tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66140197883222970562024-03-13T20:51:53.699-04:00Kathy and Renegade - Our Parelli JourneyKathy and Renegade, the Chincoteague Pony, on an incredible journey following the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Program.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-73823819888705690292012-05-30T23:40:00.000-04:002012-05-30T23:40:55.157-04:00A Sense of Humor!!What a fun liberty session with Renegade tonight...he was being really LBE...he made me laugh! I think horses really do have a sense of humor, I know Renegade does!! <br />
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Liberty in the big pasture...Renegade kept offering me trot circles around me, sideways with and without a log, sideways from zone 1 and even zone 5...everything but what I was asking for which was put one front and one hind foot over a log. He's such a LB and he was extroverted tonight...really wanting to play. I persisted and didn't let him change my focus, and FINALLY, he started paying attention, became engaged with me and...ta da...put his right front and right hind over the log doing the horsey splits!! Then he nickered at me...just so pleased with himself lol!! Of course, he got atta boys, rubs, scratches, and the all coveted cookie!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-58006152144879747372012-05-27T23:43:00.002-04:002012-05-27T23:43:34.749-04:00Less IS More!! Less is more!! I've been spending so much time with America, developing her, that Renegade has been in semi-retirement and that must suit him just fine because he was so eager to play tonight he OFFERED three laps with me in neutral in the center at the trot AT LIBERTY out in the big pasture. I'm sure glad I happened to have a cookie to offer him for that gift!! Of course he got some rubs and scratches too.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-53845771639989836942012-05-19T21:55:00.000-04:002012-05-19T21:55:10.247-04:00Leadership In The Saddle Starts On The Ground!I haven't been playing with Renegade much lately as I've been developing my Mustang mare, America, but when I went to the pasture this afternoon with the intention of getting America, Renegade came to me from way across the pasture at a trot and was nickering as he got closer to me. He WANTED to be picked so, after greeting him and giving him some rubs and scratches, I offered the halter and he practically stuck his nose in it. We walked together to another pasture and when we started playing, Renegade started changing the games. Being an LBE, he's sometimes extremely playful and that was the case this afternoon. He took off on me a couple of times by tipping his nose to the outside, throwing his shoulder into the rope and off he went. The thing was, he would come right back so I know it was just a game to him. I changed things up a bit, asking for some changes of direction by doing "falling leaf". This way I could reinforce controlling his nose and shoulder; it worked like a charm and we eventually had some really nice canter circles and figure 8's. This was important because I planned on riding Renegade after our online warm-up and working on those two things along with the weave.<br />
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I saddled up and headed to the round pen. After doing pre-flight checks, I mounted up and off we went at the walk. Renegade was a bit "sluggish" so I decided to play with our go button. Turns out our session was focused around this through walk, trot, and canter. I set a goal of transitions on phase 2 or less and using quicker phases to get snappier responses. Oh what fun we had!! At the end of the session, Renegade was offering walk, trot, and canter, and stop transitions on phase two or less. I was estatic and Renegade was doing lots of licking and chewing.<br />
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A couple of times, when asking for canter transitions, Renegade was headed towards running my knees into the panels (he's done it before and it's his way of changing the game and my focus). Since he would head nose first to the rail then run my knee into the panel, I decided to either turn him into or away from the fence and do a circle or change direction and hustle him back to the rail. It worked like a charm...three repetitions and he decided to follow my suggestions...it was easier!!<br />
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Interestingly, by upping my leadership in the saddle, once I dismounted and unsaddled Renegade, he really wanted to stick with me and tonight, while we were hanging out, he was nibbling grass near by but checking in with me frequently. He moved off about 6 feet and decided to lay down and roll. I moved over to him and while he was down, rubbed on him for a couple of minutes and gave him a cookie. He stayed down for a couple more minutes, then got up. Renegade generally doesn't stay down when I approach him but something was different tonight and I love it!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-42344924388821561562012-03-25T22:23:00.000-04:002012-03-25T22:23:01.535-04:00Hahahahaha!!<span class="expanded">I've had very little time to play with Renegade for a number of reasons: I've been working lots of hours at work and I've been spending a lot of time playing with my mare, America.<br />
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Renegade "volunteered" to play this afternoon by meeting me at the gate and looking enthusiastic about wanting to play. We went to the round pen and did a short online and liberty warm-up and everything went well so I saddled up to ride. I wanted to work on cantering.<br />
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After saddling and our pre-flight checks, I got on and we did some walk and trot FTR to make sure everything was working well and then I asked for the canter. I think Renegade was playing with me, doing everything BUT cantering, until I got out my savvy string and started making a bit of "commotion" with the string. I didn't need to tag him with it, just the commotion was enough to convince him he needed to canter and he went in to a lovely little canter on the rail to the left for an entire lap. I had the reins draped over the horn of the saddle and only needed to make one correction to put him back on the rail when he tried to cut one side a bit short. After the complete lap, I asked for a stop by sitting down in the saddle and bringing my life down and he stopped on a dime!! He got a big rubbing and a little rest then we changed direction, going to the right. This time when I asked for a canter I didn't need to make the commotion...Renegade went right into it when I clucked and we did a lap to the right. The stop in this direction was good too...just sitting down in the saddle and bringing my life down.<br />
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Renegade got more rubbing and a cookie from the saddle while we sat there quietly for a couple of minutes. I then got off and unsaddled him then let him have a good roll in the sand. While he was down, I gave him another cookie then, at liberty, I backed him out of the round pen and turned him loose to go graze for a while.</span>craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-16277971162863750912012-02-11T19:53:00.000-05:002012-02-11T19:53:32.109-05:00I Think I've Figured Out The Want!!<span class="expanded">Renegade was too much fun today! We actually played twice and he was actually being quite the pest when I was trying to play with the other horses. He REALLY wanted to be the center of attention today.<br />
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I'm thinking the time off he's had lately while I spend more time with America is doing him a world of good. He really WANTS to play now and is offering me all kinds of things we struggled with for so long. For instance, today he offered canter circles in the circling game. We were playing with the trot and I gently asked for the canter with a lift of the rope and off he went. He did 4 laps before I asked him in...probably would have done more but I didn't want to push my luck!! It was the same in both directions. He also cantered circles with an obstacle both maintaining direction and gait for two laps in each direction. Hard to believe a few months ago I couldn't get him to do 1/4 lap at a canter!!<br />
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We played with figure 8's online at the trot for a bit as a refresher as we hadn't played with this for a while. I had to slow it down so I could get particular as Renegade kept wanting to make the figure 8's too flat. I wanted to really get him going straight through the center. Once we got that sorted out, Renegade decided to get fancy and do a sideways around the cone. He did it really nicely...I burst out laughing at which point he started nickering!!<br />
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I decided to try a little liberty with Renegade and we started out with touch it. I had him put his feet on the mounting block and then on the frisbees. He's good at putting his feet on things and it helps us connect and I wanted that connection for the figure 8's that were next. <br />
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We did the figure 8's at liberty at the walk, being particular. Renegade did a good job staying connected to me, looking for me when he came around the ends. I was careful to make sure I had the draw before I sent him through the middle as when he comes around the end that's when he will typically leave if we don't have a good connection. I'm happy to say...he didn't leave today!!</span>craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-54373302473823660212011-12-27T14:29:00.001-05:002011-12-27T14:30:42.700-05:00Set Backs!!I haven't posted in a while but that doesn't mean we haven't been playing because we have; it's just been less play than I wanted. I've been working crazy hours at work, going to work in the dark and getting home in time to feed the ponies before it got dark. I tried to play a little while feeding; move the fq, move the hq, back up, wait politely to be invited to your food dish, etc. I was paying attention to how much or how little energy it took from me to get the desired response and trying to notice the slightest try. I also was paying attention to when my horses were "blowing me off" and not trying at all; noting when I had to be effective rather than being as light as possible and what effective means. There were some interesting revelations!<br />
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Just when my work schedule was letting up and I was working "normal" hours again, Renegade came up lame on his RF. I suspect he got kicked, probably when he was wacking America on the butt with the Jolly Ball...one of his favorite games. He'll wack her then run to avoid being kicked and usually that works for him...he's pretty quick, but apparently not quick enough this time! He's getting better each day but is still a little off so I've not been pushing him in our play time...just easy stuff.<br />
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Add to that, on Christmas day, Renegade decided to colic. I noticed he wasn't feeling well, he was too obedient...not his usual feisty, naughty self, and he was laying down alot. I got him up and gave him some Banamine and within about 30-40 minutes he was feeling better, nibbling at grass and taking a few sips of molassas water. It didn't last long though; within another 1-1/2 hours he was laying down again with no interest in food or water. I gave him another round of Banamine and we took a long walk around the block. I felt like the worlds biggest meanie to keep him moving as it was clear he didn't really want to. He finally pooped a BIG poop and farted a couple of times...I've never been so happy for horse poop and pony farts!! Renegade's appetite began to return and he looked much better. I left him turned out in the yard so he could graze if he wanted to and left him some really sloppy, soaked T&A cubes with a little of his usual feed mixed in, a bucket of molassas water and a bucket of plain water, and a little bit of hay. I kept checking on him about every 1/2 hour for about 3 hours and he was nibbling grass but hadn't eaten his feed yet. Finally, about 10:00 p.m., when I checked on him, he greeted me with a nicker and had eaten his feed, the hay, and drank the bucket of molassas water and 1/2 of the plain water. I kept checking on him through the night and all was well; he was looking good and had pooped several times so I gave him some more hay and refilled the water buckets and finally got to sleep about 3:00 a.m. When I went out to feed at 6:30 a.m., he was nickering and trotting after me with the hay in the wheelbarrow, trying to snatch mouthfuls of hay. Obviously he was feeling MUCH better and ate his breakfast with gusto!!<br />
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Now, I just have to wait for him to be completely sound again so we can pick up where we left off. We have a lot to do and I want to start using all the info I learned in Kelly Sigler's clinic. In the meantime, I've been playing with my Mustang mare, America, and getting her ready for her first trip off the farm. If you're interested, check out America's blog to follow our progress: <a href="http://mustangmusings-americaandkathy.blogspot.com/">http://mustangmusings-americaandkathy.blogspot.com/</a>craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-76576983478215325262011-10-27T20:10:00.000-04:002011-10-27T20:14:16.505-04:00Growth is Uncomfortable!!Kelly Sigler L 3/4 Clinic, October 22 – 23, 2011<br />
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Thoughts<br />
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I knew this clinic was going to be fun and educational but I never imagined the powerful things that were going to happen for Renegade and I while we were there.<br />
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Since I was the clinic coordinator, we arrived on Friday, about 11:00 a.m so I could help the clinic host get set up for the arrival of participants. After running through a few things and getting the registration table set up, it was time for my scheduled private lesson with Kelly. Things went well and I learned a lot until Renegade decided he really didn’t want to do a few freestyle circles. He kept trying to change the game to anything but circles. I wasn’t being very effective in changing his mind so Kelly asked if I minded if she rode Renegade. I have never had anyone else ride Renegade but I jumped at the chance to have Kelly ride him so I could watch. Renegade has a lot of strategies he uses to avoid doing what’s asked of him, sometimes putting in two to three times the effort than it would take for him to just do the task. He threw a lot of his strategies at Kelly too including a couple of bucks and it was revealing how Kelly dealt with it. Renegade had a lot of opposition reflex and some dominance which he displayed by acting out/up with his penis hanging out. Kelly put him to work to get his mind busy and it was brilliant. Within about 15” Renegade was acting like a different horse, much more like a partner. I was supposed to get back on and ride him after she finished but we got interrupted by someone breaking down on the way to the clinic site and had to stop to find someone to go rescue her and her horse.<br />
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The next day, during the clinic, Renegade was participating as a partner until the latter half of the day. He started trying to change the game when we were practicing the steady rein while following the rail. I could tell he had his penis out again by the attitude he was displaying. For the safety of the other participants and so we didn’t disrupt the clinic, we ended up having to go to the round pen to sort it all out. Luckily Kelly drafted another Parelli Professional that stopped by the clinic, to coach me through the round pen session. The only thing I was to focus on was me asking Renegade to canter and continue to canter until I asked him to stop, just working on impulsion. In order to get Renegade to canter, I really had to step out of my comfort zone, up my leadership, and be ready for what ever the result was. Thank goodness he didn’t try to buck but he tried just about everything else, including running my kneecaps into the fence rail. With Pete’s help, I managed to stop that from happening. To get Renegade to canter, I really had to create a lot of commotion, really up my phases to something that was effective, and out-persist his resistance. We finally got a couple of canter strides then had to start all over again, and again, and again…etc. It took about an hour and we finally could canter long enough for me to actually ask for a stop before Renegade stopped on his own and he would canter when I asked with no more than a phase two. At that point we stopped to reward the behavior and Pete and I were talking while waiting for Renegade to lick and chew; it took him a good 15”!!<br />
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While Pete and I were talking and waiting on Renegade to lick and chew, my emotions caught up with me and I began to cry. I wasn’t really sure why until a day and a half later, after I’d had time to process everything. After thinking about it, I’ve come to the conclusion the crying was a result of my having to dig deep into myself to do that round pen session to help my horse.<br />
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I’m more of a carrot type person, so having to go to that place in myself where I could do what my horse needed me to do to reinforce a concept really brought out some emotions I’d stuffed down deep inside myself. During my childhood, my siblings and I were on the receiving end of abuse that was called “discipline”. I have always been afraid of not being able to control my emotions and I equated “discipline”, or in this case reinforcement, with abuse. I know I wasn’t abusing my horse during the round pen session but it sort of felt that way to me, hence the very emotional response I had. <br />
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There is a second reason my emotions took hold of me and that is because I finally came to the realization of just how ineffective I’ve been and that equates to unfairness to my horse. I’ve been lying to him all this time by not being fair and consistent. I’ve always felt I was lacking in this department but after the round pen sessions, I really know it in a gut wrenching, owning it type of way. It’s not pretty but it is what it is. Now that I know it, and I mean REALLY know it, I have to own it and do something about it. That something is to be fair and consistent for my horse. This brings to mind Pat’s saying, “the attitude of justice is effective” and I’ve been sorely lacking in this department.<br />
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I really felt sorry for Pete being subjected to my emotional outburst. The worst part about it was when it was happening, I couldn’t put what I was feeling into words; all I could do was cry but it was all part of the process for me and now that I understand what happened and how I felt about it, I’m o.k. with it and it was a very powerful experience.<br />
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I have to thank Pete for taking me outside my comfort zone, where I was all too happy to stay, and instead putting me in the learning zone, where something wonderful happened. No one said learning was easy or comfortable, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to go through this process and come out being just a bit more mentally and emotionally fit because of it. The added bonus is my confidence has gone up a few notches as well!!<br />
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The next day, Renegade was a much different horse, content to be with me and following my leadership for much of the day, however; during the afternoon, he began testing me again by trying to change the game, developing an attitude, and he was dropping his penis again. This time, I decided to do less sooner and went straight to the round pen before things got really difficult. I repeated the strategy from the previous day and instead of taking an hour, it only took 10” to see a change. We left the round pen and rejoined the group to play a freestyle traveling circle game. It was lots of fun and Renegade gave me some really nice circles without opposition, argument, or attitude; he actually seemed engaged with what we were doing so it was a great time to quit and give him a big reward.<br />
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I was concerned about how the “round pen sessions” would affect our relationship but I didn’t need to be worried. I felt wonderful when I went out to see Renegade this morning and he stopped grazing and came to me with a positive expression. I spent a little time with him then went about my business. Later in the day, I went out to do a few more things and invited Renegade to walk with me by using my energy and a little body language to sort of “scoop him up” as I walked by. He readily came with me and had a positive expression.<br />
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Today was a day off, of rest, for both of us but tomorrow I’ll get out there and play with Renegade and see just where we are and what I need to do to be the leader he needs. I’ll be playing with a new awareness and a new set of eyes, trying to be in the moment and recognize the moment my horse needs my help so I can do less sooner.<br />
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I really would like to get some feedback from Pete now that I’ve had time to think about all this. When I was “in the moment” and having my emotional response, I couldn’t even ask for feedback let alone be ready to hear and accept it. It only took me nearly a week to be ready; now if I can only get in touch with Pete!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-82400062942630903872011-10-06T21:42:00.000-04:002011-10-06T21:42:20.326-04:00BFO's and AH-HA's!! Had another play session tonight much like last night. I could see the tiniest bit of improvement in our circling game without having to do so many changes of direction to get his attention. I'm trying to remember, every time we play, to look for the tiniest of improvements and to NOT drill, drill, drill. I'm also trying to pay attention to how engaged Renegade is with what we're doing and that starts with the moment I go to get him and ask him to catch me.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-17103319643357979812011-10-06T21:39:00.000-04:002011-10-06T21:39:32.369-04:00Secrets and Revelations!!Played with Renegade online last night and it took a little doing to get him engaged and paying attention. He's good at the things he likes to do and offers them readily, like splitting himself in half over a log; now that he's learned it, he thinks it the coolest thing ever just like he LOVES sideways to and away over things.<br />
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We have been playing with the circling game for what seems like forever without much progress and without engagement from Renegade. He made it absolutely clear it was NO FUN for him by tipping his nose to the outside, throwing his shoulder into the rope, and leaving. He comes back readily when I ask and comes at a trot or canter so I know it's a game and he's trying to make things more interesting for him so I've been working on myself to become more provocative.<br />
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When I sent him out on the circle, I payed attention to fundamentals like backing up straight then waiting before sending and asking for a snappy depart in the send. I also concentrated on having Renegade keep his nose tipped in instead of out of the circle and when he broke gait, I immediately had him change direction. We got pretty active, energetic and it wasn't really pretty but Renegade suddenly became interested in what we were doing. After about 7 or 8 changes of direction, Renegade gave me two really nice canter circles to the left which is his easier side. When going to the right, I was hoping for 1/2 lap at the canter but Renegade suprised me with 1-1/2 laps at the canter.<br />
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For the changes of direction, Renegade would, in his LB way, not want to look at me so I could draw him for the change so I would go to his zone 5 for a bit of driving game. Amazingly, his ears would perk up, he'd look at me with a really interested look, turn to face me and I'd send him off in the opposite direction. He loved it and got his little studly look on and was nickering, enjoying the "play"!!<br />
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Rather than drill on that, we moved on to circling with an obstacle which happened to be a log that is laying down in my pasture. Renegade offered canter circles and maintained gait over the log and even gave me a couple of nice flying lead changes to boot!!<br />
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Called it quits after this as it was getting dark and I still wanted to spend a few minutes of undemanding time with Renegade before bringing him in for the night and giving him his feed and hay. Renegade's demeanour was soft and quiet, he even allowed me to rub his face all over and this is something he's never enjoyed.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-10524882295422247732011-09-18T18:58:00.000-04:002011-09-18T18:58:05.765-04:00A Really Nice Day!!Had fun with Renegade today...played online for a while and I think I found the secret to getting snappier change of direction from him. I can't wait to play with it some more to see if it will really work. I really tried to be playful about it and for the first time he was very engaged and put effort into what we were doing. Wooohooooo!!! <br />
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After warming up online, I went to freestyle riding. I'd planned on doing some cantering until I got relaxation or some consistency but I had my english saddle that has a slick seat and my riding tights that only had knee patches. Boy, oh boy, that wasn't good planning...I was way too slippery in the seat to feel secure enough to canter. I should add, I'm fairly new to english riding, usually ride western, so I already have a bit of a learning curve!!<br />
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We did a bit of freestyle warm up in a small arena then moved to the bigger arena for some FTR at a trot. I moved to the bigger arena because round pens and small arenas tend to shut Renegade down and he loses his impulsion. He needs long lines to encourage him.<br />
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In the large arena, I chucked the idea of cantering because of the slippery seat, and instead played with FTR at the trot. The focus was trying not to pick up the reins and without Renegade stopping to grass dive or sight see. The first 3-4 several rounds of the arena, he had a couple of places he wanted to stop and he tried to grass dive a few times...I HATE that abrupt stop lol!! I persisted until we made a complete circuit of the arena without stopping and without grass diving. It only took about 20" lol!! Happily, he was good at staying on the rail and I didn't have to pick up the reins very often. As a reward, Renegade got a nice, long rest in the shade while my friend and I chatted. I'm adopting a new strategy of sticking with it until I see a change...no matter how long it takes as I think I've been quitting too soon.<br />
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After the rest, we made a couple of circuits in the opposite direction; the second one was way better than the first but I think Renegade was getting tired as he was tripping a little and he didn't have the impulsion he had earlier. Thinking about it, I probably should have stopped after the rest in the shade but I wanted to see what the other direction would be like. Sometimes, I think I'll never learn...sigh.....<br />
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We practiced a few turns on the forehand and Renegade did nicely. His hind feet stayed planted while his front feet moved 90 degrees. He was also light in my hands which is a huge change for him as he likes to try to move forward during the yield and in the past has pulled on my hands. Maybe because we expended so much of his energy he was ready for some slow, quiet maneuvers! <br />
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When we finished our online and freestyle, I removed Renegades bridle and halter and hung with him for a while. I had a couple of cookies so I asked him to stand up on the tire pedestal, gave him a cookie and let him rest there...three of his favorite things!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-52004931339591834932011-09-16T20:25:00.000-04:002011-09-16T20:25:05.096-04:00Feeding Time RitualsI'm loving how our feeding time rituals are going. The horses are getting into a more positive pattern now, especially America and Captain. Li"Bert"y and Renegade still want to creep or sneak in uninvited but their intention is a lot less now and it's much easier to interrupt their idea of creeping in. A light flick of the stick and string does it.<br />
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I had them on a circle around me and they were outside my personal space (the distance of the cs and string) and they lined up like the hands on a clock: 12, 3, 6, and 9. That gives them enough space to not feel the need to defend their space or their food and I act as the alpha, chasing away anyone that finishes early and tries to encroach on anothers food bowl. I have to laugh when they seem so content to eat their own food, faces in their own bowls, not checking out the neighbors food bowl, and knowing they can eat in peace. It's such a peaceful, almost pastoral time. I love listening to them quietly eating.<br />
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I also have to giggle when they finish and I'm gathering the empty bowls, they all line up at the fence in their proper positions, waiting for their after dinner flake of hay...no squabbling, no dust, just happy horses waiting quietly for the second course of their meal!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-13027144924329109042011-09-16T20:09:00.000-04:002011-09-16T20:09:19.408-04:00Reflections and IntrospectionsI've been in a very introspective mood lately and have been taking a hard look at myself and what I can change to make my world a better place for me and my horse. The last couple of weeks at work have been exceptionally stressful and it's not just me, it's the whole office. Our company is going through a merger and everyone is on edge, even though they don't want to admit it, and it shows. Tempers are short and everyone is worried about whether they will have a job in the new, combined organization. Add to that, the fact this is our busy season, which is stressful in itself, and you have the perfect storm brewing and it doesn't take much to set everyone spinning.<br />
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One day last week was particularly stressful and I came home in tears and very upset. On top of that, being so stressed out, I was in no frame of mind to be with or play with my horses. I decided I needed to find a better way of dealing with my stress so that it can't or won't impact my life when I get home from work or my time with my horses.<br />
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After talking with a friend, not about specifics, because I didn't want to relive everything, but about how to change mindset and create positives out of negatives, I felt much better and ready to tackle anything! We had a great conversation and I came away with some wonderful strategies to use "in the moment"; to help me stop, take a breath, and think about what's happening in that moment and how I can turn it into a positive. I love that my friend said moments like these are teaching moments and I might want to ask myself the question "what is the lesson in this for me, what do I need to learn from this?". That one statement gave me a whole new perspective on looking on those moments in life that are less than desireable and that maybe they are put there for a reason; that just maybe there's a lesson I need to learn at that moment. I can make these moments positive or negative depending on how I view and respond to them. If I just react in a reflexive sort of way, then it can be a negative experience because there's no conscious thought behind my reaction, but if I view it as a teaching moment and take charge of myself and the situation, I can see the value in what just happened and learn from it. I see this strategy as extremely empowering!!<br />
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I've decided that along with my new strategies, I am also adopting a new motto: "Life is wonderful, Everything is as is should be, and I'm living the dream". This is my version of the Serenity Prayer and gives me the mind set that life really is a grand and wonderful thing no matter what happens, everything happens for a reason; it's neither good or bad...it just is what it is, and everything I do is taking me one step closer to my dream. That dream is what I choose to make it and since it's my dream and I have a choice, I choose to make it a wonderful, positive experience and let the rest go!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-10153435579044054912011-09-13T21:45:00.001-04:002011-09-16T18:46:32.996-04:00Offerings!!Played online and at liberty tonight with the circling game and transitions with changes of direction. Online went VERY well and Renegade OFFERED the canter straight away the first time I sent him out on the circle. I decided to take what he offered and he did 5 circles to the right before he looked like he might break gait. I asked him in before he could do that. To the left, Renegade offered 2 canter circles but he also offered a couple of FLC's so I opted to reward that instead of asking him to continue on the circle because someday I'll be asking for those FLC's and I'd like him to offer them at that point when I ask!! I think we call that playing for tomorrow!!<br />
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After the canter circles, I slowed everything WAY down to work on our changes of direction with softness and no brace. I slide my hand down the rope, close my fingers slowly, and WAIT for Renegade to seek the release and turn towards me. The more I play with this the less time it takes for him to turn in to me and ask the question "what do you want now?". Sometimes I have him come in to me, sometimes I send him out in the other direction...it all depends on how long it takes him to turn towards me, and the expression on his face when he does turn in. Softness and lightness gets to come in to me for a rest, any brace or resistance gets sent out in the other direction until I get a change!!<br />
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Also played a bit with speeding up sideways. To make it easier, I do it on the rail so it takes away having to worry about Renegade leaking forward...easier to be particular but not critical!! Sideways to the right and Renegade offered a trotting sideways although his hind end lags a bit but we'll work on that after we get a bit more consistent and he develops the athleticism. To the left the sideways was speeded up, not to the point of trotting but almost and enough effort to earn the reward of stopping. To the left is his "harder" side so we'll need more time to develop this.<br />
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After our online play and warm-up, we tried a bit of liberty and we had a pretty good connection for about 10" then lost it for a bit. I just kept trying to be provocative and interesting until I got Renegade's attention again and when I had it, he offered to jump a single barrel (it was perpendicular to the rail) and turned, faced, and waited. When I sent him back the other way, he jumped half way over and stopped. I don't think I asked for that but maybe I did or maybe Renegade just offered it. Either way, I let him rest there as someday I'll want to ask him to do this. After he had rested there and licked his lips, I asked him to sideways off the barrel towards me and he was only to happy to do that. He earned another rest, a cookie, and it was the perfect place to stop for the night.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-34291598954379594372011-09-05T19:38:00.000-04:002011-09-16T18:43:52.303-04:00Impulsion and Cantering and Enthusiasm, Oh My!!Played online with Renegade tonight and I don't know if it was the storm coming in or that it was a bit cooler tonight but Renegade was very playful and had impulsion on the circle!! When I asked for the trot, he gave me a canter and it was a nice one to the left. I allowed him continue for 5 laps then asked him in as he looked like he was thinking about breaking down to the trot. The circle to the right was not quite as nice but he did offer the canter so I allowed 2 laps and asked him in before he could break gait and also to reward the offer of the canter. I'm so happy as this has been a major sticking point for us for soooooo long...I couldn't get him to canter no matter what I did and to have him offer was a huge gift.<br />
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We also played with touch it having him touch the trees with his nose or shoulder and then his zone 5. He still wants to swing his zone 5 out when he gets close to touching it with his rump but he's getting better...the swing is not as wide and we get within about 1 to 1-1/2 steps before he swings his rump.<br />
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Sideways along the fence was great. We can do sideways without a fence but I moved back to the fence because we've been working on trotting sideways and the fence helps eliminate that forward movement. Happy to say we did sideways at the trot to Renegade's right for about 25', to the left it was difficult and we didn't trot...will have to play with that some more.<br />
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Renegade was really playful tonight and decided to leave three times. I always let go of the rope as I don't want him to pull on me. He goes cantering across the pasture then turns to look at me. I start friendly game with the carrot stick and string and he canters back to me and he nickers all the way back. I need to figure out what to do about this game he loves so much...I know he's having fun but geesh...online is online and liberty is liberty. I'm not crazy about him choosing to play this game so often; I'm thinking he does it because it's fun and not because I've caused him to leave as he comes right back. But...of course, I could be wrong!! Wish I could figure it out!!<br />
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I wanted to keep playing and I think Renegade did too but the dark clouds were coming in fast and we got caught in the rain coming in from play time. It was probably a good time to quit anyway since Renegade gave me so much tonight.<br />
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Of course, I didn't tape tonight because the last two play sessions weren't particularly good and it looked like rain so I didn't want my video camera out in the rain. Figures tonights play session would be especially good!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-51147039479240259922011-08-31T19:50:00.001-04:002011-09-16T18:41:27.528-04:00Liberty FunPlayed a bit with liberty today and had Renegade doing small circles at a walk around me. Of course, I had a couple of cookies involved to make it worth his while to do the requested task. He gave me one circle in each direction but had to play with me in between. He left a few times and I'd ask him back and finally got the circles I asked for. I loved his enthusiasm when he came back to me...ears forward, at a trot, and nickering!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-87820257257707023452011-08-30T22:30:00.000-04:002011-09-16T18:40:01.441-04:00A Nice Day TodaySpent some time with a friend today practicing patterns and freestyle riding. Renegade started out a bit "up" but quickly relaxed after a bit of FTR and some trotting circles. The big breakthrough today was riding the weave at the trot...Renegade was following my feel and riding where I was looking...no reins involved. The problem we had was coming around the "ends" of the weave; Renegade kept breaking down into a walk. I think we need to take a bit of a wider track around the ends for him to maintain the trot. I plan on trying that tomorrow.<br />
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We played with the Question Box pattern and had lots of fun with that but definitely need more practice although did come through the center nice and straight twice which earned him a rest in the center!!<br />
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We also had a bit of a go at a "mini" precision pen with a 10m circle riding arcs to the points. That was a lot of fun but I need to get a lot better at my focus to help Renegade. I noticed when my focus was good and I was looking in the correct place, Renegade did well; when I lost my focus or was not looking far enough ahead, it put Renegade off track and we wouldn't hit the points correctly or our arcs would be wonky. Eeekkkk...I need more practice!!<br />
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A friend, Ingrid, loaned me her Parelli Cruiser saddle to try out and unfortunately I didn't have a girth small enough to be able to ride the saddle on my horse but my friend, Terri, let me ride her horse since the saddle and girth fit him. It was awesome riding Beau...he has a BIG, swingy trot compared to my little guy, Renegade...his trot is so little like he is!! I have to say...I enjoyed my ride in the Cruiser, I felt very secure even though the saddle and horse were both new to me. I felt very comfortable and confident in the saddle. Unfortunately, I don't think it will work for Renegade but I think it would be a great saddle for my other two horses. I may just have to start saving up for one of my very own!!<br />
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We ended up having to call it quits before we really wanted to as the sky got very dark and the thunder and lightening started. It's good we stopped when we did because the skies opened up and the rain began to pour down right after I got Renegaded loaded on the trailer!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-4424102712650632492011-08-22T20:29:00.002-04:002011-08-22T20:29:43.970-04:00Reflecting!!I was just telling my husband tonight that 5 years ago I could never imagine saying this but I was commenting on how I wish my other horses could be more like Renegade. I can turn him loose in the yard to graze and he's quiet, doesn't get into anything he shouldn't, doesn't tear anything up...in other words, I don't have to worry about what he's up to. Five years ago, that wouldn't have been the case...he was just the opposite. I love that he's so reliable about some things now. Of course, there is always room for improvement but overall, I'm very happy with our progress over the years. That's saying a lot as 5 years ago, I actually thought I was way over horsed and thought about finding Renegade a more suitable home with a much more knowledgeable human partner. I'm so glad I never followed through on that idea. I can't imagine my life without him now!! craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-25511767703938003882011-08-16T20:13:00.001-04:002011-08-16T20:14:18.482-04:00Approach and Retreat and Prior and Proper Preparation!!Turned out the horses when I got home from work and I've been experimenting with different pairings in different areas. The reason for this is Bert is VERY attached to America, practically at the hip, and tends to get emotional if she's not somewhere close or worse yet, out of sight. I'm trying to do some approach and retreat towards that day when I take America to a play day or on a trail ride. I don't want Bert at home fretting until we get back; I want him to be comfortable with her absence.<br />
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Tonight America and Renegade were turned out grazing in the yard and Bert and Captain were turned out in the pasture. Bert was having such a great time eating great mouthfuls of grass he really didn't notice America moving off and out of his sight. The only reason he noticed is it was getting close to the time I normally call them up to the night pasture and feed and hay them. He started cantering through the pasture calling for America...she was obviously unfazed by this and continued to eat grass.<br />
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I went to Bert and asked him to follow me up the fence line, I put out some tasty Alfalfa hay and he came over to eat it, forgetting all about America with the exception of one final check of the fence line to see if she might be coming. He came back to his pile of hay and began quietly munching. In the meantime, I went to get Renegade and we walked back to the night pasture at liberty with America following us.<br />
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With all the horses returned to the night pasture and quietly eating, I filled their water tank, said goodnight to each, and took my leave. All was quiet when I left and I think it was a successful session. We'll see how tomorrow night goes!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-66372295959348075972011-08-14T18:54:00.000-04:002011-08-14T18:54:14.639-04:00FUN AND SUPRISES!!Went to the Trail Partners Playoffs, hosted by Parelli Professionals Karen Woodbury and Annie Shank. The event was held at Peninsula Farms in Ocala under their covered arena. I was grateful for the cover as it was really hot and humid yesterday and the shade from the arena kept everything about 15-20 degrees cooler.<br />
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There were 52 participants and Karen and Annie had some obstacles set up for us to navigate both online and mounted. They also had some nice goody bags for each of the participants and prizes and ribbons for both the online, mounted, who came the farthest, the partnership with the highest score (adding owners age and horses age together), and the person who put the relationship first to help their unconfident horse over the course.<br />
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Renegade and I didn't win any prizes but my focus for the entire challenge was to see if I could have his attention, obedience, and confidence at an event like this. We had a faux paux at the squeeze over a jump as Renegade only went half way over then started sidepassing off. I decided to accept it and say thank you but now would you please jump? He did but we ran out of time to try the last obstacle which was trailer loading. I tried it anyway and Renegade went in but it didn't count towards our score since we were out of time. I don't care that we didn't win any prizes or ribbons, but I am really happy that he tried everything and even offered some extra stuff.<br />
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Now, I just need to work on me to make sure I'm being VERY clear on what I'm asking for and get the response I'm looking for but overall, I'm pleased with the day!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-20999545987653392432011-08-14T18:40:00.002-04:002011-08-14T18:40:40.482-04:00HUMMM...AND RE-EVALUATINGWith the closing of the Parelli Center and the pressure of doing the Flex Track off, I've given Renegade the past two days off and have just spent some undemanding time with him while he grazes. It was better this way anyway as I was a bit emotional after the announcements from Parelli Headquarters. I think Renegade has enjoyed the time off as he started calling to me when I rounded the corner on the way to the pasture and kept it up til I reached the gate then he began nickering vigorously. I think he was happy to see me and anticipating being able to graze in the yard.<br />
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It's been so hot and humid here that it's been a welcome break for both of us taking a couple of days off. I'm contemplating backing off quite a bit for the next month or so and concentrating on just making deposits in our relationship bank with the hope of being able to make some withdrawals when the weather cools down a bit. I'm sure we'll have the occasional play time but shorter in duration and working on only 1 or 2 things at a time for now. I've made the decision that being a Parelli Professional is no longer a priority and that goal will be replaced by another when I get it figured out. I'm just going to focus on my relationship with my horse and my horsemanship. With the closing of the Parelli campus, now might be the time to investigate other opportunities, i.e., dressage with Karen Rohlf! <br />
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craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-89938894938784729172011-08-10T09:32:00.000-04:002011-08-10T09:32:19.767-04:00WOW!!I just read the announcement from Parelli Central saying Parelli is selling the Florida campus in Ocala so they can concentrate on spreading the Parelli message in other areas; i.e., internationally. That's great news for some people but for others it's not great news. I happen to be in the not so great category.<br />
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I have been planning and saving for the last two years so I can take courses at the Parelli Center in Ocala. I am enrolled in my first Flex Track module in October of this year and was going to enroll in the second module in April 2012. The October Flex Track will be held as scheduled but the rest is up in the air but will most likely be held at the Colorado campus. This effectively kills my dream since I don't have a hope of traveling to Colorado for courses; I am not able to get that much additional time off work to allow me the travel time and I certainly can't afford to quit my job at the moment without a safety net in place...like winning the lottery or powerball lol!!<br />
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I'm quite frankly in shock at the moment and also feeling a bit unsettled. I hate not having a firm plan in place; I have to have set goals and work towards them. I'm not at all comfortable at flying by the seat of my pants...maybe if I were rich and it didn't matter but I'm not and it matters a lot. I've worked so hard and so long and gave up a lot to try and make my dreams a reality and now it seems as if those dreams are being dashed upon the rocks.<br />
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I'm trying to practice some emotional fitness here, waiting patiently for more information from Parelli so I can began restructuring my dreams for the future. For now, I'll just carry on as I have been...trying to be the best me I can be for my horses and myself.craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-64083120942215771842011-08-05T17:11:00.000-04:002011-08-05T17:11:44.179-04:00CUDOS AND LIFE IS GRAND!!I couldn't be more proud of Renegade then I was this morning. I had the vet out to do vaccinations in prep for our visit to the Parelli Ranch in October (and also because they were due). I got Renegade from the pasture to move him around a bit and get our relationship right before the vet arrived. When she arrived, Renegade was very interested in everything she was doing; he observed her getting the vax ready, writing on her clipboard, and putting the alcohol on the cotton. He was VERY engaged and attentive but not in a scared way...he was interested in the goings on!! When it came time to give the vaccines and draw blood for the Coggins, Renegade stood still and turned his head to soften his neck just like we've practiced. He got vaccines on both sides and was equally good on the other side too. AND...HE DID ALL THIS ON A LOOSE LEAD!!! He used to be pretty extreme in trying to avoid vaccinations and would run into or over me or the vet to avoid them. It's taken some time to get this good but oh, it's sooooo worth it to be able to vaccinate a horse that stands calmly.<br />
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The vet also checked his teeth while she was here and all that playing with his mouth paid off too when we forgot to do it while I had him online. The vet went into the pasture, approached Renegade, asked for his head, politely put her fingers in his mouth and he allowed her to check his teeth. He had a brief moment of wanting to resist but she was politely persistent and he lowered his head and allowed her to check his mouth. DID I MENTION I LOVE MY VET!! She could have turned that moment into a wrestling match (I've seen other vets do it) but she just waited on Renegade to relax.<br />
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Thanks again Pat and Linda for this program, my wonderful vet for her horse savvy, and most of all Renegade for acting like a partner and not a prey animal!! Life is GRAND!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-51430060996534066402011-07-26T23:50:00.000-04:002011-07-26T23:50:05.652-04:00YES!!!I've been repeating my pattern of entering the pasture while the horses are grazing and going to sit on the log. I'm happy to say Renegade is beginning to repeat his pattern of moseying over to see me, generally within 5 minutes or less. Of course I have a cookie to reward such good, positive behavior!!<br />
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Again, haltered from a seated position and played a bit with Renegade's mouth and inside his lips while I remained seated. His mouth was much quieter tonight, a lot less tongue and lip action so I checked to make sure he hadn't gone introverted...he hadn't, he was just quiet. I gently massaged his lower gum and he got the softest look on his face and his lip was really relaxed!!<br />
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Next was FTR with me in zone 5 nearly at the end of the 22' line. Renegade did a great job at staying on the rail so I asked him up into a trot and we went about 50' ON THE RAIL!! I breathed out and slowed down and so did he but he did get a little crooked when he stopped...something to work on next time...straightness on the stop. We FTR like this in both directions and both were equally good.<br />
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Next was split in half over the log...took about 30 seconds for him to put RF and RH over, then nickered and looked at me. Of course, it was cookie time!! Then Renegade suprised me and gave me a gift. I asked him off the log to the side opposite me and he lined himself up and put his RF over then his RH over then looked at me. I immediately went into neutral, he nickered and I gave him a cookie and a short rest. Then I asked him to move his RH back to the other side of the log and sidepass off (away from me). He was a bit sticky but he did it after a couple of phase 1 flicks of the ss. The bring back (sidepass back to me) was not sticky at all, he came right back but stopped at a polite distance from me, looked at me and nickered. No cookie this time...he knows this game REALLY well!!<br />
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On to the frisbees and put your foot on it...haha...Renegade's got this game figured out now and tested me to see how particular I was going to be. He stepped near the frisbee, pawed near the frisbee, stepped on just the edge, then finally put his foot on it. Each time he asked me a question until I could finally answer yes when he put his foot on it. I went into neutral again and he nickered. We took a brief rest for some scratches and rubs then did the weave at the walk. It went well and Renegade is looking for me more and following my body language better. We started in the middle of the pattern because that's where we were and he went on the correct side of the cone for where we started and without me having to direct him...tells me he's starting to really understand the pattern and think about it.<br />
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COD on the circle is going much better. I sent him out on the circle at a walk and when he came around, I slid my hand down the rope, closed my fingers slowly and WAITED. He softened and came around, staying out of my space and went back out on the circle in the opposite direction. We did two repetitions in each direction and he was nice and soft, no bracing, on each change. I wanted to reward his softness and not wanting to be a drill sargent, I called it quits, asked him in and he enjoyed a cookie while I gave him some rubs, stroked his forehead and his forelock. It was a great place to stop for the night!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-566748637597674652011-07-18T23:44:00.009-04:002011-07-26T23:47:30.369-04:00We're Having Fun Now!!Entered the pasture, sat on the log and waited for Renegade to approach me. I closed my eyes, pictured him coming to me, and he moseyed his way over. It took only about 3 minutes for him to do this. I haltered him while sitting down and with his permission.<br />
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Played tonight with driving from zones 4 & 5 - started with zone 3 and was able to quickly move to zones 4 & 5. Renegade stayed on the rail with minimal corrections. Decided to up the ante and ask for the trot from zone 5 and we did 5 strides then stopped softly, smoothly, and straight!! Tried it two more times and did great - 5 strides the second time and 10 strides the third time, both with nice, soft stops with me bringing my energy down and lifting the rope slightly.<br />
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Played with COD in the circling game and decided to only have Renegade do 1/2 circles before I asked for the COD and it worked beautifully. I slowed everything down, concentrating on getting a nice, soft turn and not giving Renegade anything to brace against. I also concentrated on not letting him come in too close during the COD. The strategy was successful; Renegade was making nice, soft turns and moving out smartly after the turn and stayed out of my space. I only tagged him if he came in too close and it was more of a provocative tag...like oh, oh, gotcha...you were too close. On the last COD, Renegade began licking and chewing then nickering. I think he got the game!!<br />
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I've been having problems with resistance from Renegade when attempting to lead him by the ear so tonight I tried it by putting the savvy string around his ears and leading more by a suggestion and suprise, suprise...he lead very nicely. I think when I was using my hand, I was being too direct line and using too much pressure. :-( Ack...but at least I figured it out now and we can progress from here. :-)<br />
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Back up by the tail at liberty was fun. Renegade backed straight with very light pressure on the hairs of his tail, more of a suggestion really. I did need to get him started with a light wave of the cs, again more of a suggestion...a lift it.<br />
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Played with touch it with zones 1, 3, and 5. Renegade did well with zones 1 and 3 and was much better about zone 5. He's gaining more confidence about backing straight now without veering off to the sides rather than straight. I yo'd him back and when he'd get crooked, I'd bring him forward and start again. Had to repeat that about 5 times and he finally backed up straight. I quit on that note!!<br />
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Before unhaltering tonight I played with Renegades face and mouth as he has opposition reflex about this. I played until I got acceptance and softness. I even was able to massage the inside of his lower lip and his lower gums. I massaged softly and slowly until he relaxed and stopped moving his mouth then quit. He was quite intrigued by all that and looked interested but soft when I quit. I unhaltered again while sitting on the log. Renegade was willing, soft, and stayed with me for some scratches.<br />
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He was quite funny and decided to go munch on some grass so he left at a trot, went about 50' away, took a few bites, then came trotting back to me nickering. I think he still wanted to play cause he started sidepassing around me, then offered a close in circle. When I started laughing, he nickered, trotted off about 50', took another few bites of grass, then came trotting back again. I just had to giggle, he was too funny!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6614019788322297056.post-250153544348182862011-07-13T20:32:00.000-04:002011-07-13T20:32:56.361-04:00Slow And Right and Velvet Noses!!Another repeat of the last two nights and played with the same tasks. <br />
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Catching was easy...I went to sit on "our log" and Renegade came right over. Of course I had a bit of cookie to reward him with and make it pleasant for him. Haltered him again from a sitting position with his permission. This is new and nice...have had difficulty with this when I tried it in the past; he would nearly always move his head just out of reach meaning I didn't have his permission.<br />
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Touch it with your nose went well, only had to send Renegade twice before he figured out to touch the utility pole; he has the trees solid now.<br />
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Split in half over the log took 15 seconds tonight...he's solid on this too now.<br />
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Foot on the frisbee went really well tonight...he's got the hang of putting his foot on the pink frisbee, the green one not so much...wonder if it's the color? He finally "got it" after 1/2 dozen tries and ended up with 1-1/2 feet on it!!<br />
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Unhaltered him from a sitting position, again with his permission. He stuck around so I decided to play a bit of friendly with his head, nose, and mouth. Renegade usually moves his head away or will jerk it away in his LB way. I had to make it interesting enough for him to be willing so I used the ss over his poll with me still sitting and very gently asked for his head and wahoo...he gave it to me and let me rub his forehead and a bit on his nose. After a bit of approach and retreat in a playful, teasing manner he allowed me to rub his whole head, jaw, neck, lips, nose, etc. and he had a really soft look on his face. When I removed my hands (before he had decided he's had enough) he had a very interested look on his face. I decided to call it a night on that note!!craigeagle23http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147600714163989934noreply@blogger.com0