tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post1075038498820830516..comments2024-03-27T20:42:03.076-03:00Comments on Journey with a Dancing Horse: Summer BluesTeresaAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-36330916091812638532020-07-16T10:51:52.371-03:002020-07-16T10:51:52.371-03:00I think it was Buck Brannaman who came up with the...I think it was Buck Brannaman who came up with the "short serpentine" exercise, which teaches body and leg control under saddle. My YouTube search showed a lot of other trainers doing this as well. I believe my horse would react like Carmen, "This torture is pointless!"lythahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01719586193059362084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-74502188634513217782020-07-15T13:51:09.638-03:002020-07-15T13:51:09.638-03:00Yes it definitely could be that the horses are pic...Yes it definitely could be that the horses are picking up on 2020 vibes. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-5476747047929357572020-07-15T13:29:47.160-03:002020-07-15T13:29:47.160-03:00I am ready for 2020 to be done. I am ready for 2020 to be done. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-84064669481827504952020-07-15T13:29:29.953-03:002020-07-15T13:29:29.953-03:00Oh that tail. It is beautiful but can get pretty t...Oh that tail. It is beautiful but can get pretty tangled...TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-68818759766457680922020-07-15T13:15:58.049-03:002020-07-15T13:15:58.049-03:00I'm not a huge fan of lunging either, but two ...I'm not a huge fan of lunging either, but two trainers I respect both recommended it to me weeks apart last spring, so I've been doing it about once a week. <br />And if it makes you feel better, we just went through about a week long patch where Cupid was a bit more distracted then usual (not doing anything bad, but we just weren't getting our best work), so we're doing a course of ulcer meds but I also talked to me trainer and she said she was feeling the same with one of her horses so maybe it's just something in the air! I'm sure there's sensing a lot of change and just more people around them being on edge?Training Cupidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14225857133948773885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-42179162503607521402020-07-14T15:22:28.410-03:002020-07-14T15:22:28.410-03:00Agreed - I do not think that you suck! Makes sens...Agreed - I do not think that you suck! Makes sense to have ups and downs in life and riding and such. <br /><br />I'm sorry that you and Carmen are having some issues at the moment, but I'm sure your careful approach will help you sort through it. <br /><br />As for my 2020? I say pfffbbbtttttt. Lol Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07940386405998853917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-37806980574711896002020-07-14T13:24:24.095-03:002020-07-14T13:24:24.095-03:00We definitely don't think you suck, and some d...We definitely don't think you suck, and some degree of back sliding is completely normal in any equine relationship... even with a much easier horse than Carmen. I'm sorry things have been difficult on top of everything else, but it sounds like you're doing a fabulous job addressing it, as usual. <3 And her tail is gorgeous even if she's not being 100% compliant ;)Domhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00139769676714813261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-3519341556849824902020-07-14T10:54:29.742-03:002020-07-14T10:54:29.742-03:00Thanks. I have done this pattern. To be honest- so...Thanks. I have done this pattern. To be honest- sometimes it seems like it just builds up more tension then releases it. Maybe I need a personal appt with him. That said, we spend a lot of time at the beginning doing things to just create relaxation and suppleness. sometimes it takes 10 minutes and other times 45. I don't actually give up but sometimes am tempted. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-52507787070448777252020-07-14T10:30:27.598-03:002020-07-14T10:30:27.598-03:00Hey there, Ive been thinking of you. I remember se...Hey there, Ive been thinking of you. I remember seeing a Tristan Tucker video a while back about a very similar issue. I spent a bit of time trying to find it again ... and here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSzzjUYnZZk<br /><br />At the 13 minute mark he talks about creating a yoga pattern to release tension during the warm up. It essentially mimics some of the groundwork patterns he creates, but under saddle.<br /><br />I have found a similar pattern (repeated teardrop patterns on a loose rein) to be very effective when my horse gets spooky at the back arena door. It also helps me focus on the bend and crossing of the legs and less on the possibility of a big spook reaction. <br /><br />Also, but perhaps not all during the same session, you could enlist your riding friend or coach to be "the Tristan" during your riding by waving flags and creating all those distractions you worked so hard at in your groundwork in the area of the arena that seems to be creating the tension. That might also translate the tension-relax cycle to the saddle that you have mastered on the ground.<br /><br />As Tristan says: the quicker you release, the quicker your horse will give you more. By creating a new pattern under saddle you could allow Carmen a release in an area of the arena where she clearly has much tension.<br /><br />You got this!Nat Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03854754166891062563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-37647506818341368782020-07-14T09:22:29.734-03:002020-07-14T09:22:29.734-03:00You are right, it's not always sunshine and ra...You are right, it's not always sunshine and rainbows. Thank you for sharing your journey as well. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-7774346269442356102020-07-14T09:19:02.072-03:002020-07-14T09:19:02.072-03:00Taking a step back makes a lot of sense. You are r...Taking a step back makes a lot of sense. You are right, we have made a lot of progress. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-47959763802416164572020-07-14T09:18:35.424-03:002020-07-14T09:18:35.424-03:00I know that I'm not alone but it's good to...I know that I'm not alone but it's good to hear it. I'm hoping that we can get back on the same page again. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-55842664933861897302020-07-14T09:17:16.904-03:002020-07-14T09:17:16.904-03:00Good advice. I might be giving it back to you soon...Good advice. I might be giving it back to you soon. :)TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-31999688710998114812020-07-13T23:09:54.566-03:002020-07-13T23:09:54.566-03:00Oh goodness, I don't think anyone here would t...Oh goodness, I don't think anyone here would think you suck! Horses are horses. Some days (weeks? Months?) they leave their brains in their stalls and we have to find them and reinstall. Whatever the reason, I'm confident you're working through it. You'll have your horse back in no time. I'm sure. Stacie Seidmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11421021003654717894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-32713477675318872732020-07-13T22:26:41.669-03:002020-07-13T22:26:41.669-03:00I appreciate your honesty. It happens. We don'...I appreciate your honesty. It happens. We don't all ride perfect horses. Sometimes it seems that it is what we put out on the internet, but heck, I have a nine year old that is still riding at training level. <br /><br />But I agree. Sometimes it's hard not to be tense and reactive when riding a horse that is prone to getting tense and misbehaving. Story of my life. To be honest, I appreciate lessons now where I know someone will be there if I die and someone to talk me through situations. I personally find I am not as tense, especially if the coach can keep me busy.<br /><br />Go figure. As soon as I put my horse into more busy work like shoulders in and ten meter circles, the less stupid she gets into.<br /><br />Best of luck. I feel you and appreciate your honestly. It's not always sunshine and rainbows and especially this year!Semi Feral Equestrianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06493371693401268792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-26486994230548823072020-07-13T18:21:42.283-03:002020-07-13T18:21:42.283-03:00I think you guys have made a ridiculous amount of ...I think you guys have made a ridiculous amount of progress lately. I know you can't see it because you are too close and see each day's progress rather than the whole picture. But I think taking a step back and finding things that make both of you happy is important right now. If that means some grooming sessions, great! If that means fixing some training issues, great! You guys are becoming an amazing, solid partnership. Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11742048852707463162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-37296602755683263372020-07-13T17:04:48.936-03:002020-07-13T17:04:48.936-03:00No one here would ever think you suck! You're ...No one here would ever think you suck! You're doing an incredible job with Carmen! Bridget and I used to go back and discuss the contact thing often...she couldn't possibly hold her own self up some days, then others behind the leg giraffe mode was worth a try again. Sometimes that meant a few truly awful rides before it all came together again. I know we've all been there!Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-25705500368689245562020-07-13T14:15:56.478-03:002020-07-13T14:15:56.478-03:00Be easy on yourself and Carmen. The vibes this yea...Be easy on yourself and Carmen. The vibes this year are all sorts of off and you two have been working really hard all year. You know Carmen best and you handle her so intuitively. You'll get back on the same page soon. Until then , enjoy spa days, play days and life in general.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14327169584564761073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-11924258113717707122020-07-13T13:21:36.141-03:002020-07-13T13:21:36.141-03:00It has been a terrible year for many of us. I hope...It has been a terrible year for many of us. I hope that you are doing better. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-57299248166313709132020-07-13T13:21:14.807-03:002020-07-13T13:21:14.807-03:00oh I am sorry that things are not going well! oh I am sorry that things are not going well! TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-11370689891266248172020-07-13T13:20:52.556-03:002020-07-13T13:20:52.556-03:00thank you my friend. :) <3thank you my friend. :) <3TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-74862118716276982402020-07-13T13:20:35.679-03:002020-07-13T13:20:35.679-03:001. thank you :) <3 and 2. it is frustrating. a...1. thank you :) <3 and 2. it is frustrating. and it's more frustrating that frustration is not a good response... TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-6496945357316364952020-07-13T13:19:52.054-03:002020-07-13T13:19:52.054-03:00Hmm, I should check out the sliding reins. they m...Hmm, I should check out the sliding reins. they might be more forgiving than side reins. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-54382532380163889572020-07-13T13:19:23.275-03:002020-07-13T13:19:23.275-03:00I am sure you are right about us picking up on our...I am sure you are right about us picking up on our emotions. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459505622378142466.post-72924182883346658302020-07-13T13:18:51.285-03:002020-07-13T13:18:51.285-03:00That sounds like a good way to spend time. I'm...That sounds like a good way to spend time. I'm on vacation next week so I plan to spend a lot of time just relaxing. TeresaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05311118900077951863noreply@blogger.com