Thursday, October 6, 2011
BFO'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.
Secrets 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.
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.
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.
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"!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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"!!
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!!
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.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A 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!!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.....
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!
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.....
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!
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!!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Feeding Time Rituals
I'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.
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.
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!!
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.
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!!
Reflections and Introspections
I'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.
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.
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!!
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!!
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.
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Offerings!!
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Impulsion 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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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!!
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