Me and My Mare - Horsemanship Clinic Getaway

Work continues to be very stressful and demand long hours of me.  There has been little time for blogging or riding and it is going to remain this way through February. Every now and then, I have to TAKE some time to get away from work, and purposefully schedule some "Me and My Mare Time".  That's what I did a couple weeks ago. 

Misty and I attended a Debbie Bibb Horsemanship clinic and I had a blast focusing on my sweet mare.  It was a real bonding weekend for us.  The clinic was held at the CSU Equine Center in Fort Collins where we had a very nice, comfortable indoor arena in which to work and ride.

We started out with some ground control exercises, then rode a pattern to see where we are with our horses and what we need to work on.  We walked along the left side of the arena, turned right, through two orange cones, over ground poles ,then turned left around another cone and trotted to the far end of the arena where we did two big circles that formed a figure eight when put together, then we continued back down the long side of the arena, trotting serpentines through about 8 ground markers, then to the right where we came to a stop between two parallel ground poles, then we moved forward at a walk, turned right, came to a stop and backed up.

Other exercises during the weekend:

• Controlling our horses feet and mind from the ground
• Leading exercises to get in synchronization with our horse and control their stride as we lead them
• Giving to the bit on the ground
• Giving to the bit from the saddle
• Riding exercises to help us with our seat and balance
• Sitting trot, to learn to move with our horse and not against the horse
• Emergency Stops
• Moving our horse's shoulders and hips from the ground and from the saddle.
• Walk, trot, and canter transitions
• Lengthening and shortening our horse's stride

We had a competition during the lengthening/shortening exercise.  Four ground poles were placed to form a square (a box).  We practiced riding straight through the box to gauge how many strides our horse walks normally through the box.  Misty took 4 strides.  Then as the competition began, we had to state how many strides our horse would take to walk through the box on that 1st round, then each successive round we had to add an extra stride.   Sometimes strategy works if you lengthen your horses stride through the first round, then let them walk naturally (the easiest to predict and control) through the 2nd round.  It can give you the advantage of having an extra round before shortening the stride gets really challenging.  But sometimes it backfires.  Most of us started with our horses normal stride.  So first time through I said Misty would take 4 steps, and she did.  2nd time through I said she would take 5 steps; I shortened her stride and she took 5 steps inside the box.  Next time she took 6 steps.  If a horse takes fewer or more steps than you state, then you are out of the competition.   Misty and I won the competition with 8 strides through the box.  For fun we tried to do 9 strides,  but didn't quite make it.  She stepped outside the box on the 9th step.  

We did another fun challenge near the end of day 2.  Parallel poles were set up for us to ride through, forming a "shoot" (pictured above). We each took a turn riding up to the shoot, through the shoot, and beyond the the shoot.  For example, a simple instruction may be: "Ride a posting trot to the middle of the shoot, then ride a sitting trot out."  As we did this, we had to look ahead at Mark (Debbie's husband) and call out how many fingers he was holding up as we rode through this exercise.   Debbie gave each rider different instructions on each turn. These were instructions meant to challenge us individually.  My biggest challenge on my last turn was "trot up to the shoot (sitting or posting) and then in the middle of the shoot transition to a canter.   Misty and I are both new to cantering under saddle together and I've had a tough time getting her into a canter when I've tried it on my own in a large arena.  She just keeps trotting faster, faster, faster. (And the previous day, when we worked on walk, trot, canter transitions in a large circle, I worked only on our walk-to-trot and trot-to-walk transitions.  We aren't ready to canter in a circle and have only gotten into a canter a few times.)  So I was surprised when Debbie challenged me to canter.  I wasn't sure if I could get Misty to canter in the shoot, but we had been doing so well together all weekend, I decided to give it a try.  We trotted into the shoot, I asked her for the canter, and what did she do?  She immediately picked up a lovely canter!!!  I was really quite surprised.  We cantered forward for a few strides, then  back to the walk and I gave Misty lots of At-A-Girl pats on the neck and told her what a good mare she is. 

Near the end of the clinic, we repeated the riding pattern we started with, to see how we had improved in just 2 days.

I had a great time at the clinic.  Misty was super focused on me through all the exercises and I couldn't have been more pleased with her.  I love my mare!

It was a busy weekend and I didn't have time for pictures,  except for a few taken during our breaks.

During breaks we tied our horses to sturdy hitching posts outside the arena where they could relax and visit with their neighbor.

 Next to Misty is a 2 year old Holsteiner gelding, not yet started under saddle since he is young and still growing.  But his owner did just about everything from the ground that the rest of us did in the saddle, including the riding pattern by leading the gelding at a walk and a trot over poles, through and around cones,  and  in circles and serpentines.  It was a lot of fun to watch the youngster progress from being scared to walk into the building at the start of day 1, to trotting alongside his owner confidently through the patterns by the end of day 2. 

 

 Hitching posts double as scratching posts.

 That's the spot!

Misty's Monday Muse

This weekend was a busy one for Marley & Me, and My Lady. We all participated in a 2 day horsemanship clinic.

In the morning, My Lady and I did ground work. I was a good girl, but I did get worried when I heard a monster circling around outside the indoor arena. My prey instinct is quite strong and I'm very sensitive to scary noises. If I'd known it was just the hay truck replenishing our vittles, I would have been happy instead of frightened.

My Lady rode Marley in the afternoon sessions. She practiced using direct and indirect rein to communicate to Marley's front and back feet, respectively. The riders also practiced transitions from walk to trot, and back to the walk. Sounds simple, but there was actually a lot of communication going on between horses and riders.

Marley got a little naughty a couple of times. He did that ornery trick of his where he shoves his right shoulder out in sort of a "run away" attitude, even though he didn't go anywhere. My Lady used her left direct rein and a lot of right leg to get him back on the rail. He was OK after that. But then later, Marley got very relaxed and sleepy while the riders were quietly sitting on their horses listening to instructions. When My Lady woke Marley up and asked him to move to the rail, he didn't want to go. Instead of moving forward, he started backing up. My Lady asked him more firmly to go forward and he kept backing up and backing up some more. She had to get aggressive with her legs, and he finally decided she meant it, and he moved forward onto the rail. Marley was just testing My Lady. Sometimes he likes to question who is in control. We're hoping that soon he will stop questioning so much and just be a good boy.

They did a couple of fun exercises on horseback, although I think it was really more entertaining for the trainers watching than the riders. Some riders went to the right, while others went to the left and when they encountered a rider coming toward them they had to weave around one another. It was kind of funny. Everyone agreed that they wouldn't be forming a drill team anytime soon.

Next they played a game where some of the horse/rider pairs pretended to be cows and the other horse/rider pairs had to keep their "cows" from going back to the herd. It was fun, but by this time My Lady's brain was full and she was feeling a little overwhelmed and tired. She felt like she wasn't thoughtfully herding her cow, by correctly maneuvering Marley's front and hind ends at the appropriate time. She was just kind of riding him back and forth. After all, she is 50 and this Vaquero style of riding is new to her. She may be an old dog, but she can still learn new tricks given some time. (Don't tell her I said it like that).

It's still "Springtime in the Rockies". So, Sunday afternoon it started snowing again. It snowed heavily last night and into this morning. I don't mind, but the humans are sure grumbling about it. Unlike the last couple of snowstorms, this one will be short lived and the sun is scheduled to make an appearance soon.

Despite the snow, we had a few pine trees planted on our property this morning. A fellow stopped by with a bunch of Pinion Pines (pronounced "pin-yun") in the bed of his pickup truck for a really good price. My Lady was happy about that because she loves Pinion Pines and they'll add curb appeal to the house.

Have a good week.

Misty & Marley Go to School - Part 4

The Tarp Lesson

Tarps are scary things. They crackle and flap around and flutter in the wind. And sometimes they chase horses.

There are many benign things on the trail and out in the world that can frighten a horse. You and I may immediately recognize them as harmless, but to a horse that is hard wired to flee from danger, they are a mountain lion about to pounce. Misty is particularly sensitive to noises and things behind her. She has needed extra tutoring to learn not to panic when exposed to unfamiliar sights and sounds.

I was happy to see that Misty remembered last year's lessons from beginner driving training. Pulling a tarp was pretty routine.

Although, when the tarp got close enough to touch her, she wanted to run away. She will need to study this lesson a little more.

But for the most part, she took it all in stride. I was proud of my girl.

Ho Hum. Ropes? Tarps?

No problem, as long as that thing doesn't sneak up and tickle me.

Misty, I have to tell you, I think that tarp is eventually going to work itself up onto your back.

Stay tuned.

Misty & Marley Go to School - Part 3

It's a muddy, melting mess here but school is back in session.

Two eager pupils.
Nah, I think they were just hoping for treats.

Misty was saddled and schooled in the round pen. Marley continues to make progress on improving his posture and being responsive and lighter. Kathleen and Erin have begun riding him. I rode him for a little bit today while Kathleen taught me how to use the mecate reins and walked me through a proper 1 rein stop that includes disengagement of the hindquarters. This is an exercise I will be repeating frequently with Marley in the coming months.

I ordered some mecate reins today. I need to buy slobber straps and new bits next. I'll make use of my English headstalls until I can put together something more fashionable for the western/natural horsemanship style. For the time being, function is more important than fashion

Kathleen schooled Marley on the 1 rein stop.

Misty got a good work out in the round pen.
There were also ground poles and a scary blue tarp in the pen.

I didn't find the bunnies under the wheels of my car this time.
This is a better place to rest - and tastier!

To be continued...

Misty & Marley Go to School - Part 2

Would somebody please turn off the snow!

I'm not going to take any pictures this weekend, because all this white stuff is getting to be too mundane.

Last Tuesday, Misty & Marley had their 2nd lesson at school. They didn't get ridden, but were worked in the round pen after it dried out a bit following last weekend's snow storm.



A muddy Marley working in the round pen.



Misty's turn.



I wonder what radio station she's tuning into.



Ah, Marley. He has that combination blond-surfer-dude/cute-guy/devilish-boy look about him. I can't quite come up with a name for it. He must be picking up the same radio station as Misty.

The trainers pointed out things that my novice eye doesn't yet see readily. They said, although Marley couldn't go anywhere in the round pen and didn't do anything with great speed, he "ran-off" several times. They could see these subtle "run-offs" in his body posture and attitude. He's still bracing on his right side and looking for ways to get away from the work. Basically, he's broken. Not broken as in trained to ride. But broken as in not functioning properly. He won't be repaired overnight because he's had many years to practice and perfect this attitude, but he is showing that he can learn. He's a good boy and I am committed to seeing that he becomes a happy and pleasurable saddle pony.

Misty is not broken fortunately. She just needs experience.

The training is stalled right now due to weather. Hopefully I'll have more progress to report next week.

I hope you are having a good weekend, doing good things with your equines. We're snowed in, so hubby and I are finally going to get to watch the movie "Australia" now. It's a good day for curling up on the couch and watching a movie.

Misty's Monday Muse

Misty & Marley Go to School

Last Friday, Marley and I went for training with Kathleen Sullivan and Erin McLaughlin. We worked on the ground naked and dressed in saddles. It was nice to work with Marley in the same arena. Kathleen taught Marley while Erin taught me. By the end of our lesson we both showed improvement.



Erin is asking me to back up.



Kathleen working Marley in a circle with the flag.

We were both very good about being saddled.



Erin asked me to soften and bend while keeping my feet in place. I was resistant at first because I didn't understand. Erin was very patient with me; she didn't force me, but gave me time to think.



I started to figure it out.



I became softer.



By jove, I think I've got it!

Marley was quite interesting.



He's rather stiff, but he can sure bend that thick neck of his while resisting the pressure of the rope. We know he can even run full speed ahead with his nose bent to his shoulder.



Here he is bent like a bobby pin, but resisting long enough to get bored. So he decided to nibble on his girth for entertainment. Silly boy.



But he did better than on our evaluation day. There was actually some communication going to his feet this time and he moved around more fluidly.

He has a really tough time with his right side though. Kathleen asked if on the occasions that Marley ran off with riders, did he veer to the right? My Lady said she had not witnessed his run-offs under saddle, but as she thought about it, she recalled the several times she experienced Marley trying to run-off on the longe line, he always tried to run away to his right. He's very strong on that side.


Kathleen is asking Marley to bend and move his feet.
See how braced he is?



He's a stubborn pony, but Kathleen was patient.



He finally got a clue.



And found the answer to the question.

Next time they might ride us both. We've been ridden before, but I'm green and Marley is ornery. It should be interesting.

To be continued...

Let The Training Begin

Misty and Marley were evaluated this afternoon by a natural horsemanship clinician who is holding a colt starting/special project clinic for the month of April. Misty and Marley were worked on the ground to see how attentive they are, how much they understand, and how they move when asked to yield to pressure.

The clinician was holding Misty while her co-clinician worked with Marley. I was a little embarrassed when my spoiled mare acted like a lap dog, crowding the clinician, getting in her face and trying to give her kisses. A few gentle but firm reprimands from the clinician and Misty stood quietly at a respectful distance on a loose lead. She's a bright mare and learns quickly.

Marley was quite stiff and braced as he worked in a circle, especially his hind end. When the assistant walked the rope around his rump and pulled gently on the lead line, asking him to turn and yield his hind quarters, he stood for a long time with his head bent around to his shoulder. And while standing bent like this, he started nibbling on the lead rope, oblivious to what the trainer was asking of him. When she applied a little more pressure with the rope to his hind quarters, he finally moved. But rather than yield his hind quarters and turn with a fluid motion of both his hind and front ends, he kept his back feet firmly planted and moved his front feet around in a circle while pivoting on his back feet. The trainers found this to be interesting and a significant reason why he has been so successful in running off with his former riders. They said we need to get control of the motor.

The game plan for Marley is to get him moving and yielding those hind quarters and improve his flexibility and bending on the ground and under saddle. They will work on his control issues (the mental ones) and will ride him out away from the barn and away from Misty and place him in a situation that will challenge him.

Misty was the opposite of Marley. She was more fluid with her hind quarters, but a little braced in her front end. She was acting a little spooky about something she was seeing in one corner of the arena. She is inexperienced, but willing. She just needs some training hours put on her.

We return to the ranch on Friday morning to begin training. I'll be observing and learning for now.

P.S...Let me add too, that this was my first time hauling both horses. We did ok, although Misty got a little freaked out loading into the trailer for the return trip home. But the trainers helped me get her in. They also had to back my rig out of my parking space for me. It required advanced trailer backing skills as the afternoon progressed and more boarders and visitors arrived, parking their vehicles helter skelter along both sides of the one lane driveway. The trainers got my rig backed into a T-branch off the driveway - a 90 degree turn with other vehicles to maneuver around. Then they turned it over to me and guided me forward and back so I could make the turn onto the main driveway, again with more vehicles ranging from pickups to little sports cars parked along the sides of the drive and in front of my truck. A couple of vehicle owners came out of the barn a little cranky and concerned about their vehicles during all this back and forth maneuvering of my rig. For heaven's sakes, it would have been a lot easier for them to have moved their little cars and trucks and been courteous to the fact that this is a horse stable, training is going on, and people will be bringing horse trailers onto the property. But it is all a learning experience and thank goodness for skilled drivers to help me out of a bind. Although, they did say they charge extra for trailer backing lessons...but with a giggle. ;-)