Third Day concert was fantastic Sunday (3/29). Revive and Brandon Heath opened for them, and both did very well. Third Day was just *Fantastic*!!!!
Monday, I was a bit more than slow getting up, and my half day's vacation from work turned into a whole day. I wasn't motivated to do much, but, again, I've got pony commitments, and hey, I'm enjoying my rides.
So off I went outside. Romeo came home Sunday while I was out of town, so I saddled him up first. He did well, and I really only had to "get after him" once. We warmed up walk & trot, and did a little canter (both ways, and thinking back, he only missed his lead once). After the warmups, I was going to work on his trot. When I asked for it, he must've thought I meant canter, because the head came up, back hollowed out, and he acted like he was ready to take off. "No Sir!" I backed him up hard, and made sure he knew I didn't appreciate it one bit.
Total Romeo work - about 40 minutes.
After a short break, I grabbed Ransom. I intended a full repeat of Saturday, and that's what we got, plus some. Our trots were back on light contact, hoping he'd give a little more with his head & back. He did - after a little tightness, I worked out a few kinks in a lot of direction changes. I "got his mind" on me, and got the canter going. We did some canter-right first, hoping to prevent any "canter here" habits from forming. He didn't want to stay in it long, so next time I'll need to be a little more assertive in our right canters.
In his canter-left, after couple circles, I thought, o O ( Oh heck, why not try down the long side again.) O o So we headed in canter, left, long side headed away from the barn. In the short side, I kept going. Down the long side 'headed home', I kept him in it. I figured worst he'd do is canter bigger, but again, I'm committed to getting better, getting over my fears, and Ransom has never given me a reason to think he'd be bad deliberately or act out. He never sped up, he didn't really even lengthen his stride. Stayed cool & easy heading home, just like heading away. Enjoyed that, and took a good solid walk break.
After some more trot work, I asked for canter-right again, intending on a full arena 'round. Ransom kept breaking gait, and, in the short side at the back of the arena, stumbled in front. He put himself back upright, had a second small stumble, and still managed to keep it together. I stayed on top, but admittedly grabbed the saddle horn when he stumbled. I left him in an extended trot back down the barn-end, and asked for a total halt. Stood there a few minutes, him licking & chewing, head down, I'm sure in an apology of "Sorry Mom. I'm a little out of shape, but I'll get better."
Total work about 45 minutes again. This has been going so well, I think I'm going to stay this way for the rest of the week. Short Short work week. With Monday off, and Friday my AFO, I've only got three days, or 27 work hours all week. YahOO!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
3/28/09 Ransom @ Canter
Gathered up Ransom, with a plan. My decent weekend rides have been less in frequency, and I've decided that, rather than have a lot of "goof off days" where I repeat the same old same old, knowing I want to get better & do more, I need to have useful rides with a purpose.
I had intentions on riding Western, on a loose rein, and trot all over the arena, staying on a loose rein. No matter what Ransom gave me for a trot, I was going to ride it, staying at trot, on a loose rein. I've been fussing and fiddling with him, trying to keep him soft & easy, for a few weeks now. It's not been going well.
The change worked. He was inconsistent at the trot, but wasn't going off in his own direction. We worked every possible direction, and put hoofprints nearly everywhere in the arena. Lots of direction changes, but not many transitions. I asked him for trot, and left him go.
When I got to the barn end of the arena one time (headed down the long side 'headed home'), I thought, o O ( Oh why not. Let's pick up a canter in the corner, canter a few circles. What could he honestly do bad? If I fall, I'll dust off & get back up. He's been a saint every ride, never bucked or kicked, never thrown his head. I'm gonna try it. ) O o
It was phenominal. I know my seat wasn't great, I know I wasn't sitting pretty, but the ride was awesome. We cantered about three big circles, and I thought about heading down the long side away from the barn & staying in canter. As I did, Ransom must've thought I wasn't ready. He broke to a trot about two strides down the long side, and stayed at the trot for a while after. I left him go, just being happy I got some canter in.
Since I did left canter, and he's better right, I did the same thing headed right at the barn end of the arena. This direction was much better, of course, and he was more compliant to turn & stay easy. :)
*Whew* Canter accomplished. It was in my western saddle, holding me in, but except for the transition, I wasn't death-grip on the saddle horn. I was grabbing it for the up transition, but quickly gathered up reins loose, and stayed pretty much out of his face for the gait.
Total work about 45 minutes. A fantastic ride! I was a bit more than down about the thought of riding Saturday, as I had to choose Ransom over other activities. That was the first time I chose my riding over something else, and I was upset about it. I have a commitment to Ransom (& Romeo), and I have to keep it.
I had intentions on riding Western, on a loose rein, and trot all over the arena, staying on a loose rein. No matter what Ransom gave me for a trot, I was going to ride it, staying at trot, on a loose rein. I've been fussing and fiddling with him, trying to keep him soft & easy, for a few weeks now. It's not been going well.
The change worked. He was inconsistent at the trot, but wasn't going off in his own direction. We worked every possible direction, and put hoofprints nearly everywhere in the arena. Lots of direction changes, but not many transitions. I asked him for trot, and left him go.
When I got to the barn end of the arena one time (headed down the long side 'headed home'), I thought, o O ( Oh why not. Let's pick up a canter in the corner, canter a few circles. What could he honestly do bad? If I fall, I'll dust off & get back up. He's been a saint every ride, never bucked or kicked, never thrown his head. I'm gonna try it. ) O o
It was phenominal. I know my seat wasn't great, I know I wasn't sitting pretty, but the ride was awesome. We cantered about three big circles, and I thought about heading down the long side away from the barn & staying in canter. As I did, Ransom must've thought I wasn't ready. He broke to a trot about two strides down the long side, and stayed at the trot for a while after. I left him go, just being happy I got some canter in.
Since I did left canter, and he's better right, I did the same thing headed right at the barn end of the arena. This direction was much better, of course, and he was more compliant to turn & stay easy. :)
*Whew* Canter accomplished. It was in my western saddle, holding me in, but except for the transition, I wasn't death-grip on the saddle horn. I was grabbing it for the up transition, but quickly gathered up reins loose, and stayed pretty much out of his face for the gait.
Total work about 45 minutes. A fantastic ride! I was a bit more than down about the thought of riding Saturday, as I had to choose Ransom over other activities. That was the first time I chose my riding over something else, and I was upset about it. I have a commitment to Ransom (& Romeo), and I have to keep it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hosanna! 2000 - An Easter Memory Part V
The play was on. We were full-swing in performances, all ten of them, and I had a routine.
In the pre-show activities, while everyone was bustling around getting ready, I sat by myself, near the main cast of "Blues" and "Reds", but not with Jesus, the Marys & the three. I usually sat with my Bible, reading the gospel recollections over and over and over and over. I was determined to really live my part in the auditorium. There was no way anybody could mistake me for a "Blue", and I was going to be sure of it.
Every performance, it got a little easier. I became less believing, and more convinced that Man wasn't my Messiah. The resurrection scene became more and more surreal, angels with raising wings, the white lights beaming on the stage. I was able to associate better with the scribe's loud accusation in the crucifixion scene,
"Oh yeah. You're supposed to save the world! If You really are the Messiah, come on down and save Yourself!" (not scripted, but added that season)
Perhaps my favorite character was the soldier after Jesus was dead. The storms came, and this one young soldier cowered by the cross. When the thunder ceased, it always was that as Jesus dropped His head in defeated death, the crown of thorns would fall off. That young soldier was the last to stand up. Facing the cross looking up at Him, he'd pick up that crown, look at it, look back at Jesus, and walk away looking like he'd lost his best chance into heaven. He wasn't faking, he wasn't pretending - he was reacting how I did in the background.
Looking back, I have wrestled for years with what it all meant to me. I see myself in Peter - It's easier to say you believe, and deny when put "on the spot". I see myself in Sam & the soldiers - It's a whole lot easier to agree with the crowds and crucify my faith just because public opinion says so. Still, I see myself in the angels - silently watching in the distance all through the events. Watching Him, watching the followers, watching the crowds.
In the pre-show activities, while everyone was bustling around getting ready, I sat by myself, near the main cast of "Blues" and "Reds", but not with Jesus, the Marys & the three. I usually sat with my Bible, reading the gospel recollections over and over and over and over. I was determined to really live my part in the auditorium. There was no way anybody could mistake me for a "Blue", and I was going to be sure of it.
Every performance, it got a little easier. I became less believing, and more convinced that Man wasn't my Messiah. The resurrection scene became more and more surreal, angels with raising wings, the white lights beaming on the stage. I was able to associate better with the scribe's loud accusation in the crucifixion scene,
"Oh yeah. You're supposed to save the world! If You really are the Messiah, come on down and save Yourself!" (not scripted, but added that season)
Perhaps my favorite character was the soldier after Jesus was dead. The storms came, and this one young soldier cowered by the cross. When the thunder ceased, it always was that as Jesus dropped His head in defeated death, the crown of thorns would fall off. That young soldier was the last to stand up. Facing the cross looking up at Him, he'd pick up that crown, look at it, look back at Jesus, and walk away looking like he'd lost his best chance into heaven. He wasn't faking, he wasn't pretending - he was reacting how I did in the background.
Looking back, I have wrestled for years with what it all meant to me. I see myself in Peter - It's easier to say you believe, and deny when put "on the spot". I see myself in Sam & the soldiers - It's a whole lot easier to agree with the crowds and crucify my faith just because public opinion says so. Still, I see myself in the angels - silently watching in the distance all through the events. Watching Him, watching the followers, watching the crowds.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Looking for a Book Title
I remember reading a book (or at least a short story) in school - say 8th or 9th grade.. Trying to find the name and author so I can re-read..
The basic premise was this: Assimilating the community to achieve perfect communism. In other words, "dumbing down" the smart people so that everyone had a fair shot. I remember kids participating in a school race, the faster children being electrically shocked so that they didn't get too far ahead of the slower kids. I also remember other kids wearing shocking helmets that would lower their intelligence if they said something too smart, also to keep them level with the lower educated.
Anybody? Any ideas? I really wish I remember who wrote it ... or even more details about it...
The basic premise was this: Assimilating the community to achieve perfect communism. In other words, "dumbing down" the smart people so that everyone had a fair shot. I remember kids participating in a school race, the faster children being electrically shocked so that they didn't get too far ahead of the slower kids. I also remember other kids wearing shocking helmets that would lower their intelligence if they said something too smart, also to keep them level with the lower educated.
Anybody? Any ideas? I really wish I remember who wrote it ... or even more details about it...
Friday Fill Ins
This week's FillIn came from the blog owner's top 6 favorite books. She was suggesting the real book lines be filled in, but I'm just going to fill in my own ideas..
1. "In a hole in the ground there lived many many moles."
2. "It's gonna get cold again tonight but that ain't no matter."
3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, oh wait. That's not possible. We haven't had enough rain yet this Spring."
4. "A pirate emerged from the hold of the Spanish galleon."
5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it woke me up."
6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, as the rider experienced an unintentional dismount."
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to helping out at a church event, tomorrow my plans include I haven't a clue and Sunday, I want to have fun at the Third Day Concert!
1. "In a hole in the ground there lived many many moles."
2. "It's gonna get cold again tonight but that ain't no matter."
3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, oh wait. That's not possible. We haven't had enough rain yet this Spring."
4. "A pirate emerged from the hold of the Spanish galleon."
5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it woke me up."
6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, as the rider experienced an unintentional dismount."
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to helping out at a church event, tomorrow my plans include I haven't a clue and Sunday, I want to have fun at the Third Day Concert!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3/25/09 Ransom Reflection
I had a bummer of an afternoon at work. In the midst of one ugly combative discussion with a colleague at another location. It's been getting uglier and uglier in the last few months, and about a half hour before quittime, I received a pretty nasty email. Two can play that game, and so I sent it along for handling. The situation is out of my control, for now. I've got a general suspicion it's a "male/female" "experienced/rookie" issue, so I'm curious if there's any way to improve it.
With that general disposition carrying me home, I decided a goof-off day with Ransom was in order. I grabbed a brush, hoof pick, bridle, and a handful of cookies, and headed out to the pasture. Found Ransom all the way in the back, tossed the reins over his neck, and led him to the round pen. Brushed him down real good (noticing that a lot of that ugly winter coat is shedding out and his summer coat is absolutely B-U-TI-FL!!!), and warmed him up free lunge. I worked with him on "Whoa means come to the center" with cookie rewards. He got the idea pretty darn quick.
After about fifteen minutes, I put on his bridle, hopped up on my upside down flower pot, and got on. He stood still as a statue while I figured out where to settle my behind on him. I squeezed him into a walk, with regular rein contact (if he'd been saddled), and off he went. About six feet later, he pulled the reins loose, sighed, and dropped his head near to the ground. He must've known I needed the relaxing ride, walking in a big stride, calm & quiet. We walked around for around ten minutes, wind howling in the pasture.
It was a great ride. Nothing serious, nothing intense, but my first time bareback on my new horse. Pretty darn cool! He rode like it wasn't his first time, and I was happy for it.
With that general disposition carrying me home, I decided a goof-off day with Ransom was in order. I grabbed a brush, hoof pick, bridle, and a handful of cookies, and headed out to the pasture. Found Ransom all the way in the back, tossed the reins over his neck, and led him to the round pen. Brushed him down real good (noticing that a lot of that ugly winter coat is shedding out and his summer coat is absolutely B-U-TI-FL!!!), and warmed him up free lunge. I worked with him on "Whoa means come to the center" with cookie rewards. He got the idea pretty darn quick.
After about fifteen minutes, I put on his bridle, hopped up on my upside down flower pot, and got on. He stood still as a statue while I figured out where to settle my behind on him. I squeezed him into a walk, with regular rein contact (if he'd been saddled), and off he went. About six feet later, he pulled the reins loose, sighed, and dropped his head near to the ground. He must've known I needed the relaxing ride, walking in a big stride, calm & quiet. We walked around for around ten minutes, wind howling in the pasture.
It was a great ride. Nothing serious, nothing intense, but my first time bareback on my new horse. Pretty darn cool! He rode like it wasn't his first time, and I was happy for it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3/23/09 Ransom
Big boy put on his "Happy Horse" behavior. He must've noticed Romeo left & didn't come home. Saddled him up dressage, added side reins & lunge line, and off we went.
Gave him about a 15 minute work on the line. He started pulling on the line, trying to make the circle bigger & bigger, but I tugged back, and got a better circle size. After warmup, I took the line and side reins off, and sent him around the arena. He gave some nice easy trots, and took off galloping down the long sides two or three times. Once it was pretty clear he would rather relax with me than be a nut, I got on.
We worked another twenty minutes on walk and trot, and had a good ride. He was nice & light, and while not totally relaxed at the poll, at least he was turning and staying soft. Total work, a bit over an hour. Plenty of transitions, and lots of direction changes.
Wind was howling in the trees our entire workout. Pretty cool that, a year ago, there was no way in that weather I would've been on a horse, not to mention that large of a horse. No absolute way. Not only was the wind flapping, neighbor's cows were out grazing, neighbor was grading his driveway, and we had company. One deer and a large bird (male roadrunner, I think) came whizzing by the pasture. Pretty neat to stay aboard and remain relaxed with all that going on around us.
Weather peoples calling for precip chances next few days. Here's praying they're right ...
Gave him about a 15 minute work on the line. He started pulling on the line, trying to make the circle bigger & bigger, but I tugged back, and got a better circle size. After warmup, I took the line and side reins off, and sent him around the arena. He gave some nice easy trots, and took off galloping down the long sides two or three times. Once it was pretty clear he would rather relax with me than be a nut, I got on.
We worked another twenty minutes on walk and trot, and had a good ride. He was nice & light, and while not totally relaxed at the poll, at least he was turning and staying soft. Total work, a bit over an hour. Plenty of transitions, and lots of direction changes.
Wind was howling in the trees our entire workout. Pretty cool that, a year ago, there was no way in that weather I would've been on a horse, not to mention that large of a horse. No absolute way. Not only was the wind flapping, neighbor's cows were out grazing, neighbor was grading his driveway, and we had company. One deer and a large bird (male roadrunner, I think) came whizzing by the pasture. Pretty neat to stay aboard and remain relaxed with all that going on around us.
Weather peoples calling for precip chances next few days. Here's praying they're right ...
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