First off,
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone's holidays were great.
For Christmas, I got Brie and Nina carrots (the usual) and peppermints (the rare treat)! Brie hasn't had a peppermint in so long because of her insulin resistance that she forgot what it was and spit out the first couple before remembering how good they taste! I let my brother ride Brie first today, as a challenge to him to see how well he would do. He actually did pretty well! It was a good change of pace for Brie and myself, both of us were getting stuck in that "winter routine" rut since we're stuck indoors.
While my brother was riding, I played around with Nina. I tried my Parelli games on her, the few that I know. She's good with the Friendly Game and the Porcupine Game, but still isn't catching on to the Yo Yo game yet. It's a little frustrating when here I am at one end of the rope, waving it around like a madman while she just blankly stares at me, not knowing what to do. I'm pretty sure that's an error on my part. I really need to get around to watching the rest of those DVDs, I've only watched the first two so far. Maybe on New Year's Eve when I have nothing else to do that night I'll watch them.
When I got on Brie, I was determined not to ride around in a circle on the rail like always, and we didn't. We made serpentines, I even "rode" my name in the sand. I tried to get her to canter but that ended up in a gallop. She can't seem to get her back feet to go the same speed as her front feet when I'm trying to canter her. Thoughts on this? Suggestions? My mom's been telling me to let her gallop and then try to bring her back to a canter. She's also been telling me to use a round pen, but oh! We don't have one! Thanks, Mom.
I'm very excited for 2010. I'm confident that it will be a productive and stunning year, a year like no other with Brie. I hope that you are successful with your horse goals (and others) as well.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Day 31
Super cold today. I feel like I'm redundant when I say I'm so proud of Brie, but I shouldn't feel that way. It has taken so long for her to get to this point and I'm happy I didn't listen to everyone who told me to give up on her, that she'd never be worth anything, that she never would win anything. I have a feeling we'll have a huge success at the shows this year. I can't wait for the first show in April.
Nina is still under training. I can't picture her actually working, even though I've shown her and placed while half asleep, but that's another story. She just seems like too much of a goofball to be phased by anything, and that can be a good thing. I guess I'm just eager to see how good she is when Ray is done training. I wonder if she'll turn out to be Fino like everyone has thought, because that would end up being a true underdog story.
Nina is still under training. I can't picture her actually working, even though I've shown her and placed while half asleep, but that's another story. She just seems like too much of a goofball to be phased by anything, and that can be a good thing. I guess I'm just eager to see how good she is when Ray is done training. I wonder if she'll turn out to be Fino like everyone has thought, because that would end up being a true underdog story.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Day 30
The calming supplement is working really well for Brie. She was very responsive and now that I have more of a handle over her I'm working on making a more noticable differnece between her corto and largo. I have a really good feeling about this show season and I'm anxious for it to start.
I also worked with Nina today. While Ray is training her we're not supposed to be riding her, so I played Parelli games with her. I played the Friendly Game and am teaching her the Porcupine Game. I started the Yo Yo game also, but she didn't really grasp that one, so I'll focus on the Porcupine Game until she gets really good at it and then move on to the Yo Yo game.
It's so cold over here, and I'm waiting til snowfall to take some pictures of them playing.
I also worked with Nina today. While Ray is training her we're not supposed to be riding her, so I played Parelli games with her. I played the Friendly Game and am teaching her the Porcupine Game. I started the Yo Yo game also, but she didn't really grasp that one, so I'll focus on the Porcupine Game until she gets really good at it and then move on to the Yo Yo game.
It's so cold over here, and I'm waiting til snowfall to take some pictures of them playing.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 29
I didn't get to go to the stable on Saturday. But I went yesterday! So this is a very late (and very short) post.
Brie was absolutely perfect!
She was so good. I got her out of the paddock no problem. She was very calm when I rode her. We even went outside and she had minimal freak outs!
I think it's due to my Parelli training =] and due to the new supplement we got her started on, Calmex-V.
I can't wait for this weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Brie was absolutely perfect!
She was so good. I got her out of the paddock no problem. She was very calm when I rode her. We even went outside and she had minimal freak outs!
I think it's due to my Parelli training =] and due to the new supplement we got her started on, Calmex-V.
I can't wait for this weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Days 27 & 28
I'm getting increasingly exhausted on the weekends and often go to sleep before I write these, so bear with me.
Day 27
When we arrived, Brie and Nina were outside in the paddocks. My mom told my brother that she'd give him ten bucks if he could catch Nina and get on her bareback. He did! And she just stood there. I went over by Brie and she came up to the fence and sniffed me, then proceeded to walk away. Once my brother got off Nina and went back in the stable, I played around with Brie and successfully got the halter on her and lead her back into the stable.
I finished the second disc of the Parelli Level 1 set. I learned the Porcupine game, the Driving game and the Yoyo game. I only got around to plaing the Porcupine game, it's kind of hard to play the other two when we don't have a round pen.
She was just a little crazy. She was very good inside and in the outside arena I discovered that she officially knows how to canter on command! I just have to work on getting her to slow down, because her canter is super super fast, almost like a gallop.
My mom rode her outside and she was pretty crazy. She ran into a few trees.
After all of this, Brie and Nina got their feet done. We flew up a farrier from Florida again, the same guy from last time.
Day 28
I got Brie out of her stall! She didn't even turn around to kick me! Not once! I'm so proud of myself.
The blood was kind of near the soles after the farrier, but he was still there so we asked him about it. He said she was okay so we rode her.
It was an amazing day. She kept at good speeds and she cantered on command again! It wasn't just a trick! My mom rode her and didn't get upset with her. A very good day.
Now we won't be able to ride Nina for a month because Ray is training her. It makes me kind of sad, but we can still play with her. Now I can teach her all of the games! And I have to give Ray some credit. After just a week, Nina is looking much better with her gait and headset.
And those supplements I said I ordered for Brie? yeah they didn't work. So we're trying a new supplement, Calmex-V I think it's called. It has valerian root which is supposed to be really calming, so we'll see how that goes.
Let's just see how she is at the end of the month.
Day 27
When we arrived, Brie and Nina were outside in the paddocks. My mom told my brother that she'd give him ten bucks if he could catch Nina and get on her bareback. He did! And she just stood there. I went over by Brie and she came up to the fence and sniffed me, then proceeded to walk away. Once my brother got off Nina and went back in the stable, I played around with Brie and successfully got the halter on her and lead her back into the stable.
I finished the second disc of the Parelli Level 1 set. I learned the Porcupine game, the Driving game and the Yoyo game. I only got around to plaing the Porcupine game, it's kind of hard to play the other two when we don't have a round pen.
She was just a little crazy. She was very good inside and in the outside arena I discovered that she officially knows how to canter on command! I just have to work on getting her to slow down, because her canter is super super fast, almost like a gallop.
My mom rode her outside and she was pretty crazy. She ran into a few trees.
After all of this, Brie and Nina got their feet done. We flew up a farrier from Florida again, the same guy from last time.
Day 28
I got Brie out of her stall! She didn't even turn around to kick me! Not once! I'm so proud of myself.
The blood was kind of near the soles after the farrier, but he was still there so we asked him about it. He said she was okay so we rode her.
It was an amazing day. She kept at good speeds and she cantered on command again! It wasn't just a trick! My mom rode her and didn't get upset with her. A very good day.
Now we won't be able to ride Nina for a month because Ray is training her. It makes me kind of sad, but we can still play with her. Now I can teach her all of the games! And I have to give Ray some credit. After just a week, Nina is looking much better with her gait and headset.
And those supplements I said I ordered for Brie? yeah they didn't work. So we're trying a new supplement, Calmex-V I think it's called. It has valerian root which is supposed to be really calming, so we'll see how that goes.
Let's just see how she is at the end of the month.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Day 26
(originally started at 1130pm last night)
Today was a not so good day.
And thinking back about it, it's been my first not so good day in a while.
It started with trying to get Brie out of the stall. With the Parelli knowledge, I tried the same thing I did yesterday but she kept giving me her butt. Discouraged and thinking my horse hated me, I cried (which was bound to happen when you try something new) and was upset that my mom had to help me get her out. She came out, I brushed her. When I tried to get on, she kept moving. I wasn't even anywhere near the mounting block! She kept fidgeting around and moving, so I made her turn on her front legs, which she was doing when she was moving. Finally she stopped (only because my mom started looking at her ughhh) and I got on. Slightly disheartened, I figured I'd jump because she loved that so much.
Wrong.
She kept refusing the jump, and finally I got her to accept it, only after she reared up before it while deciding whether to spin around and run away or go over it and stood like that for a whole 5 seconds, without moving, which is actually pretty long to be balanced on her back legs. She hop-skipped over the jump and after that she had a better attitude.
I can't really be mad at her. This is the first time that's happened for a while now. And I can't be mad at myself for the whole stall sour issue, because so far, Parelli hasn't addressed that. I guess he assumes you can at least get your horse out of the stall without killing you.
I plan to watch more of his DVDs this week if college doesn't kill me first.
Today was a not so good day.
And thinking back about it, it's been my first not so good day in a while.
It started with trying to get Brie out of the stall. With the Parelli knowledge, I tried the same thing I did yesterday but she kept giving me her butt. Discouraged and thinking my horse hated me, I cried (which was bound to happen when you try something new) and was upset that my mom had to help me get her out. She came out, I brushed her. When I tried to get on, she kept moving. I wasn't even anywhere near the mounting block! She kept fidgeting around and moving, so I made her turn on her front legs, which she was doing when she was moving. Finally she stopped (only because my mom started looking at her ughhh) and I got on. Slightly disheartened, I figured I'd jump because she loved that so much.
Wrong.
She kept refusing the jump, and finally I got her to accept it, only after she reared up before it while deciding whether to spin around and run away or go over it and stood like that for a whole 5 seconds, without moving, which is actually pretty long to be balanced on her back legs. She hop-skipped over the jump and after that she had a better attitude.
I can't really be mad at her. This is the first time that's happened for a while now. And I can't be mad at myself for the whole stall sour issue, because so far, Parelli hasn't addressed that. I guess he assumes you can at least get your horse out of the stall without killing you.
I plan to watch more of his DVDs this week if college doesn't kill me first.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Day 25
So, based on the method I learned in the first Parelli DVD, which I finally got around to watching yesterday, it took me an hour to get Brie out of her stall. But I felt good, because I did it! And without getting kicked or angry at her.
Basically I sat in her stall for a while, she came up to me, smelled me, touched her nose against my hands and I pet her. I never made eye contact with her, because this is what predators do and we don't want to come off as predators to a prey animal. I went and got her halter and she immediately ran into the corner of her stall. So first I stood outside with her halter, then I stepped inside and stood there, then I started walking around her stall with the halter. She got curious and came up to me, and I rubbed the halter on one side before she shoved herself in the corner again and I couldn't get her. I kept walking back and forth, then started swinging the halter back and forth as I walked. She looked at the halter as it swung and kind of reached her nose out to it. So I took the lead rope and started swinging it at her. I swung it around her legs, on her back, her butt, her tail, her neck, until I got close enough to pet her with the other hand. I held the rope around her neck and then rubbed the halter on her. She finally put her head down and I put her halter on.
I was so proud of myself!
The other thing I worked on was mounting while she stood still. I took her away from the mounting block today to do this and she stayed pretty still.
I rode her in the outdoor arena. Ray finally moved in today, so he watched. He worked with Nina more, because he'll be training her for the next month.
I went over the super long sound board outside and Brie didn't get scared she'd fall off of it because now they leveled the sand with the board.
Then we practiced cantering! I was so happy with Brie, she got it at the first signal in both directions! She didn't mess around halfway gaiting/halfway cantering. I can't wait to try again tomorrow to make sure it wasn't a fluke.
New goal:
Be able to mount on the mounting block by the end of November.
Basically I sat in her stall for a while, she came up to me, smelled me, touched her nose against my hands and I pet her. I never made eye contact with her, because this is what predators do and we don't want to come off as predators to a prey animal. I went and got her halter and she immediately ran into the corner of her stall. So first I stood outside with her halter, then I stepped inside and stood there, then I started walking around her stall with the halter. She got curious and came up to me, and I rubbed the halter on one side before she shoved herself in the corner again and I couldn't get her. I kept walking back and forth, then started swinging the halter back and forth as I walked. She looked at the halter as it swung and kind of reached her nose out to it. So I took the lead rope and started swinging it at her. I swung it around her legs, on her back, her butt, her tail, her neck, until I got close enough to pet her with the other hand. I held the rope around her neck and then rubbed the halter on her. She finally put her head down and I put her halter on.
I was so proud of myself!
The other thing I worked on was mounting while she stood still. I took her away from the mounting block today to do this and she stayed pretty still.
I rode her in the outdoor arena. Ray finally moved in today, so he watched. He worked with Nina more, because he'll be training her for the next month.
I went over the super long sound board outside and Brie didn't get scared she'd fall off of it because now they leveled the sand with the board.
Then we practiced cantering! I was so happy with Brie, she got it at the first signal in both directions! She didn't mess around halfway gaiting/halfway cantering. I can't wait to try again tomorrow to make sure it wasn't a fluke.
New goal:
Be able to mount on the mounting block by the end of November.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Day 24
My mom's okay.
She's also better at getting Brie out of the stall than I am. I don't know how to fix this, but I'll find a way.
Brie was very calm today, it made me happy. I cantered her around for a little bit and then she got all worked up. Of course. I walked her around after that to calm her down, my mom did too.
We're getting better at the mounting block. She now knows that she should go to it to make us get off! Now just to get her used to standing there while we magically get taller to get on her.
We're working on bringing Nina's head down because right now it looks "like she's swimming" as my mom calls it. Her head is way high up in the air. Just the past two days we've been exaggerating how low we put our hands and it's bringing her head down to a more relaxed position. We still have much work to do though.
If I want to win first place with Brie, I can't just give her a break over the winter. I have to keep working on those tiny things that keep us from the elusive blue ribbon.
She's also better at getting Brie out of the stall than I am. I don't know how to fix this, but I'll find a way.
Brie was very calm today, it made me happy. I cantered her around for a little bit and then she got all worked up. Of course. I walked her around after that to calm her down, my mom did too.
We're getting better at the mounting block. She now knows that she should go to it to make us get off! Now just to get her used to standing there while we magically get taller to get on her.
We're working on bringing Nina's head down because right now it looks "like she's swimming" as my mom calls it. Her head is way high up in the air. Just the past two days we've been exaggerating how low we put our hands and it's bringing her head down to a more relaxed position. We still have much work to do though.
If I want to win first place with Brie, I can't just give her a break over the winter. I have to keep working on those tiny things that keep us from the elusive blue ribbon.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Day 23
Happy Halloween! =]
I would put up pictures, but my camera ran out of battery and my charger's at school.
Today I gave apples to Brie and Nina as a Halloween treat. Brie ate it in about two bites. We're still working with the mounting block. It took me at least a half hour, I didn't keep track of time, for her to stand still next to the mounting block and let me get on. We did that twice! Not in a row, though, because that would be way too amazing. So I felt very accomplished. I try not to get discouraged when people tell me that I should just give Brie one good smack and then she'll understand what I want her to do. That wouldn't help solve anything, that'd only make her upset and even more confused. While people say that she doesn't care how I feel. I don't think that. I think she cares how I feel. Horses have to be in tune to how their riders feel, that's what makes them nervous and gives them confidence, it affects their whole mood. So I'm just going to go on the way I have been, even though it might seem soft, because I want to teach Brie by showing her primarily what I want her to do, not what I don't want her to do.
My mom fell off of Nina today. It's like a curse of bad luck at the stable. She didn't full blown fall off of her like the owner's wife did. Nina was gaiting across the sound board and turned around to go on the sound board next to it and the saddle slipped and went sideways with my mom in it. My mom sort of gracefully fell onto her butt from there. Nina wasn't moving, like the good horse she is, until she saw my brother running towards her to help my mom. She ran down the sound board and I cut her off with Brie. My mom's okay, so that's really good.
Did I mention that Dominic isn't coming? Yeah, he was supposed to come two weeks ago, but the owner cancelled it because the clinic would've only been us at the stable. We couldn't get anymore people that were interested to attend, so we just have to wait until the spring to try again.
Aside from all of that, today was a good day. I'm bringing a whole load of books with me to school this week to read about horse manners, dressage for Paso Finos, thinking like horses. I'm even bringing the entire Parelli Level 1 DVD set. Yes, I'm that bored at school. I don't have any homework ever. So this should be very productive.
I would put up pictures, but my camera ran out of battery and my charger's at school.
Today I gave apples to Brie and Nina as a Halloween treat. Brie ate it in about two bites. We're still working with the mounting block. It took me at least a half hour, I didn't keep track of time, for her to stand still next to the mounting block and let me get on. We did that twice! Not in a row, though, because that would be way too amazing. So I felt very accomplished. I try not to get discouraged when people tell me that I should just give Brie one good smack and then she'll understand what I want her to do. That wouldn't help solve anything, that'd only make her upset and even more confused. While people say that she doesn't care how I feel. I don't think that. I think she cares how I feel. Horses have to be in tune to how their riders feel, that's what makes them nervous and gives them confidence, it affects their whole mood. So I'm just going to go on the way I have been, even though it might seem soft, because I want to teach Brie by showing her primarily what I want her to do, not what I don't want her to do.
My mom fell off of Nina today. It's like a curse of bad luck at the stable. She didn't full blown fall off of her like the owner's wife did. Nina was gaiting across the sound board and turned around to go on the sound board next to it and the saddle slipped and went sideways with my mom in it. My mom sort of gracefully fell onto her butt from there. Nina wasn't moving, like the good horse she is, until she saw my brother running towards her to help my mom. She ran down the sound board and I cut her off with Brie. My mom's okay, so that's really good.
Did I mention that Dominic isn't coming? Yeah, he was supposed to come two weeks ago, but the owner cancelled it because the clinic would've only been us at the stable. We couldn't get anymore people that were interested to attend, so we just have to wait until the spring to try again.
Aside from all of that, today was a good day. I'm bringing a whole load of books with me to school this week to read about horse manners, dressage for Paso Finos, thinking like horses. I'm even bringing the entire Parelli Level 1 DVD set. Yes, I'm that bored at school. I don't have any homework ever. So this should be very productive.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Day 22
Didn't make it out yesterday because I was at my very first football game! Yay! We won, too!
So, apparently the owner's wife broke one rib and she's on her way to a recovery. I hope that it's a speedy one.
And apparently Brie was kind of nuts because my dad rode her yesterday. My dad never rides. Ever. So he didn't know what he was doing and she kind of went crazy.
Today she was okay. She was happy to see me, I could tell. I rode her inside for a little bit. My new goal: Getting her to line up and stay still at the mounting block. We've recently acquired one at our stable and I want full use of it! I don't think I'll be jumping Brie until her hooves grow out a little bit more in front. I think she's sore, because there's really no hoof wall, she's walking on her soles.
I rode her outside in the arena, where new, very long, sounding board was installed. It's slightly raised above the sand because we need more sand still, and Brie was okay with it the first time, but then when she realized she could jump to get on it, she jumped. Not good, since it's pretty much a 2 inch difference between the sand and the board. Then she kept falling off sideways and I got freaked that she'd twist her ankle or something. So I had her walk very slowly over it a few times, and she got the idea.
Nina is her pokey little self.
And next weekend is Halloween! Maybe I can go trick-or-treating with Brie and Nina =]
So, apparently the owner's wife broke one rib and she's on her way to a recovery. I hope that it's a speedy one.
And apparently Brie was kind of nuts because my dad rode her yesterday. My dad never rides. Ever. So he didn't know what he was doing and she kind of went crazy.
Today she was okay. She was happy to see me, I could tell. I rode her inside for a little bit. My new goal: Getting her to line up and stay still at the mounting block. We've recently acquired one at our stable and I want full use of it! I don't think I'll be jumping Brie until her hooves grow out a little bit more in front. I think she's sore, because there's really no hoof wall, she's walking on her soles.
I rode her outside in the arena, where new, very long, sounding board was installed. It's slightly raised above the sand because we need more sand still, and Brie was okay with it the first time, but then when she realized she could jump to get on it, she jumped. Not good, since it's pretty much a 2 inch difference between the sand and the board. Then she kept falling off sideways and I got freaked that she'd twist her ankle or something. So I had her walk very slowly over it a few times, and she got the idea.
Nina is her pokey little self.
And next weekend is Halloween! Maybe I can go trick-or-treating with Brie and Nina =]
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 21
(originally started Sunday night at 11pm)
I wasn't able to make it out yesterday.
But yesterday Andre got fired.
I feel really bad for him. I mean, he was a great guy. I genuinely liked his training. But he changed, and we all know who did that do him. He's not the same as he was when we met him, and I'm truly sorry to see him leave.
Apparently Brie was horrible with mom yesterday. When I rode her today she was sweet as a pea! Maybe she missed me.
I didn't do much riding though because we had an accident.
The owner's wife and daughter were galloping and playing on their horse Carmentea. Well his wife was falling off and she almost took her daughter with her. His wife fell off onto her hip then back and couldn't get up, and her daughter just sort of jumped/fell off. After a few seconds of realizing that there wasn't anyone on her, Carmentea bolted out of the arena. The new trainer, Ray, my mom, and I all ran after her. She jumped over a pretty huge mound, and I have to say that while I was breathless trying to catch her she was pretty beautiful! My mom finally caught her and we called an ambulance for his wife. She was able to go home yesterday, they said that she was lucky and just got some nasty bruises, but they'll still keep an eye on her. I hope that she's okay. It really kind of sucks because she was wary of horses before and now she might never want to get on one again. I really hope that's not the case. And I hope that his daughter doesn't blame herself for the accident for riding Carmentea because it wasn't her fault. It was an accident.
I ask you, whoever reads this, to keep their family in your prayers.
I wasn't able to make it out yesterday.
But yesterday Andre got fired.
I feel really bad for him. I mean, he was a great guy. I genuinely liked his training. But he changed, and we all know who did that do him. He's not the same as he was when we met him, and I'm truly sorry to see him leave.
Apparently Brie was horrible with mom yesterday. When I rode her today she was sweet as a pea! Maybe she missed me.
I didn't do much riding though because we had an accident.
The owner's wife and daughter were galloping and playing on their horse Carmentea. Well his wife was falling off and she almost took her daughter with her. His wife fell off onto her hip then back and couldn't get up, and her daughter just sort of jumped/fell off. After a few seconds of realizing that there wasn't anyone on her, Carmentea bolted out of the arena. The new trainer, Ray, my mom, and I all ran after her. She jumped over a pretty huge mound, and I have to say that while I was breathless trying to catch her she was pretty beautiful! My mom finally caught her and we called an ambulance for his wife. She was able to go home yesterday, they said that she was lucky and just got some nasty bruises, but they'll still keep an eye on her. I hope that she's okay. It really kind of sucks because she was wary of horses before and now she might never want to get on one again. I really hope that's not the case. And I hope that his daughter doesn't blame herself for the accident for riding Carmentea because it wasn't her fault. It was an accident.
I ask you, whoever reads this, to keep their family in your prayers.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Days 19 & 20
Day 19
Today was Paco's homecoming, in a way.
Andre wasn't there.
Brie and Nina were very happy to be outside today, even if it was a little cold. Taco's also back! He's limping though, so we'll just walk him until his limp is better.
Brie jumped today. The jump wasn't set up but she started to go towards where it normally is. I just let the reins drop and let her walk where she wanted and she started following my brother around the arena! It was so cute. He would run and she'd run after him. He'd stop and she'd dead stop, even after running. I think she's really happy now that I'm doing more than concentrating on shows and giving her a time to finally just be herself and calm down.
We also started her new vitamins. Time will tell how they work.
Day 20
Brie was limping a bit today. I think it's maybe because she may have stepped on a rock yesterday when we rode outside. Because of this, I didn't jump her.
Andre wasn't there again today.
There was also a farrier that the stable flew in from Florida, I believe. He looked at Nina and Brie's hooves and said that Nina was fine but that Brie's front hooves were just a little bit off, so he trimmed them. It was kind of hard to tell if she was liking how they were trimmed because I only rode her bareback because we were pressed for time at that point. I'll have to see how she does next week, because I don't think that I'll be able to get out this weekend.
I hope she enjoys the new hay that the stable got, because she didn't even touch the old hay she got fed this morning. That must mean it was really bad.
But Paco is here now, so I can rest peacefully knowing that things will be going uphill from here.
Today was Paco's homecoming, in a way.
Andre wasn't there.
Brie and Nina were very happy to be outside today, even if it was a little cold. Taco's also back! He's limping though, so we'll just walk him until his limp is better.
Brie jumped today. The jump wasn't set up but she started to go towards where it normally is. I just let the reins drop and let her walk where she wanted and she started following my brother around the arena! It was so cute. He would run and she'd run after him. He'd stop and she'd dead stop, even after running. I think she's really happy now that I'm doing more than concentrating on shows and giving her a time to finally just be herself and calm down.
We also started her new vitamins. Time will tell how they work.
Day 20
Brie was limping a bit today. I think it's maybe because she may have stepped on a rock yesterday when we rode outside. Because of this, I didn't jump her.
Andre wasn't there again today.
There was also a farrier that the stable flew in from Florida, I believe. He looked at Nina and Brie's hooves and said that Nina was fine but that Brie's front hooves were just a little bit off, so he trimmed them. It was kind of hard to tell if she was liking how they were trimmed because I only rode her bareback because we were pressed for time at that point. I'll have to see how she does next week, because I don't think that I'll be able to get out this weekend.
I hope she enjoys the new hay that the stable got, because she didn't even touch the old hay she got fed this morning. That must mean it was really bad.
But Paco is here now, so I can rest peacefully knowing that things will be going uphill from here.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 18
I failed in getting to the stall first. I need to start racing my mom to the stall.
Paco is officially moved in. It's so nice. And Ken is supposed to be making all the paddocks this week. I can't wait for Brie and Nina to get time outside every day, since Ken's be
en a slacker in turning them out all this time, which probably has a lot to do with Brie's anxiety.
Jane came by today! Taco is coming back very soon, he was at her son's farm just being a horse for this month. I'm so eager to ride him again.
Brie! She made me very happy today. We showed off her gaiting and jumping to Ray and everyone else, they were impressed, even though the jump was pretty much a foot off of the ground. She was more anxious outside though, and we had a fright when my mom was riding her and Brie kept backing up, almost into a barbed wire fence. I had to maneuver Nina over to her and pull her forward. Not very safe. Oh and another fright. I lost my stirrup while jumping this tiny fence and Brie tripped and while she got her footing I almost flew off the side of her because she turned so sharply. But I stayed on! And maybe we won't raise the jump for a couple more weeks.
Andre brought back a bit for Nina. She seems a little iffy about it after being bitless since July. She seemed very depressed while Andre was working her and a lot more happy running around outside with Brie. On one hand I feel guilty, because I want to let her just be a horse, but then on the other hand she really does need to be trained! She is just a baby after all.
I'm so eager to see how the stables look this weekend with Paco in charge =]
Paco is officially moved in. It's so nice. And Ken is supposed to be making all the paddocks this week. I can't wait for Brie and Nina to get time outside every day, since Ken's be
en a slacker in turning them out all this time, which probably has a lot to do with Brie's anxiety.Jane came by today! Taco is coming back very soon, he was at her son's farm just being a horse for this month. I'm so eager to ride him again.
Brie! She made me very happy today. We showed off her gaiting and jumping to Ray and everyone else, they were impressed, even though the jump was pretty much a foot off of the ground. She was more anxious outside though, and we had a fright when my mom was riding her and Brie kept backing up, almost into a barbed wire fence. I had to maneuver Nina over to her and pull her forward. Not very safe. Oh and another fright. I lost my stirrup while jumping this tiny fence and Brie tripped and while she got her footing I almost flew off the side of her because she turned so sharply. But I stayed on! And maybe we won't raise the jump for a couple more weeks.
Andre brought back a bit for Nina. She seems a little iffy about it after being bitless since July. She seemed very depressed while Andre was working her and a lot more happy running around outside with Brie. On one hand I feel guilty, because I want to let her just be a horse, but then on the other hand she really does need to be trained! She is just a baby after all.
I'm so eager to see how the stables look this weekend with Paco in charge =]
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Day 17
Well I didn't take Brie out of the stall today, my mom did, and apparently she walked right out.
I won't believe it until I try it myself.
She seems like such a different horse now, even though we've been jumping for only what, two weeks? Four days, really. She seems a lot calmer, even walking around outside. The only problem I have is keeping her away from the jump! I think she's happy that I'm stimulating her mind and just not going in circles all day. Which I, surprisingly, never though about before because that's what Andre and the other trainers do. But I mean, if I went in a circle all day and didn't do anything fun, I guess I'd be angry and anxious for it to be over too.
Today was a very good day. Paco finally is here! He was abandoned with Andre in Georgia until Thursday when Ray, another trainer, drove them and the horses back up here. The truck is still in Georgia being fixed.
The stalls were so nice and SPOTLESS for once! It was great, I was very happy. Now Ken is working outside making more paddocks before the winter really sets in over here. It'll be nice, I hope that he makes them bigger than they are now, because Brie and Nina can really only stretch their legs, not run around and have fun.
We ordered this calming supplement for Brie from Smartpak. Yeah, yeah, I'm usually against supplements, but this one is supposed to work in two months and we'll never need it again because it'll rebalance her hormones. I'll just have to wait and see about that.
Mega excited for Dominic to come up in two weeks! I can't wait to show him how Brie can perfectly gait, go on the soundboard, jump, and go right back to gaiting. As soon as she's calmed down, I have a feeling we'll be cleaning up at the shows in the spring with her.
I won't believe it until I try it myself.
She seems like such a different horse now, even though we've been jumping for only what, two weeks? Four days, really. She seems a lot calmer, even walking around outside. The only problem I have is keeping her away from the jump! I think she's happy that I'm stimulating her mind and just not going in circles all day. Which I, surprisingly, never though about before because that's what Andre and the other trainers do. But I mean, if I went in a circle all day and didn't do anything fun, I guess I'd be angry and anxious for it to be over too.
Today was a very good day. Paco finally is here! He was abandoned with Andre in Georgia until Thursday when Ray, another trainer, drove them and the horses back up here. The truck is still in Georgia being fixed.
The stalls were so nice and SPOTLESS for once! It was great, I was very happy. Now Ken is working outside making more paddocks before the winter really sets in over here. It'll be nice, I hope that he makes them bigger than they are now, because Brie and Nina can really only stretch their legs, not run around and have fun.
We ordered this calming supplement for Brie from Smartpak. Yeah, yeah, I'm usually against supplements, but this one is supposed to work in two months and we'll never need it again because it'll rebalance her hormones. I'll just have to wait and see about that.
Mega excited for Dominic to come up in two weeks! I can't wait to show him how Brie can perfectly gait, go on the soundboard, jump, and go right back to gaiting. As soon as she's calmed down, I have a feeling we'll be cleaning up at the shows in the spring with her.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day 16
It's official. Brie loves jumping.
She does tend to veer off to one side when she lands, but we'll work on that.
Still bribing her to get out of the stall. I bribed her with an apple today! So not good, I wish I had time to watch the Parelli DVDs we paid for and never got around to watching. Maybe I'll bring them with me to my dorm next week, to see how this week goes so far.
Nina likes to jump too! She went by the jump after I stopped, and, with my brother on her, she jumped right over it. Without warning, so that may have been a little bad, but Anthony stayed on so it's all good.
We also put poles on the ground for Brie and Nina to walk over to teach them how to be aware of how high and where they're stepping. I think Nina needed it, because she kept knocking into them for a good few tries, then got the hang of it.
That's what people in our stables need to do. Just have fun with their horses, and enjoy themselves. Not constantly be trying to fix this and that about their horse's gait and make them absolute perfection. Maybe that's why we didn't win anything at Nationals, we probably wore them out for the months beforehand.
Well Andre is stuck in Georgia. The truck broke down and the horses are being kept in a stable down there. I feel so bad for them! Paco is supposed to be coming up with Andre too, so now he's stranded as well.
What I'm looking forward to most is Dominic coming again in October for a weekend. Can't wait to see what he has to say about Brie's progress!
She does tend to veer off to one side when she lands, but we'll work on that.
Still bribing her to get out of the stall. I bribed her with an apple today! So not good, I wish I had time to watch the Parelli DVDs we paid for and never got around to watching. Maybe I'll bring them with me to my dorm next week, to see how this week goes so far.
Nina likes to jump too! She went by the jump after I stopped, and, with my brother on her, she jumped right over it. Without warning, so that may have been a little bad, but Anthony stayed on so it's all good.
We also put poles on the ground for Brie and Nina to walk over to teach them how to be aware of how high and where they're stepping. I think Nina needed it, because she kept knocking into them for a good few tries, then got the hang of it.
That's what people in our stables need to do. Just have fun with their horses, and enjoy themselves. Not constantly be trying to fix this and that about their horse's gait and make them absolute perfection. Maybe that's why we didn't win anything at Nationals, we probably wore them out for the months beforehand.
Well Andre is stuck in Georgia. The truck broke down and the horses are being kept in a stable down there. I feel so bad for them! Paco is supposed to be coming up with Andre too, so now he's stranded as well.
What I'm looking forward to most is Dominic coming again in October for a weekend. Can't wait to see what he has to say about Brie's progress!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Day 15 & Nationals Comments
I didn't make it down to Nationals. =[ The flights coming home weren't looking so good, so we decided not to risk being stranded in Georgia. We did watch the ending of Nationals on Galopando TV though, which is the stream-network for all things Paso Fino. I feel like I'll get my commentary on Nationals out of the way right now.
I was amused by the largo race, but disappointed at the same time that there were only three entries. Come on people, lighten up and have some fun with your horses! Don't just work them all the time! Secondly, I was SO MAD when I saw the costume class! Backstory, I qualified on Brie to go to Nationals this year and last year for costume class but we figured it was too long of a ride to bring here there for just one class. This is what my costume looks like.
Well, I don't have a screenshot of it, but there was a girl in the costume class who had pretty much the EXACT same dress, the same black horse, the same roses, same ribbons, same veil, but this is the killer part: She had the same speech as me. How low can you get? Thankfully she was punished (by karma) for the copycat-ism and received 5th place out of 5.
Lastly, I'd like to congratulate the Fino Stallion Champion, Halago! He is truly amazing. If the clip isn't on Galopando TV, then I'm sure if you're really curious and search it on YouTube you'll find it. Maybe I'll even link these two classes tomorrow or something for you to watch.
Went to the stables today. Instead of doing the same old routine, I decided today would be a great day to teach Brie a little bit about jumping (and learn myself, with help from mi madre). At first she was kind of freaking out that the jump was made up of a 2x4 and plastic traffic cones, but then she got used to it and then she loved it! She kept going around and jump jump jumping! We both enjoyed it, and I love that she's getting used to doing all sorts of different things now.
I switched Brie for Nina with my mom and we rode outside. Nina is too funny, she has a shorter stride than Brie, so Brie covers ground faster and gets farther ahead. When Brie gets too far ahead of Nina, you just tell Nina, "Come on Nina, go get Brie!" without any other signal and she takes off at a cute little carousel pony gallop to catch up to Brie. It's adorable! I'm teaching Nina, too, how to jump outside, over little ditches, and she's kind of hesitant. Knowing this, I didn't think that she'd want to jump up and over a fairly steep little hill, but she did! I wasn't prepared for this and almost flew out of the saddle but caught it before I fell backwards over her butt. It was scary and fun at the same time. I'm also proud of Brie, she's getting more calmed down outside.
I still have my problem of trying to get Brie to come out of the stall by me. I haven't gotten around to watching Parelli to see if he has any suggestions for this, so in the meantime, if anyone has suggestions other than bribing her with carrots, please tell me!
P.S., I don't think I mentioned it before, but the two horses in the header are Brie and Nina! Brie's the black one, Nina's the brown one.
I was amused by the largo race, but disappointed at the same time that there were only three entries. Come on people, lighten up and have some fun with your horses! Don't just work them all the time! Secondly, I was SO MAD when I saw the costume class! Backstory, I qualified on Brie to go to Nationals this year and last year for costume class but we figured it was too long of a ride to bring here there for just one class. This is what my costume looks like.
Well, I don't have a screenshot of it, but there was a girl in the costume class who had pretty much the EXACT same dress, the same black horse, the same roses, same ribbons, same veil, but this is the killer part: She had the same speech as me. How low can you get? Thankfully she was punished (by karma) for the copycat-ism and received 5th place out of 5.Lastly, I'd like to congratulate the Fino Stallion Champion, Halago! He is truly amazing. If the clip isn't on Galopando TV, then I'm sure if you're really curious and search it on YouTube you'll find it. Maybe I'll even link these two classes tomorrow or something for you to watch.
Went to the stables today. Instead of doing the same old routine, I decided today would be a great day to teach Brie a little bit about jumping (and learn myself, with help from mi madre). At first she was kind of freaking out that the jump was made up of a 2x4 and plastic traffic cones, but then she got used to it and then she loved it! She kept going around and jump jump jumping! We both enjoyed it, and I love that she's getting used to doing all sorts of different things now.
I switched Brie for Nina with my mom and we rode outside. Nina is too funny, she has a shorter stride than Brie, so Brie covers ground faster and gets farther ahead. When Brie gets too far ahead of Nina, you just tell Nina, "Come on Nina, go get Brie!" without any other signal and she takes off at a cute little carousel pony gallop to catch up to Brie. It's adorable! I'm teaching Nina, too, how to jump outside, over little ditches, and she's kind of hesitant. Knowing this, I didn't think that she'd want to jump up and over a fairly steep little hill, but she did! I wasn't prepared for this and almost flew out of the saddle but caught it before I fell backwards over her butt. It was scary and fun at the same time. I'm also proud of Brie, she's getting more calmed down outside.
I still have my problem of trying to get Brie to come out of the stall by me. I haven't gotten around to watching Parelli to see if he has any suggestions for this, so in the meantime, if anyone has suggestions other than bribing her with carrots, please tell me!
P.S., I don't think I mentioned it before, but the two horses in the header are Brie and Nina! Brie's the black one, Nina's the brown one.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Days 13 & 14
Day 13
Yay! I got to go home and see Brie and Nina!
I figured why stay at school if nothing's going on? So I went home.
Well. For the past couple weeks it's been really hard to get Brie out of the stall. I go by the door with the halter and she runs into the corner. Now I know that you're not supposed to barge on in there and get the horse, but I already stood/sat there for over an hour once and I'm not about to do that again. She didn't even come out when I did that! So I need to find a way that doesn't involve bribing her with food, to get her to come by the door and put the halter on.
Other than that, today was the best day I've had with her so far! She's learning how to canter on command. She's still a little mixed up between gaiting and cantering, but she'll get it. She goes so fast! It's indescribable! The only thing I can think of to explain it is it's like I'm flying, it's incredible.
And that's not even galloping!
After that adrenaline rush, I switched with my mom and rode outside with Nina. Very relaxing. Brie got too far ahead and Nina broke into her tiny canter to catch up. It was adorable! My mom and I had a race. Nina had no chance! Her canter is so short while Brie's is so extended. It was very amusing though =]
This was such a good day. I didn't realize how being around them makes me so calm. It was the perfect remedy to an overly stressful week.
Now to do it again tomorrow!
Day 14
So I was too exhausted to remember to post yesterday so I combined it with today.
First off I want to talk about Nina. She too has been having trouble with putting the halter on. While I was watching Cesar Milan on Friday night, he did this trick where you massage the animal to make it calm and then pet it once it's calmed down. Easiest thing ever and I never thought of it! So I walked in Nina's stall and did this to her and she was better putting the halter on. Today she only tossed her head once before she lowered it to put the halter on. Progress!
Also Brie is getting better at cantering. It's more me getting scared of falling off. But we walked outside and Brie was pretty calm. I was so proud of her! She too is making progress. And with all this progress made it makes me even more satisfied that I went home this weekend.
Now next weekend I'm going to the Nationals as a spectator. Now THAT should be an interesting weekend. I'm sure I'll have much to say about it. Until then, keep riding!
Yay! I got to go home and see Brie and Nina!
I figured why stay at school if nothing's going on? So I went home.
Well. For the past couple weeks it's been really hard to get Brie out of the stall. I go by the door with the halter and she runs into the corner. Now I know that you're not supposed to barge on in there and get the horse, but I already stood/sat there for over an hour once and I'm not about to do that again. She didn't even come out when I did that! So I need to find a way that doesn't involve bribing her with food, to get her to come by the door and put the halter on.
Other than that, today was the best day I've had with her so far! She's learning how to canter on command. She's still a little mixed up between gaiting and cantering, but she'll get it. She goes so fast! It's indescribable! The only thing I can think of to explain it is it's like I'm flying, it's incredible.
And that's not even galloping!
After that adrenaline rush, I switched with my mom and rode outside with Nina. Very relaxing. Brie got too far ahead and Nina broke into her tiny canter to catch up. It was adorable! My mom and I had a race. Nina had no chance! Her canter is so short while Brie's is so extended. It was very amusing though =]
This was such a good day. I didn't realize how being around them makes me so calm. It was the perfect remedy to an overly stressful week.
Now to do it again tomorrow!
Day 14
So I was too exhausted to remember to post yesterday so I combined it with today.
First off I want to talk about Nina. She too has been having trouble with putting the halter on. While I was watching Cesar Milan on Friday night, he did this trick where you massage the animal to make it calm and then pet it once it's calmed down. Easiest thing ever and I never thought of it! So I walked in Nina's stall and did this to her and she was better putting the halter on. Today she only tossed her head once before she lowered it to put the halter on. Progress!
Also Brie is getting better at cantering. It's more me getting scared of falling off. But we walked outside and Brie was pretty calm. I was so proud of her! She too is making progress. And with all this progress made it makes me even more satisfied that I went home this weekend.
Now next weekend I'm going to the Nationals as a spectator. Now THAT should be an interesting weekend. I'm sure I'll have much to say about it. Until then, keep riding!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Days 11 & 12
Didn't get the chance to write this weekend due to personal issues. But here we go.
Day 11
Brie was really good today =] I got to ride her outside, and she didn't really like the outdoor arena, mainly because of the disassembled round pen in there. But I got her to calm down over it and we walked around out back. I'm teaching her to canter the right way outside and I think that she's getting the hang of it. I rode Nina outside. She is such the perfect trail horse, I love her to death. Brie is my stunning beauty of a horse while Nina is the lovable cuddly horse that you just want to hug to death. Don't get me wrong, Nina's beautiful too. It's just something about a black horse that's so breathtaking. And Brie's cuddly too, on occasion. But you get my point.
Oh and Taco? That horse that I was training before? I forgot to mention, Jane took him out of there for this month to just laze around in the pasture at her relative's farm.
Day 12
Brie was a bit more crazy today. Once again we rode outside in the arena and she was a bit more nervous. After a long while I got her to calm down, then we rode out back again. Continued teaching her to canter, but on my way into the stable my mom was coming out with Nina so we walked around the back together. I showed her how I'm teaching Brie to canter and I admit, I'm kind of scared because she goes so fast! I think that once I'm more confident about what my knee can hold up to I'll be more relaxed with teaching Brie to canter. We had more troubles outside. Brie kept freezing like in the show arena. I bought a crop but I forgot it inside. So I just tried to deal with her and I think I did so effectively.
Now I won't be writing for a while. I'm going to school and I don't know how often I can go see my two babies. I'm going to miss them so much, it makes me so sad.
But I might have a post in a week. I don't know if I'll be able to make it to Nationals next weekend, but I really hope I can. I'm sure I'll have something to say about the show. As a matter of fact, I do right now! How is it fair that once you earn 20 points you can waltz on into Nationals? You can earn 20 points with two blue ribbons, probably in one weekend show! I believe that this standard should be raised. And another thing I'm miffed about. I emailed the director of the editorials of the PFHA magazine and she never got back to me. I guess I'll keep spamming her inbox then.
Until the next post, wish me luck at school!
Day 11
Brie was really good today =] I got to ride her outside, and she didn't really like the outdoor arena, mainly because of the disassembled round pen in there. But I got her to calm down over it and we walked around out back. I'm teaching her to canter the right way outside and I think that she's getting the hang of it. I rode Nina outside. She is such the perfect trail horse, I love her to death. Brie is my stunning beauty of a horse while Nina is the lovable cuddly horse that you just want to hug to death. Don't get me wrong, Nina's beautiful too. It's just something about a black horse that's so breathtaking. And Brie's cuddly too, on occasion. But you get my point.
Oh and Taco? That horse that I was training before? I forgot to mention, Jane took him out of there for this month to just laze around in the pasture at her relative's farm.
Day 12
Brie was a bit more crazy today. Once again we rode outside in the arena and she was a bit more nervous. After a long while I got her to calm down, then we rode out back again. Continued teaching her to canter, but on my way into the stable my mom was coming out with Nina so we walked around the back together. I showed her how I'm teaching Brie to canter and I admit, I'm kind of scared because she goes so fast! I think that once I'm more confident about what my knee can hold up to I'll be more relaxed with teaching Brie to canter. We had more troubles outside. Brie kept freezing like in the show arena. I bought a crop but I forgot it inside. So I just tried to deal with her and I think I did so effectively.
Now I won't be writing for a while. I'm going to school and I don't know how often I can go see my two babies. I'm going to miss them so much, it makes me so sad.
But I might have a post in a week. I don't know if I'll be able to make it to Nationals next weekend, but I really hope I can. I'm sure I'll have something to say about the show. As a matter of fact, I do right now! How is it fair that once you earn 20 points you can waltz on into Nationals? You can earn 20 points with two blue ribbons, probably in one weekend show! I believe that this standard should be raised. And another thing I'm miffed about. I emailed the director of the editorials of the PFHA magazine and she never got back to me. I guess I'll keep spamming her inbox then.
Until the next post, wish me luck at school!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Day 10
I didn't get to write yesterday and didn't make it out today so this post is for yesterday.
We hired a new farrier and she came out yesterday to do Brie and Nina's hooves. We hired a new farrier because our old one was never calling us back to set up an appointment and Brie desperately needed her hooves done. We're really pleased with how he hooves came out, they look the closest to perfection in all the time we've had her. Says something about the farriers around here, huh?
I also got to ride Nina yesterday! We rode with my mom and Brie in the fields behind the stable. Nina's such a goofball, she is the perfect trail horse. She moseys along. And then I let her do what she wanted to and she ran in circles in the field =] she was so happy. She's the mellow balance to Brie's anxiety. That's what we all need, someone to balance out our emotions.
We hired a new farrier and she came out yesterday to do Brie and Nina's hooves. We hired a new farrier because our old one was never calling us back to set up an appointment and Brie desperately needed her hooves done. We're really pleased with how he hooves came out, they look the closest to perfection in all the time we've had her. Says something about the farriers around here, huh?
I also got to ride Nina yesterday! We rode with my mom and Brie in the fields behind the stable. Nina's such a goofball, she is the perfect trail horse. She moseys along. And then I let her do what she wanted to and she ran in circles in the field =] she was so happy. She's the mellow balance to Brie's anxiety. That's what we all need, someone to balance out our emotions.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Day 9
What a beautiful day!
I worked with Brie outside. We did little dressage patterns. We mainly walked. Then I went inside and tried to teach her how to canter from a stop. I felt so bad for her; she was so confused. But we'll work on it.
Other than that, her hooves still haven't been trimmed. The farrier hasn't been out and won't return any phone calls. And the stalls were all dirty still. Ugh. Just a couple more weeks til things get better.
I worked with Brie outside. We did little dressage patterns. We mainly walked. Then I went inside and tried to teach her how to canter from a stop. I felt so bad for her; she was so confused. But we'll work on it.
Other than that, her hooves still haven't been trimmed. The farrier hasn't been out and won't return any phone calls. And the stalls were all dirty still. Ugh. Just a couple more weeks til things get better.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
State Fair
What a bunch of favoritism.
Pardon my language.
On the subject of Brie: she did really well! She placed her first ever third place! And got a fifth too. And I won $150! I'm so proud of her. She got excused twice at night, I don't think she's a night person. She got caught in the middle of a traffic jam and was the unlucky one, she got scared and almost backed up over the judge. Oops. =]
Nina also did well. Anthony rode her and I forgot what she got. And my mom rode her as well and got a 6th, which is okay, it was her first time showing Nina.
On to the sabotage!
So Taco, as I've said, is a very good horse. He has the bloodline of probably the most famous horse in the Paso Fino world, Capuchino, and did nothing out-of-step, yet he got excused every class. Why, you ask?
Because the judge doesn't like Capuchino babies.
There are over 5000 Capuchino babies.
Yet this man does not like them. He doesn't like 5000 horses in the breed. Not only is this statement ignorant, but how the hell do you know who is a Capuchino baby when that horse enters the ring? Completely ridiculous.
And this is what makes people want to quit.
This is why when the Midwest goes to America's Nationals we lose.
This is why when America goes to the World Nationals we lose.
This is why other experts are pulling out of PFHA and are starting their own organizations that follow the rules they themselves write.
On an ethical note, let me leave you with this question.
Principe, a well-known performance horse, was put into retirement because of kidney damage.
Someone is leasing Principe in order to make a name for his granddaughter.
I'm not even asking if that's right. I'm asking, how could Principe's owner agree to leasing him when he's the one who sent him into retirement?
Pardon my language.
On the subject of Brie: she did really well! She placed her first ever third place! And got a fifth too. And I won $150! I'm so proud of her. She got excused twice at night, I don't think she's a night person. She got caught in the middle of a traffic jam and was the unlucky one, she got scared and almost backed up over the judge. Oops. =]
Nina also did well. Anthony rode her and I forgot what she got. And my mom rode her as well and got a 6th, which is okay, it was her first time showing Nina.
On to the sabotage!
So Taco, as I've said, is a very good horse. He has the bloodline of probably the most famous horse in the Paso Fino world, Capuchino, and did nothing out-of-step, yet he got excused every class. Why, you ask?
Because the judge doesn't like Capuchino babies.
There are over 5000 Capuchino babies.
Yet this man does not like them. He doesn't like 5000 horses in the breed. Not only is this statement ignorant, but how the hell do you know who is a Capuchino baby when that horse enters the ring? Completely ridiculous.
And this is what makes people want to quit.
This is why when the Midwest goes to America's Nationals we lose.
This is why when America goes to the World Nationals we lose.
This is why other experts are pulling out of PFHA and are starting their own organizations that follow the rules they themselves write.
On an ethical note, let me leave you with this question.
Principe, a well-known performance horse, was put into retirement because of kidney damage.
Someone is leasing Principe in order to make a name for his granddaughter.
I'm not even asking if that's right. I'm asking, how could Principe's owner agree to leasing him when he's the one who sent him into retirement?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Days 7 & 8
Day 7
Brie was good today! She didn't even break into a canter as I rounded the corners of the arena. And I walked her outside. She seemed really happy. I think she really loves being outside but doesn't like being cooped up inside. I've been misinterpreting it all along as the reverse. Yesterday she was happy as a clam walking around outside but when she saw the barn, that's when she started acting up. She stopped and turned her head to the side, refusing to look at the barn. So now I think I'll make going outside more common with her.
Well yesterday this guy from Florida was up here. He looked at all of the horses and said what he thought of them. Now this guy is a trainer for one of the stables that keeps winning everything. Well he didn't really pay attention to Brie, which is okay. But he looked at Nina. Nina's having a hard time listening to what we want her to do. She just stops walking, refuses to back up, which I attributed to being a young horse who is tired. Well this trainer said that she is tired, tired of being pushed. Andre pushed her faster and faster to grow up and be a Fino horse (the most desirable of the Paso Fino breed) only because my father and brother kept badgering him to. So I don't blame him for that. Maybe I should start working with Nina, but then again maybe not since I'll be at school now. I only hope that my mom will take over for me and let Nina just be a horse.
I didn't work with Taco because of all the commotion with the visiting trainer. Perhaps I'll work with him tomorrow. There's really nothing to do other than let him out of his stall and stretch since Jane's already at the fair.
Day 8
So this trainer says that we should be utilizing the outside arena more. We don't use it at all, there's grass growing in it! So we all rode outside today. Brie was doing really well! I walked her around the property and she was doing okay but towards the end she started getting a little freaked out. I let my mom and dad rid Brie as well, she was pretty calm for them =]
Nina was a whole world different today. She was very good, didn't die out. We changed her nosepeice to a harder leather. So we'll see how that goes.
Taco? Well Andre changed his bit -.- I personaly didn't like it, Taco was pulling too much. But we'll see how Jane likes it.
The state fair's next week! I'm so excited, wish me luck!
Brie was good today! She didn't even break into a canter as I rounded the corners of the arena. And I walked her outside. She seemed really happy. I think she really loves being outside but doesn't like being cooped up inside. I've been misinterpreting it all along as the reverse. Yesterday she was happy as a clam walking around outside but when she saw the barn, that's when she started acting up. She stopped and turned her head to the side, refusing to look at the barn. So now I think I'll make going outside more common with her.
Well yesterday this guy from Florida was up here. He looked at all of the horses and said what he thought of them. Now this guy is a trainer for one of the stables that keeps winning everything. Well he didn't really pay attention to Brie, which is okay. But he looked at Nina. Nina's having a hard time listening to what we want her to do. She just stops walking, refuses to back up, which I attributed to being a young horse who is tired. Well this trainer said that she is tired, tired of being pushed. Andre pushed her faster and faster to grow up and be a Fino horse (the most desirable of the Paso Fino breed) only because my father and brother kept badgering him to. So I don't blame him for that. Maybe I should start working with Nina, but then again maybe not since I'll be at school now. I only hope that my mom will take over for me and let Nina just be a horse.
I didn't work with Taco because of all the commotion with the visiting trainer. Perhaps I'll work with him tomorrow. There's really nothing to do other than let him out of his stall and stretch since Jane's already at the fair.
Day 8
So this trainer says that we should be utilizing the outside arena more. We don't use it at all, there's grass growing in it! So we all rode outside today. Brie was doing really well! I walked her around the property and she was doing okay but towards the end she started getting a little freaked out. I let my mom and dad rid Brie as well, she was pretty calm for them =]
Nina was a whole world different today. She was very good, didn't die out. We changed her nosepeice to a harder leather. So we'll see how that goes.
Taco? Well Andre changed his bit -.- I personaly didn't like it, Taco was pulling too much. But we'll see how Jane likes it.
The state fair's next week! I'm so excited, wish me luck!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Day 6
What a blow out at the stables. But that sort of argument doesn't belong here, this is about progress made, not arguments with Andre.
It was scorching hot today. I only rode Brie for about 10 minutes and braided her hair. My brother rode Nina outside and she got so hot that she stopped and didn't want to move.
Andre rode Taco. Jane brought her granddaughter today. Well Andre rode Taco unnecessarily harsh and he was pulling Jane's granddaughter. She got upset, I got on. Taco was an angel! Tired and hot, but an angel. Jane's going to fire Andre. I'll help her. Sometimes it just takes a different touch.
It was scorching hot today. I only rode Brie for about 10 minutes and braided her hair. My brother rode Nina outside and she got so hot that she stopped and didn't want to move.
Andre rode Taco. Jane brought her granddaughter today. Well Andre rode Taco unnecessarily harsh and he was pulling Jane's granddaughter. She got upset, I got on. Taco was an angel! Tired and hot, but an angel. Jane's going to fire Andre. I'll help her. Sometimes it just takes a different touch.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Day 5
Today was so damn hot out.
But I'm pleased. Brie did a really good job, I think with next weekend being the last weekend before the show I'll be able to finish tightening her reverses and controlling the difference between largo and corto.
I also worked with Taco and Jane today. Taco was a dream! Beautiful as always. Jane did pretty well on him too. I think all that she has to overcome is her self-doubt while riding. She's also firing Andre.
Nina is where the problems are. She's just a young horse so she runs out of energy quickly. We have to work on buliding her stamina.
As for tomorrow, we'll probably just go out to shower them since it's going to be 97 degrees. I guess summer arrived late this year.
But I'm pleased. Brie did a really good job, I think with next weekend being the last weekend before the show I'll be able to finish tightening her reverses and controlling the difference between largo and corto.
I also worked with Taco and Jane today. Taco was a dream! Beautiful as always. Jane did pretty well on him too. I think all that she has to overcome is her self-doubt while riding. She's also firing Andre.
Nina is where the problems are. She's just a young horse so she runs out of energy quickly. We have to work on buliding her stamina.
As for tomorrow, we'll probably just go out to shower them since it's going to be 97 degrees. I guess summer arrived late this year.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 4
My day today?
Phenomenal! We get to the stable, the stalls are cleaned, but only because the owner and his kids cleaned them. Ken is definitely on his way out. I tack up Brie and Nina and today was my first day with Taco. I work Brie while my mom works Nina. After a few bucks and kicks, Brie is under control. Her gait is amazing. I managed to slow her corto down. It's more of a power-walk now. And her largo is now the speed her corto was. I'm really looking forward to the state fair because if she keeps up this way I could win some money!
On to Taco. I don't know what on earth Jane is talking about because that horse is wonderful! A little fast paced walk, yes, but that's his nature! We even went outside with Nina, Brie, and Taco and the only one freaking out was Brie (but we all expected that). I just walked Taco and he was fine. Corto'd Taco and he was fine! There may be some tweaking as far as calming him down for an old lady to ride, but I think it's mostly her I need to work with, not the horse.
Today was the first good day in a very long time =]
Phenomenal! We get to the stable, the stalls are cleaned, but only because the owner and his kids cleaned them. Ken is definitely on his way out. I tack up Brie and Nina and today was my first day with Taco. I work Brie while my mom works Nina. After a few bucks and kicks, Brie is under control. Her gait is amazing. I managed to slow her corto down. It's more of a power-walk now. And her largo is now the speed her corto was. I'm really looking forward to the state fair because if she keeps up this way I could win some money!
On to Taco. I don't know what on earth Jane is talking about because that horse is wonderful! A little fast paced walk, yes, but that's his nature! We even went outside with Nina, Brie, and Taco and the only one freaking out was Brie (but we all expected that). I just walked Taco and he was fine. Corto'd Taco and he was fine! There may be some tweaking as far as calming him down for an old lady to ride, but I think it's mostly her I need to work with, not the horse.
Today was the first good day in a very long time =]
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 3
So today.
I arrive at the stables and find out our horses' stalls haven't been cleaned. The person who's supposed to take care of the horses, Ken, decided to not come to work today. Already frustrated, I go to ride Brie. Bad Idea. I end up deciding to change her bit. So I go from the snaffle bit to this new Colombian bit that Carmello said I should use.
I guess it was my frustration that made it take so long for Brie to calm down. I ended up riding for about 2 hours. I decided to ride outside. Also a bad idea. She ended up getting more worked up, so I had to walk her more. Finally she calmed down. She walked and gaited really nicely. I just need to work on slowing down her corto (slower Paso gait) and largo-ing(faster Paso gait) her without breaking into a canter(almost a gallop, full out running).
So we're all cleaning stalls. Ugh. We find out that the owner of the stables is gonna fire Ken and bring in Paco to work and live in the apartment above the riding arena after Nationals. Which I can't even go to because I have to move in that week! Bad luck =/ But I really like Paco, he was at one of the stables we were at before. He really loves the horses and knows how to take care of them the right way, always keeps the stable clean. I can't wait to finally be able to go to sleep knowing my horses ate and get out.
Now here comes Jane. She owns Taco, a horse who I rode on a whim at a show once when his trainer asked me to. Apparently Taco has been horrible for Jane and Andre just keeps messing around with Taco and tryin to re-train him. Jane was so angry with Taco she was ready to sell him (I'd gladly buy him). So I asked her about him, how is he acting. He's acting just like Brie was before Dominic told me how to calm her down! Taco's just misunderstood by Andre and feared by Jane. So I offered to work Taco for Jane on the weekend when I'm there an maybe on wednesdays if I can get out there.
So I end this post disgusted with the hired help, disappointed in Andre's lack of patience, eager to work on Brie's gait changes before the state fair, and have myself my first client! Even if it's unpaid =]
I arrive at the stables and find out our horses' stalls haven't been cleaned. The person who's supposed to take care of the horses, Ken, decided to not come to work today. Already frustrated, I go to ride Brie. Bad Idea. I end up deciding to change her bit. So I go from the snaffle bit to this new Colombian bit that Carmello said I should use.
I guess it was my frustration that made it take so long for Brie to calm down. I ended up riding for about 2 hours. I decided to ride outside. Also a bad idea. She ended up getting more worked up, so I had to walk her more. Finally she calmed down. She walked and gaited really nicely. I just need to work on slowing down her corto (slower Paso gait) and largo-ing(faster Paso gait) her without breaking into a canter(almost a gallop, full out running).
So we're all cleaning stalls. Ugh. We find out that the owner of the stables is gonna fire Ken and bring in Paco to work and live in the apartment above the riding arena after Nationals. Which I can't even go to because I have to move in that week! Bad luck =/ But I really like Paco, he was at one of the stables we were at before. He really loves the horses and knows how to take care of them the right way, always keeps the stable clean. I can't wait to finally be able to go to sleep knowing my horses ate and get out.
Now here comes Jane. She owns Taco, a horse who I rode on a whim at a show once when his trainer asked me to. Apparently Taco has been horrible for Jane and Andre just keeps messing around with Taco and tryin to re-train him. Jane was so angry with Taco she was ready to sell him (I'd gladly buy him). So I asked her about him, how is he acting. He's acting just like Brie was before Dominic told me how to calm her down! Taco's just misunderstood by Andre and feared by Jane. So I offered to work Taco for Jane on the weekend when I'm there an maybe on wednesdays if I can get out there.
So I end this post disgusted with the hired help, disappointed in Andre's lack of patience, eager to work on Brie's gait changes before the state fair, and have myself my first client! Even if it's unpaid =]
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 2
What started out as a crappy, frustrating day turned out to be a little fun and informative.
I decided to put a snaffle bit on Brie. For those who aren't familiar with the Paso Finos, let me explain. Pasos are Spanish horses from Colombia and Puerto Rico. Hence, they use Colombian style bits. (if you really don't know, bits are the metal parts that go in the horse's mouth) Snaffle bits are mainly for English style riding, like dressage and jumping. Based on the knowledge from Dominic, Carmello, and my mother, who are all trained in dressage, I believe it's worth a shot. Because they offer explanations as to how what the trainers are doing wrong, and how a bit of dressage training would be good for these horses, I believe its worth a shot. And because the trainers in Florida are winning and catching onto the snaffle bit "revolution", I believe it's worth a shot.
And anyways, Brie started out with this snaffle bit. It can't hurt to go back to her roots. And hey, if dressage has been working for hundreds of years on all sorts of horses, why wouldn't it work now to help this Spanish breed have more finesse?
Anyways, I worked with Brie on the snaffle bit. She seems okay with it, but slightly shocked at the difference between it and the Colombian bit. I don't know how it'll work out, it's just an experiment.
New problem: getting Brie to willingly accept the bit.
Now with Nina. She's very unhappy. Andre pointed out that Nina has sores, symmetrical sores, on the inside of her mouth. Hmm I wonder why. Not. She's pacing and not in her natural gait. The only good part about that is that Andre gave us a way to fire him. He suggested giving her time off! His situation's complicated and I don't wish to go into it. But we all at the stable think that he's getting ready to quit right before Nationals because of his situation. That'll leave the stable in peril, but not me!
The fun part of my day? After getting really angry at Andre, I decided "well what the hell." I got out my hard hat, took some cones and a long 2x4, and made a small jump. At first Brie was hesitant, but once she got up to it, she jumped right over it! And she liked it! I think I might've found her calling! The smaller jump circuit. I'll keep it up for a while and see how it goes.
And for those who say a Paso Fino can't jump, I say to you this:
A horse is a horse and will do what makes her happy.
I decided to put a snaffle bit on Brie. For those who aren't familiar with the Paso Finos, let me explain. Pasos are Spanish horses from Colombia and Puerto Rico. Hence, they use Colombian style bits. (if you really don't know, bits are the metal parts that go in the horse's mouth) Snaffle bits are mainly for English style riding, like dressage and jumping. Based on the knowledge from Dominic, Carmello, and my mother, who are all trained in dressage, I believe it's worth a shot. Because they offer explanations as to how what the trainers are doing wrong, and how a bit of dressage training would be good for these horses, I believe its worth a shot. And because the trainers in Florida are winning and catching onto the snaffle bit "revolution", I believe it's worth a shot.
And anyways, Brie started out with this snaffle bit. It can't hurt to go back to her roots. And hey, if dressage has been working for hundreds of years on all sorts of horses, why wouldn't it work now to help this Spanish breed have more finesse?
Anyways, I worked with Brie on the snaffle bit. She seems okay with it, but slightly shocked at the difference between it and the Colombian bit. I don't know how it'll work out, it's just an experiment.
New problem: getting Brie to willingly accept the bit.
Now with Nina. She's very unhappy. Andre pointed out that Nina has sores, symmetrical sores, on the inside of her mouth. Hmm I wonder why. Not. She's pacing and not in her natural gait. The only good part about that is that Andre gave us a way to fire him. He suggested giving her time off! His situation's complicated and I don't wish to go into it. But we all at the stable think that he's getting ready to quit right before Nationals because of his situation. That'll leave the stable in peril, but not me!
The fun part of my day? After getting really angry at Andre, I decided "well what the hell." I got out my hard hat, took some cones and a long 2x4, and made a small jump. At first Brie was hesitant, but once she got up to it, she jumped right over it! And she liked it! I think I might've found her calling! The smaller jump circuit. I'll keep it up for a while and see how it goes.
And for those who say a Paso Fino can't jump, I say to you this:
A horse is a horse and will do what makes her happy.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Day 1
I'm sick of my horse being head-shy.
I'm through with chasing her around the paddock.
I'm tired of being cornered in the stall when I go to get her.
And I'm most tired of my trainer's "training"!
This is the account of one 17 year old girl's experience when she takes "training" into her own hands.
Impossible, you say? By the end of this blog, I promise to have won one blue ribbon in a class of at least 10. I promise to have solved the three problems I aforementioned, and any others that come up along the way. And, most importantly, I promise to have done it all without raising an angry hand to either one of my mares.
Maybe I should state why I'm taking on this project.
I've had my black mare, Brie, for 5 years. Don't get me wrong, my trainer did help in the beginning. Let's call him Andre. Andre started training her when she was 3. She's now 8. And while she is still very....easily excited, I have to give Andre some credit for calming her down. Now while she was in training, someone took her for a joyride and she's been headshy ever since. Back up as to why. Brie is a Paso Fino, a rare gem in America, land of the Quarter Horse. I don't want to go all out into her breed, but you may google it if you're interested.
About a year ago, an expert in the Paso Fino came to our stables. I'll call him Dominic. Dominic observed Brie and me and said that Brie is a very anxious horse. She needs to calm down. So I followed his advice: walk her, don't let her gallop, make her face her fears of the sunshine demons. And it got me to the point where I could ride her in the show ring without her rearing or freezing and getting excused. And while this is an accomplishment, I'd at least like a fourth place. Brie doesn't like other horses in front of nor behind her. Or in general. She only likes my filly (young girl horse) Nina.
At my most recent show in Kentucky, I met an elderly man I'll call Carmello who is packed with knowledge. To make a long story short, I'm following his advice combined with Dominic's: no more doing without reason. See, Andre, who was once very gentle, is getting very aggressive with his training. And when you ask him why he does what he does, he either doesn't know or answers simply "because everyone's doing it". He's not training Brie anymore, but he is training Nina. And I do not like what I'm seeing lately: scars on her nose and ankles. Good thing this is the last week of her training.
So to start off my tale, today I walked Brie for a good hour. I didn't use a bit, which she seemed to really like. After bucking and kicking while I warmed her up, she was really wanting to take off on me. But I managed to work with her and calm her down. Nina and my mom even joined us in our calm state.
So that's how day 1 went. Nothing big, but I guess it takes little steps. I plan on going thru all of the Level One Parelli DVDs this week while I sit at home and have nothing else to do! So that should prove an interesting challenge in the weeks to come. As will the state fair.
I'm through with chasing her around the paddock.
I'm tired of being cornered in the stall when I go to get her.
And I'm most tired of my trainer's "training"!
This is the account of one 17 year old girl's experience when she takes "training" into her own hands.
Impossible, you say? By the end of this blog, I promise to have won one blue ribbon in a class of at least 10. I promise to have solved the three problems I aforementioned, and any others that come up along the way. And, most importantly, I promise to have done it all without raising an angry hand to either one of my mares.
Maybe I should state why I'm taking on this project.
I've had my black mare, Brie, for 5 years. Don't get me wrong, my trainer did help in the beginning. Let's call him Andre. Andre started training her when she was 3. She's now 8. And while she is still very....easily excited, I have to give Andre some credit for calming her down. Now while she was in training, someone took her for a joyride and she's been headshy ever since. Back up as to why. Brie is a Paso Fino, a rare gem in America, land of the Quarter Horse. I don't want to go all out into her breed, but you may google it if you're interested.
About a year ago, an expert in the Paso Fino came to our stables. I'll call him Dominic. Dominic observed Brie and me and said that Brie is a very anxious horse. She needs to calm down. So I followed his advice: walk her, don't let her gallop, make her face her fears of the sunshine demons. And it got me to the point where I could ride her in the show ring without her rearing or freezing and getting excused. And while this is an accomplishment, I'd at least like a fourth place. Brie doesn't like other horses in front of nor behind her. Or in general. She only likes my filly (young girl horse) Nina.
At my most recent show in Kentucky, I met an elderly man I'll call Carmello who is packed with knowledge. To make a long story short, I'm following his advice combined with Dominic's: no more doing without reason. See, Andre, who was once very gentle, is getting very aggressive with his training. And when you ask him why he does what he does, he either doesn't know or answers simply "because everyone's doing it". He's not training Brie anymore, but he is training Nina. And I do not like what I'm seeing lately: scars on her nose and ankles. Good thing this is the last week of her training.
So to start off my tale, today I walked Brie for a good hour. I didn't use a bit, which she seemed to really like. After bucking and kicking while I warmed her up, she was really wanting to take off on me. But I managed to work with her and calm her down. Nina and my mom even joined us in our calm state.
So that's how day 1 went. Nothing big, but I guess it takes little steps. I plan on going thru all of the Level One Parelli DVDs this week while I sit at home and have nothing else to do! So that should prove an interesting challenge in the weeks to come. As will the state fair.
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