Through the vagaries of life, I have not been out to see my ponies in about a week. My progress on the patterns has come to a grinding halt. But the good thing is that I can always just pick back up and start back where I left off!
I just got back from the barn, and my dear sweet Josie was so happy to see me! I whistled at the back arena door, and she came tromping (because that's what she does best...) over from the feeder, through the impromptu stream that has developed in the paddock with nary a hesitation. She was sweet and affectionate, and happy to see me. Since there were lessons in the arena, we went straight through to the barn. She sometimes has many thresholds in the barn, but tonight was very left brained and needed to put her mouth on everything! That side of her doesn't come out very often. We mostly just did some undemanding time. We did a few small figure eights in the barn aisle and called it quits. I am looking forward to a horse weekend. Barn play on Saturday, and hopefully a trail ride with my dear friends on Sunday. Lets hope the weather cooperates!!!
Toodle-doo!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Day 6 of the On-Line Patterns
By golly, the patterns work! They say by day 5 or 6, your horse will make a change. Today was our sixth session working on level 1 touch it and figure eight. She made a significant change in touch it by day three. Figure eight took until today to really make the change. I have really been focusing on slowing things down for my right brained introvert. The level one task of a 12 foot line (shorter than I am used to lately) and at the walk (slower than I normally do...) has been great for both of us. I have really been focusing on doing level one with excellence, and going back to "kindergarten" has really opened my eyes to the holes that we have.
I used to think that our figure eights were okay, but I was really just micromanaging her through the turns and edging her one to keep up her momentum. Through our first 4-5 sessions of playing with this pattern, I really focused on quality, not quantity. So sometimes, we didn't get a full figure eight. If we got half a pattern with quality, I was happy with that. Yesterday, I started asking for more, but was still pushing too much with the stick to keep her going. Today I warmed up with 7 games, and worked some weave. Her send was sticky/slow, so I isolated that for a while to get a quality send at the WALK. A gait that is good to focus on for both of us! It is so easy to send her at the trot, since that gives her more momentum, but I really needed to step back and slow things down and get a quality walk first.
Once I had that going, then we moved into the figure eight. I found myself wanting to micromange her into the second turn of the figure eight, because she would start to slow down. In anticipation of her stopping, I would pick up my stick and push her onward. Finally, I told myself that I needed to let her uphold her responsiblities (maintain gait and pattern) and just TRUST her. By golly, it worked! She gave me some really great, soft, albeit SLOW figure eights. Soft eye, willing expression, no interest in the lucious grass... A great place to stop. We ended by doing a few touch-its. Ted (our barn owner) was there, and I was showing him what we've been working on. He was quite impressed that I could focus on a certain poop pile, and have her put her nose on it!!!! Kind of blew his mind that I could influence her in that way :)
I look foward to day seven of our program tomorrow. Then I can start working on the level two online tasks--longer lines, more responsibility. It will be great!
I used to think that our figure eights were okay, but I was really just micromanaging her through the turns and edging her one to keep up her momentum. Through our first 4-5 sessions of playing with this pattern, I really focused on quality, not quantity. So sometimes, we didn't get a full figure eight. If we got half a pattern with quality, I was happy with that. Yesterday, I started asking for more, but was still pushing too much with the stick to keep her going. Today I warmed up with 7 games, and worked some weave. Her send was sticky/slow, so I isolated that for a while to get a quality send at the WALK. A gait that is good to focus on for both of us! It is so easy to send her at the trot, since that gives her more momentum, but I really needed to step back and slow things down and get a quality walk first.
Once I had that going, then we moved into the figure eight. I found myself wanting to micromange her into the second turn of the figure eight, because she would start to slow down. In anticipation of her stopping, I would pick up my stick and push her onward. Finally, I told myself that I needed to let her uphold her responsiblities (maintain gait and pattern) and just TRUST her. By golly, it worked! She gave me some really great, soft, albeit SLOW figure eights. Soft eye, willing expression, no interest in the lucious grass... A great place to stop. We ended by doing a few touch-its. Ted (our barn owner) was there, and I was showing him what we've been working on. He was quite impressed that I could focus on a certain poop pile, and have her put her nose on it!!!! Kind of blew his mind that I could influence her in that way :)
I look foward to day seven of our program tomorrow. Then I can start working on the level two online tasks--longer lines, more responsibility. It will be great!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
New beginnings
I have been in a rut of work, good dog time, and no horse play....That all changed today! I started my Parelli Patterns today. I played with them a little when I first got them, but never committed to doing them as a program. I was reading the most recent Savvy Times today, and there was a little article on using the patterns, and how to be most successful at them. It emphasized following the progress patterns laid out on the posters, and really starting from the botttom and working horizontally across the charts, not vertically.
So that's what I am doing! We started with baby steps today. Level 1 on line "Touch it" and "Figure 8" at the walk. Can't get more simple than that! And you know what? It was lovely! I played with Josie in her pen of horses. We played touch it on poop piles. After three or four, she realized what the game was and started sniffing the poop piles that I pointed her towards. Then I found two rocks to play figure eight with. At some point, the hill herd came thundering down and distracted her, so then we got to work on herd boundness. How fun! When I took her towards them, she had to circle (work). When she gave me rhythm and relaxation, and focus on ME, then we stopped and walked away from them. It was low stress for her, really, because we were already amongst a herd of horses, just not her number one preferred herd!
We made some good soft progress with our two tasks today. I ended our session with perfect practice for riding prep--neutral lateral flexion, then HQ disengage, then direct rein/FQ step into a few steps of back up. She did this perfectly from the ground on both sides. Then I unhaltered her and did it again AT LIBERTY. She was a rock star! Now if I can keep up with the 7 day program. Baby steps!
So that's what I am doing! We started with baby steps today. Level 1 on line "Touch it" and "Figure 8" at the walk. Can't get more simple than that! And you know what? It was lovely! I played with Josie in her pen of horses. We played touch it on poop piles. After three or four, she realized what the game was and started sniffing the poop piles that I pointed her towards. Then I found two rocks to play figure eight with. At some point, the hill herd came thundering down and distracted her, so then we got to work on herd boundness. How fun! When I took her towards them, she had to circle (work). When she gave me rhythm and relaxation, and focus on ME, then we stopped and walked away from them. It was low stress for her, really, because we were already amongst a herd of horses, just not her number one preferred herd!
We made some good soft progress with our two tasks today. I ended our session with perfect practice for riding prep--neutral lateral flexion, then HQ disengage, then direct rein/FQ step into a few steps of back up. She did this perfectly from the ground on both sides. Then I unhaltered her and did it again AT LIBERTY. She was a rock star! Now if I can keep up with the 7 day program. Baby steps!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
It's not about the...
Trailer! Today we planned to go on a trail ride at Walking Iron. I got to the barn plenty early, since I knew that I haven't been spending much time with Josie lately. On Tuesday in fact, she didn't even want to SPEAK to me, which is very unusual for her. She did greet me at the gate today though, so we got off on the right foot.
As much as we have worked on trailer loading, it is still an issue for my girl. She sees that thing, and instantly gets the look in her eye--oh no, she's going to make me get on that thing!!! I try my best not to be direct line about it, but it can be hard when she is so negatively focused on it. Ultimately I need to spend a lot more time with it so she gets comfortable with it on her own. I played some games away from the trailer and then started playing with her near her herd (her other big issue in life--herd boundness). The only rest and grazing that she got was near the trailer. At this point I had the trailer all shut up, so there was no possibility of sending her in. She just had to put zones on it.
We eventually got around to loading. She went in fairly willingly, but goes majorly RBI. Tight lips and face, no blinking, shallow breaths. At that point, I told her that I wasn't going to make her do anything. In fact, if it didn't feel right to go on our trail ride, then that was fine with me. Of course I had a momentary tang of disappointment at the possibility of not going, but it was only fleeting. If I learned one thing down in Florida, it is that the relationship is the most important thing. I vowed that I wouldn't compromise the relationship if at all possible. And I kept that vow today. I'll have to say, it is somewhat liberating to take that approach to things. It allowed me to keep all emotion out of my session with her. It is easy for me to take things personally and feel like if I was a better leader for her she would just go on and be fine with it. It is true that I need to be a better leader for her, but I don't achieve that by making her do things that break the trust built up between us.
Long story short, we didn't go on the trail ride. We played with loading for a while. We alternated loading or resting/grazing by the trailer. If we went away from the trailer she had to work--mostly circling game on the hill by the herd. The funny thing is, I had to do SO little. If there was emotion, it was emotions that she brought up in herself. I stayed a calm leader for her the entire time. I looked for rhythm and relaxation on the circle before she got any rest. Sometimes it took a long time, sometimes a little. She did eventually go on many times with all four feet. I even got her to the point where she rested in there for a while. She still doesn't like getting locked in, and that is where her major trust issues come up. I did put up the butt bar and shut the door once. I then unloaded and grazed her. We went back and loaded a few minutes later. At that point I called it good for the day.
She got a bath, and another good long graze, and then back to the paddock she went. All in all, it was a good session. I clearly have my work cut out for me if I am going to have a successful trail riding season with her! But it is fun to figure out the relationship, and I am committed to getting it right. I learned down in Florida how many situations I have "managed" her through. Even though it works in the short term, it isn't good for the long term. I hope I am on the right track with her...it feels right.
I hope my dear friends had a good ride without me, it sure was a beautiful day!!!
As much as we have worked on trailer loading, it is still an issue for my girl. She sees that thing, and instantly gets the look in her eye--oh no, she's going to make me get on that thing!!! I try my best not to be direct line about it, but it can be hard when she is so negatively focused on it. Ultimately I need to spend a lot more time with it so she gets comfortable with it on her own. I played some games away from the trailer and then started playing with her near her herd (her other big issue in life--herd boundness). The only rest and grazing that she got was near the trailer. At this point I had the trailer all shut up, so there was no possibility of sending her in. She just had to put zones on it.
We eventually got around to loading. She went in fairly willingly, but goes majorly RBI. Tight lips and face, no blinking, shallow breaths. At that point, I told her that I wasn't going to make her do anything. In fact, if it didn't feel right to go on our trail ride, then that was fine with me. Of course I had a momentary tang of disappointment at the possibility of not going, but it was only fleeting. If I learned one thing down in Florida, it is that the relationship is the most important thing. I vowed that I wouldn't compromise the relationship if at all possible. And I kept that vow today. I'll have to say, it is somewhat liberating to take that approach to things. It allowed me to keep all emotion out of my session with her. It is easy for me to take things personally and feel like if I was a better leader for her she would just go on and be fine with it. It is true that I need to be a better leader for her, but I don't achieve that by making her do things that break the trust built up between us.
Long story short, we didn't go on the trail ride. We played with loading for a while. We alternated loading or resting/grazing by the trailer. If we went away from the trailer she had to work--mostly circling game on the hill by the herd. The funny thing is, I had to do SO little. If there was emotion, it was emotions that she brought up in herself. I stayed a calm leader for her the entire time. I looked for rhythm and relaxation on the circle before she got any rest. Sometimes it took a long time, sometimes a little. She did eventually go on many times with all four feet. I even got her to the point where she rested in there for a while. She still doesn't like getting locked in, and that is where her major trust issues come up. I did put up the butt bar and shut the door once. I then unloaded and grazed her. We went back and loaded a few minutes later. At that point I called it good for the day.
She got a bath, and another good long graze, and then back to the paddock she went. All in all, it was a good session. I clearly have my work cut out for me if I am going to have a successful trail riding season with her! But it is fun to figure out the relationship, and I am committed to getting it right. I learned down in Florida how many situations I have "managed" her through. Even though it works in the short term, it isn't good for the long term. I hope I am on the right track with her...it feels right.
I hope my dear friends had a good ride without me, it sure was a beautiful day!!!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dog Blog
It was such a nice day today. After working on my movie for tomorrow, and taxes, we decided to go to the dog park. I'm not sure that I'll make it out to see Josie tonight. I have too much work to do on the movie yet!
Here is Bristol doing what she does best--bounce!
Dave and Bristol taking a break.
Back to bounding...
and let's bound some more!
Driving home to Waunakee!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Savvy Day
Yesterday was a great day. We had a visitor to the barn! Carole and Orion were able to come and play for a while. This picture shows Josie and Coco grazing in the yard before Carole arrived. They were saying, "Is the grass green yet?!"
Josie woke up on the crazy side of the coral on Tuesday, but we were able to sort it out!
Peace in Wisconsin!
Orion is a fuzzy wuzzy...
Carole just had to go picking around on his private bits!
Vegas looking chill....
The happy family!
Kissing the Blarney Stone in Oregon...
So I'll give you the quick run down on our play day today. My short term goals for Josie are to get several small tasks very good. The first is to be in control of her feet. If I pick them up, I should be able to put them down where I want, with positive reflexes. Today was day two of playing with it. She is already giving her feet more willingly, though still has some opposition reflex when it comes to putting them down where I want. We are definitely making progress though (though I am sure watching us is like watching paint dry....which is okay for two introverts--party!!!!)
The other task that I worked on today was getting my pre-flight checks practiced perfectly. Specifically, I worked on the mounting portion. In Kristi's demo at the center, she gave us a perfect demonstration of this that was light and maintained the dignity of the horse. I vowed that I would not ride until I could have such lightness and discipline to do this every time I mount! I practiced my routine on the ground first: Neutral lateral flexion, to an indirect rein, to a direct rein. The direct rein from the ground was difficult! No surprise that it is also more difficult in the saddle!!!! We then practiced bareback mounting with a similar progression (after hurry up and do nothing, of course!) Our neutral lateral flexion definitely needs some work. The girl just wants to move her feet! But I have faith that once she gets the pattern, then she will become light with it. My goal is to be able to do the preflight checks bridle-less, like Kristi did. We just have to make it a positive pattern EVERY time we ride.
Okay, I've babbled enough about that...after our great play session, Kari and I went to the first Savvy Club meeting put on by The Horse First. Kari and I got to Oregon a little early, so we hit a local bar. (That's where the Blarney Stone came in...) Overall, the meeting was great! It is nice to meet up with other local Parelli enthusiasts. It will be a positive group to be a part of.
Later--
Molly and Josie
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Getting back on the horse
I went out to the barn today and spent the first real quality time with my girl since we've been back from Florida. It was great! I have been so sick the past two weeks, so my motivation has been at an all time low. Kari kicked my butt into gear this morning, and I am glad that she was there to do that for me!
We spent about half an hour de-hairing the horses. I think I probably pulled 5 pounds of hair off of Josie. She sure slicked up after having all of that dead hair removed. We then moseyed into the arena and played a little bit. I kept things really low key. I just wanted to work on a few very specific things.
One of the goals that I made for myself upon returning was to really pay attention to how specific I could be about placing her feet from the ground. After all, if I expect to be in control of her feet from the saddle, then I should probably have good control of her feet on the ground! Makes sense, right? One of the challenges that we were presented with at the center was to see how good we could get at picking up our horse's feet and placing them back down where WE want them to go. Sounds easy, but when you get really specific about it, it is amazing how many times when you go to let go of their foot, they actually place it where THEY want to. This is one of those little opposition reflexes that we should be paying attention to.
I know that Josie has issues with control of her feet. She always has, and I have been very good at ignoring them. No longer! I am going to get good at this, and I think that it will be a key breakthrough in our relationship. It will make farrier visits more positive too. The eventual goal is to place your horse's foot where you want, but only using TWO FINGERS. Then you will know that they have really given the leadership and control over to you. That will be my goal with Josie. We worked on the left front foot today and made some good strides. Choosing the appropriate time to release and reward is the key to helping her to keep trying. I'll keep you posted as we go!
Tally ho!
Molly and Josie
We spent about half an hour de-hairing the horses. I think I probably pulled 5 pounds of hair off of Josie. She sure slicked up after having all of that dead hair removed. We then moseyed into the arena and played a little bit. I kept things really low key. I just wanted to work on a few very specific things.
One of the goals that I made for myself upon returning was to really pay attention to how specific I could be about placing her feet from the ground. After all, if I expect to be in control of her feet from the saddle, then I should probably have good control of her feet on the ground! Makes sense, right? One of the challenges that we were presented with at the center was to see how good we could get at picking up our horse's feet and placing them back down where WE want them to go. Sounds easy, but when you get really specific about it, it is amazing how many times when you go to let go of their foot, they actually place it where THEY want to. This is one of those little opposition reflexes that we should be paying attention to.
I know that Josie has issues with control of her feet. She always has, and I have been very good at ignoring them. No longer! I am going to get good at this, and I think that it will be a key breakthrough in our relationship. It will make farrier visits more positive too. The eventual goal is to place your horse's foot where you want, but only using TWO FINGERS. Then you will know that they have really given the leadership and control over to you. That will be my goal with Josie. We worked on the left front foot today and made some good strides. Choosing the appropriate time to release and reward is the key to helping her to keep trying. I'll keep you posted as we go!
Tally ho!
Molly and Josie
Monday, March 2, 2009
Keeping the bubble going
When we left the Parelli Center, they gave us a two page letter explaining the phenomenon of the Parelli bubble that is created during your stay at the Parelli Center. They also talked about the culture shock that can occur once you reassimilate back into regular life again. The Parelli Center is such a positive, progressive, and natural place! It is easy to forget how negative the real world can be. During our time in Florida, we were able to remove ourselves from our normal daily lives and immerse ourselves in a personal journey with our horse. The growing and learning that went on probably affected my personal life as much or even more as it did my life as a horsewoman. I can't even begin to describe the shift that has been made within. I just hope that I can remain true to it, and carry it forward in my life back home.
I was glad that I had planned to take the day off today. We got in quite late last night, and with the cold that I developed on the way home, it is nice to have a day to relax and get things organized and unpacked. I need to prepare myself before I join the working world again tomorrow. Even though I was warned about the culture shock that might occur after leaving the Parelli Center, I wasn't prepared for how fragile I would feel. It felt good to go to the barn this morning and have a horse that was eager to greet me. On the way down to Florida, the traveling took it's toll on our relationship. I got down there with a horse that wasn't sure she should trust me any more after two and a half arduous days of travel.
I had two weeks to concentrate on making the relationship right and better in ways that I was never able to grasp at home. It is nice to feel like some of those changes have stuck. I think I have a horse that is willing to trust me now. I thought she trusted me before, but didn't realize that I was still doing things in our relationship that wasn't supporting a trusting relationship. I wasn't always acting like a partner, so how could I expect her to? I am now so much more aware of the interactions that we have. I can choose to have them be positive now. I will choose to set her up for success, and to set her up to give me more "yes" answers than "no" answers. This is part of the shift that I have made.
One of the biggest lessons I learned in Florida was to take my frustrations and turn them into fascinations. The whole "oh boy" and "how interesting" phrases took on a new meaning when I was able to really make them part of the fabric of my life. Once I was able to do that, it didn't matter how long it took her to go over the bridge, or do any other task. It was up to me to set it up so that she was confident, willing and able.
When you come up on a "oh-no I won't" answer, you need to break it down to figure out why that is. Is it that she can't do it, or won't do it? There are different approaches to the problem based on the answer of that fundamental question. In the end, if something isn't working, it boils down to either a friendly game, porcupine game, or driving game issue. After all, even though there are seven games, there are really only three. If you start looking at things that way, then all of a sudden there is no reason to be frustrated any more. By breaking your task down into ingredients, you go back and fix the ingredients that are broken. Isolate, separate, and recombine. All of a sudden you are a problem solver that has the ability to work your way through most situations. And if you choose the wrong answer, then do the opposite, and that will usually work! Even though these were phrases and mantras that I was familiar with before I left, they somehow became more clear to me during my time in Florida.
I'm sure I'll write some more reflections later on. You can view the posts below if you would like to see a pictorial journey of our last day at the center and our trek home.
Molly and Josie
I was glad that I had planned to take the day off today. We got in quite late last night, and with the cold that I developed on the way home, it is nice to have a day to relax and get things organized and unpacked. I need to prepare myself before I join the working world again tomorrow. Even though I was warned about the culture shock that might occur after leaving the Parelli Center, I wasn't prepared for how fragile I would feel. It felt good to go to the barn this morning and have a horse that was eager to greet me. On the way down to Florida, the traveling took it's toll on our relationship. I got down there with a horse that wasn't sure she should trust me any more after two and a half arduous days of travel.
I had two weeks to concentrate on making the relationship right and better in ways that I was never able to grasp at home. It is nice to feel like some of those changes have stuck. I think I have a horse that is willing to trust me now. I thought she trusted me before, but didn't realize that I was still doing things in our relationship that wasn't supporting a trusting relationship. I wasn't always acting like a partner, so how could I expect her to? I am now so much more aware of the interactions that we have. I can choose to have them be positive now. I will choose to set her up for success, and to set her up to give me more "yes" answers than "no" answers. This is part of the shift that I have made.
One of the biggest lessons I learned in Florida was to take my frustrations and turn them into fascinations. The whole "oh boy" and "how interesting" phrases took on a new meaning when I was able to really make them part of the fabric of my life. Once I was able to do that, it didn't matter how long it took her to go over the bridge, or do any other task. It was up to me to set it up so that she was confident, willing and able.
When you come up on a "oh-no I won't" answer, you need to break it down to figure out why that is. Is it that she can't do it, or won't do it? There are different approaches to the problem based on the answer of that fundamental question. In the end, if something isn't working, it boils down to either a friendly game, porcupine game, or driving game issue. After all, even though there are seven games, there are really only three. If you start looking at things that way, then all of a sudden there is no reason to be frustrated any more. By breaking your task down into ingredients, you go back and fix the ingredients that are broken. Isolate, separate, and recombine. All of a sudden you are a problem solver that has the ability to work your way through most situations. And if you choose the wrong answer, then do the opposite, and that will usually work! Even though these were phrases and mantras that I was familiar with before I left, they somehow became more clear to me during my time in Florida.
I'm sure I'll write some more reflections later on. You can view the posts below if you would like to see a pictorial journey of our last day at the center and our trek home.
Molly and Josie
Homecoming
Packed and ready to go in Florida. We had such a wonderful place to stay while we were there. It was hard to leave...
The Florida Agricultural inspection station. We were required to stop here both on our entry and exit from Florida.
Climbing through the mountains in Tennessee
Good words to live by....
On Sunday morning, we woke up to 5 inches of dense, heavy snow. One of our trucks did not have four wheel drive. Why anyone would buy a 2WD truck in Wisconsin is beyond me, but that is another story... Luckily the man who boarded our horses over night in Tennesse was a SAINT. He towed Kristen's truck and trailer almost three miles until there was a road that was clear for her to drive on. We would have been significantly delayed if he had not been kind enough to do this!
If you look closely, you can see Roadie, the yellow lab following along!
Sunset in Illinois
Monday morning nap--Josie seems content to be back in Wisconsin.
Even Vegas was happy to see me.
Coco was wondering where I've been all this time.
Josie was eager to come over to the gate and see me!
Our last day in the bubble
When I went back to the pens for the last time, I caught Josie
in a nap....so sweet!
The final bridge crossing...
Our last supper...
Dad and Cindy were able to visit--it was so great to see them!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Last day
We had our last day at the Parelli Center today. It was a very emotional, inspiring day. We were privileged to witness a lesson with Linda Parelli and Walter Zettl. It was amazing to see Remmer so motivated and soft and expressive! We were all in tears by the end of the morning presentation. Pat had some great news for Carol Coppinger. I'm sure it will be the buzz on the Savvy Forum. I won't spill the beans here, because it really isn't my place to do so!
I'm not sure when I'll post next. It might not be until we get home. We will trailer the horses back to our rental home tonight, and then take off for home early tomorrow morning.
So if I don't get on again until we get back, I hope you have all enjoyed following our journey! I will still try to keep the blog up once we get home so I can continue to update you on our progress. (though I probably won't be posting daily......)
Thanks for following!
Molly and Josie
I'm not sure when I'll post next. It might not be until we get home. We will trailer the horses back to our rental home tonight, and then take off for home early tomorrow morning.
So if I don't get on again until we get back, I hope you have all enjoyed following our journey! I will still try to keep the blog up once we get home so I can continue to update you on our progress. (though I probably won't be posting daily......)
Thanks for following!
Molly and Josie
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday
Here we are at the end of the day. We had another pretty introverted day today. I did eventually ride in the big field. We got some nice matador moves (indirect to direct rein). Then we did a bunch of undemanding time before we moseyed back through the enchanted forest. There were ups and downs today, but that is okay. I'll learn and reflect on them later...
Tuesday
The post that I had written last night for today ended up getting deleted, so I'll write a truncated version this morning. We had another good day yesterday. We finally got to use the seat builders, which was interesting. It was interesting how easy it was to see what parts of people had tension (ankles, knees, etc.) We will be doing more with the seat builder today.
Our afternoon session was on the patterns. Josie was pretty introverted today, so we had to take our time getting up to the hill honeycomb. I'm glad that I took the time that she needed though. Otherwise I would have ended up with a right brained extrovert horse on the top of that scary hill! I can definitely tell that my leadership quotient has increased in the time that we are hre, and that is SO COOL! We played on line for a while (everyone else was riding) until she was ready to ride. At that very moment, Linda Parelli rode up on Remmer! They were on their way to a lesson up in Pat's world. It was fun to see them.
The honeycomb was thick with riders, so there was some controlled chaos, but for the most part we were all able to stay out of each other's way. Josie was definitely helped by doing some patterns (follow the rail and figure eights). After a while she was able to relax and keep her mind more on me than the scary cows lurking behind the fence and the long scary lines of trailers! There is a lot to think about up on the top of the hill! It is my job to be more interesting than all of the distractions up there...
All in all, it was a good day. We ended on a good note. The picture posted today was at the end our ride. A happy, relaxed pony!
Talk to you later--
Molly and Josie
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Riding Begins!
Monday
Today was the first day of our riding course. Our filter for the week is bridle-less riding. How fun is that! Of course, I don’t have any plans that we will be riding bridle-less by the end of the week, but I will at least have the information and knowledge to prepare for it once we get home.
Our morning was spent in the classroom, and it was probably the best day that we have had thus far. Our morning demo was incredibly informative and inspirational. I can’t even begin to describe the impact that it had on me. Kristi and her horse showed us how good things can be, and she broke it down into easy steps that we all can follow. She basically went through everything from catching your horse, to warming them up, to saddling, bridling, and mounting, and then preparing for bridle-less riding. She outlined and demonstrated all of the pre-flight checks that you do before and after mounting. Some of it was a review, but there were nuances there that I had not picked up before. The most important thing is to really be aware of all the small opposition reflexes that your horse gives you. Everything means something! I realized how many things I ignore or push aside, and how many short cuts I take when preparing my horse for a ride. There is a reason to have a pattern and a system for everything. At this level of horsemanship, excellence is what we want, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less—for ourselves or our horses.
I won’t go into any more details of the actual demo. We can have that conversation some other time...Needless to say, we went off to lunch completely inspired and ready to take on the rest of the day.
Josie and I took part in the bridling focus session. She did really great! I am so used to riding her in her halter or hackamore, and I have not been using a bridle very much. She hasn’t been the biggest fan of the bridle or bit. I think our relationship has grown to a point that it isn’t such a big deal any more. I took it as a good gauge of the trust that I have earned from her that she was so accepting of it today. We ended the day by having a short ride in the 100 foot round pen. We didn’t do anything too demanding, but I’ll have to say it felt pretty darn good to be up on her back after doing a week of ground work!
I look forward to the rest of the week. We have some really interesting focus sessions planned for this week. I’m sure I’ll keep you updated!
Savvy on,
Molly and Josie
Today was the first day of our riding course. Our filter for the week is bridle-less riding. How fun is that! Of course, I don’t have any plans that we will be riding bridle-less by the end of the week, but I will at least have the information and knowledge to prepare for it once we get home.
Our morning was spent in the classroom, and it was probably the best day that we have had thus far. Our morning demo was incredibly informative and inspirational. I can’t even begin to describe the impact that it had on me. Kristi and her horse showed us how good things can be, and she broke it down into easy steps that we all can follow. She basically went through everything from catching your horse, to warming them up, to saddling, bridling, and mounting, and then preparing for bridle-less riding. She outlined and demonstrated all of the pre-flight checks that you do before and after mounting. Some of it was a review, but there were nuances there that I had not picked up before. The most important thing is to really be aware of all the small opposition reflexes that your horse gives you. Everything means something! I realized how many things I ignore or push aside, and how many short cuts I take when preparing my horse for a ride. There is a reason to have a pattern and a system for everything. At this level of horsemanship, excellence is what we want, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less—for ourselves or our horses.
I won’t go into any more details of the actual demo. We can have that conversation some other time...Needless to say, we went off to lunch completely inspired and ready to take on the rest of the day.
Josie and I took part in the bridling focus session. She did really great! I am so used to riding her in her halter or hackamore, and I have not been using a bridle very much. She hasn’t been the biggest fan of the bridle or bit. I think our relationship has grown to a point that it isn’t such a big deal any more. I took it as a good gauge of the trust that I have earned from her that she was so accepting of it today. We ended the day by having a short ride in the 100 foot round pen. We didn’t do anything too demanding, but I’ll have to say it felt pretty darn good to be up on her back after doing a week of ground work!
I look forward to the rest of the week. We have some really interesting focus sessions planned for this week. I’m sure I’ll keep you updated!
Savvy on,
Molly and Josie
Monday, February 23, 2009
Visit from Grandma!
Lunch with Cele, Grandma, and Sid!
The cutest cowboy and cowgirl (Sid asked to try my hat on)
It is hard to find hard liquor in this town!
But we finally had sweet success!!!!!
Vegas isn't ready to play nicely yet....
Talkin' to Grandma over the fence
Sideways at liberty
Josie's home away from home...
My attempt at a self portrait (I need to keep taking
lessons from Kari)
My new boots!
Josie cleaning up her peanut hay...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Pond party!
The famous stream (see the post below)
Note the muddy face! And the satisfied look!
Party in the pond!!!! Josie's got some
really fancy dance moves!
Lazy weekend
We are having a nice relaxing weekend. Kari and I got up and went to the Parelli Center early this morning. (Well, a little later than our usual time, but before most people got there...) We gave the horses their breakfast and then went and spent some time on the computers (hence the picture heavy post from below!). We went out to play in the Enchanted Forest play ground this morning. We decided to work on stream crossings this morning. Josie isn't a huge fan. She will go if you make her, but I wanted to try to make it her idea today. I spent a lot of time letting her think about it (as introverts need LOTS of time to think). When she kept hitting the same threshold, I started to ask for more of a try. All of a sudden, she was ready to try and ended up in the middle of the stream pawing away like a madwoman! It was a great left brained moment for her. She was sending muddy water flying in every which direction. I'm sure Kari got some funny pictures of me trying to back away from the monster that I had created! Instead of blowing herself through/over the stream she just stayed there and played for several minutes. We were all in stitches watching her!
Once we got over to the other side, we moseyed our way over to the pond, and repeated the performance there. She goes into the pond much more willingly, and has even more fun splashing! I hope to have her swimming by the end of the week! It was a great session for the morning, and so nice to have a left brained horse to play with. We copied Kari and Vegas and played with sideways game over a log--both towards me and away from me. She caught on to the sideways towards me pretty quickly, which was nice.
Kari and I then went into town for a little shopping (Tractor Supply!) and lunch. We called Carole on the way. I think of her every day, and so wish that she had been able to join us down here. Our whole Wisconsin horse group, for that matter. It truly is a trip of a lifetime. (one that I would like to repeat every two years or so ; ) sorry, Dave!!!!)
Now we are just hangin' under a tree, letting the horses graze.
Molly and Josie
Once we got over to the other side, we moseyed our way over to the pond, and repeated the performance there. She goes into the pond much more willingly, and has even more fun splashing! I hope to have her swimming by the end of the week! It was a great session for the morning, and so nice to have a left brained horse to play with. We copied Kari and Vegas and played with sideways game over a log--both towards me and away from me. She caught on to the sideways towards me pretty quickly, which was nice.
Kari and I then went into town for a little shopping (Tractor Supply!) and lunch. We called Carole on the way. I think of her every day, and so wish that she had been able to join us down here. Our whole Wisconsin horse group, for that matter. It truly is a trip of a lifetime. (one that I would like to repeat every two years or so ; ) sorry, Dave!!!!)
Now we are just hangin' under a tree, letting the horses graze.
Molly and Josie
Pictures from Friday!
Instead of a long post today, I will just give you a
glimpse into our day through pictures. This was a group
photo at the end of our day.
Bonding time!
Happy, relaxed girl on the land bridge!
Front view....
Back view
Rock and rolling around the bank!
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