worked on trot sets and walk-trot-halt transitions. He didn't really want to slow down, and my seat isn't quite solid enough yet to really help him with the downward transitions, but we eventually got there. He gave me one more good LOOK at something as we were trotting along, but that was it. We worked fairly consistently for about 30 minutes, and the ride itself was about 45 minutes long. We also did lots of serpentines and circles through the field. Going through the field really helps your eye too because you can see EXACTLY where you're tracking and where you're not- so you can see all the ugly circles and all the pretty ones!
Finally, as we were heading back in I decided to see what he would do about this one tiny little log on the trail. (Remember he was originally a jumper!) So I ask him for a trot about 20 strides away and just get into two-point and give him the reins. He sees it and at first I think he's just going to trot over it but at the last minute he seems to go "You'll let me JUMP IT?!!" and just goes whee!!! over it. He barely came off the ground over it because it was so tiny, but he was sooooo cute going over it and just seemed so excited about getting to jump anything at all after it that I gave him a great big pat and called it a day.
So all the horses were good for me yesterday! I hope the trend continues!
Oh, and before I go- he's started to understand that he'll get an alfalfa cube after the end of every ride, and now he just stands and STARES at me until I give it to him. I mean, seriously- he'll just stand there not moving and watch me walk all around putting up his tack and stuff, and he'll even follow me with his head and neck to see when I'm coming to him with the alfalfa cube. Then, after I've gven it to him, he'll happily go back to grazing until I put him up for the night. :)
Experience with Injections
So, it seems that Artie is now sick. *bangs head on wall* So, he will have 30cc of penicillin (split up into two injections) administered IM twice a day. Oh boy.
First two rounds on injections went GREAT. He flinched, but nothing silly.
Last night was a different story. Kara's owner's mom, Margie, was out there helping me. Artie was being an obnoxiously snotty (HA) brat. Margie wouldn't get tough on him. Artie tried to blow through her. So, I grabbed the lead rope and back we went. We turned, we moved front end, hind end, backed up, moved forward, etc. Try again. No go. Same exercises. I seriously thought about opening the paddock gate, wishing him luck, and slappin' him on the arse. If I could have picked him up, I would have shaken the mess outta him -- needless to say, I shouldn't have children. HAHA! Instead, I took a few minutes for everyone to "think". I came back and tried a more gentle approach. No go. Ultimately, I was unable to give him his injections last night *sighs* but I was able to get him to lower his head with poll pressure and he would stand still for the needle to be close to him.
This morning, per the vet's request, I headed out to go find a stud chain and a twitch. I don't normally result to such devices, but he WAS going to behave like a gentleman; or atleast like he had half a brain. I EXPECT and DEMAND that he have good manners and behave. So, I haltered him, did some ground work, and then had him stand still for a few minutes. I played with his nose and configured the twitch on. I had Gwen (Kara's mom) hold the twitch and Artie's lead while I stroked his neck and talked to him. After several minutes, injection #1 --> IN! Injection #2 --> IN! And he hardly flinched. Mwhahahahah!!!!
I will be employing the twitch again tonight. I'm hoping maybe in another time or two, I can "wean" him off the twitch.
Due to Artie's illness, i don't think we'll be doing much riding in the next 10 days. But, we're obviously doing groundwork. ;-)
Thanks for reading; hope it was mildly entertaining.
First two rounds on injections went GREAT. He flinched, but nothing silly.
Last night was a different story. Kara's owner's mom, Margie, was out there helping me. Artie was being an obnoxiously snotty (HA) brat. Margie wouldn't get tough on him. Artie tried to blow through her. So, I grabbed the lead rope and back we went. We turned, we moved front end, hind end, backed up, moved forward, etc. Try again. No go. Same exercises. I seriously thought about opening the paddock gate, wishing him luck, and slappin' him on the arse. If I could have picked him up, I would have shaken the mess outta him -- needless to say, I shouldn't have children. HAHA! Instead, I took a few minutes for everyone to "think". I came back and tried a more gentle approach. No go. Ultimately, I was unable to give him his injections last night *sighs* but I was able to get him to lower his head with poll pressure and he would stand still for the needle to be close to him.
This morning, per the vet's request, I headed out to go find a stud chain and a twitch. I don't normally result to such devices, but he WAS going to behave like a gentleman; or atleast like he had half a brain. I EXPECT and DEMAND that he have good manners and behave. So, I haltered him, did some ground work, and then had him stand still for a few minutes. I played with his nose and configured the twitch on. I had Gwen (Kara's mom) hold the twitch and Artie's lead while I stroked his neck and talked to him. After several minutes, injection #1 --> IN! Injection #2 --> IN! And he hardly flinched. Mwhahahahah!!!!
I will be employing the twitch again tonight. I'm hoping maybe in another time or two, I can "wean" him off the twitch.
Due to Artie's illness, i don't think we'll be doing much riding in the next 10 days. But, we're obviously doing groundwork. ;-)
Thanks for reading; hope it was mildly entertaining.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Juby Beats the $hit out of the Fence Today!!!
Got your attention with the title, didn't I? ;)
First of all, let me start by saying that Alex is a GENIUS. An absolute GENIUS I tell you! Like, there should be a Nobel Peace Prize for Horse People, and she should get it. Because even though she may not be responsible for peace in the world, she DID help me to acheive a certain level of peace with Mr. Fizzy-Pants today, and I was really starting to think I wouldn't EVER get that!
Ok, so here's the deal....
Alex and I have been talking over AIM a lot lately, and she's been giving me some advice on Pepsi. Now, I've had LOTS of people give me advice on Pepsi...some of it worked, a lot of it didn't. I'm used to that. But what she said was "Put him in the round pen, and when you want him to change direction, get after the fence...NOT him!" I'm like, okaaaaaay- she wants me to beat the fence. "Are you sure you're feeling ok Alex? Not feverish or anything, are you?"
"I'm fine. And I PROMISE it will work. Just beat the fence like crazy and he WILL turn and not kick out!"
I think 'ok, fine- what have I got to lose?' I don't REALLY think it will work (unless her ultimate goal is to get everyone to call the "crazy cops" on me, which probably WILL work) but I figure I'll try it anyway.
So I go out today, grab Pepsi, throw him in the round pen, and let him warm himself up. He starts out just walking, then starts trotting. I figure now's as good a time as any to try this crazy thing, and I do just what she said- I pick a point on the fence, calmly walk up to it, and start YELLING at it while BEATING it with the lunge whip. Pepsi takes ONE LOOK at me, snorts, half-rears, and then doubles back and TAKES OFF. Well, it worked that time! So I find another spot on the rail and do it again. I start yelling at the fence and beating it with my lunge whip while COMPLETELY IGNORING MY HORSE. Once again, he sees me, turns around, and heads in the other direction!
I do this for another few minutes, and he starts to calm down a bit once he realizes that whip isn't coming anywhere NEAR him. He sees me get to the fence, sees me whipping it, and thinks "I'm not getting ANYWHERE NEAR that crazy lady!" and turns around and heads the other direction. After about 20 minutes of this he's starting to turn as soon as I start HEADING TOWARD the fence- I don't even have to be at it now!
After a few more minutes I let him come into me and petted and rubbed him all over. He stood there licking with his head dropped, letting me rub his face. Then he followed me around for a few minutes at the walk with lots of circles, changes of direction, and several stops.
I put him back on the rail and we did some more turns. I didn't even have to yell at the fence by now- I just had to wave my whip around a little and he would turn. I was just about to stop when he BLEW past me once. However, I will say that he WAS getting ready to turn (had his nose pointed to the outside and I could tell he was starting to shift his weight) but something obviously spooked him and he immediately changed his mind and blew past me. So, we just continued for a few more minutes (I had to yell at the fence again the first few times ;) ) but then he settled down and got nice and quiet again. We ended up with him getting rubbed and patted while he licked and licked and licked. :D
He was also an angel in the wash stall too- he tried pawing/striking once, and I SLAMMED his leg with my crop and yelled at him until he backed up. After that he got the idea and didn't try it (or anything else!) again!
So, all in all, Pepsi was SO good today and I'm so proud of him! Thanks Alex!!
First of all, let me start by saying that Alex is a GENIUS. An absolute GENIUS I tell you! Like, there should be a Nobel Peace Prize for Horse People, and she should get it. Because even though she may not be responsible for peace in the world, she DID help me to acheive a certain level of peace with Mr. Fizzy-Pants today, and I was really starting to think I wouldn't EVER get that!
Ok, so here's the deal....
Alex and I have been talking over AIM a lot lately, and she's been giving me some advice on Pepsi. Now, I've had LOTS of people give me advice on Pepsi...some of it worked, a lot of it didn't. I'm used to that. But what she said was "Put him in the round pen, and when you want him to change direction, get after the fence...NOT him!" I'm like, okaaaaaay- she wants me to beat the fence. "Are you sure you're feeling ok Alex? Not feverish or anything, are you?"
"I'm fine. And I PROMISE it will work. Just beat the fence like crazy and he WILL turn and not kick out!"
I think 'ok, fine- what have I got to lose?' I don't REALLY think it will work (unless her ultimate goal is to get everyone to call the "crazy cops" on me, which probably WILL work) but I figure I'll try it anyway.
So I go out today, grab Pepsi, throw him in the round pen, and let him warm himself up. He starts out just walking, then starts trotting. I figure now's as good a time as any to try this crazy thing, and I do just what she said- I pick a point on the fence, calmly walk up to it, and start YELLING at it while BEATING it with the lunge whip. Pepsi takes ONE LOOK at me, snorts, half-rears, and then doubles back and TAKES OFF. Well, it worked that time! So I find another spot on the rail and do it again. I start yelling at the fence and beating it with my lunge whip while COMPLETELY IGNORING MY HORSE. Once again, he sees me, turns around, and heads in the other direction!
I do this for another few minutes, and he starts to calm down a bit once he realizes that whip isn't coming anywhere NEAR him. He sees me get to the fence, sees me whipping it, and thinks "I'm not getting ANYWHERE NEAR that crazy lady!" and turns around and heads the other direction. After about 20 minutes of this he's starting to turn as soon as I start HEADING TOWARD the fence- I don't even have to be at it now!
After a few more minutes I let him come into me and petted and rubbed him all over. He stood there licking with his head dropped, letting me rub his face. Then he followed me around for a few minutes at the walk with lots of circles, changes of direction, and several stops.
I put him back on the rail and we did some more turns. I didn't even have to yell at the fence by now- I just had to wave my whip around a little and he would turn. I was just about to stop when he BLEW past me once. However, I will say that he WAS getting ready to turn (had his nose pointed to the outside and I could tell he was starting to shift his weight) but something obviously spooked him and he immediately changed his mind and blew past me. So, we just continued for a few more minutes (I had to yell at the fence again the first few times ;) ) but then he settled down and got nice and quiet again. We ended up with him getting rubbed and patted while he licked and licked and licked. :D
He was also an angel in the wash stall too- he tried pawing/striking once, and I SLAMMED his leg with my crop and yelled at him until he backed up. After that he got the idea and didn't try it (or anything else!) again!
So, all in all, Pepsi was SO good today and I'm so proud of him! Thanks Alex!!
Gabby's riding and a horse search update:
I was supposed to have a lesson last night...but she called and cancelled an hour before my lesson, grrrr....anyway. I went out and did a little dressage on my own. Hobbes is such a good boy; always ready to work, even if he is lazy. We did lots of transitions and I ended on a lovely walk to canter, he was so soft and energetic I just praised like crazy and called it a day.
Used some saddle-tite (apparently this is cheating!) on my new boots and they were great to ride in. I feel like my riding is much better in the dressage saddle w/ my tall boots on vs. my 1/2 chaps and paddocks. Why is this? Maybe its because I can't bend my legs much yet, b/c the boots haven't dropped enough, so it keeps me from sneaking my calves farther and farther back until I'm back in hunter perch!
Update on the horse search: Called/emailed about a few horses. the selection so far:
1 - 9 yr old App. QH. Supposedly fabulously laid-back. Done dressage and hunters - but from his videos he is a craptastic jumper, although w/ auto changes. He likes to overjump by about 3 feet and barely fold his legs. Luckily, I only jump 2'6" and could care less about winning, so this fine as long as he's steady and honest. He's the cheapest so far.
2 - 6 yr old TB. ADORABLE! Rated a 1 on the hotness scale. Done up to training level eventing and low level hunters. He is exactly what I am looking for as a forever horse, assuming the seller is truthful, but at the top, and I mean TOP of my budget. He will pretty much put me at 0 dollars in my savings.
3 - 10 yr old TB. He appears to be an exact replica of my current horse, Hobbes...but he's grey! I mean, his built is so similar, they look like twins. He is supposedly extremely quiet in all situations (former racehorse), but hasnt' really done much competing...however, he is steady over 2'6" with changes. Unfortunately, the seller will not return my calls/emails, so I have no idea how much he is.
Used some saddle-tite (apparently this is cheating!) on my new boots and they were great to ride in. I feel like my riding is much better in the dressage saddle w/ my tall boots on vs. my 1/2 chaps and paddocks. Why is this? Maybe its because I can't bend my legs much yet, b/c the boots haven't dropped enough, so it keeps me from sneaking my calves farther and farther back until I'm back in hunter perch!
Update on the horse search: Called/emailed about a few horses. the selection so far:
1 - 9 yr old App. QH. Supposedly fabulously laid-back. Done dressage and hunters - but from his videos he is a craptastic jumper, although w/ auto changes. He likes to overjump by about 3 feet and barely fold his legs. Luckily, I only jump 2'6" and could care less about winning, so this fine as long as he's steady and honest. He's the cheapest so far.
2 - 6 yr old TB. ADORABLE! Rated a 1 on the hotness scale. Done up to training level eventing and low level hunters. He is exactly what I am looking for as a forever horse, assuming the seller is truthful, but at the top, and I mean TOP of my budget. He will pretty much put me at 0 dollars in my savings.
3 - 10 yr old TB. He appears to be an exact replica of my current horse, Hobbes...but he's grey! I mean, his built is so similar, they look like twins. He is supposedly extremely quiet in all situations (former racehorse), but hasnt' really done much competing...however, he is steady over 2'6" with changes. Unfortunately, the seller will not return my calls/emails, so I have no idea how much he is.
Kate & Pro - 6/3 (still good!)
Well, another good boy! I didn't think I was going to get to ride since it started sprinkling when I drove out, but the rain had passed and we were good to go. I pretty much did the same stuff as the previous day's ride, but after that, I made him walk AND do trot circles by the poles. He was calm and responsive, so we even did some trot/canter transitions on the circle. I'm very pleased with him. :)
I've also been mixing in more and more sitting trot and he's taking that very well. We played our favorite "game": sitting trot, half-halting until he almost walks (or walks 1/2 step), and then pushing off into a big posting trot. Really getting that BUTT engaged! He likes it because I throw in some actual walk transitions here and there so it keeps his mind engaged, too. He likes to try and outguess me and figure out what I'm asking.
Happy riding!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Pepsi & Groundwork (Better!)
So, yesterday I went out to do groundwork with Pepsi. I was going to put him in the roundpen but someone was already in there lunging, so we went to work in the ring instead.
I started off with the chain and a crop. After a few minutes of him tuning into me really well I took the chain off and we continued to work- hindquarters and shoulders over, back, walk, jog-in-hand, etc. He got a little looky and spooky at some deer, but we worked through it. Finally, after about 20 minutes I went to take him back to the field.
As we were walking up he wanted to trot up and I made him halt, back, halt, walk, back, move over, etc. until he got the idea that he had to do what *I* wanted him to. Finally, when we got to the gate he started blowing and snorting, so I backed him up again until he listened. I opened the gate SLOWLY and made him walk, halt, back and walk up again until I trusted him to walk through without trying to bolt back to the herd.
Finally, as I was turning him around to take off his halter, he thought for a split second about just taking off, and jumped in front of him, waved the crop in front of his face, growled at him, and he went "NEVER MIND! I'm staying RIGHT HERE!" We then did even MORE gorundwork until I had his full attention again, and after he gave me a VERY nice sidepass when I asked him to move his shoulder over I gave him a rub, told him good boy, and quit for the day.
He waited patiently for me to take the halter off, and as soon as I gave him the signal (I backed away and waved my hand) he TOOK OFF galloping back to the herd. Silly horsey just needs someone to gallop him 2-3 times a week. ;)
I started off with the chain and a crop. After a few minutes of him tuning into me really well I took the chain off and we continued to work- hindquarters and shoulders over, back, walk, jog-in-hand, etc. He got a little looky and spooky at some deer, but we worked through it. Finally, after about 20 minutes I went to take him back to the field.
As we were walking up he wanted to trot up and I made him halt, back, halt, walk, back, move over, etc. until he got the idea that he had to do what *I* wanted him to. Finally, when we got to the gate he started blowing and snorting, so I backed him up again until he listened. I opened the gate SLOWLY and made him walk, halt, back and walk up again until I trusted him to walk through without trying to bolt back to the herd.
Finally, as I was turning him around to take off his halter, he thought for a split second about just taking off, and jumped in front of him, waved the crop in front of his face, growled at him, and he went "NEVER MIND! I'm staying RIGHT HERE!" We then did even MORE gorundwork until I had his full attention again, and after he gave me a VERY nice sidepass when I asked him to move his shoulder over I gave him a rub, told him good boy, and quit for the day.
He waited patiently for me to take the halter off, and as soon as I gave him the signal (I backed away and waved my hand) he TOOK OFF galloping back to the herd. Silly horsey just needs someone to gallop him 2-3 times a week. ;)
Artie Pie and Ashley -- 6/2/08
Okay! Well here I am, FINALLY.
First of all, I've been having some personal issues, so I haven't been riding as frequently as I would like. But, I'm getting back on track. ;-)
Secondly, let me introduce myself and my boy. I'm Ashley (dvmintraining from NCHN). I'm a 2nd year vet student @ NCSU College of Vet Med. Artie is my 3 year old APHA gelding. I've had him for 1 year and 2 months. And he just turned 3 June 1st. In March, I sent Artie to the trainer's (luv4horses) to have 60 days put on him. He's absolutely WONDERFUL and more than I expected, especially from a 3 year old.
Due to some horse health issues, I am "stuck" on the property for 28 more days. So, for that time, Artie and I are working on leg yielding, trotting, building endurance, transitioning, and a little bit of cantering.
I went out to the barn yesterday mid-morning. Grabbed a halter and some brushes and brought Artie out to my car, er, tank trunk. :-P I try to get on using stairs or something as not to pull his back as much. The first attempt, he thought it'd be cool to try and sidestep away from me (this is due to an incident last with another certain someone). I made him back up, turn, go forward, stop, turn the other way, etc. Brought him back up to the porch and he was fine. BATTLE #1 -- ASHLEY!
Off we go to the front yard for a ride! For the first 5 minutes (and yes, I have a stop watch. Is that weird? haha) we work on a nice, forward walk; bending, circling, halting. Next, we move it up to the trot. He was doing real well. He did try and sneak out the gate (we don't have the actual gate up yet). Next trip around, I "let" him and he stops before he gets even his head through. So, I push him out the gateway and make him walk over the gate that is laying down kinda off to the side. BATTLE # 2 -- ASHLEY!
So @ this point, we've been trotting (circling, bending, transitioning) for about 20 min. I think to myself, "just two more laps and we're done". So I shortcut it through the middle and he decides to spook -- maybe @ the air release from a big rig. The place I ride is on a 4 way highway. Luckily, his spook is just tucking his butt, raising his head and taking two steps forward. So, we little circle a few times and push it out to a bigger circle and head back for the same manuever. We have to do this 3 times because he spooks 3 times. So, we do the exercise @least 6 more times, without spooking. BATTLE #3 -- ASHLEY!
I always wrap up my ride with a 10 minute or so cool out of walking. Usually walking around obstacles in the yard (trees, wheelbarrow, barrels, cars). He did wonderful with all that yesterday, too. Overall: Artie -- 0 ... Ashley -- 3! And the WAR GOES TO ASHLEY!
Overall, it was a pretty good ride. It was probably a little more uneventful than I detailed above. It was spanned over about 35 minutes. I like to keep shorter workouts, around 30 minutes; for Artie's sake and mine! I was sweating like no end yesterday!
Thanks for entertaining me!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Kate & Pro - 6/2 (much better!)
Alright, Dare. I'm starting off with a picture to make you happy. :) It's from a month or two ago, but it's still one of my favorites.
Much better tonight!!! I didn't get out to the barn until 7:30 (yay grad school) but Pro seemed happy to see me. I decided not to even bother with the poles...I just started easy and gentle on a 20m circle at the end of the arena and went from there. He rounded up nicely with a free-moving walk and moved off my leg promptly, so I was pleased with that. Since he had no troubles accepting the bit, I played around with some shoulder-fore on the circle. He really seems to like (when he's in the mood) figuring out my requests with shoulder-fore, straight, shoulder-fore, straight...like a game to him. Mixed in some half-halts and full halts.
Moving on to the trot, he stayed quiet. I even tried some shoulder-fore (for brief, quick moments, gently) at the trot and he still remained quiet and even figured out what I was asking. He really seems to round up after I ask for shoulder-fore for a few steps and then re-straighten. I mixed in some sitting trot so I could blend in some smoother walk-halt-trot transitions and he was fine with that. His back is so much stronger so he doesn't get nervous and tense up at the sitting trot these days. When he DOES tense up, it's for some other reason, like an errant bunny or ghost. Of course, way before my time, he was leased by someone who insisted she was ready for the sitting trot...and wore the FUR off his back by "trying it out"!!!! So I can understand his tension.
Still great for the canter both directions, even with some playful shoulder-fore for a stride or two. I loved his attention and focus tonight. I had even put some tiny carrot pieces in my pocket so he was *delighted* with the random carrot treats throughout the ride. I ended our cool-out walk by walking past the poles, but I didn't try anything further. It seemed a shame to push the issue after such a pleasant ride. :)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
I sort of rode today....
but was too lazy to really do much! I woke Hobbes up from his midday nap, tacked him up, and went out into the heat of the afternoon. We plodded around making no real effort to do much and then finally gave up and stood in the middle to chat with a friend, who I rarely see. Hobbes quickly went back to his nap as I ran my mouth.
I did begin breaking in my new boots, though. That's sort of an accomplishment, right? I have bought used boots (or rubber ones, as a kid) for my entire life and my fabulous SO gifted me some custom Vogels for my b-day last year. They showed up this week (6 months of waiting) and I did the 'ol soak and wear. Terrified me to soak my brand new boots that are more expensive that my entire wardrobe. Luckily...they're really breaking in nicely. Now...if I can just figure out how to get them off. Right now I'm waiting for Matthew to get home so he can pull them off....
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Ride Today
Well I finally rode today ! I actually made it out to the barn yesterday with the intent to ride but I ended up trimming feet AGAIN (just did it wednesday !) His fronts were a little wonky and I had to redo some stuff to get them right.
Anyway, I did go on a nice trail ride today. I brought along a newish boarder and her horse today, he was great on the trail. The only issue with Cowboy was the grass arggggggg but he did eventually settle down about that. He ended up getting a little workout because I kept trotting him to catch up after he would sneak grass breaks.
But, then there was drama part. The other gals horse shoots out of the trailer like a ROCKET !!! We put him about 1/2 back on and made him back out slowly and nicely a few times, apparently the only time the owner had seen him come out of a trailer was when he was brought to the barn and there was an issue with the the trailer. So anyway, he loaded fine etc. When we got back to the barn however, we put the ramp down and the horse started trying to slam himself out. He ended up bending the top door. And yes, it gets worse, he stops and then Im trying to get the butt bar off and the owner was supposed to be unhooking him and about that time Cowboy things he has to come and I said NO to Cowboy (who immediately stood still )but the gal thought I was talking to HER and she didnt unhook him! So he came slamming out of the trailer, the tie didnt break until he was all the way out and had reared up twice. Gosh it was SO ugly and scary !!! So now we have this horse freaked, we have Cowboy still on the trailer going WHAT THE HELL and Im trying to calm HIm down while they get the other one. MAN ! The horse didnt hurt himself amazingly. And I got Cowboy off with no problems. But what an icky ending to a great ride !
Im trying to come up with some ideas to make it safer for his owner to work with him on this issue. So far Im thinking not to tie him ? Im thinking you gotta put a butt bar on him but thats his cue to shoot out like a rocket ? I dont know, Ive never encountered this problem before, mine have always been getting horses ON a trailer. Im open to any suggestions !
Anyway, I did go on a nice trail ride today. I brought along a newish boarder and her horse today, he was great on the trail. The only issue with Cowboy was the grass arggggggg but he did eventually settle down about that. He ended up getting a little workout because I kept trotting him to catch up after he would sneak grass breaks.
But, then there was drama part. The other gals horse shoots out of the trailer like a ROCKET !!! We put him about 1/2 back on and made him back out slowly and nicely a few times, apparently the only time the owner had seen him come out of a trailer was when he was brought to the barn and there was an issue with the the trailer. So anyway, he loaded fine etc. When we got back to the barn however, we put the ramp down and the horse started trying to slam himself out. He ended up bending the top door. And yes, it gets worse, he stops and then Im trying to get the butt bar off and the owner was supposed to be unhooking him and about that time Cowboy things he has to come and I said NO to Cowboy (who immediately stood still )but the gal thought I was talking to HER and she didnt unhook him! So he came slamming out of the trailer, the tie didnt break until he was all the way out and had reared up twice. Gosh it was SO ugly and scary !!! So now we have this horse freaked, we have Cowboy still on the trailer going WHAT THE HELL and Im trying to calm HIm down while they get the other one. MAN ! The horse didnt hurt himself amazingly. And I got Cowboy off with no problems. But what an icky ending to a great ride !
Im trying to come up with some ideas to make it safer for his owner to work with him on this issue. So far Im thinking not to tie him ? Im thinking you gotta put a butt bar on him but thats his cue to shoot out like a rocket ? I dont know, Ive never encountered this problem before, mine have always been getting horses ON a trailer. Im open to any suggestions !
Knight and Pepsi (As usual, very long)
So, I rode both horses today which was good, but I'm EXHAUSTED. I was going to go to the CDI dressage show, but I'm too tired to make it now. Oh well.
I'll start with Knight, since I rode him first. He was very good, but a little lazy. I'm not sure if he's still a little sore, or if he was just hot. I DO know that he's still VERY out of shape, and that he wasn't thrilled with leaving his herdmates. ;) But he wasn't bad by any means- just a little sluggish.
I only rode Knight for about 30 minutes, and most of that was walking. We did a few trot 'sets' but only for about 30 seconds each. He just wasn't very forward, and I didn't want to push him since he is still SO out of shape. But he didn't put up a fuss about anything, and eventually we went back to the barn to hose him off and give him some yummy alfalfa cubes. ;)
Now, on to Pepsi. Like Kate, this post almost became a 'for sale' ad.
He started out VERY well and was very responsive and listening. When I got on (after doing groundwork!) he was a little up but I was thrilled with that, because that means his bruising is growing out.
Anyway, we worked on some walk-trot-halt transitions and some bending and collection. He was SOOO good and I was really happy with him. Then it started to get windy (a front was coming through) and the barn manager was doing stalls for the night. He was a little worried about the muck bucket cart that she was wheeling around, but it was really quite cute because he got all tucked underneath himself and was really using his hind end! I was just about ready to walk him out to cool him down when some JACKASS decided to start shooting RIGHT OUTSIDE THE RING!!! (Unfortunately, that land is NOT part of the barn, so people are pretty much allowed to do whatever the hell they want to out there.) Also unfortunately, Pepsi lost it. Now, for once in my life, I don't blame him, because the shots were close enough that they scared the hell out of ME! The poor thing started freaking out, and when I could get him stopped long enough I got off and tried to get his attention back on me. Yeah.....not so much. We walked/jigged/chomped on the bit all the way back to the barn. And when we arrived? He promptly tried to bolt back to the field. Finally, after watching me struggle for nearly 10 minutes trying to get Pepsi's bridle off and his halter on, the barn manager came over and helped hold him for me. It then took both of us to get him in the wash stall (he was COVERED in sweat and foam and NEEDED a shower) and also took both of us to keep him there.
Honestly, the poor horse was so distressed he was SHAKING. But even while he was shaking he was trying EVERYTHING he could think of to get OUT of that wash stall, out of the barn, and back to his pasture, where (I'm assuming) he thought he'd be safe. He tried rearing once, struck out about 15 times (and nearly got me in the head once and almost got Debbie- the barn manager- in the thigh once or twice!) and then, on TOP of all of that, he actually squished me against the wall TWICE! The first time wasn't so bad, because he pinned me so I couldn't get arm out to beat him off of me, but it didn't hurt. The second time however, I SMACKED him as he was swinging his body toward me, but I don't even think he noticed. He just slammed right into me, and he pinned me against the wall so tight I could hardly breathe. Debbie was REALLY worried about me, but Pepsi was just being so crazy that even between the 2 of us, a lead line, cross-ties, a crop AND a sweat scraper (great for smacking when nothing else is available!) we could STILL barely control him. I swear, I've been around horses my entire life and I have NEVER seen a horse react to ANYTHING like that. It was truly frighteneing.
Anyway, after a while we got him calmed down enough for me to start leading him out and back to his pasture. We had to wrap the rope around his nose (I can't find my chain!) for extra control, and that STILL barely kept him from bolting. Debbie even told me 4 or 5 different times, if he takes off YOU LET HIM GO! Do NOT try to hang on to him like this, especially with your ankle! And believe me, if you knew Debbie, she does NOT tell people to let go of their horses. At that point though, I think she was truly scared for my safety.
Anyway, we got back to the pasture ok and when I let him go he took off running and bucking like a looney toon. I wish we had a gigantic 15 acre field where I could just gallop him around until he exhausts himself and calms down, but we don't. So, tomorrow we're back to more ground work and HOPEFULLY a good ride!
I'll start with Knight, since I rode him first. He was very good, but a little lazy. I'm not sure if he's still a little sore, or if he was just hot. I DO know that he's still VERY out of shape, and that he wasn't thrilled with leaving his herdmates. ;) But he wasn't bad by any means- just a little sluggish.
I only rode Knight for about 30 minutes, and most of that was walking. We did a few trot 'sets' but only for about 30 seconds each. He just wasn't very forward, and I didn't want to push him since he is still SO out of shape. But he didn't put up a fuss about anything, and eventually we went back to the barn to hose him off and give him some yummy alfalfa cubes. ;)
Now, on to Pepsi. Like Kate, this post almost became a 'for sale' ad.
He started out VERY well and was very responsive and listening. When I got on (after doing groundwork!) he was a little up but I was thrilled with that, because that means his bruising is growing out.
Anyway, we worked on some walk-trot-halt transitions and some bending and collection. He was SOOO good and I was really happy with him. Then it started to get windy (a front was coming through) and the barn manager was doing stalls for the night. He was a little worried about the muck bucket cart that she was wheeling around, but it was really quite cute because he got all tucked underneath himself and was really using his hind end! I was just about ready to walk him out to cool him down when some JACKASS decided to start shooting RIGHT OUTSIDE THE RING!!! (Unfortunately, that land is NOT part of the barn, so people are pretty much allowed to do whatever the hell they want to out there.) Also unfortunately, Pepsi lost it. Now, for once in my life, I don't blame him, because the shots were close enough that they scared the hell out of ME! The poor thing started freaking out, and when I could get him stopped long enough I got off and tried to get his attention back on me. Yeah.....not so much. We walked/jigged/chomped on the bit all the way back to the barn. And when we arrived? He promptly tried to bolt back to the field. Finally, after watching me struggle for nearly 10 minutes trying to get Pepsi's bridle off and his halter on, the barn manager came over and helped hold him for me. It then took both of us to get him in the wash stall (he was COVERED in sweat and foam and NEEDED a shower) and also took both of us to keep him there.
Honestly, the poor horse was so distressed he was SHAKING. But even while he was shaking he was trying EVERYTHING he could think of to get OUT of that wash stall, out of the barn, and back to his pasture, where (I'm assuming) he thought he'd be safe. He tried rearing once, struck out about 15 times (and nearly got me in the head once and almost got Debbie- the barn manager- in the thigh once or twice!) and then, on TOP of all of that, he actually squished me against the wall TWICE! The first time wasn't so bad, because he pinned me so I couldn't get arm out to beat him off of me, but it didn't hurt. The second time however, I SMACKED him as he was swinging his body toward me, but I don't even think he noticed. He just slammed right into me, and he pinned me against the wall so tight I could hardly breathe. Debbie was REALLY worried about me, but Pepsi was just being so crazy that even between the 2 of us, a lead line, cross-ties, a crop AND a sweat scraper (great for smacking when nothing else is available!) we could STILL barely control him. I swear, I've been around horses my entire life and I have NEVER seen a horse react to ANYTHING like that. It was truly frighteneing.
Anyway, after a while we got him calmed down enough for me to start leading him out and back to his pasture. We had to wrap the rope around his nose (I can't find my chain!) for extra control, and that STILL barely kept him from bolting. Debbie even told me 4 or 5 different times, if he takes off YOU LET HIM GO! Do NOT try to hang on to him like this, especially with your ankle! And believe me, if you knew Debbie, she does NOT tell people to let go of their horses. At that point though, I think she was truly scared for my safety.
Anyway, we got back to the pasture ok and when I let him go he took off running and bucking like a looney toon. I wish we had a gigantic 15 acre field where I could just gallop him around until he exhausts himself and calms down, but we don't. So, tomorrow we're back to more ground work and HOPEFULLY a good ride!
Kate & Pro - 5/31
This was almost a "for sale" ad.
The barn has been in much chaos with the New Horse arriving, new fencing being put up, New Horse's owner buzzing around with new things. Also, *something* has Pro looking out of his stall window all day, I have no idea.
The ride started okay (after our usual hand-walking session) - I've found he's better when I really get him chewing and working the bit in both directions at the walk at the start of our ride. So I put him on a 20m circle and just play with some shoulder-fore and get him to relax, drop his neck, and reach for the bit and chew it. Then I move our circle elsewhere - near the "new fence", the jump poles by the side of the arena, the Tree. He started off with a tense walk, so I had to work to get him out of it. Then it wasn't so much tense, but it wasn't open and free. Kept working on it, and he was finally where I wanted him.
Then the trot work, which was super on the circle. He felt good enough to where I started to go large around the arena...and then came the TOTAL MELTDOWN by the poles. It all starts when his head comes up and his back tightens up. Hands forward, kick on. Then the temper tantrum. Total refusal to go by the poles/tree unless it's in a frame that resembles those crazy-eyed saddle seat horses (neck straight up, tight back, etc.).
Alright. Get off, more hand walking with Mr. Whip. Back on, with the whip. He *loathes* the whip. Back to working solidly at the walk. He will, but it's with a sort of "pissy resignation" where he's just really annoyed with the whole deal. Trot again on the circle, seems okay with that. Refuses to go by the poles in anything resembling a nice frame.
Okay, then. Off, lunge line. Trot and canter work right by the poles. Scoots by the area each time like something's chasing him. Repeat 50x until he finally drops his neck and chews the bit.
By now it's been an hour and a half - I'm nearly dead from the heat, and of course Mr. Arab is not even showing signs of fatigue. I really wish I had a horse that I could tire out!! He did give me some good effort on the lunge, so I call it a day and take him in to hose off. He knows he's in trouble, so he let me hose him off, even his face. The other boarder was pretty impressed that he'll stand in the wash stall with no halter and let me hose him off from face to butt, and never try to move. He'll move his head around when I try to get his face, but he's excellent about standing.
At least he has superb ground manners.
I guess we all have rides like this, right?! It's interesting...my work at Duke is on achievement motivation, and I've read some stuff lately about teacher's evaluations of student's effort and ability. Teachers report being the most frustrated when students are high on ability and low on effort. My mom was a first grade teacher and always said, "Give me a slow kid who tries over a smart kid who's lazy ANY day!" And I think that's (part of) why I get frustrated - when Pro's good, he's brilliant and a complete joy to ride. When he's bad, he's SO bad. And I know he has the ability, so it frustrates me.
Hopefully Andrea (other rider) will have a better ride on him tomorrow. What a brat!
The barn has been in much chaos with the New Horse arriving, new fencing being put up, New Horse's owner buzzing around with new things. Also, *something* has Pro looking out of his stall window all day, I have no idea.
The ride started okay (after our usual hand-walking session) - I've found he's better when I really get him chewing and working the bit in both directions at the walk at the start of our ride. So I put him on a 20m circle and just play with some shoulder-fore and get him to relax, drop his neck, and reach for the bit and chew it. Then I move our circle elsewhere - near the "new fence", the jump poles by the side of the arena, the Tree. He started off with a tense walk, so I had to work to get him out of it. Then it wasn't so much tense, but it wasn't open and free. Kept working on it, and he was finally where I wanted him.
Then the trot work, which was super on the circle. He felt good enough to where I started to go large around the arena...and then came the TOTAL MELTDOWN by the poles. It all starts when his head comes up and his back tightens up. Hands forward, kick on. Then the temper tantrum. Total refusal to go by the poles/tree unless it's in a frame that resembles those crazy-eyed saddle seat horses (neck straight up, tight back, etc.).
Alright. Get off, more hand walking with Mr. Whip. Back on, with the whip. He *loathes* the whip. Back to working solidly at the walk. He will, but it's with a sort of "pissy resignation" where he's just really annoyed with the whole deal. Trot again on the circle, seems okay with that. Refuses to go by the poles in anything resembling a nice frame.
Okay, then. Off, lunge line. Trot and canter work right by the poles. Scoots by the area each time like something's chasing him. Repeat 50x until he finally drops his neck and chews the bit.
By now it's been an hour and a half - I'm nearly dead from the heat, and of course Mr. Arab is not even showing signs of fatigue. I really wish I had a horse that I could tire out!! He did give me some good effort on the lunge, so I call it a day and take him in to hose off. He knows he's in trouble, so he let me hose him off, even his face. The other boarder was pretty impressed that he'll stand in the wash stall with no halter and let me hose him off from face to butt, and never try to move. He'll move his head around when I try to get his face, but he's excellent about standing.
At least he has superb ground manners.
I guess we all have rides like this, right?! It's interesting...my work at Duke is on achievement motivation, and I've read some stuff lately about teacher's evaluations of student's effort and ability. Teachers report being the most frustrated when students are high on ability and low on effort. My mom was a first grade teacher and always said, "Give me a slow kid who tries over a smart kid who's lazy ANY day!" And I think that's (part of) why I get frustrated - when Pro's good, he's brilliant and a complete joy to ride. When he's bad, he's SO bad. And I know he has the ability, so it frustrates me.
Hopefully Andrea (other rider) will have a better ride on him tomorrow. What a brat!
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