Cynthia came out this afternoon to ride with us. The weather has turned colder and it was a raw day. I use the ground work to figure out where the spooky spots are going to be for our ride. They now move around so this helps. Today it was up by C. Even so, when we were lunging she was pretty good.
The ride was pretty uneventful. Which is always welcome. She had her spots of distractions/spooking but it was all pretty minor and I just dealt with them. It's weird but I don't give them much thought anymore and it doesn't escalate either. Hmmm.....
My goal for my riding is to give her rein to reach into but it's hard- when she goes behind the vertical or feels 'up' I worry that she's going to spin/bolt. But I'm working on it- give with the reins, ask her to go forward into it. It's coming. We had moments of it and I'll take them because that's how training works- stringing together moments.
Carmen got a bit fast in the canter work but that was okay- it gave me energy to use. My goal was to keep her on a circle, flexed in and steady in contact. That worked for about 2/3 of the circle. But it lost it shape at the end by C. I brought her down to trot or walk,, fixed the bend and then back to canter. As we moved further down she was keeping it pretty well and then had a wee spaz- where she flailed a bit and swapped in back and then sorted it out, all in 2 strides. I think what happened was she cantered over a hoof print hole (made earlier) and was surprised by it. I giggled because it was such a baby spaz moment and she immediately settled. It was kind of like t his:
Camren: 'canter canter, cant- ooh WHAT'S THAT?! Avoid. Avoid. *swap, flail, swap back*
Me: oh Carmen. hee hee hee.
Carmen: Never mind. It's FINE. Nothing happened. STOP. LAUGHING!
I was happy at our trot work and our canter as well. It's becoming more rhythmic and flowing. I used Irish to help us around the scary bits but didn't make too big a deal.
I brought her to stop and she was standing all relaxed when my phone rang (I ride with my phone in case of accidents). It was Ed and I told him I would call back once I dismounted. I put my phone away and jumped off. Remember last week when I twisted my ankle? I had forgotten about it but when I landed it collapsed and I fell flat on my back.
Owwww. I said.
Cynthia asked if I was okay and was confused as to what happened. Which made total sense because the last time she looked my way we were just standing there.
And the cool thing was that when I fell right at her feet she never stirred a hoof. She didn't even lift her head. Although I'm pretty sure she rolled her eyes. So I'm happy about that training I did with her around falling. Carmen stood there while I stuggled to my feet and followed patiently as I limped back to the barn.
No matter what else happened during that ride, her reaction to my fall made my heart sing. I really feel we're becoming partners.
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| I'm not really slouching- it's my safety vest riding up |
A partnership is a beautiful thing!
ReplyDeleteIt really is. I envy what you have with both your horses!
DeleteWe have plenty of bad moments too, don't worry. You're getting there. I've had both of mine since they were babies, I think that accelerates the process!
DeleteAll in all it sounds like a great day! I'm impressed that she didn't move when you fell at her feet and only rolled her eyes. Nice work, you really are forming a great partnership.
ReplyDeleteYeah- it was kind of funny and heartwarming all at the same time (which just might be the theme of my life).
DeleteMares -- temperamental creatures for sure but you gotta love them. It took me forever to get Lucy relaxed and stretching into the bit but she got there and Carmen will too.
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard! I'm glad that Lucy got there- it gives me hope.
DeleteI recall that rolling eyes look from Camryn a few times when my dismount didn't quite work out lol. So glad you two were meshing so well.
ReplyDeleteHorse's can be really sarcastic!
DeleteSweet! That's a big step. They don't like to see us fall. Your training worked.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to have
DeleteHahaha! Love your attitude! Your bravery has me feeling like a wimp over here - bad weather has equaled a firm hell no on riding. It is very cool how you are figuring her out.
ReplyDeleteAs the weather changes it gets harder to get motivated- especially if it's windy!
DeleteIt's wonderful to hear how you and Carmen are becoming a team! I was watching the US Dressage Finals and the announcer always commented when you could obviously see the good partnership between horse & rider - that'll be you and Carmen winning blues sooner than you think :D
ReplyDeleteI really hope so!
DeleteI love that feeling of mutual understanding and partnership!! It took basically forever to develop with my last leased Arab mate, but once we were there it was so so worth it!!
ReplyDeleteShe rolled her eyes... ha ha! I've noticed that with my horses too. When I fall down, they keep their cool and hold very still so as not to step on me. I'm thinking more and more that the key to a successful, spook-free ride is keeping your horses attention totally on you, because horses are intuitive enough that they know what is going to happen even before we do, but only if they are paying attention. Then nothing can take them by surprise. Although, there are always those crafty horses who spook intentionally to try to get out of work. I hope your ankle heals soon.
ReplyDeletethanks! I hope it does too- I think I will get a brace for when I exercise. I've not had an injury like this and it's very annoying.
DeleteSuch a great post to read, I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI can just picture her rolling her eyes at your antics. I hope your ankle is doing well.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about how much better your relationship with carmen is becoming. Laughing off a serious, sometimes insecure mare's antics makes things loads easier I find with my girl who's so similar to yours in her behaviors.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to help. :)
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