Yesterday was my first lesson with the team back at school. It was a great first lesson, I absolutely loved my group yesterday. One girl's new and lives not too far from where I do. Total fun fest, we laughed the entire time driving. It's nice being back with some girls.
I had my lesson on a brand new horse! It was his first lesson too, his name's Mr. Bubbles. Isn't that adorable? Anyways, in short, he was probably the best ride I've ever had at Nell's. He was incredibly light on the bit, barely needed any encouragement on the leg, and had the smoothest canter I've ever felt. He was a little package of perfection! And he was a whopping 23 years old! Been there, done that, I suppose that's why he's so fantastic. Some horses when they're that old can be so dreary, but he was just full of life and energy. I hope I get to ride him more often. We worked mostly on the flat since that's what I'll be competing in this weekend. I took one jump at the end and he was kind of like "Uhmmmm no" and slowed incredibly and popped over the fence. I think maybe that's just a fitness issue, he is a bit of a gramps after all. I can't wait to ride him when he's more in shape, he seems like the overall perfect ride.
I'm so looking forward to the show this weekend, even if I am only competing on the flat. I only have one very small goal: beat this one girl at NIU. Even if I get second to last place and she gets last place, I'll be so happy. Wish me luck! I'll be writing all weekend and post as soon as I get back!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Day 98
I have a Fino horse!!
That's right! Harry is Fino! While I was working concessions yesterday, my mom worked with Harry and told me he went Fino. We went out today and I had to see him.
My mom lunged him outside in the round pen while I lunged Brie in the grass next to it. I got on and my mom went in to tack Harry up while I just walked Brie inside and in the outdoor arena. When I came back in, mom was lunging him inside. He isn't fighting lunging any more! Maybe he was just testing me. So my mom and Harry and Brie and I went back outside. My brother and Nina later joined us. My mom went into the round pen and worked on walking and teaching Harry to turn with her weight while Nina and Brie worked on walking calmly around the pen.
Harry was pretty excited but my mom is no nonsense. We all went back in and my brother and I watched as she worked with Harry. She reverted back to holding her hands up higher like how Andre did, because Andre DID break Harry, after all. Bam! He was collected and beautifully Fino. He did have to get into the rhythm a bit, but after a few passes on the board, he was absolutely perfect!!
I rode him and he was fantastic. He seems so much happier working like this. All we can do now is work with him to keep all his legs in sync and not push him or he might burn out. That's perfectly fine, we have all winter. As a treat, we all went out on trail. By the time we got back he wasn't even sweating, he was completely cooled down.
I'm super excited to see where this goes. Next week I'm going to my first IHSA show with the team. Wish me luck! I only get one practice in this week before we leave for Madison!
That's right! Harry is Fino! While I was working concessions yesterday, my mom worked with Harry and told me he went Fino. We went out today and I had to see him.
My mom lunged him outside in the round pen while I lunged Brie in the grass next to it. I got on and my mom went in to tack Harry up while I just walked Brie inside and in the outdoor arena. When I came back in, mom was lunging him inside. He isn't fighting lunging any more! Maybe he was just testing me. So my mom and Harry and Brie and I went back outside. My brother and Nina later joined us. My mom went into the round pen and worked on walking and teaching Harry to turn with her weight while Nina and Brie worked on walking calmly around the pen.
Harry was pretty excited but my mom is no nonsense. We all went back in and my brother and I watched as she worked with Harry. She reverted back to holding her hands up higher like how Andre did, because Andre DID break Harry, after all. Bam! He was collected and beautifully Fino. He did have to get into the rhythm a bit, but after a few passes on the board, he was absolutely perfect!!
I rode him and he was fantastic. He seems so much happier working like this. All we can do now is work with him to keep all his legs in sync and not push him or he might burn out. That's perfectly fine, we have all winter. As a treat, we all went out on trail. By the time we got back he wasn't even sweating, he was completely cooled down.
I'm super excited to see where this goes. Next week I'm going to my first IHSA show with the team. Wish me luck! I only get one practice in this week before we leave for Madison!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Day 97
We are the owners of the reincarnation of Houdini.
That's right. Harry Gardener is actually Harry Houdini, but I'll get to that.
I lunged Harry for about an hour total between me and my mom. I went out in the round pen and lunged him out there. I'm going to ask Gary if we can move the round pen inside once it gets cold out before it starts snowing. After that, we reverted back to lunging on the pole. First, he snapped the pisador again! So I tied that back up for decorative purposes, since it's pretty much shot now, and got my Parelli line to lunge him with. He only pulled out a couple of times, but boy those times were strong! The first time, he almost pulled the pole out of the ground! It rotated!
The second time Harry pulled back, he slipped out of his jaquima and his bit and just stood there looking at me with my jaw dropped and a rope in my hand, all "haha you look stupid, but my trick was magnificent!"
After that, I tightened the jaquima and my mom wanted to lunge him. He pulled out a bit on her but then he calmed down, so I got on.
I was a tiny bit nervous and, again, kept telling myself "I won't get hurt, I won't fall" until I relaxed myself and forgot. He didn't want to reverse clockwise, so my mom suggested working on one wall reversing into the wall, that way he was up against a corner when he reversed clockwise. I did that for a good 20 minutes or so and then took him back out in the rail.
In order to keep him on his toes and prevent him from thinking about all the ways to make me cry those strange, yet amusing noises of yesterday, I made him write words in the sand. It's really weird: he doesn't like going in circles clockwise, but he has no problem turning clockwise to make a letter I have in my mind.
Then, the ultimate test: we went on trail. We all went out into the wooded trails in the back of the property and rode around. He actually behaved quite well, even better than Brie! After some time playing back there and getting bitten up by bugs, we headed in. Mom gave him a bath while I rode Brie.
We worked inside mostly, because she was kind of cuckoo today for my mom. I got her to calm down by relaxing back into a walk like we usually do before we start, and then we went out into the outdoor arena. This was a little bit of a challenge that i Sanhedrin fix because Brie likes to sidestep out the door, running over everyone in the way. After she did that, I made her march right back in and go out straight. I just walked down to one end of the arena and wanted to walk back out straight into the indoor, but again she sidestepped almost into a lawnmower, so we turned around and she actually walked calmly back in. After one more round in the indoor, we went out straight again and into a grass paddock, then back. She was kind of hoppy, so I had to keep stopping her and going, but she went straight! Then we just walked and cooled. I was so proud of her! It made me feel all happy and warm inside knowing that I accomplished that little thing with her.
I only got to brush Nina today. I'm perfectly happy with that, because usually I never even get to do that. I wish I could ride her, but all my time is consumed with Harry's craziness. I barely get to ride Brie. As long as Nina still gives me her horsey hugs, though, I'll always be happy with her.
That's right. Harry Gardener is actually Harry Houdini, but I'll get to that.
I lunged Harry for about an hour total between me and my mom. I went out in the round pen and lunged him out there. I'm going to ask Gary if we can move the round pen inside once it gets cold out before it starts snowing. After that, we reverted back to lunging on the pole. First, he snapped the pisador again! So I tied that back up for decorative purposes, since it's pretty much shot now, and got my Parelli line to lunge him with. He only pulled out a couple of times, but boy those times were strong! The first time, he almost pulled the pole out of the ground! It rotated!
The second time Harry pulled back, he slipped out of his jaquima and his bit and just stood there looking at me with my jaw dropped and a rope in my hand, all "haha you look stupid, but my trick was magnificent!"
After that, I tightened the jaquima and my mom wanted to lunge him. He pulled out a bit on her but then he calmed down, so I got on.
I was a tiny bit nervous and, again, kept telling myself "I won't get hurt, I won't fall" until I relaxed myself and forgot. He didn't want to reverse clockwise, so my mom suggested working on one wall reversing into the wall, that way he was up against a corner when he reversed clockwise. I did that for a good 20 minutes or so and then took him back out in the rail.
In order to keep him on his toes and prevent him from thinking about all the ways to make me cry those strange, yet amusing noises of yesterday, I made him write words in the sand. It's really weird: he doesn't like going in circles clockwise, but he has no problem turning clockwise to make a letter I have in my mind.
Then, the ultimate test: we went on trail. We all went out into the wooded trails in the back of the property and rode around. He actually behaved quite well, even better than Brie! After some time playing back there and getting bitten up by bugs, we headed in. Mom gave him a bath while I rode Brie.
We worked inside mostly, because she was kind of cuckoo today for my mom. I got her to calm down by relaxing back into a walk like we usually do before we start, and then we went out into the outdoor arena. This was a little bit of a challenge that i Sanhedrin fix because Brie likes to sidestep out the door, running over everyone in the way. After she did that, I made her march right back in and go out straight. I just walked down to one end of the arena and wanted to walk back out straight into the indoor, but again she sidestepped almost into a lawnmower, so we turned around and she actually walked calmly back in. After one more round in the indoor, we went out straight again and into a grass paddock, then back. She was kind of hoppy, so I had to keep stopping her and going, but she went straight! Then we just walked and cooled. I was so proud of her! It made me feel all happy and warm inside knowing that I accomplished that little thing with her.
I only got to brush Nina today. I'm perfectly happy with that, because usually I never even get to do that. I wish I could ride her, but all my time is consumed with Harry's craziness. I barely get to ride Brie. As long as Nina still gives me her horsey hugs, though, I'll always be happy with her.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Day 96
Surprise!!! I got to go out to the stables today! School was being a bore so I went out.
Let's say today wasn't the greatest because I know better.
Harry was psycho. I know it's because I didn't lunge him enough. So we went off and he was okay doing his warmup circles in the counter clockwise, but immediately tried to rear when we went clockwise. I did probably the worst thing imaginable: cried. Yeah, I cried because I was scared. All I could think of was "this horse is gonna kill me". So my mom got off of Brie and we worked.
We went over to the pole and she took the pisador (thank the Hispanics for their inventions) and we lunged. She put the rope around the pole so it would pull on Harry if he pulled her. He kept pulling back to rear again and again and I actually had to kick him to get him to move. Once he settled down, we reversed to the counterclockwise. Of course he was an angel in that direction. We reversed again and he kept pulling and pulling that he snapped the pisador! He didn't go up, though, when he snapped it. Mom tied it back together and we continued on. After a while more of some pulls and kicks, he calmed down for real. She sent me out onto the rail and we managed to walk for a bit before gaiting. I have to admit, my grip on the reins was tight. He tried to go up once but I made him stop. Half wanting to get off, I kept telling myself "I will not get hurt, I will not get hurt" until I calmed myself down. We then gaited as usual and everything was fine. I even loosened my grip considerably by the end. He just needs a lot, A LOT of lunging before riding.
It makes me think back to the Brie Archives, before I even started this blog. We did all sorts of crazy things with her, most of them that people would deem us seriously insane for doing. Example? We'd turn her out in the arena at a full gallop and my brother would go in, sit, and then lay down in the sand while she was running. She'd immediately stop, walk curiously over to him, and sniff like a dog at his hair. He was about 10 at this stage.
Or the time she reared on me, the very first time. I haven't seen my mom as angry at a horse since then until today. After I jumped off once she was down, my mom took the pisador and made her lunge, spinning like a dervish, all while angrily hitting her own leg with her free hand.
Back then, like with the galloping thing, us kids, especially me, didn't know any better. I really thought I was invincible. Helmet? What helmet? I was going for a gallop along the property, or for a mounted stroll in an overflowing red flamenco dress around the fairgrounds at 10pm while cars were leaving. But now, now that I've experienced what could happen should a horse rear and land on it's side, crushing my leg, how I wouldn't be able to walk like when I had knee surgery; or the pain that I saw my mom suffer from a pinched nerve, how she could barely use the left side of her body, that could happen from falling off a horse as well.
But it has to come down to a cautious place between being over-scared and just plain stupid.
Let's say today wasn't the greatest because I know better.
Harry was psycho. I know it's because I didn't lunge him enough. So we went off and he was okay doing his warmup circles in the counter clockwise, but immediately tried to rear when we went clockwise. I did probably the worst thing imaginable: cried. Yeah, I cried because I was scared. All I could think of was "this horse is gonna kill me". So my mom got off of Brie and we worked.
We went over to the pole and she took the pisador (thank the Hispanics for their inventions) and we lunged. She put the rope around the pole so it would pull on Harry if he pulled her. He kept pulling back to rear again and again and I actually had to kick him to get him to move. Once he settled down, we reversed to the counterclockwise. Of course he was an angel in that direction. We reversed again and he kept pulling and pulling that he snapped the pisador! He didn't go up, though, when he snapped it. Mom tied it back together and we continued on. After a while more of some pulls and kicks, he calmed down for real. She sent me out onto the rail and we managed to walk for a bit before gaiting. I have to admit, my grip on the reins was tight. He tried to go up once but I made him stop. Half wanting to get off, I kept telling myself "I will not get hurt, I will not get hurt" until I calmed myself down. We then gaited as usual and everything was fine. I even loosened my grip considerably by the end. He just needs a lot, A LOT of lunging before riding.
It makes me think back to the Brie Archives, before I even started this blog. We did all sorts of crazy things with her, most of them that people would deem us seriously insane for doing. Example? We'd turn her out in the arena at a full gallop and my brother would go in, sit, and then lay down in the sand while she was running. She'd immediately stop, walk curiously over to him, and sniff like a dog at his hair. He was about 10 at this stage.
Or the time she reared on me, the very first time. I haven't seen my mom as angry at a horse since then until today. After I jumped off once she was down, my mom took the pisador and made her lunge, spinning like a dervish, all while angrily hitting her own leg with her free hand.
Back then, like with the galloping thing, us kids, especially me, didn't know any better. I really thought I was invincible. Helmet? What helmet? I was going for a gallop along the property, or for a mounted stroll in an overflowing red flamenco dress around the fairgrounds at 10pm while cars were leaving. But now, now that I've experienced what could happen should a horse rear and land on it's side, crushing my leg, how I wouldn't be able to walk like when I had knee surgery; or the pain that I saw my mom suffer from a pinched nerve, how she could barely use the left side of her body, that could happen from falling off a horse as well.
But it has to come down to a cautious place between being over-scared and just plain stupid.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Day 95
I went on an actual trail ride today!
First off, I expected Harry to be a little psycho today and that was no disappointment. I should've just went into the round pen to lunge first but I gave him a chance. He lunged okay in the arena but wanted to throw me off, playing with me. So we went into the round pen and I let him run like a bat out of hell. After he got all of that out of his system, I rode in the round pen. We worked clockwise mostly, since that's been the side that he wants to throw me off on and never wants to ride on the rail. He was working well and my mom and brother rode Brie and Nina out on a trail in the woods then came back.
Paco came out to watch me with Harry and said that I should go on trail. I said I didn't think it was a good idea since Harry was kind of skittish, so he asked if he could ride Harry. So I rode Nina and Paco rode Harry and mom rode Brie and we all went out on trail. It was so fun! Brie and Nina were relaxed and even Harry was doing well with Paco.
But sadly, as we walked back to the stable, Ray saw Paco and started reprimanding him for riding Harry, since Ray doesn't like us at all and wants to see us all "out on the back 40 by ourselves" as someone once put it. I think it was smoothed over, but I really hope that there aren't any problems because this week they'll be stuck in Georgia for the Nationals until the end of next week or so. Good luck to Gary and Georgina in their classes!
Harry will be a wild child once again when I get back to riding him in a weekend. I expect some minor temperament issues until normalcy resumes after Thanksgiving. Hopefully he's not too mean to my family while I'm away, that little punk!
First off, I expected Harry to be a little psycho today and that was no disappointment. I should've just went into the round pen to lunge first but I gave him a chance. He lunged okay in the arena but wanted to throw me off, playing with me. So we went into the round pen and I let him run like a bat out of hell. After he got all of that out of his system, I rode in the round pen. We worked clockwise mostly, since that's been the side that he wants to throw me off on and never wants to ride on the rail. He was working well and my mom and brother rode Brie and Nina out on a trail in the woods then came back.
Paco came out to watch me with Harry and said that I should go on trail. I said I didn't think it was a good idea since Harry was kind of skittish, so he asked if he could ride Harry. So I rode Nina and Paco rode Harry and mom rode Brie and we all went out on trail. It was so fun! Brie and Nina were relaxed and even Harry was doing well with Paco.
But sadly, as we walked back to the stable, Ray saw Paco and started reprimanding him for riding Harry, since Ray doesn't like us at all and wants to see us all "out on the back 40 by ourselves" as someone once put it. I think it was smoothed over, but I really hope that there aren't any problems because this week they'll be stuck in Georgia for the Nationals until the end of next week or so. Good luck to Gary and Georgina in their classes!
Harry will be a wild child once again when I get back to riding him in a weekend. I expect some minor temperament issues until normalcy resumes after Thanksgiving. Hopefully he's not too mean to my family while I'm away, that little punk!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Equestrian Summer
So I haven't been doing regular posts like I did during the school year about my lessons with the team, partially because I've been focusing more on training.
Oh and by the way, those dressage dreams are over until I can buy a Warmblood. Apparently, you will lose a Paso's gait if you teach them dressage. What I don't understand is why the woman wrote the book on "Classical Training for the Paso Fino" if she says right in the introduction that Pasos and other gaited breeds aren't very successful with dressage. Uhmmmm kay?
Let's see. A summary of my summer.
I rode Cameo a whole bunch. From her, I learned how to keep a horse from refusing a jump.
I rode General once. I wasn't too keen on riding him when I did because his hoof looked nasty, and I told Nell that, but he was an okay ride. Very bouncy trot. From him, I learned to not work at posting and that you just have to go with the rhythm of the horse. The horse will propel you and you don't need to work your inner thighs all too much to post. Also, I learned that posting should not appear to go up and down, but rather rock back and forth.
I rode a Saddlebred/Arab cross, Dutchess, twice. From her, I learned that it is absolutely necessary to time your jumps and lift yourself up while in the air, otherwise you could possibly fall off. I also learned from her that you NEED to keep your heels down. I didn't and lost my stirrup almost every time over a jump. Thankfully, I managed to stay on. "If I go down, you're going down with me."
Today, my last lesson of the summer, I rode Two Socks. I only rode him once before when I was learning diagonals because, conveniently, he has two socks on the left side of his body.
Oh boy. I need to get a stronger leg, that's what I learned from him! I thought I had it after my adventures with Jimmy, but apparently not. My mom said she never saw a horse come away from a jump trotting...well today she did, that's how slow he was going. I thought that his trot was very nice on the flat, but apparently his "breakneck speed was that of death". I have to see if I can use spurs in the IHSA shows, because personally I find crops too hard to deal with. And with today's performance, I'm pretty sure that my next lesson will land me on Jimmy again. Fantastic.
I've already started lesson coordination. I even made a neat little form to send out as an email that will automatically fill into a spreadsheet. I'm kind of an organization nut like that. And I already have my lesson during the fall quarter in mind and pretty much secured. I'll only get one practice in before the show, but it's not like I'm going to be jumping at these shows. The points for this system are ridiculously hard! They make it so hard to point up in a year, and I'm only doing three shows. Even if I take first in all my classes, I'm still pretty sure I won't have enough points to jump next year. Oh, the frustration. So all my goal is to beat my NIU rival.
I'm all set with my show clothes. I bought a lovely new coat, all black, with gold buttons and velvet collar. My mom's was too small. Can you believe it! My mom was even skinnier than I am when she was younger! I have to vacuum myself a bit into her white breeches, but they look good, especially with her show shirt. Thank goodness it's no-sleeved. I have a beautiful pin for my ratcatcher and I tried on her tall boots today which fit perfectly. All I have to do is bring them to the shoemaker's to repair the sole a little bit, possibly add some traction to the bottoms because I kept loosing my stirrup again today, even though my heels were down.
I won't be out to train tomorrow. I have to work that football game. Go Wildcats!
Oh and by the way, those dressage dreams are over until I can buy a Warmblood. Apparently, you will lose a Paso's gait if you teach them dressage. What I don't understand is why the woman wrote the book on "Classical Training for the Paso Fino" if she says right in the introduction that Pasos and other gaited breeds aren't very successful with dressage. Uhmmmm kay?
Let's see. A summary of my summer.
I rode Cameo a whole bunch. From her, I learned how to keep a horse from refusing a jump.
I rode General once. I wasn't too keen on riding him when I did because his hoof looked nasty, and I told Nell that, but he was an okay ride. Very bouncy trot. From him, I learned to not work at posting and that you just have to go with the rhythm of the horse. The horse will propel you and you don't need to work your inner thighs all too much to post. Also, I learned that posting should not appear to go up and down, but rather rock back and forth.
I rode a Saddlebred/Arab cross, Dutchess, twice. From her, I learned that it is absolutely necessary to time your jumps and lift yourself up while in the air, otherwise you could possibly fall off. I also learned from her that you NEED to keep your heels down. I didn't and lost my stirrup almost every time over a jump. Thankfully, I managed to stay on. "If I go down, you're going down with me."
Today, my last lesson of the summer, I rode Two Socks. I only rode him once before when I was learning diagonals because, conveniently, he has two socks on the left side of his body.
Oh boy. I need to get a stronger leg, that's what I learned from him! I thought I had it after my adventures with Jimmy, but apparently not. My mom said she never saw a horse come away from a jump trotting...well today she did, that's how slow he was going. I thought that his trot was very nice on the flat, but apparently his "breakneck speed was that of death". I have to see if I can use spurs in the IHSA shows, because personally I find crops too hard to deal with. And with today's performance, I'm pretty sure that my next lesson will land me on Jimmy again. Fantastic.
I've already started lesson coordination. I even made a neat little form to send out as an email that will automatically fill into a spreadsheet. I'm kind of an organization nut like that. And I already have my lesson during the fall quarter in mind and pretty much secured. I'll only get one practice in before the show, but it's not like I'm going to be jumping at these shows. The points for this system are ridiculously hard! They make it so hard to point up in a year, and I'm only doing three shows. Even if I take first in all my classes, I'm still pretty sure I won't have enough points to jump next year. Oh, the frustration. So all my goal is to beat my NIU rival.
I'm all set with my show clothes. I bought a lovely new coat, all black, with gold buttons and velvet collar. My mom's was too small. Can you believe it! My mom was even skinnier than I am when she was younger! I have to vacuum myself a bit into her white breeches, but they look good, especially with her show shirt. Thank goodness it's no-sleeved. I have a beautiful pin for my ratcatcher and I tried on her tall boots today which fit perfectly. All I have to do is bring them to the shoemaker's to repair the sole a little bit, possibly add some traction to the bottoms because I kept loosing my stirrup again today, even though my heels were down.
I won't be out to train tomorrow. I have to work that football game. Go Wildcats!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 94
I won't be able to go out this Saturday. I have to work the home opener football game for the team. Sigh.
I also have to start planning lessons with Nell on Friday. Might as well get it out of the way, right? Because I'd like to get at least two more lessons in before the Madison show in October. I won't be out next Saturday (possibly Sunday too) either because of move-in.
Basically, it's like this:
Sept 18th: 2nd day of move in
Sept 19th: Possibly go to train, probably not
Sept 25th: Work the football game
Sept 26th: Most likely go home to train
Oct 2nd and 3rd: U of Wisconsin @ Madison show
Oct 8th-11th: Possible trip to Albuquerque, NM
Oct 16th and 17th: Show @ NU/Augustana
Oct 23rd: Homecoming game
Oct 24th: Home
Then
Nov. 13th: Iowa game
Nov 20th: Last game of the season @ Wrigley Field
Both of which are, personally, not an option.
Harry definitely limped today when I took him out to the paddock over the rocks. We've concluded that he just has tender frogs and might possibly need shoes next time the farrier is out to keep him off of the frogs. So we left him out in the grassy pasture to relax. He gets Saturday off too, so I know what I'll be in for on Sunday!
It was just my mom and I today since my brother went back to school. We decided to go for a trail ride. My mom took Nina (lucky...) and I took Brie. We went straight out into the outdoor arena first and she just wanted to canter away, but I wouldn't let her because she has to listen to me! So I tried to make her walk and she was doing okay until we went out on trail. I don't think she's ever crow hopped as much as she did today! She even started a little bit of a rearing dance, so once she put the brakes on for about the millionth time, I got off. No, not to walk back in defeat, but I lunged her right there out on the grass, got back on, and went into the indoor. We largo'd around there and when she tried to break into a canter I stopped her. We went out the back for a little bit, then back into the arena to largo some more, then out into the outdoor to largo some more. Finally we went back into the arena to cool down and she walked beautifully. I even got her to go outside and stay still so I could pick my sweatshirt up off of the fence. I think she was just mainly full of energy today, but still...just because I'm teaching her to canter properly doesn't mean that she can burst out any time she likes!
Maybe we should practice with a lunge line once the end of October rolls around for a little more structure...
I also have to start planning lessons with Nell on Friday. Might as well get it out of the way, right? Because I'd like to get at least two more lessons in before the Madison show in October. I won't be out next Saturday (possibly Sunday too) either because of move-in.
Basically, it's like this:
Sept 18th: 2nd day of move in
Sept 19th: Possibly go to train, probably not
Sept 25th: Work the football game
Sept 26th: Most likely go home to train
Oct 2nd and 3rd: U of Wisconsin @ Madison show
Oct 8th-11th: Possible trip to Albuquerque, NM
Oct 16th and 17th: Show @ NU/Augustana
Oct 23rd: Homecoming game
Oct 24th: Home
Then
Nov. 13th: Iowa game
Nov 20th: Last game of the season @ Wrigley Field
Both of which are, personally, not an option.
Harry definitely limped today when I took him out to the paddock over the rocks. We've concluded that he just has tender frogs and might possibly need shoes next time the farrier is out to keep him off of the frogs. So we left him out in the grassy pasture to relax. He gets Saturday off too, so I know what I'll be in for on Sunday!
It was just my mom and I today since my brother went back to school. We decided to go for a trail ride. My mom took Nina (lucky...) and I took Brie. We went straight out into the outdoor arena first and she just wanted to canter away, but I wouldn't let her because she has to listen to me! So I tried to make her walk and she was doing okay until we went out on trail. I don't think she's ever crow hopped as much as she did today! She even started a little bit of a rearing dance, so once she put the brakes on for about the millionth time, I got off. No, not to walk back in defeat, but I lunged her right there out on the grass, got back on, and went into the indoor. We largo'd around there and when she tried to break into a canter I stopped her. We went out the back for a little bit, then back into the arena to largo some more, then out into the outdoor to largo some more. Finally we went back into the arena to cool down and she walked beautifully. I even got her to go outside and stay still so I could pick my sweatshirt up off of the fence. I think she was just mainly full of energy today, but still...just because I'm teaching her to canter properly doesn't mean that she can burst out any time she likes!
Maybe we should practice with a lunge line once the end of October rolls around for a little more structure...
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 93
Harry was still limping today. The farrier had already left to go to the airport so he couldn't test Harry. I took him out and lunged him a little bit but he wasn't doing very well clockwise today. We decided to give him the day off. We put him in the small paddock and took out Brie and Nina to brush them outside next to Harry's paddock. Brie was happy as a clam eating away at all of the grass she wanted.
I finally got to ride her today!!! I rode for quite a long time too. We worked inside like normal and then I tried a little bit of a canter with her. Out of three times she picked it up right on cue once. I was happy. We ran a hit in the outdoor arena and then my brother, Nina, Brie and I went out to trail ride a bit. We were doing well until we decided to do some serpentines around some trees. Brie had a meltdown. We stayed standing there for a couple minutes and then hopped back over to the barn. I corto'd a bit inside and then largo'd back in the outside arena. She got a good workout today and even though she had a little meltdown I was so happy. I miss riding Brie all the time for a long time because now I have to train Harry. I really hope he gets better soon and this can work itself out.
Now I have to read up on training Pasos for dressage!
I finally got to ride her today!!! I rode for quite a long time too. We worked inside like normal and then I tried a little bit of a canter with her. Out of three times she picked it up right on cue once. I was happy. We ran a hit in the outdoor arena and then my brother, Nina, Brie and I went out to trail ride a bit. We were doing well until we decided to do some serpentines around some trees. Brie had a meltdown. We stayed standing there for a couple minutes and then hopped back over to the barn. I corto'd a bit inside and then largo'd back in the outside arena. She got a good workout today and even though she had a little meltdown I was so happy. I miss riding Brie all the time for a long time because now I have to train Harry. I really hope he gets better soon and this can work itself out.
Now I have to read up on training Pasos for dressage!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 92
The farrier came out today. We weren't there for when Nina got her hooves done, but Paco said that she was really good and that what we did with the bucket a while back really did help. The farrier got the other two horses done really quickly.
I wanted to go right out into the outdoor arena, so my mom and Nina and Harry and I went out. As usual so far, we still need to work on the lunging but he got through it. I got on as usual and wanted to walk around the arena first but he seemed a little excited so we did circles. That's when the worry started. He went well one way, clockwise, but after a few turns counterclockwise he started bucking really hard. I lost my stirrup and was seriously considering jumping off when I finally got his head to the side and at a standstill. This little spectacle really threw me off track because if he wanted to dump me, his preferred method has so far been by rearing. He never bucked before. So my mom said she'd walk Nina along side me and we would just walk the rail.
It went okay until we got to the end of the ring where he started getting excited again. I did clockwise circles in the corner and when I asked for counterclockwise I felt him getting ready to buck again. I got off and lunged him. Seemed to be no problem. My mom suggested letting him get it out of his system in the round pen, but on our way out of the arena he started limping really badly once we hit the rocks. Even Ray seemed concerned and said that we should ride inside because Harry might be sore from the farrier. So I walked along him until I noticed his limp went away and got on. With the intention of just going once each way and then letting him rest, he started bucking me again when I went to reverse counterclockwise and when I got him to stop I felt him getting serious in his intentions to dump me: he started dancing in the front so I hopped off and just lunged him a couple times then went in.
Now when I was brushing him I noticed a scratch on his back right leg, still kind of red, so I put some wound spray on it. When I went to touch it after I untacked, he held that leg up. But then again he did the same on the other side. Could that be part of his problem? Or is it just hoof tenderness? Then again, he did have a little limp at the state fair. Could it be just his hoof as a problem or something further up his leg, if not the scratch? When I talked to Jane about it, she said it may be an abscess. Taco had one and it lasted him for 6 weeks. It's a result of a stone bruise, which may be possible in this case because we did spend two hours of rearing while trying to get him in the trailer for the fair. Tomorrow we're going to have the farrier pressure check Harry. Maybe he'll even have the heat check instrument.
I hope Harry's okay and that it was just tenderness from bring trimmed. We never used to ride on trimming day until recently. I think we should start that again.
As a result of starting that precaution again, Brie lucked out. She got a total spa day, carrots included, and was perfectly fine with it. When I visited a stable yesterday, I got an idea as I heard them talk about their dressage school horses. What if I trained Brie for dressage? She wouldn't have the anxiety of seeing other horses in the ring since they test individually. She already does a sidestep pretty well as her preferred way to return to the barn from a trail ride. The only thing I'd have to really work on is the thing I'm most nervous about: teaching her to trot. I'm afraid that it might screw up her flawless gait that Andre worked hard to ensure. I could possibly ruin her both ways if she ends up not being any good at dressage. I have to find out for sure if teaching her to trot will affect her gait. If it won't, then I'll have dressage dreams on my mind!
I wanted to go right out into the outdoor arena, so my mom and Nina and Harry and I went out. As usual so far, we still need to work on the lunging but he got through it. I got on as usual and wanted to walk around the arena first but he seemed a little excited so we did circles. That's when the worry started. He went well one way, clockwise, but after a few turns counterclockwise he started bucking really hard. I lost my stirrup and was seriously considering jumping off when I finally got his head to the side and at a standstill. This little spectacle really threw me off track because if he wanted to dump me, his preferred method has so far been by rearing. He never bucked before. So my mom said she'd walk Nina along side me and we would just walk the rail.
It went okay until we got to the end of the ring where he started getting excited again. I did clockwise circles in the corner and when I asked for counterclockwise I felt him getting ready to buck again. I got off and lunged him. Seemed to be no problem. My mom suggested letting him get it out of his system in the round pen, but on our way out of the arena he started limping really badly once we hit the rocks. Even Ray seemed concerned and said that we should ride inside because Harry might be sore from the farrier. So I walked along him until I noticed his limp went away and got on. With the intention of just going once each way and then letting him rest, he started bucking me again when I went to reverse counterclockwise and when I got him to stop I felt him getting serious in his intentions to dump me: he started dancing in the front so I hopped off and just lunged him a couple times then went in.
Now when I was brushing him I noticed a scratch on his back right leg, still kind of red, so I put some wound spray on it. When I went to touch it after I untacked, he held that leg up. But then again he did the same on the other side. Could that be part of his problem? Or is it just hoof tenderness? Then again, he did have a little limp at the state fair. Could it be just his hoof as a problem or something further up his leg, if not the scratch? When I talked to Jane about it, she said it may be an abscess. Taco had one and it lasted him for 6 weeks. It's a result of a stone bruise, which may be possible in this case because we did spend two hours of rearing while trying to get him in the trailer for the fair. Tomorrow we're going to have the farrier pressure check Harry. Maybe he'll even have the heat check instrument.
I hope Harry's okay and that it was just tenderness from bring trimmed. We never used to ride on trimming day until recently. I think we should start that again.
As a result of starting that precaution again, Brie lucked out. She got a total spa day, carrots included, and was perfectly fine with it. When I visited a stable yesterday, I got an idea as I heard them talk about their dressage school horses. What if I trained Brie for dressage? She wouldn't have the anxiety of seeing other horses in the ring since they test individually. She already does a sidestep pretty well as her preferred way to return to the barn from a trail ride. The only thing I'd have to really work on is the thing I'm most nervous about: teaching her to trot. I'm afraid that it might screw up her flawless gait that Andre worked hard to ensure. I could possibly ruin her both ways if she ends up not being any good at dressage. I have to find out for sure if teaching her to trot will affect her gait. If it won't, then I'll have dressage dreams on my mind!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day 91
It just occurred to me that I only have one Wednesday left going to the stable until I go back to school. That I only have one entire weekend left before I go back to school. Next Saturday I have to do fund-raising for the equestrian team. And it's only hit me today that I'll be gone for almost all of October's weekends. I'll only get one weekend that month. So now I have a huge issue to face...
Who's going to ride Harry?
He's so easy for me to handle now. It's amazing how far we've come since April. I like to think that my work with him did more than his testosterone levels decreasing from being gelded in February did. I have to take full advantage of this weekend, finding someone to ride him, either my brother or my mom (maybe even my dad...). I can't help feel like while I'll be gone, one of them will always be a bit neglected. My dad doesn't usually ride, so that leaves my mom and my brother to split 3 horses between themselves.
Will Harry even remember me come November? How much will he have changed? I'm really only worried about him because Brie is...well...she's not changing much. She's had her attitude for 9 years already, so I don't think it's going any where. I can read her like a book. But Harry...I'm more than reluctant to let him go. If only we could afford to board closer to school! I could ride almost every day.
Enough of my sadness. Let's talk about training.
We got Harry a new jaquima and changed things up with the barbada and bosal (please refer to Paso Fino encyclopedia link). His bosal is stronger now and has a ring sticking out for me to lunge him from. I can say it worked out pretty well! He only pulled out once and he didn't travel much as he circled like he usually does. He was perfectly in gait today, although a little fast paced. I'm so proud of him though! We all went on a mini trail ride through the back of the property and while I remained on guard for him to spook at the slightest thing, he was perfectly fine! He walked most of the time until he saw the barn on the way back, then he started moving a little quicker, but nothing extreme like Brie. She was giving my mom an arm workout! And Nina, she just plopped along like always.
But wait. I forgot to say how we started this day: by putting all three of them in the same paddock. Yes folks, even though Brie seems to dislike Harry, I put them all in the same paddock. It was slightly unnerving and ended up within a minute we began to try catching them all, but it was progress. First, Brie and Nina chased Harry around. I believe Nina was playful but Brie was a little aggressive with her ears pinned back. She took a few nips at his butt but never went after him when they skidded to a stop in one of the corners. It was Nina who then had a problem with Harry rubbing up against her (because boys have cooties, don't you know) so she got in a little kick to his butt. I figured that as long as no one was lunging for each others throats then it was fine. Then Harry proceeded to chase Nina and Brie around. I think it was a good first time exposure all at once. No one got hurt, but they were breathing super hard afterwards from all that running! I might try again on Saturday and see if they can handle being nice to each other for a little longer than 5 minutes.
I didn't get to ride Brie or Nina today because we were pressed for time. No one wants to get stuck in rush hour traffic. I'm just thrilled about Harry's new jaquima. Finally he doesn't have to ruin his show bridle or be stuck with one where the cheek straps keep sliding into his eyes!
Who's going to ride Harry?
He's so easy for me to handle now. It's amazing how far we've come since April. I like to think that my work with him did more than his testosterone levels decreasing from being gelded in February did. I have to take full advantage of this weekend, finding someone to ride him, either my brother or my mom (maybe even my dad...). I can't help feel like while I'll be gone, one of them will always be a bit neglected. My dad doesn't usually ride, so that leaves my mom and my brother to split 3 horses between themselves.
Will Harry even remember me come November? How much will he have changed? I'm really only worried about him because Brie is...well...she's not changing much. She's had her attitude for 9 years already, so I don't think it's going any where. I can read her like a book. But Harry...I'm more than reluctant to let him go. If only we could afford to board closer to school! I could ride almost every day.
Enough of my sadness. Let's talk about training.
We got Harry a new jaquima and changed things up with the barbada and bosal (please refer to Paso Fino encyclopedia link). His bosal is stronger now and has a ring sticking out for me to lunge him from. I can say it worked out pretty well! He only pulled out once and he didn't travel much as he circled like he usually does. He was perfectly in gait today, although a little fast paced. I'm so proud of him though! We all went on a mini trail ride through the back of the property and while I remained on guard for him to spook at the slightest thing, he was perfectly fine! He walked most of the time until he saw the barn on the way back, then he started moving a little quicker, but nothing extreme like Brie. She was giving my mom an arm workout! And Nina, she just plopped along like always.
But wait. I forgot to say how we started this day: by putting all three of them in the same paddock. Yes folks, even though Brie seems to dislike Harry, I put them all in the same paddock. It was slightly unnerving and ended up within a minute we began to try catching them all, but it was progress. First, Brie and Nina chased Harry around. I believe Nina was playful but Brie was a little aggressive with her ears pinned back. She took a few nips at his butt but never went after him when they skidded to a stop in one of the corners. It was Nina who then had a problem with Harry rubbing up against her (because boys have cooties, don't you know) so she got in a little kick to his butt. I figured that as long as no one was lunging for each others throats then it was fine. Then Harry proceeded to chase Nina and Brie around. I think it was a good first time exposure all at once. No one got hurt, but they were breathing super hard afterwards from all that running! I might try again on Saturday and see if they can handle being nice to each other for a little longer than 5 minutes.
I didn't get to ride Brie or Nina today because we were pressed for time. No one wants to get stuck in rush hour traffic. I'm just thrilled about Harry's new jaquima. Finally he doesn't have to ruin his show bridle or be stuck with one where the cheek straps keep sliding into his eyes!
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