2013-2014 Horsemanship Journey
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Thursday and Friday - Hurricane and July 4
Did not go to the barn except to give Try herbal stuff Thursday am.
Summary of Second Quarter
Summary of Second Quarter
Try: we achieved a glorious, free trot while framing up a bit. We are happy riding with a soft feel. We achieved a break through in the canter and counter canter with soft feel. BUT most important of all we have reached a GOLDEN time in our relationship whereby its hard to think of a way she can frustrate me. I love just being with Try--it makes me feel so good. I feel totally safe AND the worst thing she can do is WONDERFUL. Also I am wondering about considering what is western dressage?
Sephira: This magnificent mare has come into my life. 16'1.5 warmblood, gorgeous mover, beautiful and very open to connection. She is not as safe as Try as I am not in sync with her big gaits as yet and we do not yet really know each other. She is very confident and very smart. Not as laid back as Try and coming to me with baggage from competition et al much as Try did. She is definitely "mare-ish" and is very clear that she wants to be treated with respect and gently and with love--grooming, tacking up/down and showering as examples. I am thinking she is cusp LBI/LBE. Conformationally her gaits make her feel LBE as compared to Try. But she doesn't play in the pasture, prefers to go slow, happy to stand quietly etc. She is open to the Parelli on line/liberty and very smart--learns quickly. However she has a dominate streak and can be less responsive than her knowledge would indicate. i.e. she really doesn't want to back. LOL. Because of the fall I took I am riding her from the stand point of creating unconscious competence in using my body to ride safely. I am looking forward to a new saddle that will fit both of us well.
Lessons etc. I have had one session each month with MH--riding Try or coaching us. We have been working on trot quality mostly and also using HQ in the canter. With Kathy we have had five lessons--three with Try and two with Sephira including the infamous fall. We concentrated a good bit on using laterals to achieve desired gait quality. I would like to explore laterals and how light is light. Also a weekend with Joey Barley which was a break through for Try and I on trot quality. And a session with Dennis Callin that was a break through in canter and counter canter with a soft feel and sitting the canter in the wintec saddle! Five coaching sessions with Dawn with great riding hints that helped as well as helping me to get out of ruts of negative thinking over the shoulder and associated fears. I had two sessions with Marie and have high hopes for adding back in some structure into the Parelli philosophy: conversation/checklist and 5+2 I am enjoying using. Also after the fall, starting back riding Sephira, I am grateful to Bethanna for passing ideas for safety my way and letting me ride in the ring while she ride to boost my confidence.
Try: we achieved a glorious, free trot while framing up a bit. We are happy riding with a soft feel. We achieved a break through in the canter and counter canter with soft feel. BUT most important of all we have reached a GOLDEN time in our relationship whereby its hard to think of a way she can frustrate me. I love just being with Try--it makes me feel so good. I feel totally safe AND the worst thing she can do is WONDERFUL. Also I am wondering about considering what is western dressage?
Sephira: This magnificent mare has come into my life. 16'1.5 warmblood, gorgeous mover, beautiful and very open to connection. She is not as safe as Try as I am not in sync with her big gaits as yet and we do not yet really know each other. She is very confident and very smart. Not as laid back as Try and coming to me with baggage from competition et al much as Try did. She is definitely "mare-ish" and is very clear that she wants to be treated with respect and gently and with love--grooming, tacking up/down and showering as examples. I am thinking she is cusp LBI/LBE. Conformationally her gaits make her feel LBE as compared to Try. But she doesn't play in the pasture, prefers to go slow, happy to stand quietly etc. She is open to the Parelli on line/liberty and very smart--learns quickly. However she has a dominate streak and can be less responsive than her knowledge would indicate. i.e. she really doesn't want to back. LOL. Because of the fall I took I am riding her from the stand point of creating unconscious competence in using my body to ride safely. I am looking forward to a new saddle that will fit both of us well.
Lessons etc. I have had one session each month with MH--riding Try or coaching us. We have been working on trot quality mostly and also using HQ in the canter. With Kathy we have had five lessons--three with Try and two with Sephira including the infamous fall. We concentrated a good bit on using laterals to achieve desired gait quality. I would like to explore laterals and how light is light. Also a weekend with Joey Barley which was a break through for Try and I on trot quality. And a session with Dennis Callin that was a break through in canter and counter canter with a soft feel and sitting the canter in the wintec saddle! Five coaching sessions with Dawn with great riding hints that helped as well as helping me to get out of ruts of negative thinking over the shoulder and associated fears. I had two sessions with Marie and have high hopes for adding back in some structure into the Parelli philosophy: conversation/checklist and 5+2 I am enjoying using. Also after the fall, starting back riding Sephira, I am grateful to Bethanna for passing ideas for safety my way and letting me ride in the ring while she ride to boost my confidence.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Wednesday - Backing isn't Sephira's thing--yet!!
Lovely day with Sephira--gaining confidence--thank you BA for corrections and ideas on being safe. Also helped to raise stirrups one hole (11)!
Groom in the barn, played in the ring with friendly, backup and yield HQ. Rode walk/trot--felt much more solid--paying attention also to bending in the turns--curved lines helping Sephira with suppleness.
The good stuff
1. HQ yield was super and she got it the first time from a look
2. Mounting block was better--took a big of urging to get her in place but was able to do it from the block without any backup steps. Mounting and wait continues to be great.
3. Playing with backing in the yoyo--I used phase 4 for the first time and after she was relaxed and sleepy.
4. Sat quietly while I moved my stirrups up a hole.
5. We were able to play effectively with stick to me--her nose to my shoulder on exiting the ring.
Priorities
1. backing
Groom in the barn, played in the ring with friendly, backup and yield HQ. Rode walk/trot--felt much more solid--paying attention also to bending in the turns--curved lines helping Sephira with suppleness.
The good stuff
1. HQ yield was super and she got it the first time from a look
2. Mounting block was better--took a big of urging to get her in place but was able to do it from the block without any backup steps. Mounting and wait continues to be great.
3. Playing with backing in the yoyo--I used phase 4 for the first time and after she was relaxed and sleepy.
4. Sat quietly while I moved my stirrups up a hole.
5. We were able to play effectively with stick to me--her nose to my shoulder on exiting the ring.
Priorities
1. backing
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday - July 1st - Sephira - curious, smart and confident AND sweet
Sephira
Prep todos
1. cueing riding transitions--walk/backup/trot
2. my confidence
3. trot 45 degrees concept
4. patterns and variety
5. rest in the shade
6. canter departs
7. HQ yield from a look on line
Affirmations: confidence and enjoyment, canter depart, mounting block and HQ yields and asked Sephira about mounting block steps.
What we did: started out back with liberty and curiosity. Played about 5 minutes and got HQ yields from a look--can we get it tomorrow? Groom and tack up at liberty--she took one step when I lifted saddle. ONLY that.
Riding: I didn't feel as strong in my body as last time then there was some tripping and coughing and BA came and rode in the ring to help me with confidence. Said I went through that with Try--not to make a transition to regain confidence--to work through it a bit and transition on a good note. REALLY important for confidence and respect. We did trot a lot more than before. Canter departs were great and likely no longer an issue. I did affirmations about enjoyment and I really didn't love this ride.
The good stuff:
1. groom and tack up at liberty in back paddock
2. HQ yield on line from a look
3. more trotting than before
4. better at the mounting block--issue getting into place and not taking a step--less and easily fixed. Still great about the actual mounting and wait to walk off.
5. canter departs and go from halt to walk from seat cue
Priorities
1. learning to respect my space--teach on line with yoyo and on lead line
2. confidence and joy in the saddle
Try
She scared me--looked old around the face for the first time ever. Dawn rode and bathed Try. Tomorrow the chiropractic/vet checks out Try--hope she will really enjoy it.
Prep todos
1. cueing riding transitions--walk/backup/trot
2. my confidence
3. trot 45 degrees concept
4. patterns and variety
5. rest in the shade
6. canter departs
7. HQ yield from a look on line
Affirmations: confidence and enjoyment, canter depart, mounting block and HQ yields and asked Sephira about mounting block steps.
What we did: started out back with liberty and curiosity. Played about 5 minutes and got HQ yields from a look--can we get it tomorrow? Groom and tack up at liberty--she took one step when I lifted saddle. ONLY that.
Riding: I didn't feel as strong in my body as last time then there was some tripping and coughing and BA came and rode in the ring to help me with confidence. Said I went through that with Try--not to make a transition to regain confidence--to work through it a bit and transition on a good note. REALLY important for confidence and respect. We did trot a lot more than before. Canter departs were great and likely no longer an issue. I did affirmations about enjoyment and I really didn't love this ride.
The good stuff:
1. groom and tack up at liberty in back paddock
2. HQ yield on line from a look
3. more trotting than before
4. better at the mounting block--issue getting into place and not taking a step--less and easily fixed. Still great about the actual mounting and wait to walk off.
5. canter departs and go from halt to walk from seat cue
Priorities
1. learning to respect my space--teach on line with yoyo and on lead line
2. confidence and joy in the saddle
Try
She scared me--looked old around the face for the first time ever. Dawn rode and bathed Try. Tomorrow the chiropractic/vet checks out Try--hope she will really enjoy it.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday
Sephira
No one at the barn when I arrived so we played out back for connection and then did a good grooming after the weekend. (I had promised myself not to ride Sephira if there is no one on the farm.)
Anyway--good stuff
1. She has still got backup from the look--one step anyway--and that after not doing this for ??two weeks.
2. extreme friendly--she has no issues with slapping the ground standing in near her nor helicopter. If I slap the ground with intention directed to her she knows the difference.
3. circling game--she will make downward transitions from my energy down
4. She is so curious--explores when she gets out back and did the hunt for treats which went well
5. she enjoyed grooming and pampering
priorities
1. she knows move HQ from a look--??from other horses?? anyway, can we establish this and the backup as a consistent pattern?
2. ride!
Try
I had not planned to ride her today but oh well. Groomed in the wash stall and played around in the ring. She was in a funny mood. Started out draggy, then on adrenalin a bit and really wanting to trot out, then not interested in cantering then offering canter.
good stuff
1. I loved being with her
2. She had fewer insect bites
3. she was super at the mounting block/bridling and haltering
4. we repeated things calmly til they got done
5. sitting the canter in wintek saddle
priorities
1. time off for chiropractic
2. can I find a fun mental challenge/pressure for Try?
3. counter canter
No one at the barn when I arrived so we played out back for connection and then did a good grooming after the weekend. (I had promised myself not to ride Sephira if there is no one on the farm.)
Anyway--good stuff
1. She has still got backup from the look--one step anyway--and that after not doing this for ??two weeks.
2. extreme friendly--she has no issues with slapping the ground standing in near her nor helicopter. If I slap the ground with intention directed to her she knows the difference.
3. circling game--she will make downward transitions from my energy down
4. She is so curious--explores when she gets out back and did the hunt for treats which went well
5. she enjoyed grooming and pampering
priorities
1. she knows move HQ from a look--??from other horses?? anyway, can we establish this and the backup as a consistent pattern?
2. ride!
Try
I had not planned to ride her today but oh well. Groomed in the wash stall and played around in the ring. She was in a funny mood. Started out draggy, then on adrenalin a bit and really wanting to trot out, then not interested in cantering then offering canter.
good stuff
1. I loved being with her
2. She had fewer insect bites
3. she was super at the mounting block/bridling and haltering
4. we repeated things calmly til they got done
5. sitting the canter in wintek saddle
priorities
1. time off for chiropractic
2. can I find a fun mental challenge/pressure for Try?
3. counter canter
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday - Try and I playing with the canter
The plan was
1. golden feeling
2. play with canter using HQ/counter canter and fitness
3. give a bit of attention to soft feel and also rhythm and freedom in the trot
When I arrived
Try was not in the mood to do anything--hot, humid and ??perhaps a stressful night out at the barn with some pasture changes for some of the horses.
What we did
1. We really took our time and started really slow. Hanging out and playing on line with a game we know and do well. Hanging out at the mounting block with massage and relax.
2. Slow walk and then little jog with transitions and rest in the shade.
3. Playing with trot and some soft feel just to check that Try did not have any negative feelings about the contact. Some trot for fitness.
4. Canter in the dressage ring--using HQ but no contact. Playing with change of direction and maintaining the lead to be counter canter--we were confused with mixed results. Then just asked on the rail for counter canter and I think that is the better way for us to establish that counter canter is ok and not a mistake to be "fixed."
5. A few canter laps in the main ring.
6. shower, hang out
Good stuff
1. It was a pleasure for me to spend time with Try
2. I liked that I recognized Try is in charge of the timeline.
3. We achieved some riding for fitness without stress or negativity
4. This was my first real cantering since the shoulder accident and it was great.
5. We have a plan for getting the counter canter established.
Priorities
1. freedom and relaxation in the trot--yeehaw
2. counter canter
1. golden feeling
2. play with canter using HQ/counter canter and fitness
3. give a bit of attention to soft feel and also rhythm and freedom in the trot
When I arrived
Try was not in the mood to do anything--hot, humid and ??perhaps a stressful night out at the barn with some pasture changes for some of the horses.
What we did
1. We really took our time and started really slow. Hanging out and playing on line with a game we know and do well. Hanging out at the mounting block with massage and relax.
2. Slow walk and then little jog with transitions and rest in the shade.
3. Playing with trot and some soft feel just to check that Try did not have any negative feelings about the contact. Some trot for fitness.
4. Canter in the dressage ring--using HQ but no contact. Playing with change of direction and maintaining the lead to be counter canter--we were confused with mixed results. Then just asked on the rail for counter canter and I think that is the better way for us to establish that counter canter is ok and not a mistake to be "fixed."
5. A few canter laps in the main ring.
6. shower, hang out
Good stuff
1. It was a pleasure for me to spend time with Try
2. I liked that I recognized Try is in charge of the timeline.
3. We achieved some riding for fitness without stress or negativity
4. This was my first real cantering since the shoulder accident and it was great.
5. We have a plan for getting the counter canter established.
Priorities
1. freedom and relaxation in the trot--yeehaw
2. counter canter
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