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Post by brigadier on Feb 2, 2012 19:52:10 GMT
I had hoped Basil would be a little easier to get back into work but it seems his year galivanting doing endurance then the long lay off are really having a negative impact on his way of going!
Its like riding a three year old again- only now he is stronger and craftier!
I dont really want to do the long and low thing again as he is now very downhill but I need to establish rhythm and some attempt at looseness and elasticity (quite tricky when he is so tightly wound!)
Yesterday I found myself doing serpentine after serpentine, hoping the repetition would calm him, it did until the boredom set in and he got to thinking of evasions. He didnt do anything naughty he just didnt do. BUT I managed a few strides of how I remember he can feel and it did feel amazing for that instant, but it was so fleeting I wondered if Id imagined it.
The temptation is to rush and Im not that patient really so I hope I can temper my own frustrations.
We were due to hack out today but had to cancel. Im glad really, it was too cold but he does need the mileage!
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Post by solomon on Feb 2, 2012 21:23:11 GMT
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Would it help to ride him in company? Maybe some longish tiring but hopefully relaxed hacks? Can you box him to a nice bridleway?
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Post by racaille on Feb 3, 2012 6:18:39 GMT
Oh dear Brig, it does sound tricky. I know what you mean about patience .....  |
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Post by zara on Feb 3, 2012 6:23:36 GMT
Sorry to hear Basil isn't being too co-operative. It's so frustrating and so tempting to rush or just give in. take a deep breath, keep calm and carry on xx
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Post by brigadier on Feb 3, 2012 17:14:16 GMT
Sorry to hear Basil isn't being too co-operative. It's so frustrating and so tempting to rush or just give in. take a deep breath, keep calm and carry on xx I love the 'keep calm and carry on' philosophy, just wish I was better at it. Sol- I can box to a few, there's some superb hacking near me, its tricky with the weather at the moment but it will happen despite all my failing plans, trouble is he finds long hacks exciting! |
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Post by solomon on Feb 3, 2012 22:02:31 GMT
He finds everything exciting! Good job he is yours! He would wear me out!
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Post by ceej on Feb 3, 2012 22:07:48 GMT
did he calm down before? or is this just Basil?
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Post by brigadier on Feb 4, 2012 8:55:35 GMT
I think its his nature- he finds anything new stressful, anything repetitive boring. He can settle and we have had some lovely times but it does seem there is always a drama attached. Getting on is tricky when he is stressed but thats just the racehorse thing and he doesnt want to stand for me as he he wants to canter off! When I took him cross country training once he got in such a pickle at the start he brought both of us down- but then got so into it he was a star! On endurance he will go for ever and when everyone else is balking about getting off to do the tricky gates he will stand like a rock and let me do them!
I had some jumping lessons with a well known show jumper and he loved him- thought he was wonderful but show jumping isnt my thing and to push myself at it would stretch my comfort zone- and to be honest my comfort zone is constantly being tested. I had a nasty fall during the second session and it was all my fault! Made myself look a complete amateur!
So there is no pattern- he is what he is. But there are times Ceej when I want to wring his neck and I have to walk away (bit like kids actually!) and then others where I can stand and talk to him and cuddle him forever and he will hide his head in my jacket.
He will settle for the dressage but it will take time. Ive joined a riding club now and had a first session recently- that was a real trial to go and do as I knew he would be dreadful at first, but then he goes and does some passage and leaves everyone (even me) a bit open mouthed! It was a fluke but it does show what he can do- if the mind is right and the day is right!
Ill never let him go though, someone else might not see his anxieties and then he wouold just go downhill. He is less stressed now than ever and actually getting fat so Im seeing that as a good sign and that once Im over this current wall therell be a nice flat valley at the other side!
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Post by solomon on Feb 4, 2012 13:40:21 GMT
Ah that is lovely that you can see it through with him. He just thrives on using his mind and body! What happens if you lunge him before you ride? Pete gets more wound up! Maybe he needs to be ridden twice a day, god knows where you would get time to do that!
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Post by brigadier on Feb 5, 2012 8:03:44 GMT
Lungeing makes no difference at home, I think it would wind him up whilst we were out. Plus you just get them fitter and fitter without working out their issues in the saddle. Mind you Im not saying its not right as it works brilliantly with some horses!
Its funny you should mention the twice riding thing as I thought the same the other day, but reluctantly cast the though aside as there is no way I would get the time, but yes I think that would work Sol!
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Post by racaille on Feb 5, 2012 8:32:13 GMT
My God though, can you imagine a horse like Basil being that fit!!!!!  |
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Post by maximum on Feb 5, 2012 11:00:47 GMT
eeeek! Got to love the TB.
he is a right one but i am sure you will get through this.
Does he get better as you work him on a more regular, consistant way? or does he just get crafty and work out other evasions?
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Post by brigadier on Feb 5, 2012 11:09:32 GMT
I think I get better and then can cope!!! Im much stronger now that I have to muck out and do more physical stuff because to be honest Id got quite soft and lazy and was forever injured but I seem to have toughened up quite a bit lately so that will help. He will always be a horse that tests the boundaries and also has a bit of a sense of humour so keeps me on my toes. Even my trick rider friend said he thought he found playing up amusing and not a nasty thing!
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