I grabbed my full chaps, slid 'em over my breeches, grabbed Romeo and his English bit, and offs we went.
Walk, trot, whoa, backup, and his turns, all bareback, between the side yard, front yard, and his pasture. Working out a good extended trot in the pasture - flat fun! With everything shredded down short, he did very well. Not bad for about a month off. A neighbor fellow went scooting down the road on his bicycle. Romeo planted all four feet & stared at the bike in sheer amazement. I got a good giggle out of it.
After a good half hour of flat goofing off, I called it quits. He did great, for the time he's had off. Need to saddle him up Western sometime this week, stick him in his Western bit, and check his neck reining & remind him of his instant-brakes a bit more.
Showing posts with label Spins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spins. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
07/13/09 Romeo Hunter
Took Romeo and his hunt saddle out to the arena, and off we went.
Rode through walk, trot, canter, and then had a few discussions that after canter, not ever transition up means canter again. I'd alternate between trot to canter, walk to canter, then back walk to trot. Once he was thoroughly confused, and entirely relying on me for instruction rather than his own ideas on what came next, I set up one crossrail (lowest hole on the standards) and got back to work.
Trotted over the rail four times each way. He wasn't speedy, but wasn't giving me more than stepping over. Thinking back, I believe one time was actually a jump. At this point, for hunter-instruction, I'm not real sure how to teach him to lift both front feets.
We went back into canter-left, and I almost asked him to canter to and over the rails. Chickened out at the short side, looking down at the rail. Romeo had ears perked towards the fence, so he knows I considered it. I was riding without anybody around except four of the neighbor's cows, and decided it wasn't a good idea to jump alone... especially after a previous incident.
Total work including a few spins, turns, and side passing, 45 minutes. Fun had by all, including Ransom, watching from the rail, almost undoubtedly grinning about his 60+ scores & blue ribbon.
Rode through walk, trot, canter, and then had a few discussions that after canter, not ever transition up means canter again. I'd alternate between trot to canter, walk to canter, then back walk to trot. Once he was thoroughly confused, and entirely relying on me for instruction rather than his own ideas on what came next, I set up one crossrail (lowest hole on the standards) and got back to work.
Trotted over the rail four times each way. He wasn't speedy, but wasn't giving me more than stepping over. Thinking back, I believe one time was actually a jump. At this point, for hunter-instruction, I'm not real sure how to teach him to lift both front feets.
We went back into canter-left, and I almost asked him to canter to and over the rails. Chickened out at the short side, looking down at the rail. Romeo had ears perked towards the fence, so he knows I considered it. I was riding without anybody around except four of the neighbor's cows, and decided it wasn't a good idea to jump alone... especially after a previous incident.
Total work including a few spins, turns, and side passing, 45 minutes. Fun had by all, including Ransom, watching from the rail, almost undoubtedly grinning about his 60+ scores & blue ribbon.
Monday, June 22, 2009
6/20/09 Playing with Romeo, and Thoughts Related
Grabbed Romeo for an early afternoon ride.. OI! The things I do to manage having the horses and a personal life. Had it not been for the nice winds rustling, that ride would've been unbearable for both of us. It was incredibly hot... Something about South Texas I still don't love much. May never get used to it, either. Just got to make sure I'm always living where the wind blows - out in the country, up on a hillside... as much as I can control it.
Saddled him up Western, with his french link bit, hoping to not focus on me, but more on him, for collection & general gait disposition.
He was good, again. Solid... Walk, trot, canter. Leads were better today, with only one mixup. Might've been my cues, so I didn't get upset, just slowed him down, repeated walk & trot, then asked again. We rode for nearly an hour, alternating gaits, and worked through my dressage pattern pieces to "get my spots", recognizing when my mind & eyes need to be thinking about the next part of the test. Romeo's trot to halt is solid! *laugh* Uncollected, but solid! All I gotta do is sit deep & say "whoa", and he's stopped. It ain't pretty 10s stop, but he stops! Very important in a trail buddy.
After Saturday's ride... I started thinking... A part of why I started the "When does horse and/or rider stop learning?" post last week or so. Romeo and I have hit a brick wall. We don't do anything new in our rides, but reinforce the same stuff. I can put him in an arena, I can put him in an open field, I can pack him down a turn row - he's the same. We can work through all three gaits, and while not collected, they're there. I can say "whoa" almost under my breath, and he'll shut down. He has stickie days where spins, turns, and sidepasses turn into battles, but they're easy enough to sort through. I don't find myself frustrated with him anymore, wishing he would ___ (whatever thing we didn't use to do well that he understands now).
So, I'm pondering some all-purpose training for Romeo. Some direction - Somebody skilled to put some miles on him, and help me find out what he's set out to do. I don't want him skill set specific - i.e. only dressage, or only hunter, or only pleasure. I want to be able to toss a saddle on his back, and while not show-perfect, hop down a trail in any saddle or any bit I choose, and know I can trust him. I want to be able to poke along in an open pleasure show in walk/trot events, and feel confident we did well. But we're at a wall - If he's going to be a good hunter, I don't know how to teach him to jump at canter. If he's going to be a pleasure horse, I don't know how to slow to a lope & teach collection. If he's going to be a dressage horse, I don't know how to collect up that trot & push it forward enough to get a rounded back consistently, not to mention how to teach such a compact little critter to collect up into an uphill canter.
I've gotten a reference from Jen, for a trainer she's using for two of her horses, Cas and Harley. Mary's training fees are reasonable, and Jen was thinking she could be ready for Romeo in August.
So I'm pondering it, I'm considering it, and I'm about decided.
Saddled him up Western, with his french link bit, hoping to not focus on me, but more on him, for collection & general gait disposition.
He was good, again. Solid... Walk, trot, canter. Leads were better today, with only one mixup. Might've been my cues, so I didn't get upset, just slowed him down, repeated walk & trot, then asked again. We rode for nearly an hour, alternating gaits, and worked through my dressage pattern pieces to "get my spots", recognizing when my mind & eyes need to be thinking about the next part of the test. Romeo's trot to halt is solid! *laugh* Uncollected, but solid! All I gotta do is sit deep & say "whoa", and he's stopped. It ain't pretty 10s stop, but he stops! Very important in a trail buddy.
After Saturday's ride... I started thinking... A part of why I started the "When does horse and/or rider stop learning?" post last week or so. Romeo and I have hit a brick wall. We don't do anything new in our rides, but reinforce the same stuff. I can put him in an arena, I can put him in an open field, I can pack him down a turn row - he's the same. We can work through all three gaits, and while not collected, they're there. I can say "whoa" almost under my breath, and he'll shut down. He has stickie days where spins, turns, and sidepasses turn into battles, but they're easy enough to sort through. I don't find myself frustrated with him anymore, wishing he would ___ (whatever thing we didn't use to do well that he understands now).
So, I'm pondering some all-purpose training for Romeo. Some direction - Somebody skilled to put some miles on him, and help me find out what he's set out to do. I don't want him skill set specific - i.e. only dressage, or only hunter, or only pleasure. I want to be able to toss a saddle on his back, and while not show-perfect, hop down a trail in any saddle or any bit I choose, and know I can trust him. I want to be able to poke along in an open pleasure show in walk/trot events, and feel confident we did well. But we're at a wall - If he's going to be a good hunter, I don't know how to teach him to jump at canter. If he's going to be a pleasure horse, I don't know how to slow to a lope & teach collection. If he's going to be a dressage horse, I don't know how to collect up that trot & push it forward enough to get a rounded back consistently, not to mention how to teach such a compact little critter to collect up into an uphill canter.
I've gotten a reference from Jen, for a trainer she's using for two of her horses, Cas and Harley. Mary's training fees are reasonable, and Jen was thinking she could be ready for Romeo in August.
So I'm pondering it, I'm considering it, and I'm about decided.
Friday, June 19, 2009
6/19/09 Both Boys
Back In Action! A very good day overall. Scrambled outta work fast as I could, hoping to cram two rides into the evening.
Grabbed Romeo first up. Saddled him in his English garb, and headed to the arena. Let him free lunge a bit to get the goobers out, and hopped on. We had a good ride, about 40 minutes. Walk, Trot, Canter. He wasn't real consistent getting his leads, so we had a few extra "take offs" to get us going. Not real speedy, I could feel all three footfalls in the canter if I concentrated. (Feels like Ransom's canter is slower and larger... much different, a bit more comfortable.) Had a hard time getting Romeo in comings & goings at trot. He was all one speed - lethargic - at trot. I had comings & goings at the walk, and even a bit at canter, but not at trot. Did a few spins, turns, sidepasses. Backed up at the rail, he was crooked. Backed up down centerline, he was straight. Whatta critter!
Jen arrived just as I was starting to saddle Ransom for a lesson. I LOVE MY DRESSAGE SADDLE! LOL... Just in case that hasn't been clear yet.
The lesson was awesome. Ransom was a bit stiff to start, but even him being beligerant, and not wanting to collect at the walk or trot, he still wasn't a bad ride. Got in some solid canter work, nice balance from me. Jen pointed out what I guess I already knew, but hadn't internalized - I'm sitting up straight(er) in my new saddle. Incredible! What I've noticed is I don't feel like I'm working so hard. I do feel like I'm having a little trouble getting my inside leg to mean "pick it up", which might be laziness from Ransom, or not the right amount of pressure in the right places from me. Something to concentrate on.
We also worked on trot to halt transitions, preparing for upcoming tests. He was cute in the transition right, but transition left will need some work.
Lesson was a solid hour, finishing up with some right-canter that was beyond beautiful. Even with a big stumble from Ransom, I still sat solid & felt good about it. How cool, no nerves, no anxiousness into the transition, just sit the trot a stride or two, and squeeze. Cool beans! Love the big pony!
Homework - Transitions, transitions, transitions. Focus on trot to halt, and go through the pieces of the tests. Start to ride through the patterns in each test - 20M circle at the center, 2-loop serpentines, and diagonals at walk & trot. All reasonable things to work on. Oh yeah, and Enjoy my horse! :) There it is ! Gotta remember to have fun!
Grabbed Romeo first up. Saddled him in his English garb, and headed to the arena. Let him free lunge a bit to get the goobers out, and hopped on. We had a good ride, about 40 minutes. Walk, Trot, Canter. He wasn't real consistent getting his leads, so we had a few extra "take offs" to get us going. Not real speedy, I could feel all three footfalls in the canter if I concentrated. (Feels like Ransom's canter is slower and larger... much different, a bit more comfortable.) Had a hard time getting Romeo in comings & goings at trot. He was all one speed - lethargic - at trot. I had comings & goings at the walk, and even a bit at canter, but not at trot. Did a few spins, turns, sidepasses. Backed up at the rail, he was crooked. Backed up down centerline, he was straight. Whatta critter!
Jen arrived just as I was starting to saddle Ransom for a lesson. I LOVE MY DRESSAGE SADDLE! LOL... Just in case that hasn't been clear yet.
The lesson was awesome. Ransom was a bit stiff to start, but even him being beligerant, and not wanting to collect at the walk or trot, he still wasn't a bad ride. Got in some solid canter work, nice balance from me. Jen pointed out what I guess I already knew, but hadn't internalized - I'm sitting up straight(er) in my new saddle. Incredible! What I've noticed is I don't feel like I'm working so hard. I do feel like I'm having a little trouble getting my inside leg to mean "pick it up", which might be laziness from Ransom, or not the right amount of pressure in the right places from me. Something to concentrate on.
We also worked on trot to halt transitions, preparing for upcoming tests. He was cute in the transition right, but transition left will need some work.
Lesson was a solid hour, finishing up with some right-canter that was beyond beautiful. Even with a big stumble from Ransom, I still sat solid & felt good about it. How cool, no nerves, no anxiousness into the transition, just sit the trot a stride or two, and squeeze. Cool beans! Love the big pony!
Homework - Transitions, transitions, transitions. Focus on trot to halt, and go through the pieces of the tests. Start to ride through the patterns in each test - 20M circle at the center, 2-loop serpentines, and diagonals at walk & trot. All reasonable things to work on. Oh yeah, and Enjoy my horse! :) There it is ! Gotta remember to have fun!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
5/30/09 Romeo
A good night's rest under my mind, I sent R off to work for a while, and scrambled home. Boy's away, girl's gonna play... ;) Hurried through coffee & cereal, got dressed, and ran to the barn... How awful.. I could've done all kinds of things that morning (including sleeping in, as the offer was extended, and was horribly tempting), but I couldn't wait! I'd gone a few weekends in a row without rides, and this one wasn't passing me by.
Grabbed the little fart, with my new bit in-hand. Much like what we showed in, with a bit shorter cheeks, and copper wraps instead of the twist around the lifesaver. I will need to figure out a way to shorten the curb chain, as it had absolutely zero contact on his chin.
Otherwise, a pretty good ride. We did have one or two arguments about staying in an easy canter. After the transition up, I'd let him go his way for a bit, then just barely grab contact (barely!), and try to slow him. A number of times, he'd slow to that UGLY fast trot. Those were rewarded with harsh back-ups, and since he quickly realized those weren't any fun.
Worked for about 45 minutes, with a good ten minute cool down walk. It wasn't particularly hot, but insanely humid, and as a result, Romeo was breathing pretty hard. Puff Puff Puff.. Let him enjoy a little more lawn grass, in some effort to put off mowing. I hoped if he'd mow it for me, I wouldn't need to cut so much. My patience ran out before he got a decent patch chewed down, and turned him back out.
Spent the rest of the day goofing off, being entirely useless to society. Intended on getting the mower working, but it's worse than I originally thought. I was hoping it was just a dead battery, but a brand new one didn't accomplish anything. Shoot! More work to be done there. In the meanwhile, I started hunting for an arena fairy to mow & drag.. All kindsa weeds & nasties growing in there, nearly 5-6" tall, making riding other than on the rail a little complicated.
Grabbed the little fart, with my new bit in-hand. Much like what we showed in, with a bit shorter cheeks, and copper wraps instead of the twist around the lifesaver. I will need to figure out a way to shorten the curb chain, as it had absolutely zero contact on his chin.
Otherwise, a pretty good ride. We did have one or two arguments about staying in an easy canter. After the transition up, I'd let him go his way for a bit, then just barely grab contact (barely!), and try to slow him. A number of times, he'd slow to that UGLY fast trot. Those were rewarded with harsh back-ups, and since he quickly realized those weren't any fun.
Worked for about 45 minutes, with a good ten minute cool down walk. It wasn't particularly hot, but insanely humid, and as a result, Romeo was breathing pretty hard. Puff Puff Puff.. Let him enjoy a little more lawn grass, in some effort to put off mowing. I hoped if he'd mow it for me, I wouldn't need to cut so much. My patience ran out before he got a decent patch chewed down, and turned him back out.
Spent the rest of the day goofing off, being entirely useless to society. Intended on getting the mower working, but it's worse than I originally thought. I was hoping it was just a dead battery, but a brand new one didn't accomplish anything. Shoot! More work to be done there. In the meanwhile, I started hunting for an arena fairy to mow & drag.. All kindsa weeds & nasties growing in there, nearly 5-6" tall, making riding other than on the rail a little complicated.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
5/28/09 Romeo
It was an evening that, after a long week of work, about the last thing I wanted to do was feel like I was working on a horse. I haven't had to think hard on Romeo for quite a while, so I grabbed him.
Saddled him up Western, but, to avoid any serious arguments, I grabbed his copper french link o-ring, and headed to the arena. He was quite a bit fresh on his free warm-up, with a couple good bucking hops. Booger!! Get it out of yer system now, 'cuz Momma don't need none of that nonsense!
He was a champ. As we say at work, "A-grade, automatic, no issues." Good walk, trot, canter, a little stickie on his spins & rollbacks, but to be expected since I hadn't been practicing in a while. His canter to jog transitions weren't too bad, though we may end up needing spurs for the up transition, because he was a little slow to respond. Transitions down, however, phenominal. He would very quickly slow to that pretty little WP jog.
We played together for about 40 minutes, then chilled hand-grazing on the lawn in the front yard afterwards. Somethin' about hopping on bareback in a halter, and letting him munch. Very relaxing... indeed.
Saddled him up Western, but, to avoid any serious arguments, I grabbed his copper french link o-ring, and headed to the arena. He was quite a bit fresh on his free warm-up, with a couple good bucking hops. Booger!! Get it out of yer system now, 'cuz Momma don't need none of that nonsense!
He was a champ. As we say at work, "A-grade, automatic, no issues." Good walk, trot, canter, a little stickie on his spins & rollbacks, but to be expected since I hadn't been practicing in a while. His canter to jog transitions weren't too bad, though we may end up needing spurs for the up transition, because he was a little slow to respond. Transitions down, however, phenominal. He would very quickly slow to that pretty little WP jog.
We played together for about 40 minutes, then chilled hand-grazing on the lawn in the front yard afterwards. Somethin' about hopping on bareback in a halter, and letting him munch. Very relaxing... indeed.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
5/22/09 Went Something Like This ...
R: "Going to ride after work today?"
Me: "Yeah, I suppose for a while."
R: "Ransom or Romeo"
Me: "Romeo. Ransom worked yesterday, and will appreciate the day off."
R: "Call me when you're done."
Romeo was great. We rode western, really just plunking around. Well, it started out that way, then I quickly realized I was riding him at canter like I do Ransom - pushing him up into the bit.
We did plenty of trot to canter transitions. Romeo wasn't interested in easing into them, more a catapult... they got better the more I did. Total ride time about 45 minutes, including push into long & low cool down trot.
R and I hiked out for dinner, and a relaxing evening. Lots of great conversation, catching up after being apart for a few days. Kind of like coming back to normal after a little withdrawal. A very good evening.
Me: "Yeah, I suppose for a while."
R: "Ransom or Romeo"
Me: "Romeo. Ransom worked yesterday, and will appreciate the day off."
R: "Call me when you're done."
Romeo was great. We rode western, really just plunking around. Well, it started out that way, then I quickly realized I was riding him at canter like I do Ransom - pushing him up into the bit.
We did plenty of trot to canter transitions. Romeo wasn't interested in easing into them, more a catapult... they got better the more I did. Total ride time about 45 minutes, including push into long & low cool down trot.
R and I hiked out for dinner, and a relaxing evening. Lots of great conversation, catching up after being apart for a few days. Kind of like coming back to normal after a little withdrawal. A very good evening.
Monday, May 4, 2009
5/2/09 Grass & Romeo
My riding mower battery decided that, in celebration of the first need of it for the season, to refuse to start. Bah Humbug! Something to put on the "repair me please" list.. grumble grumble
Ended up hand-push-mowing my yard. ARGH! Took a few hours, and my legs were burning afire when I finished up. Exhausting. I haven't hand mowed the whole yard in well over a year, and now I remember why - It takes a long time, and it takes a lot of effort.. yuk
When I got done mowing, I grabbed a quick lunch, looked out in the pasture, and saw Romeo sticking his head out of the stall... "Hey Mom! You in there?" I couldn't resist. Burning legs, tired arms, I changed clothes & headed to the barn.
Saddled him up Western, and used our borrowed bit. First time he threw his head, I let him know what bit I had with a solid tug. Woo! More head tossing. So we backed up, nearly the length of the arena. He settled in nicely after some good canter work, and had great transitions in and out from jog to canter.
About 45 minutes of work - again it felt longer, but we accomplished a lot.
Ended up hand-push-mowing my yard. ARGH! Took a few hours, and my legs were burning afire when I finished up. Exhausting. I haven't hand mowed the whole yard in well over a year, and now I remember why - It takes a long time, and it takes a lot of effort.. yuk
When I got done mowing, I grabbed a quick lunch, looked out in the pasture, and saw Romeo sticking his head out of the stall... "Hey Mom! You in there?" I couldn't resist. Burning legs, tired arms, I changed clothes & headed to the barn.
Saddled him up Western, and used our borrowed bit. First time he threw his head, I let him know what bit I had with a solid tug. Woo! More head tossing. So we backed up, nearly the length of the arena. He settled in nicely after some good canter work, and had great transitions in and out from jog to canter.
About 45 minutes of work - again it felt longer, but we accomplished a lot.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
4/22/09 Romeo Out of the Arena
Romeo needed some saddle-time, and I needed us out of the arena, if nothing else to make the ride a bit more interesting. Saddled up Western, TT bit, and off we went.
Down the road, that is. He wasn't "picture perfect" WP jog, but he did walk and trot up and down the edge of the road a while. A few rollbacks, and a couple turns on the forehand. It might not have been the right thing to do just days before the show, but I was getting bored in the arena, on the rail, in the little serpentines, figure8s, and circles.
We met up with the Mommacat from last spring that brought us baby kittens twice under the back porch. Startling, but not spookie. Fun anyways. While riding around the house working on his reining & ability to ride with stuff going on around him (wind, deer, cat, dogs barking, car traffic, a/c unit running off and on, "spookie stuff" around the property), he did really well. Ransom, however, did not. He was obviously annoyed that little brother got two rides two days in a row, hauling-hiney running all-out around the lower side pasture. =) I got a huge kick out of watching him run and run and run, looking at us, like, "HEY! Mom! It's MY turn today!"
oooh.. that reminds me of a song... Okay, honestly, I've had this one lurking in the back of my mind for quite some time now... This is one I need to dig out of the collection for sure and add to the mp3 player...
Rebecca St. James "You Then Me"
It's my turn, it's not your turn
It's my turn, get outta my way
It's my turn, go on complain
I'm comin' through anyway
Don't ask me why I'm like this
But lately I'm wonderin' if
It'll come to pass
That the last shall be first and the first shall be last
Then the voice says...
CHORUS
Here's the way it oughtta be
You then me, then You then me
Well, I pray one day we'll all agree
And take it You then me, then You then me
Life could go You then me, then You then me
It's easy, you wait then go
It's easy, so make your move
It's easy, don't clown around
Could've gone six times by now
But no sir, you gotta be a pain
Or is this your own way of sayin'
We should all cool down
And be more like the man who was born back in Bethlehem town?
I betcha He'd say...
CHORUS
If we could only put You first
Maybe this ugly trend could one day be reversed
It's your turn, it's not my turn
It's your turn - well, let's just say
We'll trade off - first you then me
Then after that, we might agree
Let's try it, it could be good
And what if one day it should
Really come to pass
That the last shall be first and the first shall be last
Betcha we'd say
CHORUS
So the ride was good, and I finished up with some more mane pulling & thinning . Give the big toad a bath, and get him banded Friday night, and we'll be good to go. Tonight I'm having a brief lesson and reminders in my Western saddle. Hoping for no big-goober surprises. Then I'll start assembling my show clothes & getting all the little ducks in a row.
Down the road, that is. He wasn't "picture perfect" WP jog, but he did walk and trot up and down the edge of the road a while. A few rollbacks, and a couple turns on the forehand. It might not have been the right thing to do just days before the show, but I was getting bored in the arena, on the rail, in the little serpentines, figure8s, and circles.
We met up with the Mommacat from last spring that brought us baby kittens twice under the back porch. Startling, but not spookie. Fun anyways. While riding around the house working on his reining & ability to ride with stuff going on around him (wind, deer, cat, dogs barking, car traffic, a/c unit running off and on, "spookie stuff" around the property), he did really well. Ransom, however, did not. He was obviously annoyed that little brother got two rides two days in a row, hauling-hiney running all-out around the lower side pasture. =) I got a huge kick out of watching him run and run and run, looking at us, like, "HEY! Mom! It's MY turn today!"
oooh.. that reminds me of a song... Okay, honestly, I've had this one lurking in the back of my mind for quite some time now... This is one I need to dig out of the collection for sure and add to the mp3 player...
Rebecca St. James "You Then Me"
It's my turn, it's not your turn
It's my turn, get outta my way
It's my turn, go on complain
I'm comin' through anyway
Don't ask me why I'm like this
But lately I'm wonderin' if
It'll come to pass
That the last shall be first and the first shall be last
Then the voice says...
CHORUS
Here's the way it oughtta be
You then me, then You then me
Well, I pray one day we'll all agree
And take it You then me, then You then me
Life could go You then me, then You then me
It's easy, you wait then go
It's easy, so make your move
It's easy, don't clown around
Could've gone six times by now
But no sir, you gotta be a pain
Or is this your own way of sayin'
We should all cool down
And be more like the man who was born back in Bethlehem town?
I betcha He'd say...
CHORUS
If we could only put You first
Maybe this ugly trend could one day be reversed
It's your turn, it's not my turn
It's your turn - well, let's just say
We'll trade off - first you then me
Then after that, we might agree
Let's try it, it could be good
And what if one day it should
Really come to pass
That the last shall be first and the first shall be last
Betcha we'd say
CHORUS
So the ride was good, and I finished up with some more mane pulling & thinning . Give the big toad a bath, and get him banded Friday night, and we'll be good to go. Tonight I'm having a brief lesson and reminders in my Western saddle. Hoping for no big-goober surprises. Then I'll start assembling my show clothes & getting all the little ducks in a row.
Monday, April 20, 2009
4/19/09 Yep, I'm Blessed
Mrs. Mom is right - We're all pretty darn fortunate. Me, I'm better than that... Another wonderful Sunday - and I even got to ride!!! Sunday service was another nice blessing - my boss's daughter finished up her two years of confirmation. She, along with the other students, were required to memorize a Bible verse. My boss had asked me a few weeks ago to give him a list of my fave's, which I was glad to do. Boss's daughter, along with two other girls, memorized verses off my list. How incredible - watching young lives recite verses that, right now, might not mean more than a bunch of words. I can only hope that, in the future, those words mean something very important when it matters most. Pretty cool blessing to hear the words aloud, and know I had something to do with planting the thought in their minds.
After a false alarm and two changed minds, after church & a late lunch, I headed to the roping arena with Romeo. R came along, volunteering to work the chute so I could ride. My time with Romeo was phenominal!! He let me work on walk, trot, and even a little collected canter. Got his leads without incident, and gave the *best* jog I've gotten from him in a little over a year. His canter is, of course, nowhere near a WP lope, and I wouldn't expect it to be. That jog, though, was near picture-perfect.
We rode together for a bit over an hour, and pushed the steers up the alleyway twice - again, without incident. None of them got away from me, and I was able to open one of the gates alone near the end. Romeo gave some cute turns on forehand, nice turns on haunches, and a little sidepassing, again, without incident. Now, all those more advanced things aren't picture-perfect, but he sure is trying, and remembering. It's nice that I don't have to re-train every single ride.
I was able to play a part in the faith of a few teenagers (something I never thought I'd do - after my summer in IL with NAMB, I knew I changed lives of more than a dozen "little-little" kids, 10YO and under, but my events with teenagers never went very well), which was awesome. I was blessed with great company sitting in the service - something I had avoided, having been comfortable being alone in worship. It'd taken a few years to get comfortable being alone, and then I got too comfortable that way, because it only took about ten minutes to enjoy sharing it with R sitting beside me. Almost better than those combined, my boyfriend voluntarily worked the chute for the cowboys so I could ride!
Mrs. Mom was looking for galloping good news- That ought to satisfy for the weekend's worth, don't ya think?! Yes ma'am... I'm blessed beyond expectations. I only have those crummy moods once in a while, and they're less frequent that that lately.
After a false alarm and two changed minds, after church & a late lunch, I headed to the roping arena with Romeo. R came along, volunteering to work the chute so I could ride. My time with Romeo was phenominal!! He let me work on walk, trot, and even a little collected canter. Got his leads without incident, and gave the *best* jog I've gotten from him in a little over a year. His canter is, of course, nowhere near a WP lope, and I wouldn't expect it to be. That jog, though, was near picture-perfect.
We rode together for a bit over an hour, and pushed the steers up the alleyway twice - again, without incident. None of them got away from me, and I was able to open one of the gates alone near the end. Romeo gave some cute turns on forehand, nice turns on haunches, and a little sidepassing, again, without incident. Now, all those more advanced things aren't picture-perfect, but he sure is trying, and remembering. It's nice that I don't have to re-train every single ride.
I was able to play a part in the faith of a few teenagers (something I never thought I'd do - after my summer in IL with NAMB, I knew I changed lives of more than a dozen "little-little" kids, 10YO and under, but my events with teenagers never went very well), which was awesome. I was blessed with great company sitting in the service - something I had avoided, having been comfortable being alone in worship. It'd taken a few years to get comfortable being alone, and then I got too comfortable that way, because it only took about ten minutes to enjoy sharing it with R sitting beside me. Almost better than those combined, my boyfriend voluntarily worked the chute for the cowboys so I could ride!
Mrs. Mom was looking for galloping good news- That ought to satisfy for the weekend's worth, don't ya think?! Yes ma'am... I'm blessed beyond expectations. I only have those crummy moods once in a while, and they're less frequent that that lately.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
4/15/09 Romeo's Back
Grabbed Romeo straightaway after work, absolutely determined that, no matter how exhausted tired I was (from the late night before), we were going to work. Saddled up Western, and headed to the arena.
One thing I love about Romeo - I feel comfortable crawling on him without any warmup, and just going. I may reach that point with Ransom, but I'm not there yet. It's nice to just get a saddle on Romeo and head out.
He did very well. A little bit of wheezy breath in the first spurt of canter, but it quickly cleared up. Walk, trot, canter both ways. Unfortunately, though I hoped it'd be a light & easy day, my neighbors had other plans. Well, neighbor's livestock, at least.
Cows! Big ones! Right on the other side of the fenceline behind the arena far shortside. Heading towards the cows, Romeo's mind was initially NOT on me. I pushed him onward a few times, with inside leg inside rein jabs to get his attention. He got a little wore out before deciding it was easier to mind me than it was to stare at the cows. Ransom decided he had to get in on the action, and stood for a while in the little space between the arena and the cows. Stinker...
Learned a little about myself, as well. Finishing up at the canter, Romeo was coming to a complete stop. Then, he almost always refuses to walk out forward. I caught why, and proved it with a few drills. I'm squeezing with my thighs and lower body for the transition out of canter, and don't always immediately relax & push with my seat to continue the forward motion. I did a bunch of walk to halt transitions just off of my seat and thighs, and figured out what I was doing. If I'm tight, Romeo won't go forward. If I relax, he'll pick up a nice moving walk.
Good 50 minute work session total. Ransom's up tonight if the weather allows.
Overall, given the time off, and the windy whipping weather, Romeo did well. He got a little stubborn on turns on the forehand, but it's still a training lesson. Just needs more work.
One thing I love about Romeo - I feel comfortable crawling on him without any warmup, and just going. I may reach that point with Ransom, but I'm not there yet. It's nice to just get a saddle on Romeo and head out.
He did very well. A little bit of wheezy breath in the first spurt of canter, but it quickly cleared up. Walk, trot, canter both ways. Unfortunately, though I hoped it'd be a light & easy day, my neighbors had other plans. Well, neighbor's livestock, at least.
Cows! Big ones! Right on the other side of the fenceline behind the arena far shortside. Heading towards the cows, Romeo's mind was initially NOT on me. I pushed him onward a few times, with inside leg inside rein jabs to get his attention. He got a little wore out before deciding it was easier to mind me than it was to stare at the cows. Ransom decided he had to get in on the action, and stood for a while in the little space between the arena and the cows. Stinker...
Learned a little about myself, as well. Finishing up at the canter, Romeo was coming to a complete stop. Then, he almost always refuses to walk out forward. I caught why, and proved it with a few drills. I'm squeezing with my thighs and lower body for the transition out of canter, and don't always immediately relax & push with my seat to continue the forward motion. I did a bunch of walk to halt transitions just off of my seat and thighs, and figured out what I was doing. If I'm tight, Romeo won't go forward. If I relax, he'll pick up a nice moving walk.
Good 50 minute work session total. Ransom's up tonight if the weather allows.
Overall, given the time off, and the windy whipping weather, Romeo did well. He got a little stubborn on turns on the forehand, but it's still a training lesson. Just needs more work.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
4/6/09 Romeo
Played light with Romeo western, preparing for the show, and reinforcing old information. He was pretty good. Walk, trot, canter, all nice. Worked on relaxing for a WP jog, something he's not spectacular at. Spins, turns, and sidepasses were all good - no stickies there.
Had a little discussion with him about "WHOA". I'm pretty pickie about this feature on him. I don't mind "Shh" meaning slow down, or a nice exhale meaning break gait. If I say "Whoa" loud enough he can hear it, that means NOW. Stop the feet, instantly. Not in six feet, not in four strides. Right now! So we would walk a while, I'd say it, and if I didn't get an answer, we'd back up strong. Later, rinse, repeat.
About a half hour's work. He was coughing a bit, and I am hoping it's just the irregular weather. Really don't want my boy being sick ...
Had a little discussion with him about "WHOA". I'm pretty pickie about this feature on him. I don't mind "Shh" meaning slow down, or a nice exhale meaning break gait. If I say "Whoa" loud enough he can hear it, that means NOW. Stop the feet, instantly. Not in six feet, not in four strides. Right now! So we would walk a while, I'd say it, and if I didn't get an answer, we'd back up strong. Later, rinse, repeat.
About a half hour's work. He was coughing a bit, and I am hoping it's just the irregular weather. Really don't want my boy being sick ...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
4/1/09 Romeo
Quick update, because I'm being pulled in about four directions at the office today. I want to capture the ride, what we did well, and where to go from there. Can't add much interpretation to what I did in the ride, time just isn't there today.
45 minutes
walk, trot, canter (left lead only)
Had a few issues getting him on the bit and relaxed
Trot work was really good
Nice bends
Canter work was on him, not me - Much better than it used to be
Spins and turns were alright. Still stickie turn on forehand (hiney headed left to right)
Sidepasses were fabulous
45 minutes
walk, trot, canter (left lead only)
Had a few issues getting him on the bit and relaxed
Trot work was really good
Nice bends
Canter work was on him, not me - Much better than it used to be
Spins and turns were alright. Still stickie turn on forehand (hiney headed left to right)
Sidepasses were fabulous
Monday, March 23, 2009
3/22/09 Romeo's Back to School
After church, I drove Romeo to the roping arena. Plans included another short ride in my new saddle, then switch out to all my western cowgirl gear, and play pushing cows.
Romeo had other plans. Unfortunately for him, this was another day he chose to not pay attention, and do his own thing. Head up in the air, refusing to turn on forehand or turn on haunches, refusing to side pass, backing up with head in the sky... You name it. Refusing to turn nicely....
I rode him English
Les briefly rode him English
Les rode him Western
I rode him Western
Nothing seemed to help. He was being impossibly stubborn. SO! Good thing about riding with the cowboys - Romeo is back at camp. I left him at the arena yesterday with Les for about a week or so. Les saw all the junk I've been riding through & only working on a little bit. That'll all be solved in a few more rides.
I was able to warm up Amigo, and another fellow cowboy's horse for the team roping practice. The other horse, a big grey gelding, was FUN! I've seen others ride him, and worked up enough courage to jump on and have fun. Saddle too big, stirrups too long, I jumped on, and off we went. That was the best 20 minute ride I had the entire afternoon! Amigo is fun, but he needs a lot of leg to keep going without spurs. The grey horse?! He just needed asked once, and left alone. Very nice ride!
Ransom's up tonight - since he's the only boy at the house. Going to try to snag a lesson this week, scheduling around a 7:15 Tuesday massage, and church activities Wednesday (either choir or a concert at another church in town). There's a few chances of rain again this week, rain dances & precip prayers greatly appreciated.
Romeo had other plans. Unfortunately for him, this was another day he chose to not pay attention, and do his own thing. Head up in the air, refusing to turn on forehand or turn on haunches, refusing to side pass, backing up with head in the sky... You name it. Refusing to turn nicely....
I rode him English
Les briefly rode him English
Les rode him Western
I rode him Western
Nothing seemed to help. He was being impossibly stubborn. SO! Good thing about riding with the cowboys - Romeo is back at camp. I left him at the arena yesterday with Les for about a week or so. Les saw all the junk I've been riding through & only working on a little bit. That'll all be solved in a few more rides.
I was able to warm up Amigo, and another fellow cowboy's horse for the team roping practice. The other horse, a big grey gelding, was FUN! I've seen others ride him, and worked up enough courage to jump on and have fun. Saddle too big, stirrups too long, I jumped on, and off we went. That was the best 20 minute ride I had the entire afternoon! Amigo is fun, but he needs a lot of leg to keep going without spurs. The grey horse?! He just needed asked once, and left alone. Very nice ride!
Ransom's up tonight - since he's the only boy at the house. Going to try to snag a lesson this week, scheduling around a 7:15 Tuesday massage, and church activities Wednesday (either choir or a concert at another church in town). There's a few chances of rain again this week, rain dances & precip prayers greatly appreciated.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
3/18/09
I had a pretty crummy day at the office. Too many irons in the fire, and I feel like I've got "clients" all sitting right behind me at my desk, tapping my shoulder, asking, "Are you done yet? Are you done yet? Are you ready yet? Can we go now?" Worse than driving a van full of teenagers to an amusement park...
So after work, I grabbed Romeo. We had a long chat while I groomed some of his shedding coat, and I told him all about my bad day. He licked & chewed, and dropped his head, looking back at me almost sympathetic. We wandered out to the arena saddled up, and he was amazing good. He's had a long break off due to the weather & riding Ransom, so I braced for a fast canter & bad brakes. He gave me a really pretty canter (got his leads both directions on the first try), actually tried breaking to trot a few times (which isn't great, but sure beats holding him back the whole ride).
Neighbor's dog (wiener-dog yapping little nutjob) was giving us the "woofing what fors" during most of the ride. Fortunately, he did it from his own yard this time. Last time the little yapper was in my yard, I chased him out, tossing the lead rope end in his general direction. Romeo looked pretty hard in his direction a few times, and, when he didn't spring sideways, and didn't hollow out & freak, I rubbed his neck & praised lavishly. Half-way through praising him once, I realized I was secure in my saddle enough to reach forward almost to his ears scratching. How cool! All that going on at the canter, flying around the arena.
I finished up the ride with some trot-training. I left long loose reins, and deliberately tried to slow him a bit, then later pushed him on forwards with really light bit contact.
Total work about 45 minutes. The walk-out with my stirrups flapping, hands on my lap, reins swinging in the gait. Pretty cool ride! Good Boy Romeo!
So after work, I grabbed Romeo. We had a long chat while I groomed some of his shedding coat, and I told him all about my bad day. He licked & chewed, and dropped his head, looking back at me almost sympathetic. We wandered out to the arena saddled up, and he was amazing good. He's had a long break off due to the weather & riding Ransom, so I braced for a fast canter & bad brakes. He gave me a really pretty canter (got his leads both directions on the first try), actually tried breaking to trot a few times (which isn't great, but sure beats holding him back the whole ride).
Neighbor's dog (wiener-dog yapping little nutjob) was giving us the "woofing what fors" during most of the ride. Fortunately, he did it from his own yard this time. Last time the little yapper was in my yard, I chased him out, tossing the lead rope end in his general direction. Romeo looked pretty hard in his direction a few times, and, when he didn't spring sideways, and didn't hollow out & freak, I rubbed his neck & praised lavishly. Half-way through praising him once, I realized I was secure in my saddle enough to reach forward almost to his ears scratching. How cool! All that going on at the canter, flying around the arena.
I finished up the ride with some trot-training. I left long loose reins, and deliberately tried to slow him a bit, then later pushed him on forwards with really light bit contact.
Total work about 45 minutes. The walk-out with my stirrups flapping, hands on my lap, reins swinging in the gait. Pretty cool ride! Good Boy Romeo!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
3/10/09 Romeo Confirms It
Tacked Romeo up western, TT bit. Had an amazing ride! We still argued a little bit about the right lead, and he was a little slow to halt once, but there were no bucks, no kicking out, no tail swishing, all was peaceful. I barely took contact once at the canter to see if it was a mouth issue, and he still behaved.
All the fuss from Sunday has to be the event saddle not fitting him properly. I got extra padding, but even that doesn't seem to be enough. I'm really not entirely sure what to do there.
Still, we got in about 35 minutes of walk/trot/canter, a few spins, turns on forehand, rollbacks, and a little side passing. There were a few things going on making lots of sudden noises in the neighbor's pasture, and while he looked and flipped his ears around, he wasn't spooking sideways, or taking off. One time he thought he was going to canter without a cue, broke to trot, and I backed him up pretty hard. We didn't have a repeat-attempt there.
Life outside of horses is still status quo. I've been having a handful of really strange dreams lately, where things on the internet, work, and the rest of life are all blending together. Very strange stuff.... Waking up thinking, "Whoa... dude that was weird! Which cat was laying on me funny to cause that strangeness?"
Still praying for rain. Forecast calls it to start today and rain at varying chances from 40% to 70% until Sunday. Largest chance is Friday. Radar sure isn't showing it, but I'm hopeful.
If the weather holds out, Ransom will get a quick lunge tonight before choir rehearsal at 7:30pm. Ya'll have a great day! Don't forget FSSunny's job search!!!
All the fuss from Sunday has to be the event saddle not fitting him properly. I got extra padding, but even that doesn't seem to be enough. I'm really not entirely sure what to do there.
Still, we got in about 35 minutes of walk/trot/canter, a few spins, turns on forehand, rollbacks, and a little side passing. There were a few things going on making lots of sudden noises in the neighbor's pasture, and while he looked and flipped his ears around, he wasn't spooking sideways, or taking off. One time he thought he was going to canter without a cue, broke to trot, and I backed him up pretty hard. We didn't have a repeat-attempt there.
Life outside of horses is still status quo. I've been having a handful of really strange dreams lately, where things on the internet, work, and the rest of life are all blending together. Very strange stuff.... Waking up thinking, "Whoa... dude that was weird! Which cat was laying on me funny to cause that strangeness?"
Still praying for rain. Forecast calls it to start today and rain at varying chances from 40% to 70% until Sunday. Largest chance is Friday. Radar sure isn't showing it, but I'm hopeful.
If the weather holds out, Ransom will get a quick lunge tonight before choir rehearsal at 7:30pm. Ya'll have a great day! Don't forget FSSunny's job search!!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
3/4/09 Romeo Yee Ha
Saddled Romeo up Western, but with a loose ring french link bit. I wanted to work on his trot on contact, so needed the English bit.
As I got him going, we walked a while, then I squeezed him up into a lope. All at the same time, he spooked, Ransom spooked, and they squirted in opposite directions. Romeo absolutely took off and galloped around at least twice around the arena. It startled me for sure. When I got him under control, he finally stopped.
We worked on trot for a while, got him calmed & minding me, then back to lope. Two wrong lead departures, and two good ones. We also worked on spins, turns on forehand, rollbacks, and some sidepassing. His overall reaction was great, minus the one blow-up.
I got out one set of standards, and set up a lowest hole vertical. Aimed at it once, not enough effort, he hit it. Second aim at it, he trotted to, cantered from, and gave a nice canter away, which I easily controlled back down to trot. Good job, Romeo!
Total work, about 40 minutes.
As I got him going, we walked a while, then I squeezed him up into a lope. All at the same time, he spooked, Ransom spooked, and they squirted in opposite directions. Romeo absolutely took off and galloped around at least twice around the arena. It startled me for sure. When I got him under control, he finally stopped.
We worked on trot for a while, got him calmed & minding me, then back to lope. Two wrong lead departures, and two good ones. We also worked on spins, turns on forehand, rollbacks, and some sidepassing. His overall reaction was great, minus the one blow-up.
I got out one set of standards, and set up a lowest hole vertical. Aimed at it once, not enough effort, he hit it. Second aim at it, he trotted to, cantered from, and gave a nice canter away, which I easily controlled back down to trot. Good job, Romeo!
Total work, about 40 minutes.
Monday, March 2, 2009
2/28/09 Romeo's Day
Romeo got a quick ride Saturday, so I made it up to him Sunday with a good workout at home. He must've been missing me, because he was an angel! (Note to DrivenBonkers who suggested it - You might be RIGHT !!! He wasn't just FIRST, but ONLY that day, and he was really good!!)
Romeo and I enjoyed about 45 minutes of grooming & riding. We got through some walk, trot, canter, side passing, turns on forehand, turns on haunches, a couple leg yields at trot, and overall a nice time together.
Romeo and I enjoyed about 45 minutes of grooming & riding. We got through some walk, trot, canter, side passing, turns on forehand, turns on haunches, a couple leg yields at trot, and overall a nice time together.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
2/23/09 Romeo
Saddled the Little Man up, added the training fork, longer english spurs, and used my french link snaffle bit. I didn't want anything to interfere with him being good, and considered maybe the TT bit was confusing. It probably had nothing to do with it, and was simply a seasonal-Romeo-temper-tantrum, but I was willing to give him some benefit.
He was pretty good. A little stickie in his spins, nice sidepasses, nice gate work, good turns on forehand, a few easy leg yields. Canters were better. We alternated a lot between trot and canter, and at one trot set, he was insisting on going faster. "Fine, little snot. Let's run." So we did...
Ran into a little giggle-snag.... I worked A LOT at trot with the reins sitting on his neck, my hands on my legs. So, essentially, all direction changes, circles, etc, all through seat & legs. He did great! Only a few little bobbles, once almost running right into the rail. Still, it was cool to have that much control without needing the reins. I got a little confident, and tried it at one of our last canter sets. Pretty stinking cool! He did really well, stayed on the rail, no bobbles. At one turn I wasn't sure if he'd need guiding or not, so I didn't... we just about ran right into the rail. I lost my balance a bit, hollered, "WHOA", and he stopped, flat on his front end. Ugly transition, but he never lost control, never got too fast, and didn't flip out when the reins were flapping loose.
A much better ride than the previous few. He'll get a few days off now, as Ransom's up tonight, I'm busy with Choir Fa-La-La Wednesday, and believe I'm getting a massage Thursday (much needed, stretch out & rest all those tired riding muscles in my legs & back).
Last night I watched snippets of Saturday's lessons. Ransom is pretty darn cool! Neat to see... I recognized my seat was pretty good, legs pretty good, shoulders still tend to cave in, and I had "ugly hands". Looked more like pushing a shopping cart than riding a horse. Need to be aware of that in my future rides. Trot on the rail was pretty cool, but again, ugly hands.
He was pretty good. A little stickie in his spins, nice sidepasses, nice gate work, good turns on forehand, a few easy leg yields. Canters were better. We alternated a lot between trot and canter, and at one trot set, he was insisting on going faster. "Fine, little snot. Let's run." So we did...
Ran into a little giggle-snag.... I worked A LOT at trot with the reins sitting on his neck, my hands on my legs. So, essentially, all direction changes, circles, etc, all through seat & legs. He did great! Only a few little bobbles, once almost running right into the rail. Still, it was cool to have that much control without needing the reins. I got a little confident, and tried it at one of our last canter sets. Pretty stinking cool! He did really well, stayed on the rail, no bobbles. At one turn I wasn't sure if he'd need guiding or not, so I didn't... we just about ran right into the rail. I lost my balance a bit, hollered, "WHOA", and he stopped, flat on his front end. Ugly transition, but he never lost control, never got too fast, and didn't flip out when the reins were flapping loose.
A much better ride than the previous few. He'll get a few days off now, as Ransom's up tonight, I'm busy with Choir Fa-La-La Wednesday, and believe I'm getting a massage Thursday (much needed, stretch out & rest all those tired riding muscles in my legs & back).
Last night I watched snippets of Saturday's lessons. Ransom is pretty darn cool! Neat to see... I recognized my seat was pretty good, legs pretty good, shoulders still tend to cave in, and I had "ugly hands". Looked more like pushing a shopping cart than riding a horse. Need to be aware of that in my future rides. Trot on the rail was pretty cool, but again, ugly hands.
Monday, February 23, 2009
2/21/09 Lessons
Ransom is awesome, yet again. Worked on the lunge line (side reins 4s, but headed to 5s for next work). Got in plenty of time at sitting trot, and a good deal of canter work, again without the saddle-pommel death grip. It's getting easier and easier. I'm curious what will happen the first time I'm faced with a set of reins in my hands - I'm learning well how to balance my seat and legs... but it's real easy to gather up the reins tight and assume that gives me "more control."
Finished up the Ransom time with a TON of trot on the rail, off the line. Whoopie!!! As I'm typing this, I'm realizing I had loose reins quite a bit of the time. I held just a bit shorter than the last leather spot on the reins. Ransom happily plodded along, heading into good corners, nice & calm on the rail. Jenn said to me at one point, "See, even when he goes fast, he doesn't go THAT fast?!"
Romeo,,, a whole 'nother story. He chose Saturday to be a complete Turd. Jenn set up a trail course, of a rope gate to open & close, rails to walk over, cones to trot around, the L-pattern to walk through & back up. He was refusing (!) to turn on haunches to the left (off right leg). Refusing! Ended up with spurs on, and a training fork to keep his head from flinging all over. It took well into 45 minutes before he finally decided working was easier than fighting. We ended on a good note, but not much training for me other than perseverance.
Finished up the Ransom time with a TON of trot on the rail, off the line. Whoopie!!! As I'm typing this, I'm realizing I had loose reins quite a bit of the time. I held just a bit shorter than the last leather spot on the reins. Ransom happily plodded along, heading into good corners, nice & calm on the rail. Jenn said to me at one point, "See, even when he goes fast, he doesn't go THAT fast?!"
Romeo,,, a whole 'nother story. He chose Saturday to be a complete Turd. Jenn set up a trail course, of a rope gate to open & close, rails to walk over, cones to trot around, the L-pattern to walk through & back up. He was refusing (!) to turn on haunches to the left (off right leg). Refusing! Ended up with spurs on, and a training fork to keep his head from flinging all over. It took well into 45 minutes before he finally decided working was easier than fighting. We ended on a good note, but not much training for me other than perseverance.
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