Post by brigadier on Apr 9, 2015 18:08:35 GMT
Harriet's first!
The day before I decided to get her loading again- the last time she went to the hospital so I was anticipating issues and she did in fact give me plenty. She planted for a good half hour but I was patient and kept up a constant pressure on the rope making sure I gave when she relented a little and rewarded her. When she did finally get on I gave her half her tea, then loaded her up and down another eight or so times.
The next day she planted for less than a minute then loaded, I fed her some nuts again and as Id given myself lots of time I drove slowly to the venue (ha ha pity the drivers followingme). Its quite an interesting place as the owners are members of the riding club and won the lottery, so as well as livery it is a first class training establishment and they are very pro riding club. I had a good 45 mins so decided to get her out and give her an in hand walk whilst the first lesson was in progress. She went all high school on me and was high blowing and prancing like a reindeer. I couldn't help but feel a little smug as there were lots of admiring glances as she strutted and pranced like a stallion. She was good to tack up and let me get on her at the block which was fantastic. the other horses (four of us) were all babies with just one other horse more established.
She was very very spooky and it took a good ten minutes to get anything other than a fast run out of her. At one point she was chucking her head about and getting fizzy but I told her "NO" and she calmed. We worked on large circles and I had to correct my tippy shoulders and rather enthusiastic left hand (legacy of Basil unfortunately)and the trainer correctly assessed that right rein was my favourite, then we worked some large circles over four poles at the quarter hours and I was pleased as the other youngsters were much less obedient and sensible about it. At that point we moved onto canter. Now since re-backing I have only just established the transitions and it is with pride to say that with just one exception where my balance was off she correctly struck off at the point of asking and did some nice work. As we have only done circles I was advised to work on straightness which was pertinent although I found left rein much harder than right but she came good and her last left rein canter was super so I was well chuffed.
I have to say as a learning lesson I didn't achieve much but as an exercise for Harriet working with three other horses at a new venue then it was super and I was very proud of her. The instructor commented how much she liked her and what a pity she was over height as her presence would give showing stallions a run for their money. It was a lovely compliment. Now just to work on my tipping shoulders as I feel very inelegant!
The day before I decided to get her loading again- the last time she went to the hospital so I was anticipating issues and she did in fact give me plenty. She planted for a good half hour but I was patient and kept up a constant pressure on the rope making sure I gave when she relented a little and rewarded her. When she did finally get on I gave her half her tea, then loaded her up and down another eight or so times.
The next day she planted for less than a minute then loaded, I fed her some nuts again and as Id given myself lots of time I drove slowly to the venue (ha ha pity the drivers followingme). Its quite an interesting place as the owners are members of the riding club and won the lottery, so as well as livery it is a first class training establishment and they are very pro riding club. I had a good 45 mins so decided to get her out and give her an in hand walk whilst the first lesson was in progress. She went all high school on me and was high blowing and prancing like a reindeer. I couldn't help but feel a little smug as there were lots of admiring glances as she strutted and pranced like a stallion. She was good to tack up and let me get on her at the block which was fantastic. the other horses (four of us) were all babies with just one other horse more established.
She was very very spooky and it took a good ten minutes to get anything other than a fast run out of her. At one point she was chucking her head about and getting fizzy but I told her "NO" and she calmed. We worked on large circles and I had to correct my tippy shoulders and rather enthusiastic left hand (legacy of Basil unfortunately)and the trainer correctly assessed that right rein was my favourite, then we worked some large circles over four poles at the quarter hours and I was pleased as the other youngsters were much less obedient and sensible about it. At that point we moved onto canter. Now since re-backing I have only just established the transitions and it is with pride to say that with just one exception where my balance was off she correctly struck off at the point of asking and did some nice work. As we have only done circles I was advised to work on straightness which was pertinent although I found left rein much harder than right but she came good and her last left rein canter was super so I was well chuffed.
I have to say as a learning lesson I didn't achieve much but as an exercise for Harriet working with three other horses at a new venue then it was super and I was very proud of her. The instructor commented how much she liked her and what a pity she was over height as her presence would give showing stallions a run for their money. It was a lovely compliment. Now just to work on my tipping shoulders as I feel very inelegant!
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
