I tacked Ransom up in hunt seat. In flat work warmup, I quickly realized I hadn't seen that saddle under me in quite a while.
It's slippery leather
It squeaks a lot
The seat is really shallow
Legs are super shorter
And it automatically perches ya forward if you're not concentrating
=) Fun!
After I got my hunt-sea legs back, R and I set up some trot poles on the circle. Ransom fumbled through them a time or four before realizing they weren't going to give, weren't going to move, and he needed to pay attention to his hooves. We hopped over the pole set a dozen times each way, at least. By the end, Ransom was not tapping them with toes, and I was giggling through them. He actually tried a few times to trot two, and canter OVER the last two at once. Anything to jump, I swear.. =)
Total work, about 45 minutes. When I was untacking, and brushing out the sweaty fuzz, I saw red paint marks on his toes. Okay Ransom, if you wanted your toes painted red, you coulda asked. No need to rub it on yourself off the poles!
Showing posts with label GroundPole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GroundPole. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
08/28/10 Ransom
Ransom and I packed it up hunter and headed to the arena. I had trot poles set up, the crossrail assembled, and all my things in order.
He warmed up nicely with just the lunge line. No side reins, since Thursday was so absolutely amazing, I saw no need to force it a second time.
I hopped aboard, and we played together for about 40 minutes. All the gaits, and some of the trot poles. They were elevated with the rail razors. Ransom was none impressed, and on the first go, knocked one side down, then the next go, another. I considered dismounting to fix them, but called myself "lazy turd", and left them fallen. He needed to realize that by knocking them down, he wasn't getting out of work. Instead, he had to work a little harder to navigate through them cleanly.
I wasn't disappointed. After three railrazors were relocated, he realized the game wasn't going to satisfy, and I had about four or five clean go's through. You can be sneaky, big pony, but you will not succeed. mwahahahahaha
Cooler weather be blessed - the lighter humidity brings out a much nicer horse, and a much easier set of rides.
He warmed up nicely with just the lunge line. No side reins, since Thursday was so absolutely amazing, I saw no need to force it a second time.
I hopped aboard, and we played together for about 40 minutes. All the gaits, and some of the trot poles. They were elevated with the rail razors. Ransom was none impressed, and on the first go, knocked one side down, then the next go, another. I considered dismounting to fix them, but called myself "lazy turd", and left them fallen. He needed to realize that by knocking them down, he wasn't getting out of work. Instead, he had to work a little harder to navigate through them cleanly.
I wasn't disappointed. After three railrazors were relocated, he realized the game wasn't going to satisfy, and I had about four or five clean go's through. You can be sneaky, big pony, but you will not succeed. mwahahahahaha
Cooler weather be blessed - the lighter humidity brings out a much nicer horse, and a much easier set of rides.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
7/20/10 Ransom Bareback over Poles
It was hot, I wasn't feeling so hot, and while I wanted to ride, I didn't want to "work". I grabbed Ransom, stuck the bareback pad on him, used the loose ring twisted wire bit, and stuck my helmet on. Off to the arena we go.
I warmed him up on a long, loose rein. Ransom quickly realized the best break he could get was to stay long & low. If he stayed soft, forward, but loose, he could remain at a sweeping walk. When he raised his head, and strung his back out, I added rein contact.
With a ten minute warmup complete, I picked up trot. His trot felt nice, collected, and forward! No ittie bittie steppie here! "Ah, what the heck?! He's been great today, it's still pretty warm out. I better get to business quick, so we can get done in short order."
I trotted over the one ground pole on the dressage-circle, and then approached for the line of pre-set "halfacavaletti" trot poles. Bounce Bounce Bounce Bounce. Good boy! Ransom didn't change stride over the poles. I felt myself squeeze my knees into his ribs, looking for a way to "hang on" over the poles. We repeated this four times heading trot-left, until I was able to stay relaxed over the poles & maintain the rein-release. Changed direction, and rode them trot-right in a similar manner.
I gave Ransom a ride-break, moved the pole out of the way of the circle, and rode canter both directions. The canter felt sweet, easy in and easy out transitions. Very relaxing to focus on loose seat & hips, and heels-down. Ransom seemed to appreciate the less-than-perfect collection request.
If I hadn't been alone, and had gotten a teensie bit of motivation, I might have set up a crossrail, and rode over it. I was feeling particularly silly & brave last night. Maybe for the best I didn't carry out that courage.
Total ride - another 45 minutes. Happy to be aboard my horse, focusing a little less on him, and a little more on me. :)
I warmed him up on a long, loose rein. Ransom quickly realized the best break he could get was to stay long & low. If he stayed soft, forward, but loose, he could remain at a sweeping walk. When he raised his head, and strung his back out, I added rein contact.
With a ten minute warmup complete, I picked up trot. His trot felt nice, collected, and forward! No ittie bittie steppie here! "Ah, what the heck?! He's been great today, it's still pretty warm out. I better get to business quick, so we can get done in short order."
I trotted over the one ground pole on the dressage-circle, and then approached for the line of pre-set "halfacavaletti" trot poles. Bounce Bounce Bounce Bounce. Good boy! Ransom didn't change stride over the poles. I felt myself squeeze my knees into his ribs, looking for a way to "hang on" over the poles. We repeated this four times heading trot-left, until I was able to stay relaxed over the poles & maintain the rein-release. Changed direction, and rode them trot-right in a similar manner.
I gave Ransom a ride-break, moved the pole out of the way of the circle, and rode canter both directions. The canter felt sweet, easy in and easy out transitions. Very relaxing to focus on loose seat & hips, and heels-down. Ransom seemed to appreciate the less-than-perfect collection request.
If I hadn't been alone, and had gotten a teensie bit of motivation, I might have set up a crossrail, and rode over it. I was feeling particularly silly & brave last night. Maybe for the best I didn't carry out that courage.
Total ride - another 45 minutes. Happy to be aboard my horse, focusing a little less on him, and a little more on me. :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7/19/10 Romeo Routine
Gathered up Mo, stuck Ransom in the paddock with my apologies. Last time I left Ransom out to play while Mo worked in the arena, Ransom found a way in the arena anyways "to help".
Romeo, in all his western gear, and I warmed up at a walk on loose rein. Romeo reacquainted himself with the arena, the pond, and the tall grass around it. One good walk lap around with a little "lookies", and he settled nicely.
I worked him at all three gaits to warmup, with big sweeping canter circles. His trot was very irregular, but since he's badly out of shape, I couldn't do much to argue about it. There were deer and a fawn wandering in the pasture just outside the arena, but everyone seemed comfortable with the company. Ransom eventually stopped pacing the paddock gate, which was appreciated.
Nicely after our warmup, we were ready to get to business. Settled into a loose rein, I did a boatload of transitions walk/halt and trot/walk. Some were pretty, some were ugly. I trotted him over the trot poles a few times, and in plenty of circles, diagonals, and direction changes. Most of this work was done on a loose rein neck reining, while some of it was on direct rein for gentler transitions. To give him a walk break, and get his mind off "go go go", I did some turns on forehand, turns on haunches, and a couple light rollbacks to trot. All went well, in fact, better than I expected. A benefit of the hours bareback in the side yard reinforcing the little things like those turns.
Finally, I finished up the work with short canter sets. Staying on the big "dressage circle", we rode the canter for no more than 9 strides, before trotting a little while, and right back into the canter. I'm trying to build up his toosh, and improve that canter transition. I got nice canter sets in each direction once he got the idea what game we were playing.
With that accomplished, I let him walk out on a loose rein. We were both sweaty, hot, and generally miserable. It was a warm evening, and I certainly didn't want to overdo it. Total work 45 minutes.
Romeo, in all his western gear, and I warmed up at a walk on loose rein. Romeo reacquainted himself with the arena, the pond, and the tall grass around it. One good walk lap around with a little "lookies", and he settled nicely.
I worked him at all three gaits to warmup, with big sweeping canter circles. His trot was very irregular, but since he's badly out of shape, I couldn't do much to argue about it. There were deer and a fawn wandering in the pasture just outside the arena, but everyone seemed comfortable with the company. Ransom eventually stopped pacing the paddock gate, which was appreciated.
Nicely after our warmup, we were ready to get to business. Settled into a loose rein, I did a boatload of transitions walk/halt and trot/walk. Some were pretty, some were ugly. I trotted him over the trot poles a few times, and in plenty of circles, diagonals, and direction changes. Most of this work was done on a loose rein neck reining, while some of it was on direct rein for gentler transitions. To give him a walk break, and get his mind off "go go go", I did some turns on forehand, turns on haunches, and a couple light rollbacks to trot. All went well, in fact, better than I expected. A benefit of the hours bareback in the side yard reinforcing the little things like those turns.
Finally, I finished up the work with short canter sets. Staying on the big "dressage circle", we rode the canter for no more than 9 strides, before trotting a little while, and right back into the canter. I'm trying to build up his toosh, and improve that canter transition. I got nice canter sets in each direction once he got the idea what game we were playing.
With that accomplished, I let him walk out on a loose rein. We were both sweaty, hot, and generally miserable. It was a warm evening, and I certainly didn't want to overdo it. Total work 45 minutes.
Monday, July 19, 2010
7/18/10 Ransom Gallop & Pole Day
Ransom and I wandered towards the arena, thankful for the overcast skies, and slightly cooler air. The temperatures had dropped about ten degrees - not a lot, but it certainly made a more difficult ride a bit more feasible.
As we approached the arena, his ears and head perked. What's that we see?! Are those poles on the ground? Do I see cavaletti rail razors, Mom? Really?!?!?
I tried letting him lunge on the line just a little, but between all the poles in the arena, the cooler weather, and the cows waaaay off in the distance, I couldn't easily contain all of his energy. So I turned him loose. Whee ha! Ransom ran like a 7yr old, for a solid ten minutes at gallop & canter. He bucked, reared, kicked out, farted, and ran out like a silly colt. It was beyond entertaining. Sweet old guy still has plenty of pizazz left in him.
Finally wore out, he walked right by me, then to the arena gate & halted. Realizing the silly was over, he knew it was time to work. I got my lunge line gathered up, moved some canter poles to trot poles on the 20m circle, and got in the saddle.
I walked him over the circle poles a few times, then picked up a trot. How my balance point missed my HDR event saddle. ahh.. the relief of reaching up and still feeling centered over my horse. Ransom picked up some speed, lifted his head, and pranced happily over the circle trot poles. We completed this a few times each way, with some walk breaks. It was beyond cute as I realized that's why he was so wound up as we entered the arena - he was happy to see anything in the arena other than dirt & grass.
I had some poles elevated on the rail razors every other side, four poles, set up for trot down the rail. I approached those the first time hesitant, not sure if he'd choose his hooves carefully. Ransom hesitated, and very delicately picked through, not a hoof misstep. *snicker* He knocked on rail razor end over one time but otherwise, each way, absolutely fantastic.
I then went back to the circle, and had one pole on the ground at canter. We were at least going to ride canter on the flat heading left. Well, one circle canter left away from the pole, and Ransom was super soft. So I approached the pole, and whoopieweeha over it once. The second time, he broke to trot just before, and the third, he delicately put it in between front hooves in the canter.
I realized that'd been nearly 45 minutes total, and, given the still warm weather, and his galloping mayhem in the warmup, it was time to call it a day. What a fun time we had! Can't wait to do it again.. :)
As we approached the arena, his ears and head perked. What's that we see?! Are those poles on the ground? Do I see cavaletti rail razors, Mom? Really?!?!?
I tried letting him lunge on the line just a little, but between all the poles in the arena, the cooler weather, and the cows waaaay off in the distance, I couldn't easily contain all of his energy. So I turned him loose. Whee ha! Ransom ran like a 7yr old, for a solid ten minutes at gallop & canter. He bucked, reared, kicked out, farted, and ran out like a silly colt. It was beyond entertaining. Sweet old guy still has plenty of pizazz left in him.
Finally wore out, he walked right by me, then to the arena gate & halted. Realizing the silly was over, he knew it was time to work. I got my lunge line gathered up, moved some canter poles to trot poles on the 20m circle, and got in the saddle.
I walked him over the circle poles a few times, then picked up a trot. How my balance point missed my HDR event saddle. ahh.. the relief of reaching up and still feeling centered over my horse. Ransom picked up some speed, lifted his head, and pranced happily over the circle trot poles. We completed this a few times each way, with some walk breaks. It was beyond cute as I realized that's why he was so wound up as we entered the arena - he was happy to see anything in the arena other than dirt & grass.
I had some poles elevated on the rail razors every other side, four poles, set up for trot down the rail. I approached those the first time hesitant, not sure if he'd choose his hooves carefully. Ransom hesitated, and very delicately picked through, not a hoof misstep. *snicker* He knocked on rail razor end over one time but otherwise, each way, absolutely fantastic.
I then went back to the circle, and had one pole on the ground at canter. We were at least going to ride canter on the flat heading left. Well, one circle canter left away from the pole, and Ransom was super soft. So I approached the pole, and whoopieweeha over it once. The second time, he broke to trot just before, and the third, he delicately put it in between front hooves in the canter.
I realized that'd been nearly 45 minutes total, and, given the still warm weather, and his galloping mayhem in the warmup, it was time to call it a day. What a fun time we had! Can't wait to do it again.. :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
BRM Lesson 4/9/10 Stick Up my Butt
I arrived fresh and early. It was a quiet trip up, without too much traffic. The last little bit crossing under the interstate gets a little hairy, but otherwise, a minor event getting there. I was invited to settle Ransom down in a stall, get changed, and relax a while. There were a few other lessons going on, so I watched a bit.
I got to watch two greenies go dressage. Nifty fun! Makes me thankful I'm not schooling a green horse.
It was my turn. Ransom was quiet & relaxed tacking up, so I skipped the lunging step. Last time I rode at BRM, I didn't lunge, and he looked really relaxed and I figured I'd take advantage.
I gave him a few laps at walk, then Barbara asked for trot. That went well, and she praised us for looking nice. She asked for a little flat canter, and that was pretty as well. Go Ransom! He was awesome!
Then she asked us to trot through some poles. There were three trot poles, maybe 4 canter strides away there were another two. I can laugh now, but it sure wasn't funny then. Ransom trotted three, trotted to the second two, then jumped both in one stride landing in canter. Oh good grief! Heading the other way, Barb suggested I let my eyes soften towards the ground out ahead of the poles, and Ransom broke to a walk. *giggle* "Girl, you're gonna have to let him go a little more than that in front of them." We did this again and again heading both ways, when Barb must have seen something that got her attention.
She had me go back to the open end of the arena, and asked "Did the HM people work on release? You're really letting go over the poles, but your core is all over the place. No wonder you feel like he's racing and you're losing your balance. Give me a trot in two point." I did, well, I tried.
"Open up your chest. Yeah, that's not enough, more, more. I'll fix you. Stick your arms out to your sides." I almost fell flat on Ransom's neck. Barbara laughed, "That's one way to get you to quit leaning on your hands on his neck. That's why he's getting faster - you're pushing him with your hands resting them there. It's knuckles in the back of his neck - think about it. It hurts, and he's trying to get away from it." So we did LOTS of trot two point to find balance without resting my hands on his neck.
She described it like this..
You need to almost arch your back - something I don't tell hardly any other female students. Most girls arch their back, but you're slouchy. It's something you can get away with in dressage, because you're riding with mostly seat & leg, but in hunters, you're going to have to straighten that back out, and ride without your hands resting on him. Hours and Hours of trot & canter at home with your hands out like an airplane - no reins. She suggested "ride like you've got a stick shoved up your butt, still, and flat. There! Now, don't move your position." It lasted about three trot strides before I lost it again ...
She also had me trot two point without stirrups. Again, I almost went splat. I could barely lift myself out of the saddle. "That's your two point, no higher." She had another student demonstrate how to move in the jump. The girl did NOT really move, at all. Her hands moved a little teensie bit. The rest of her, didn't. The horse came to her, she really didn't move up to him. It was fantastic.. I could've kept watching (and later wished I'd paid closer attention).
Back to my lesson. We also rode at trot two point over one ground pole. Later, we picked up canter, and I worked so hard to keep the back arched & shoulders opened up, hands up off his neck. Cantered over the pole a few times.
My bad balance made his canter feel HUGE. In fact, I felt a little "Whoa goofy pony" scared a couple times. Barb laughed, and made me push him farther into a bigger and bigger canter. As Ransom rolled on, she kept smooching to him, and he kept going bigger. I was struggling to relax, and she finally said to me, "You need to ENJOY your HORSE! Let him run once in a while until you get used to it. Next time I go fox hunting, I'm taking you with me! Second field & all, but you need to go! You need to trust him & let him go!" (At the phrase fox-hunting, I laughed, but truly I wanted to puke!)
I got So much accomplished, but have So much to work on. I need hours and hours and hours either on the end of a lunge line, or in the newly enlarged arena once it's enclosed again.
I've been challenged by Barbara to sit up straight shoulders back at my office desk chair, in the truck, and the dinner table. She also suggested standing up against a flat wall every day & not to leave it until my shoulders are against the wall, and then walk away without moving my back & shoulders. So I'm trying..
I got to watch two greenies go dressage. Nifty fun! Makes me thankful I'm not schooling a green horse.
It was my turn. Ransom was quiet & relaxed tacking up, so I skipped the lunging step. Last time I rode at BRM, I didn't lunge, and he looked really relaxed and I figured I'd take advantage.
I gave him a few laps at walk, then Barbara asked for trot. That went well, and she praised us for looking nice. She asked for a little flat canter, and that was pretty as well. Go Ransom! He was awesome!
Then she asked us to trot through some poles. There were three trot poles, maybe 4 canter strides away there were another two. I can laugh now, but it sure wasn't funny then. Ransom trotted three, trotted to the second two, then jumped both in one stride landing in canter. Oh good grief! Heading the other way, Barb suggested I let my eyes soften towards the ground out ahead of the poles, and Ransom broke to a walk. *giggle* "Girl, you're gonna have to let him go a little more than that in front of them." We did this again and again heading both ways, when Barb must have seen something that got her attention.
She had me go back to the open end of the arena, and asked "Did the HM people work on release? You're really letting go over the poles, but your core is all over the place. No wonder you feel like he's racing and you're losing your balance. Give me a trot in two point." I did, well, I tried.
"Open up your chest. Yeah, that's not enough, more, more. I'll fix you. Stick your arms out to your sides." I almost fell flat on Ransom's neck. Barbara laughed, "That's one way to get you to quit leaning on your hands on his neck. That's why he's getting faster - you're pushing him with your hands resting them there. It's knuckles in the back of his neck - think about it. It hurts, and he's trying to get away from it." So we did LOTS of trot two point to find balance without resting my hands on his neck.
She described it like this..
You need to almost arch your back - something I don't tell hardly any other female students. Most girls arch their back, but you're slouchy. It's something you can get away with in dressage, because you're riding with mostly seat & leg, but in hunters, you're going to have to straighten that back out, and ride without your hands resting on him. Hours and Hours of trot & canter at home with your hands out like an airplane - no reins. She suggested "ride like you've got a stick shoved up your butt, still, and flat. There! Now, don't move your position." It lasted about three trot strides before I lost it again ...
She also had me trot two point without stirrups. Again, I almost went splat. I could barely lift myself out of the saddle. "That's your two point, no higher." She had another student demonstrate how to move in the jump. The girl did NOT really move, at all. Her hands moved a little teensie bit. The rest of her, didn't. The horse came to her, she really didn't move up to him. It was fantastic.. I could've kept watching (and later wished I'd paid closer attention).
Back to my lesson. We also rode at trot two point over one ground pole. Later, we picked up canter, and I worked so hard to keep the back arched & shoulders opened up, hands up off his neck. Cantered over the pole a few times.
My bad balance made his canter feel HUGE. In fact, I felt a little "Whoa goofy pony" scared a couple times. Barb laughed, and made me push him farther into a bigger and bigger canter. As Ransom rolled on, she kept smooching to him, and he kept going bigger. I was struggling to relax, and she finally said to me, "You need to ENJOY your HORSE! Let him run once in a while until you get used to it. Next time I go fox hunting, I'm taking you with me! Second field & all, but you need to go! You need to trust him & let him go!" (At the phrase fox-hunting, I laughed, but truly I wanted to puke!)
I got So much accomplished, but have So much to work on. I need hours and hours and hours either on the end of a lunge line, or in the newly enlarged arena once it's enclosed again.
I've been challenged by Barbara to sit up straight shoulders back at my office desk chair, in the truck, and the dinner table. She also suggested standing up against a flat wall every day & not to leave it until my shoulders are against the wall, and then walk away without moving my back & shoulders. So I'm trying..
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
3/9/10 Catch Up & Basic Ride Refocus
I can't even remember which day this weekend I did it, but I had another jitterbug ride on Ransom. He was raceychasey over the poles, so I didn't even consider a crossrail. If I can remember correctly, I felt my body tense, his respond, and it spiraled down from there.
Monday, I figured on a really nice, quiet, calm dressage saddle walk down the road. The weather was misty sorta rain, but not cold. Windy, but still managable. I figured he'd be quiet & easy. Just as soon as I hopped on, he started doing this little jiggy-walk around the side yard. So back to the arena we went. The walk settled, but his back still felt really tense. I hopped down, free lunged a little, then rode all three gaits until he settled down on contact. None of the ride was pretty. I was fighting off a sore throat and a little fever. I also settled on a less than perfect ride, and kept it short.
Tuesday.. it was On! I've looked over some old blog entries, pondered it a bit, and concluded that, in this moderate weather, Ransom doesn't do well on every other day rides. He's at a good weight, eating well, and it's showing in his energy level. I decided to take the lunge whip out to the arena, set him up hunter, and force a long ride.
In his free warmup, he tried to be lazy, but my lunge whip convinced him otherwise. That took about ten minutes. Then, I hopped on. We spent another 10 minutes at trot changing direction, serpentines, 10m circles, 20m circles, even a few 5m circles. I didn't stay in any one direction for too long. I gave him a 5min walk break, grabbed a drink myself, and hopped back on. Then we did another 10min of canter work. I rode canter both directions about 5min each, in sitting canter & two point. I tried a few direction changes, which led to some counter canter, and some bad flying change attempts. I really need to learn how to ask for those, because Ransom snortled once, dropped to trot for about two strides, then hopped into the new lead. I think he was telling me, "Listen... You're asking ALL wrong, but I know what you want, because I see which way we're turning, so let me help you out just a piece."
Cooled down with a little more walk, focusing on stretching down into the bit. I hopped off one last time, and pulled away two of the four canter poles. Mounted up again, and rode trot poles six times each direction (not one after the other, I stuffed in trot direction changes, trot diagonals, circles, and a little canter-from). Then I rode the canter poles three times each way, no direction changes, no circles away from. Here's how - canter to, canter over, away, make the circle, back to, over, away, repeat. Three "overs", and then one circle at canter on the rail beside the poles. Drop to a walk slowly, reverse, repeat. Started out going left, and he was really nice. Heading right, he was kinda taking off away, ears peaked forward, almost asking, "What's next, Mom?"
Walked it out a bit to catch his breath, and then cooled and stretched out with long & low trot for 5, and long & low canter for 5 more. Walked and walked some more.
Total ride, including his free warmup, one hour, 15minutes. I purposely made it long, and kept eyes on my watch for each "set". I paid very close attention to his breathing rate recovery at the walk breaks. Did he catch it quick? Or was he labored for a long time? I discovered, Ransom recovers MUCH faster than he used to. Used to be, a 15 minute set at trot working hard, he'd huff & puff for ten minutes of walk. Last night, it only took one or two walk laps for a few minutes total before he was recovered to normal.
I hosed him down after to get the sweat out. His pads were sweaty, the girth was sweaty, and he had sweat in all the good working spots. There was plenty of yawning at the end of the ride. I imagine he's plenty sore today, as am I. He'll have tonight off, then it's back to action Thursday. I'm going to focus on two to three day worksets for him for a while, see if that doesn't help me make a little more progress. I'm also going to increase the work length as the days lengthen. I'm done with the 20minute, 30minute "routine weeknight rides" that barely stretch us both out or warm us up before quitting.
There's too many new exercises I can do, and too many new things to learn to just "goof off" every ride. I'm ready to work, and learn, and get it done!
Monday, I figured on a really nice, quiet, calm dressage saddle walk down the road. The weather was misty sorta rain, but not cold. Windy, but still managable. I figured he'd be quiet & easy. Just as soon as I hopped on, he started doing this little jiggy-walk around the side yard. So back to the arena we went. The walk settled, but his back still felt really tense. I hopped down, free lunged a little, then rode all three gaits until he settled down on contact. None of the ride was pretty. I was fighting off a sore throat and a little fever. I also settled on a less than perfect ride, and kept it short.
Tuesday.. it was On! I've looked over some old blog entries, pondered it a bit, and concluded that, in this moderate weather, Ransom doesn't do well on every other day rides. He's at a good weight, eating well, and it's showing in his energy level. I decided to take the lunge whip out to the arena, set him up hunter, and force a long ride.
In his free warmup, he tried to be lazy, but my lunge whip convinced him otherwise. That took about ten minutes. Then, I hopped on. We spent another 10 minutes at trot changing direction, serpentines, 10m circles, 20m circles, even a few 5m circles. I didn't stay in any one direction for too long. I gave him a 5min walk break, grabbed a drink myself, and hopped back on. Then we did another 10min of canter work. I rode canter both directions about 5min each, in sitting canter & two point. I tried a few direction changes, which led to some counter canter, and some bad flying change attempts. I really need to learn how to ask for those, because Ransom snortled once, dropped to trot for about two strides, then hopped into the new lead. I think he was telling me, "Listen... You're asking ALL wrong, but I know what you want, because I see which way we're turning, so let me help you out just a piece."
Cooled down with a little more walk, focusing on stretching down into the bit. I hopped off one last time, and pulled away two of the four canter poles. Mounted up again, and rode trot poles six times each direction (not one after the other, I stuffed in trot direction changes, trot diagonals, circles, and a little canter-from). Then I rode the canter poles three times each way, no direction changes, no circles away from. Here's how - canter to, canter over, away, make the circle, back to, over, away, repeat. Three "overs", and then one circle at canter on the rail beside the poles. Drop to a walk slowly, reverse, repeat. Started out going left, and he was really nice. Heading right, he was kinda taking off away, ears peaked forward, almost asking, "What's next, Mom?"
Walked it out a bit to catch his breath, and then cooled and stretched out with long & low trot for 5, and long & low canter for 5 more. Walked and walked some more.
Total ride, including his free warmup, one hour, 15minutes. I purposely made it long, and kept eyes on my watch for each "set". I paid very close attention to his breathing rate recovery at the walk breaks. Did he catch it quick? Or was he labored for a long time? I discovered, Ransom recovers MUCH faster than he used to. Used to be, a 15 minute set at trot working hard, he'd huff & puff for ten minutes of walk. Last night, it only took one or two walk laps for a few minutes total before he was recovered to normal.
I hosed him down after to get the sweat out. His pads were sweaty, the girth was sweaty, and he had sweat in all the good working spots. There was plenty of yawning at the end of the ride. I imagine he's plenty sore today, as am I. He'll have tonight off, then it's back to action Thursday. I'm going to focus on two to three day worksets for him for a while, see if that doesn't help me make a little more progress. I'm also going to increase the work length as the days lengthen. I'm done with the 20minute, 30minute "routine weeknight rides" that barely stretch us both out or warm us up before quitting.
There's too many new exercises I can do, and too many new things to learn to just "goof off" every ride. I'm ready to work, and learn, and get it done!
Friday, March 5, 2010
3/4/10 Ransom Rushing
Ransom and I worked Thursday night over poles. It was just this side of a disaster. He was tense & rushing, which made me tense up & grip the reins, which made him rush more.
We did some canter poles and some trot poles. Eventually I got both of us relaxed on the flat, and bounced through the trot poles. But honestly, the entire ride, I felt off balance, and felt like both of us had our minds on other things. And there's really no good reason for it.
The weather was good. He was in a bright mood. I'd had a pretty good week at work, and was looking forward to my long 3-day weekend off. But the ride just felt, eh.. yuck.
Total of about 40 minutes including his warmup, before I gave up & settled for "almost what I wanted."
We did some canter poles and some trot poles. Eventually I got both of us relaxed on the flat, and bounced through the trot poles. But honestly, the entire ride, I felt off balance, and felt like both of us had our minds on other things. And there's really no good reason for it.
The weather was good. He was in a bright mood. I'd had a pretty good week at work, and was looking forward to my long 3-day weekend off. But the ride just felt, eh.. yuck.
Total of about 40 minutes including his warmup, before I gave up & settled for "almost what I wanted."
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
3/2/10 Life's Rough. Wear a Helmet
Today's subject title is brought to us by Ryan, my Schwan delivery guy. Ryan is a cheerful fellow, whom I believe is completely mesmorized by my riding style & my horses. I was walking back to his truck from the barn, and I muttered to Allie and MacKenzie, "Hey girls! I know you're hungry. Mommie knows! I am getting to ya in just another minute or two. Oh I know. Life's Rough." Ryan said to me, "Yeah, someone told me that once - Life's Rough. Wear a Helmet." I responded, "Cool! I've got one in the trailer, and one in the house. I'm all set!"
I gathered up Ransom in all his dressage glory, and, against his better judgement, took him to the arena. He was none too happy about it, and responded in tail-dragging lethargy. After only a few minutes of free lunge, he walked straight up to me, dropped his head, big sigh, licking & chewing. "Okay sweetheart. You've made your point. I'll get on now."
Overall, he did a good job. We had a nice ride. I tried the canter poles with minimal success, I believe due to his lack of energy forward, and my long leg. Longer leg means less pressure in two point, means less forward. I probably won't take another swing at the canter poles in my dressage saddle. I did trot through them, and they're a bit bigger than every other stride, and he still managed it. They were irregular trot steps, but we floated through them anyways. He adjusts mid-thought sometimes, and it's pretty neat to be aboard for that.
We rode lots and LOTS of diagonal lines at trot, in my attempt to get him moving and collected. The long diagonal was just about enough room to get his mind on the job, and after a half dozen or so of these, we got in a nice dressage rhythm.
He's still got it in him. Takes a little more effort now that he's tasting his jump life again. I might start carrying my dressage whip again to encourage forward... *laugh* Did you just read that? I want my horse forward. I want my horse moving good underneath me. Who saw that coming? I sure didn't... =)
I gathered up Ransom in all his dressage glory, and, against his better judgement, took him to the arena. He was none too happy about it, and responded in tail-dragging lethargy. After only a few minutes of free lunge, he walked straight up to me, dropped his head, big sigh, licking & chewing. "Okay sweetheart. You've made your point. I'll get on now."
Overall, he did a good job. We had a nice ride. I tried the canter poles with minimal success, I believe due to his lack of energy forward, and my long leg. Longer leg means less pressure in two point, means less forward. I probably won't take another swing at the canter poles in my dressage saddle. I did trot through them, and they're a bit bigger than every other stride, and he still managed it. They were irregular trot steps, but we floated through them anyways. He adjusts mid-thought sometimes, and it's pretty neat to be aboard for that.
We rode lots and LOTS of diagonal lines at trot, in my attempt to get him moving and collected. The long diagonal was just about enough room to get his mind on the job, and after a half dozen or so of these, we got in a nice dressage rhythm.
He's still got it in him. Takes a little more effort now that he's tasting his jump life again. I might start carrying my dressage whip again to encourage forward... *laugh* Did you just read that? I want my horse forward. I want my horse moving good underneath me. Who saw that coming? I sure didn't... =)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
2/27/10 Controlled Leaping
R came over after work to give me an excuse to jump. YahOoo! Much easier to do this airborne stuff with a babysitter...
We warmed up on the flat for about 15 minutes, 20 if you include the free lunge. Ransom was super light & easy-going, so the flat work was even enjoyable. Got our walk, trot, and canter in, almost entirely in two point. I sat a little of the work, but figured that'd be a nice cool down exercise.
Got the trot poles set up, four on each side, and hopped through those a few times. I think I got four to six sets done, one after the other, without a skipped set or a circle, each direction. He was super light, super steady, and responding very nice to the half halts.
Set up one X, and got down to business. I wasn't losing stirrups or losing balance, and R said shoulders were getting better. He thought my heels weren't staying down, so he stood At the X, and a bit before each time, called out "heels down." I definitely felt the difference with my heels way down, concentrating on them. Following one X leap, I left Ransom in his canter, and cantered an entire arena lap, so he doesn't get in a habit "each fence, land canter, break to trot, repeat." One fence near the end, R commented shoulders were pretty good, heels were pretty good. I hopped one or two more before calling it quits.
Total ride, about 45 minutes. I could have jumped for another hour, we were having so much fun. With the lesson Sunday, I had to leave "gas in the tank".
We warmed up on the flat for about 15 minutes, 20 if you include the free lunge. Ransom was super light & easy-going, so the flat work was even enjoyable. Got our walk, trot, and canter in, almost entirely in two point. I sat a little of the work, but figured that'd be a nice cool down exercise.
Got the trot poles set up, four on each side, and hopped through those a few times. I think I got four to six sets done, one after the other, without a skipped set or a circle, each direction. He was super light, super steady, and responding very nice to the half halts.
Set up one X, and got down to business. I wasn't losing stirrups or losing balance, and R said shoulders were getting better. He thought my heels weren't staying down, so he stood At the X, and a bit before each time, called out "heels down." I definitely felt the difference with my heels way down, concentrating on them. Following one X leap, I left Ransom in his canter, and cantered an entire arena lap, so he doesn't get in a habit "each fence, land canter, break to trot, repeat." One fence near the end, R commented shoulders were pretty good, heels were pretty good. I hopped one or two more before calling it quits.
Total ride, about 45 minutes. I could have jumped for another hour, we were having so much fun. With the lesson Sunday, I had to leave "gas in the tank".
Monday, March 1, 2010
2/26 Ransom Tests My Balance
It's a "you know it had to happen" update. =) And, no, he hasn't unseated me.. yet..
R was busy working late, so after a little Romeo western in the pasture (which I'll bury in here sometime this week), I gathered Ransom and his hunter parts. I added side reins, and a lunge line to our tote package, and headed to the arena.
With poles & a crossrail set up towards the front, I set him on the line in the back of the arena. He trotted & cantered on the line all well & pretty. Since he was leaning and heavy Thursday, I lunged him a while on side reins. At first, as expected, he had his head up, trying to avoid work. Then he tried to be lazy strided, and amble along skipping forward movement. After about fifteen minutes' work, I had him back light on the bit, moving along forward on the line. Nice!
Following the lunge work, I set the X down to four trot poles, so I wouldn't be tempted to fly solo. Ransom and I worked on canter at two point, and I felt him stretch out in his stride as I opened up my shoulders. His canter certainly gets bigger & more forward up in two point, and it feels good. It's nice & smooth sunk down in my heels.
We trotted the poles in tandem and after some direction changes, skipping one set every now & then. On one of our last double-sets, he absolutely tripped, and wiped out just before the poles. I'd say two trot strides out, he was two foot closer to the dirt in front. Splat! I held myself up, caught him, and pushed him through the poles. He fumbled through them. Glad that was over, my heart started racing. I kept him in trot, and for a split second, thought, "I'm gonna skip the other four, and come back to this line again."
And then, in another second, I realized, "That teaches him splat good, and lets my chicken-sh!t fear win! I can't get in the habit of quitting skeered. I'm going to keep going." I made a long deep turn in the corner, and headed right to the next trot line.
Hop Hop Hop Hop. Ransom trotted over the second four like they were almost not even there, no stumble, no trip, no ugly head, no pulling, tugging, or chasing. We circled at trot after the line, and relaxed to a walk.
He seemed satisfied with himself. I was certainly happy I didn't let the chicken monster eat my courage, and I forced myself to keep the plan. We worked on some more canter at two point before quieting down to a walk, and a nice cool down.
Total ride, about an hour.
R was busy working late, so after a little Romeo western in the pasture (which I'll bury in here sometime this week), I gathered Ransom and his hunter parts. I added side reins, and a lunge line to our tote package, and headed to the arena.
With poles & a crossrail set up towards the front, I set him on the line in the back of the arena. He trotted & cantered on the line all well & pretty. Since he was leaning and heavy Thursday, I lunged him a while on side reins. At first, as expected, he had his head up, trying to avoid work. Then he tried to be lazy strided, and amble along skipping forward movement. After about fifteen minutes' work, I had him back light on the bit, moving along forward on the line. Nice!
Following the lunge work, I set the X down to four trot poles, so I wouldn't be tempted to fly solo. Ransom and I worked on canter at two point, and I felt him stretch out in his stride as I opened up my shoulders. His canter certainly gets bigger & more forward up in two point, and it feels good. It's nice & smooth sunk down in my heels.
We trotted the poles in tandem and after some direction changes, skipping one set every now & then. On one of our last double-sets, he absolutely tripped, and wiped out just before the poles. I'd say two trot strides out, he was two foot closer to the dirt in front. Splat! I held myself up, caught him, and pushed him through the poles. He fumbled through them. Glad that was over, my heart started racing. I kept him in trot, and for a split second, thought, "I'm gonna skip the other four, and come back to this line again."
And then, in another second, I realized, "That teaches him splat good, and lets my chicken-sh!t fear win! I can't get in the habit of quitting skeered. I'm going to keep going." I made a long deep turn in the corner, and headed right to the next trot line.
Hop Hop Hop Hop. Ransom trotted over the second four like they were almost not even there, no stumble, no trip, no ugly head, no pulling, tugging, or chasing. We circled at trot after the line, and relaxed to a walk.
He seemed satisfied with himself. I was certainly happy I didn't let the chicken monster eat my courage, and I forced myself to keep the plan. We worked on some more canter at two point before quieting down to a walk, and a nice cool down.
Total ride, about an hour.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2/22/2010 We Fly!
When I got 3/4 of the way to the house, R called. He offered to come over and Babysit some jumping efforts. In fact, I changed my ride plan as soon as he suggested it. I'm not comfortable jumping alone, and I don't really like doing it. It's too far down.
Ran outside, grabbed Ransom. Got all four legs polo'd, saddled, and headed to the arena. Free lunge warmup took about 5 minutes. Required much motivation, so I kept it at trot, knowing I needed "gas in the tank" for the jumps.
I hopped on, rode very little trot before moving on to canter in two point. I focused on getting that deep down breathing in the canter. Got good long strides in down the long sides. Both directions, nice & soft, mobiled into some circles. Actulaly had trot to canter trans in two point, which was new and easy. One time I squeezed him up to canter, I barely noticed a body change, and muttered to him, "I didn't think you'd ever let me do that! Awesome!"
Trotted through four trot ground poles both ways, three to four times each way. He was super light & steady. A little jittery after the poles, but easy enough to get back.
I hopped down to turn the trot poles into a second Xrail when R arrived. I got the X set up like I wanted, and hopped back on.
Rode a tiny bit more canter in two point so R could check my position, look for a rounded back or smooshed shoulders, and came back to trot. I rode the Xs individually. Each way, I just jumped the X heading towards the barn. They're closer to that end of the arena, so there's a little more speed limitation for Ransom if I lose a stirrup or get distracted.
I jumped the Low Xs probably five times each way, then jumped down again, and raised the right-heading X a hole. That made the middle about 20" up. R insisted Ransom's over jumping the lower X, and I'll hardly notice the difference. As we approached, I tensed up pretty bad, and tucked my toes down, and lost both stirrups on the landing. Both Ransom and I jumped, only he looked better than I did. My release is still good, I'm staying up in two point, but I need to focus on heels deep down.
Lowered the X to the lowest hole on the standards, and made it into a vertical. Same height, basically, about 21-22" to the top of the rail. Still heading right. Rode trot past it a good four or five times, afraid to jump it. Finally admitted in my head I sure won't have the courage to do it home alone, and it'll be days or more before I'll have a dry enough arena, and eyes to watch.
Up & over. Again, release was good, canter from was steady and soft, but I had toes down. Lost outside stirrup, inside went back to my heel. Dangit. Needs working on. I also have apparently stretched my stirrups in all this two point work, because the landing for me was less than pleasant. Um, yeah. OUCH. Won't be doing that again any time soon. Next time I jump I need to raise my stirrups again.
With that little crash landing that was in no way Ransom's fault, I walked him out. Total ride time, about an hour total. The canter in two point is gentle & easy, and the jumping is getting so much better.
Next courage point? Canter to the fence. I need to Just Do It! Who's gonna cheer me on? Can't ride a hunt eq class at trot, now can I? =)
Ran outside, grabbed Ransom. Got all four legs polo'd, saddled, and headed to the arena. Free lunge warmup took about 5 minutes. Required much motivation, so I kept it at trot, knowing I needed "gas in the tank" for the jumps.
I hopped on, rode very little trot before moving on to canter in two point. I focused on getting that deep down breathing in the canter. Got good long strides in down the long sides. Both directions, nice & soft, mobiled into some circles. Actulaly had trot to canter trans in two point, which was new and easy. One time I squeezed him up to canter, I barely noticed a body change, and muttered to him, "I didn't think you'd ever let me do that! Awesome!"
Trotted through four trot ground poles both ways, three to four times each way. He was super light & steady. A little jittery after the poles, but easy enough to get back.
I hopped down to turn the trot poles into a second Xrail when R arrived. I got the X set up like I wanted, and hopped back on.
Rode a tiny bit more canter in two point so R could check my position, look for a rounded back or smooshed shoulders, and came back to trot. I rode the Xs individually. Each way, I just jumped the X heading towards the barn. They're closer to that end of the arena, so there's a little more speed limitation for Ransom if I lose a stirrup or get distracted.
I jumped the Low Xs probably five times each way, then jumped down again, and raised the right-heading X a hole. That made the middle about 20" up. R insisted Ransom's over jumping the lower X, and I'll hardly notice the difference. As we approached, I tensed up pretty bad, and tucked my toes down, and lost both stirrups on the landing. Both Ransom and I jumped, only he looked better than I did. My release is still good, I'm staying up in two point, but I need to focus on heels deep down.
Lowered the X to the lowest hole on the standards, and made it into a vertical. Same height, basically, about 21-22" to the top of the rail. Still heading right. Rode trot past it a good four or five times, afraid to jump it. Finally admitted in my head I sure won't have the courage to do it home alone, and it'll be days or more before I'll have a dry enough arena, and eyes to watch.
Up & over. Again, release was good, canter from was steady and soft, but I had toes down. Lost outside stirrup, inside went back to my heel. Dangit. Needs working on. I also have apparently stretched my stirrups in all this two point work, because the landing for me was less than pleasant. Um, yeah. OUCH. Won't be doing that again any time soon. Next time I jump I need to raise my stirrups again.
With that little crash landing that was in no way Ransom's fault, I walked him out. Total ride time, about an hour total. The canter in two point is gentle & easy, and the jumping is getting so much better.
Next courage point? Canter to the fence. I need to Just Do It! Who's gonna cheer me on? Can't ride a hunt eq class at trot, now can I? =)
Monday, February 22, 2010
2/21 Set Them Up in Series
I warmed Ransom up with a nice steady two point trot. We settled into that "deep tummy breathing", and I laughed that, as I released the reins, he reached down deep looking for the contact. *giggle* If only he'd do that in the dressage seat.. ah.. we'll get there.
Then I got him up at a canter, and settled back into two point. It feels , um , faster. I don't feel like I'm losing control, I feel like he's really flying. I can feel that "hang time" when all four hooves are off the ground. I rested my knuckles on his neck, and felt sort of like a race jockey, with my arms flexing with his stride. It got easier the longer we went, but it's something that will need more work.
I had already set up trot poles down one long side, X on the other. I set ground rail on both sides of the X, so we could approach from either direction without me having to dismount & set it back up.
Ransom got the pattern pretty quick. I got good at landing the last trot pole, looking at the X, and he was trying to get me there pretty quick. As a result, I had to focus down the long side, stare at a fence post, go through the trot poles, and when we were a few strides away, THEN glance over at the X. All it took was a glance, too, and we were aiming at it.
His hops Sunday were prettier than Saturday. It felt like he was pausing rather than launching. Maybe it's just getting more familiar, but I felt a little more in control in the take-off and landing. Even after the X, I could look down at the trot poles, and he'd get us there. That's a neat feature in a trained horse - just LOOK where you want to be next, and he gets you there.
I rode for about an hour total. Worked A LOT on two point at canter after about ten minutes on the poles & X. It's going to take a while, but I figure I found the "breathing balance sweet spot" in the trot, so I will find it at canter.
In leiu of video , if anyone has suggestions or ideas on things to set up that are "low & slow", to give me practice on balance & equitation, I'm all ears. Better yet, get some video & show me!
Tonight is either Romeo western work (Sunday I rode him bareback in the yard, walk/trot, focused on neck reining & whoa. Backed him in circles, and once he got it, he was fabulous at it), or Ransom dressage. I need a little "mental break" from the hunter focus. It sure is fun, but there's plenty of muscle development and balance to be learned in dressage as well.
Then I got him up at a canter, and settled back into two point. It feels , um , faster. I don't feel like I'm losing control, I feel like he's really flying. I can feel that "hang time" when all four hooves are off the ground. I rested my knuckles on his neck, and felt sort of like a race jockey, with my arms flexing with his stride. It got easier the longer we went, but it's something that will need more work.
I had already set up trot poles down one long side, X on the other. I set ground rail on both sides of the X, so we could approach from either direction without me having to dismount & set it back up.
Ransom got the pattern pretty quick. I got good at landing the last trot pole, looking at the X, and he was trying to get me there pretty quick. As a result, I had to focus down the long side, stare at a fence post, go through the trot poles, and when we were a few strides away, THEN glance over at the X. All it took was a glance, too, and we were aiming at it.
His hops Sunday were prettier than Saturday. It felt like he was pausing rather than launching. Maybe it's just getting more familiar, but I felt a little more in control in the take-off and landing. Even after the X, I could look down at the trot poles, and he'd get us there. That's a neat feature in a trained horse - just LOOK where you want to be next, and he gets you there.
I rode for about an hour total. Worked A LOT on two point at canter after about ten minutes on the poles & X. It's going to take a while, but I figure I found the "breathing balance sweet spot" in the trot, so I will find it at canter.
In leiu of video , if anyone has suggestions or ideas on things to set up that are "low & slow", to give me practice on balance & equitation, I'm all ears. Better yet, get some video & show me!
Tonight is either Romeo western work (Sunday I rode him bareback in the yard, walk/trot, focused on neck reining & whoa. Backed him in circles, and once he got it, he was fabulous at it), or Ransom dressage. I need a little "mental break" from the hunter focus. It sure is fun, but there's plenty of muscle development and balance to be learned in dressage as well.
2/20 Deep Breathing
Ransom had a gallop-day in his lesson warmup. Hmm. How do I explain a gallop-day. Well, imagine a 20 year old gelding running in the arena like a 4 yr old colt avoiding work.. Yup. that describes him pretty well. When I turned him loose to warm up, he started out easy, then decided it was a good time to gallop. Now you'd think, at his age, this would last five minutes, yeah? Nope! A good solid fifteen minutes of running like a loose cannon. What a goober.
I got up in the tack, got settled in, and worked on my two point at trot for a little while. That all seemed to be going really well. Jen set us up seven trot poles in a row, and we bounced over those a while, both directions. Ransom stayed really soft and light.
Then we tried a series of four trot poles leading to a crossrail. Nope, not happening. Ransom over-jumped, in a launch-style leap over the X. It didn't seem any changes we made (like taking the last trot pole before the fence away) was going to help the situation. In fact, one of his Leaps, I came flat airborne out of the tack. WHEE! Landed, lost both stirrups, and still managed to stay aboard. Whew me! Good job! Jen took all of the trot poles away, and we approached the fence again.
The last two or three were pretty good. I'm still not always perfect in my release, but it's getting better. He isn't running away from the jumps eager to find the next one. Even that is improving. I have found a "sweet spot" in my jump position - where I can feel the air in my inhale all the way down to my waistline. Never felt that before, and when I did, Jen said my position looked pretty good. So now I have another "trigger" of how it feels when it's right.
It took us an hour and a half to accomplish all these things. Jen encouraged me to set the trot poles down one long side, X on the other, and circle before, after, or ride them one after the other, leaving time to get deep in the corners heading in. She also suggested time in two point at the canter, getting comfortable.
And, no, There's no video. I'm sorry... To those that were hoping for a chance to see our progress, I apologize. My fear of the harsh critique outweighs my desire to show off how far we've come. At some point, again, I'll decide I'm ready to be told about all the things I'm doing wrong, and risk my personal video becoming the butt of someone else's blog humor. But for now, I'm just not there. Any video that is taken will be viewed in my home, and nowhere else. That sucks, because I've got friends out of state that won't get to see it any other way. I just don't need the "verbal whacking" for all of my equitation sins just yet...
I got up in the tack, got settled in, and worked on my two point at trot for a little while. That all seemed to be going really well. Jen set us up seven trot poles in a row, and we bounced over those a while, both directions. Ransom stayed really soft and light.
Then we tried a series of four trot poles leading to a crossrail. Nope, not happening. Ransom over-jumped, in a launch-style leap over the X. It didn't seem any changes we made (like taking the last trot pole before the fence away) was going to help the situation. In fact, one of his Leaps, I came flat airborne out of the tack. WHEE! Landed, lost both stirrups, and still managed to stay aboard. Whew me! Good job! Jen took all of the trot poles away, and we approached the fence again.
The last two or three were pretty good. I'm still not always perfect in my release, but it's getting better. He isn't running away from the jumps eager to find the next one. Even that is improving. I have found a "sweet spot" in my jump position - where I can feel the air in my inhale all the way down to my waistline. Never felt that before, and when I did, Jen said my position looked pretty good. So now I have another "trigger" of how it feels when it's right.
It took us an hour and a half to accomplish all these things. Jen encouraged me to set the trot poles down one long side, X on the other, and circle before, after, or ride them one after the other, leaving time to get deep in the corners heading in. She also suggested time in two point at the canter, getting comfortable.
And, no, There's no video. I'm sorry... To those that were hoping for a chance to see our progress, I apologize. My fear of the harsh critique outweighs my desire to show off how far we've come. At some point, again, I'll decide I'm ready to be told about all the things I'm doing wrong, and risk my personal video becoming the butt of someone else's blog humor. But for now, I'm just not there. Any video that is taken will be viewed in my home, and nowhere else. That sucks, because I've got friends out of state that won't get to see it any other way. I just don't need the "verbal whacking" for all of my equitation sins just yet...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2/15/10 Ransom Soft & Steady
I saddled up the monster after work, hunter. I was out in the arena, and after an easy gentle warmup, I hopped aboard. It was a little chilly out, and unlike our warm ride Sunday, the temps had dropped about fifteen degrees or so, with a stiff north wind. I was curious how he would react to the jumps and the weather. Shoot, and the hunt saddle's shorter leg with more contact.
But I did what I planned. I stuck to it, skipped getting nervous. He's Ransom! He is NOT going to hurt me, he is NOT going to buck, he is NOT going to do somethign stoopid. I warmed him up on a loose rein, walk, trot, canter. I asked for contact only in transitions, and as soon as he got the gait, I stayed loose. I realized I was in fact neck-reining some for the circles. *tee hee* He can ride a neck rein! How funny!
I hopped down, set up trot poles, got back up, and trotted through them. He was light as a feather. I got up in half seat, took up light contact, and half-halted just before & just after the poles. I was soo happy!
Jen was planning to come over to "babysit" our crossrail jumping, and so after a few trot sets each way through the poles, I dismounted one more time to set up the X. Ransom's ears perked while I did it, too. He walked over to the standards with me, licking & chewing while I set it up. *giggle*
Jen arrived just as I was ready to start hopping. We jumped over the X a handful of times. Jen noticed something I hadn't even been considering - staying centered. I was not paying attention, and Ransom was often choosing a high-side of the X. No wonder they felt so darn big! He LOVES to Jump! She reminded me of shoulders back & up, look UP, and center him in front of the jump. We got him settled at it, then went back to trot poles a few more times.
Back at the trot poles, I worked again on half seat, release, and center. Jen suggested a few different "patterns" of trot poles before the X, and some extra things I can set up to work on with him to establish rhythm & pace.
I rode him for about an hour, cooling down with his neat exercise fleecie sheet over his back half. Us girls fed the boys, cats, dogs, I fixed supper, and we had a little girls' supper night... Nothing exciting, but fun anyways.
But I did what I planned. I stuck to it, skipped getting nervous. He's Ransom! He is NOT going to hurt me, he is NOT going to buck, he is NOT going to do somethign stoopid. I warmed him up on a loose rein, walk, trot, canter. I asked for contact only in transitions, and as soon as he got the gait, I stayed loose. I realized I was in fact neck-reining some for the circles. *tee hee* He can ride a neck rein! How funny!
I hopped down, set up trot poles, got back up, and trotted through them. He was light as a feather. I got up in half seat, took up light contact, and half-halted just before & just after the poles. I was soo happy!
Jen was planning to come over to "babysit" our crossrail jumping, and so after a few trot sets each way through the poles, I dismounted one more time to set up the X. Ransom's ears perked while I did it, too. He walked over to the standards with me, licking & chewing while I set it up. *giggle*
Jen arrived just as I was ready to start hopping. We jumped over the X a handful of times. Jen noticed something I hadn't even been considering - staying centered. I was not paying attention, and Ransom was often choosing a high-side of the X. No wonder they felt so darn big! He LOVES to Jump! She reminded me of shoulders back & up, look UP, and center him in front of the jump. We got him settled at it, then went back to trot poles a few more times.
Back at the trot poles, I worked again on half seat, release, and center. Jen suggested a few different "patterns" of trot poles before the X, and some extra things I can set up to work on with him to establish rhythm & pace.
I rode him for about an hour, cooling down with his neat exercise fleecie sheet over his back half. Us girls fed the boys, cats, dogs, I fixed supper, and we had a little girls' supper night... Nothing exciting, but fun anyways.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2/14/10 Ransom Over Rails Dressage
Whatta title, huh?
I got pressed to hurry by the threat of rain in the forecast, so I scrambled out to the barn. I grabbed Ransom, and saddled him up dressage. With the notion it was going to rain, and I had to hurry, without a pair of eyes to watch my fences, I chose dressage.
R showed up as we were warming up. I was working out a few "kinks" from the HM taping. The assistant trainer suggested I ride him out on a loose rein "on the buckle." I've done this before, a while, and wanted to repeat the work. In my dressage seat, it's gotten easy to ignore "me", because I feel pretty balanced. Instead, I focused very hard on leaving the reins out, and ride whatever he gave me.
Ransom started out a little speedie & choppy. He settled really nice. I had my arms stretched out "airplane style", and then I put my hands up on my helmet. I rode trot with my hands off the reins totally, rising & sitting. I used light contact on for the transitions in and out of canter, but rode the canter on the buckle. I had most of the direction changes going on with just my legs, but honestly, it felt like the trot direction was happening with my seat & eyes. Now that is a neat feeling!
Since all the gaits were riding smooth and light, I picked up really light contact. He immediately stretched down, and rested gently on the bit, without pulling on my hands. I played with some changes in the gaits, half-halts, and everything I cued, he was picking up & responding to. Neat!
Set up the trot poles. Because, why not?! He was being a good boy. I figured trot poles, I can work on release, he can work on steady-goes, and it's something other than boring circles. He trotted over them without any changes. He'd take bigger strides for the poles, then settle right back again. How awesome! I hopped out of the tack, shortened my stirrups two holes, and figured, "oh why not?! It can't be that bad!"
We set up the cross rail, heading right. I worked up to a nice light trot, half-seat, approached the x, half-halt at the ground pole 5ft before it, and released.
Jump! Sweet one, too. I unfortunately sat back down in the tack too soon, and hit his mouth on the landing. So sorry buddy! I shook it off, and committed to myself the following..
My shoulders won't be perfect for a while
Neither will my back
Or my legs
But I will Quit Hitting him on the mouth!
I concentrated really hard on the release & staying in two point the rest of the ride.
I probably rode that X about six times. Our last hopover was really sweet - light go, soft depart, soft landing, a few short strides at canter. I kept my release until he had all four hooves back on the ground, and rode the canter in two point to make sure I stayed up.
Total ride? About an Hour. And, no, it never rained.... A cold front came in, but not until nearly 6:00pm, nearly three hours after my ride.
I got pressed to hurry by the threat of rain in the forecast, so I scrambled out to the barn. I grabbed Ransom, and saddled him up dressage. With the notion it was going to rain, and I had to hurry, without a pair of eyes to watch my fences, I chose dressage.
R showed up as we were warming up. I was working out a few "kinks" from the HM taping. The assistant trainer suggested I ride him out on a loose rein "on the buckle." I've done this before, a while, and wanted to repeat the work. In my dressage seat, it's gotten easy to ignore "me", because I feel pretty balanced. Instead, I focused very hard on leaving the reins out, and ride whatever he gave me.
Ransom started out a little speedie & choppy. He settled really nice. I had my arms stretched out "airplane style", and then I put my hands up on my helmet. I rode trot with my hands off the reins totally, rising & sitting. I used light contact on for the transitions in and out of canter, but rode the canter on the buckle. I had most of the direction changes going on with just my legs, but honestly, it felt like the trot direction was happening with my seat & eyes. Now that is a neat feeling!
Since all the gaits were riding smooth and light, I picked up really light contact. He immediately stretched down, and rested gently on the bit, without pulling on my hands. I played with some changes in the gaits, half-halts, and everything I cued, he was picking up & responding to. Neat!
Set up the trot poles. Because, why not?! He was being a good boy. I figured trot poles, I can work on release, he can work on steady-goes, and it's something other than boring circles. He trotted over them without any changes. He'd take bigger strides for the poles, then settle right back again. How awesome! I hopped out of the tack, shortened my stirrups two holes, and figured, "oh why not?! It can't be that bad!"
We set up the cross rail, heading right. I worked up to a nice light trot, half-seat, approached the x, half-halt at the ground pole 5ft before it, and released.
Jump! Sweet one, too. I unfortunately sat back down in the tack too soon, and hit his mouth on the landing. So sorry buddy! I shook it off, and committed to myself the following..
My shoulders won't be perfect for a while
Neither will my back
Or my legs
But I will Quit Hitting him on the mouth!
I concentrated really hard on the release & staying in two point the rest of the ride.
I probably rode that X about six times. Our last hopover was really sweet - light go, soft depart, soft landing, a few short strides at canter. I kept my release until he had all four hooves back on the ground, and rode the canter in two point to make sure I stayed up.
Total ride? About an Hour. And, no, it never rained.... A cold front came in, but not until nearly 6:00pm, nearly three hours after my ride.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2/6/10 Applying the Ride After
Jen came to the house in the afternoon, and found Ransom and I in the arena warming up. I wanted to show her the new things I learned, and begin applying them to everything I already knew.
She helped me "feel" the two point and half seat a little bit better. I did it long enough that "right" felt good. I wasn't sore or tense anywhere in my body, and it felt pretty stable. I spent most of the lesson ride at the trot, with just a little canter to avoid getting bored.
Then we set up the ground poles for trot. Only 2/3 of the arena is dry, but there's enough room, I now know. I worked him over the poles a few times, and added in half-halts in the middle of the poles. We worked in both directions quite a few times until the releases and the half-halts were all giving a consistent trot over the poles and away. It did take a while, and is going to continue to take repetition, but we've got a plan.
Ransom took a good stumble out of the poles one time, but managed to keep his Momma on board - *whew*
Total ride, around an hour. Pretty darn fun!
She helped me "feel" the two point and half seat a little bit better. I did it long enough that "right" felt good. I wasn't sore or tense anywhere in my body, and it felt pretty stable. I spent most of the lesson ride at the trot, with just a little canter to avoid getting bored.
Then we set up the ground poles for trot. Only 2/3 of the arena is dry, but there's enough room, I now know. I worked him over the poles a few times, and added in half-halts in the middle of the poles. We worked in both directions quite a few times until the releases and the half-halts were all giving a consistent trot over the poles and away. It did take a while, and is going to continue to take repetition, but we've got a plan.
Ransom took a good stumble out of the poles one time, but managed to keep his Momma on board - *whew*
Total ride, around an hour. Pretty darn fun!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
01/26/10 Goober
I grabbed Ransom in all his hunter saddle glory, twisted o-ring bit. And, of course, if at any time I make plans for after my ride, I must certainly assume something will make me late.
Tuesday night, it was the arena fence. The entire arena is finally dry, and of course, in all the blustery wind, the fence was down in about five spots. I patched & mended, knotted & fiddled. In this process, Ransom had to stand with me at the end of the lead rope. He apparently found this activity less than pleasurable. Simply, and not so kindly put, the old fart wouldn't stand still. Fidget & fuss, ants in his pants... he would NOT stand. In one of my moments of discipline, I gave the lead rope a tug. Unfortunately, I forgot the other end of the lead rope not on my horse, was on me, resting against my neck. Ransom pulled back, and because of either my body balance, my bad coordination, something, the rope rubbed against my neck. Owch! I rode through the stinging, but it left a mark. Darn it All!
In all the fidgeting & fussing, when I finally got the fence fixed, I unclipped the lead rope, and Ransom was on fire! He galloped about the arena for quite a while, and then worked himself up nervous, and wouldn't let me catch him. When I finally did, I got the bridle on, and decided to get on as if nothing happened, ride around relaxed, and wait on him to relax.
That took a good ten minutes. He had this awful stickie, fussy, swift walk going. Bunches and Bunches of itsie bitsie steps. When he did calm down, it was finally time to work.
Warmed up on the flat work, walk, trot, canter, no problems. His trot was easy, strange dispite all the running he did. I approached my circle of poles, rode over at trot each way, and got a little brave. Okay, a little stoopid.
I tried cantering over two or three poles one after the other. I discovered a few things.
1. I'm not that coordinated yet
2. Ransom is stiff on the circle if he has to think about where he's going, and what's on the ground in his way
3. I'm really not that coordinated yet
*giggle* Overall, it was silly fun. When I realized I was nowhere near ready for the multiple poles, I tried something different. I picked up canter in the near circle, with only one pole in our path. I was deliberately releasing the reins, and pushing up to two point over the pole. Ransom played right along at this game, and reached like it was a jump. Much Cuteness!
After the ground pole work, I focused a bit on flat again, transitions, and staying quiet in them. He's tossing his head and running into canter-left once in a while, and I suspect it's me being too busy thinking about where I'm headed next. I'm not concentrating in the transition. When I do, they look darn pretty. Our down transitions, well, just look great. The more I concentrate, the prettier he is. Good Boy!
All the galloping in warmup led to a heavy breathing pony, led to a short ride. About 35 minutes, and I cooled him down with a walk. When we got back to the trailer, I quickly got his turnout sheet on him, wind howling all around us, making the air feel cool.
Tonight, I will sneak a haircut. I would LOVE to lunge Mo, but I don't see when or how. Still need to think this out a bit. Hairdresser is working until 9, so in theory I could stuff a quick lunge in there. Dearest Mo needs to work. Oh Me Oh My.
Countdown to HorseMaster 5 days.
In other news, it appears the Waco Force Field had travelled briefly to my riding arena. However, I'm working on lifting that curse, as I was able to get a few intermittent communications out from that location. Whew! =)
Tuesday night, it was the arena fence. The entire arena is finally dry, and of course, in all the blustery wind, the fence was down in about five spots. I patched & mended, knotted & fiddled. In this process, Ransom had to stand with me at the end of the lead rope. He apparently found this activity less than pleasurable. Simply, and not so kindly put, the old fart wouldn't stand still. Fidget & fuss, ants in his pants... he would NOT stand. In one of my moments of discipline, I gave the lead rope a tug. Unfortunately, I forgot the other end of the lead rope not on my horse, was on me, resting against my neck. Ransom pulled back, and because of either my body balance, my bad coordination, something, the rope rubbed against my neck. Owch! I rode through the stinging, but it left a mark. Darn it All!
In all the fidgeting & fussing, when I finally got the fence fixed, I unclipped the lead rope, and Ransom was on fire! He galloped about the arena for quite a while, and then worked himself up nervous, and wouldn't let me catch him. When I finally did, I got the bridle on, and decided to get on as if nothing happened, ride around relaxed, and wait on him to relax.
That took a good ten minutes. He had this awful stickie, fussy, swift walk going. Bunches and Bunches of itsie bitsie steps. When he did calm down, it was finally time to work.
Warmed up on the flat work, walk, trot, canter, no problems. His trot was easy, strange dispite all the running he did. I approached my circle of poles, rode over at trot each way, and got a little brave. Okay, a little stoopid.
I tried cantering over two or three poles one after the other. I discovered a few things.
1. I'm not that coordinated yet
2. Ransom is stiff on the circle if he has to think about where he's going, and what's on the ground in his way
3. I'm really not that coordinated yet
*giggle* Overall, it was silly fun. When I realized I was nowhere near ready for the multiple poles, I tried something different. I picked up canter in the near circle, with only one pole in our path. I was deliberately releasing the reins, and pushing up to two point over the pole. Ransom played right along at this game, and reached like it was a jump. Much Cuteness!
After the ground pole work, I focused a bit on flat again, transitions, and staying quiet in them. He's tossing his head and running into canter-left once in a while, and I suspect it's me being too busy thinking about where I'm headed next. I'm not concentrating in the transition. When I do, they look darn pretty. Our down transitions, well, just look great. The more I concentrate, the prettier he is. Good Boy!
All the galloping in warmup led to a heavy breathing pony, led to a short ride. About 35 minutes, and I cooled him down with a walk. When we got back to the trailer, I quickly got his turnout sheet on him, wind howling all around us, making the air feel cool.
Tonight, I will sneak a haircut. I would LOVE to lunge Mo, but I don't see when or how. Still need to think this out a bit. Hairdresser is working until 9, so in theory I could stuff a quick lunge in there. Dearest Mo needs to work. Oh Me Oh My.
Countdown to HorseMaster 5 days.
In other news, it appears the Waco Force Field had travelled briefly to my riding arena. However, I'm working on lifting that curse, as I was able to get a few intermittent communications out from that location. Whew! =)
Monday, January 25, 2010
1/24/10 Morning - Gotta Start Somewhere, Pt III
What I hope to be as the second to last, or in fact, the last of the Gotta Start Somewhere series...
After church, I got on home, got changed, and headed out to ransom. I got him saddled up hunt, with some extra time primping & pampering. I had the time, and was in the snugglin' mood. He was quite agreeable to this idea, as well.
Once we were both ready to go, I let him goof off about the arena for a few minutes. He was slow and easy, so I didn't waste much time. Put the bridle on (full cheek slow twist), and hopped on. Rode the flat stuff a bit, did a little dog&frog stretches at the walk to stretch out stiff legs. It felt easier to sink down to my heels after that.
I was able to trot & canter over those poles in my dressage saddle, long legs, but could I accomplish the same in the hunt saddle? Well I sure don't plan on jumping in the dressage saddle next week, so off we go!
The wind was howling, so I didn't set up the full circle of poles. This meant I only had two I coudl easily get to - about at center long side, a few feet from the rail. Picked up trot and tried to simulate a trot over in two point. That went alright, but he seemed to be leaning. Yup! It was me! I opened up my chest & shoulders, and he picked his front end up as well.
Transitioned to canter, and cantered a while without the poles to get my two point settled & going. Cantered over the poles each way a few times, and Ransom deliberately pretended to "jump", reaching just a little with his stride. Good Boy! Nice way for me to learn! I appreciate that!!
We rode together for about 40 minutes. His cool down walk & trot were on a long rein, and he was stretching out really nice. Really nice...
Countdown to HorseMaster, 7 days.
After church, I got on home, got changed, and headed out to ransom. I got him saddled up hunt, with some extra time primping & pampering. I had the time, and was in the snugglin' mood. He was quite agreeable to this idea, as well.
Once we were both ready to go, I let him goof off about the arena for a few minutes. He was slow and easy, so I didn't waste much time. Put the bridle on (full cheek slow twist), and hopped on. Rode the flat stuff a bit, did a little dog&frog stretches at the walk to stretch out stiff legs. It felt easier to sink down to my heels after that.
I was able to trot & canter over those poles in my dressage saddle, long legs, but could I accomplish the same in the hunt saddle? Well I sure don't plan on jumping in the dressage saddle next week, so off we go!
The wind was howling, so I didn't set up the full circle of poles. This meant I only had two I coudl easily get to - about at center long side, a few feet from the rail. Picked up trot and tried to simulate a trot over in two point. That went alright, but he seemed to be leaning. Yup! It was me! I opened up my chest & shoulders, and he picked his front end up as well.
Transitioned to canter, and cantered a while without the poles to get my two point settled & going. Cantered over the poles each way a few times, and Ransom deliberately pretended to "jump", reaching just a little with his stride. Good Boy! Nice way for me to learn! I appreciate that!!
We rode together for about 40 minutes. His cool down walk & trot were on a long rein, and he was stretching out really nice. Really nice...
Countdown to HorseMaster, 7 days.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
1/23/10 Gotta Start Somewhere, Pt 2
Well, I can now trail ride up & down the road from home. That's one decent milestone. But, I couldn't end my weekend of taking chances there. Oh No!
I chunked my plans for a haircut today, and decided even though it needed done, I needed some down time at home. And, no, that wasn't a day of sitting stationary. I had to get my ride in first.
A little after noon, I grabbed Ransom. I spent extra time grooming, primping, and pampering. He was yawing at me, obviously enjoying himself. Saddled dressage, he wasn't real pleased when I led him to the arena. Poor guy, he really wanted more of that light-duty trail walking thing.
I lunged him for a warmup, and then I set up a few ground poles. On a 20m circle (or so), I set up a pole every 90degrees. Sort of a cross pattern. I lunged him at the trot over the pole pattern until I had it just the right size to keep him over them, and still on the circle. Afterwards, before I bitted him and hopped on, I walked the steps off in the middle of the poles, and found them to all be 6.5 steps away from each other. Neat! An even circle!
I rode walk and trot over the poles in the circle. I snuck in some spiral in and outs, too. A circle outside the poles, then over on the far side, over in the middle, over on the near side, big circle inside the poles, little circle inside the poles, and reverse back out. I found Ransom's bending to be quite nice on the spirals, both directions.
So, I want to be on TV. I want to jump my horse. Geez, I hadn't cantered over even a ground pole. Time to start, huh?
I had one pole on the near circle, far edge of it. I rode the circle, cantered around the outside of the pole, and then decided to just go for it! What's the worst that'd happen, yeah?
I was right! Cool! Ransom canters over the ground pole, but not by accident. He lifts his front end up just a little, totally aware the pole is there. If it's too far away, he'll stretch a stride out to cover it. If it's close, he'll make a short stride. He also adjusted a few times a stride or two in front of it, making a nice even stride over it. We did this both leads a few times each. A pretty neat feeling.
Then I dumped the stirrups again for some work outside of the pole pattern on sitting to rising trot. I'm still having sit trot with stirrup problems. Without them, we're going along pretty good. With 'em, yeah, not so much. Things to work on.
When we got done with the arena work, I gathered up all his stuff, opened the gate, and hand walked him up to the barn. There, I flipped another bucket upside down, dropped all our extras, and took my hot, huffing & puffing pony, down the road. We went the same distance as Thursday, but without the yapping dogs. I walked him back home, halted him at the house, where he was still hot, huffin, and puffin.
So up the road a ways. Again, no car chasing doggies barking at us. We didn't get quite as far up the road, when I halted him, stood a second to check his breathing, and he turned back towards home. Hoping he was cooling down, I let him take me home, "on the buckle". I realized part way through the walk out I was indeed "on the buckle". A warm glowing satisfactory moment, seeing Ransom on that long of a rein, almost on contact, reaching and relaxing.
I got all his tack off, and hosed him. Clipped pony dries fast! He cooled down pretty quickly. With the warmer weather here, I was even happier I decided to clip him. With that fuzzy coat he did have, he would've gotten hotter faster, and been even rougher to cool out. Glad I clipped!
Total work today? About an hour, including the walk outs.
Tomorrow? Well, if we get "babysitting company", maybe we'll set that jump back up, and maybe I'll work up the nerve to canter to And from. Gotta Start Somewhere!
I chunked my plans for a haircut today, and decided even though it needed done, I needed some down time at home. And, no, that wasn't a day of sitting stationary. I had to get my ride in first.
A little after noon, I grabbed Ransom. I spent extra time grooming, primping, and pampering. He was yawing at me, obviously enjoying himself. Saddled dressage, he wasn't real pleased when I led him to the arena. Poor guy, he really wanted more of that light-duty trail walking thing.
I lunged him for a warmup, and then I set up a few ground poles. On a 20m circle (or so), I set up a pole every 90degrees. Sort of a cross pattern. I lunged him at the trot over the pole pattern until I had it just the right size to keep him over them, and still on the circle. Afterwards, before I bitted him and hopped on, I walked the steps off in the middle of the poles, and found them to all be 6.5 steps away from each other. Neat! An even circle!
I rode walk and trot over the poles in the circle. I snuck in some spiral in and outs, too. A circle outside the poles, then over on the far side, over in the middle, over on the near side, big circle inside the poles, little circle inside the poles, and reverse back out. I found Ransom's bending to be quite nice on the spirals, both directions.
So, I want to be on TV. I want to jump my horse. Geez, I hadn't cantered over even a ground pole. Time to start, huh?
I had one pole on the near circle, far edge of it. I rode the circle, cantered around the outside of the pole, and then decided to just go for it! What's the worst that'd happen, yeah?
I was right! Cool! Ransom canters over the ground pole, but not by accident. He lifts his front end up just a little, totally aware the pole is there. If it's too far away, he'll stretch a stride out to cover it. If it's close, he'll make a short stride. He also adjusted a few times a stride or two in front of it, making a nice even stride over it. We did this both leads a few times each. A pretty neat feeling.
Then I dumped the stirrups again for some work outside of the pole pattern on sitting to rising trot. I'm still having sit trot with stirrup problems. Without them, we're going along pretty good. With 'em, yeah, not so much. Things to work on.
When we got done with the arena work, I gathered up all his stuff, opened the gate, and hand walked him up to the barn. There, I flipped another bucket upside down, dropped all our extras, and took my hot, huffing & puffing pony, down the road. We went the same distance as Thursday, but without the yapping dogs. I walked him back home, halted him at the house, where he was still hot, huffin, and puffin.
So up the road a ways. Again, no car chasing doggies barking at us. We didn't get quite as far up the road, when I halted him, stood a second to check his breathing, and he turned back towards home. Hoping he was cooling down, I let him take me home, "on the buckle". I realized part way through the walk out I was indeed "on the buckle". A warm glowing satisfactory moment, seeing Ransom on that long of a rein, almost on contact, reaching and relaxing.
I got all his tack off, and hosed him. Clipped pony dries fast! He cooled down pretty quickly. With the warmer weather here, I was even happier I decided to clip him. With that fuzzy coat he did have, he would've gotten hotter faster, and been even rougher to cool out. Glad I clipped!
Total work today? About an hour, including the walk outs.
Tomorrow? Well, if we get "babysitting company", maybe we'll set that jump back up, and maybe I'll work up the nerve to canter to And from. Gotta Start Somewhere!
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