Not quite the relaxing walk out that we intended!
Took Snip out for another mini hack tonight, with a person leading us. It was all going well until we saw a man up a ladder cutting his hedge, and Snip grew - but he was very brave, and remembered his manners even though he was worried, and we continued.
Then, unfortunately, we met some ducks. I'm not sure Snip has ever seen ducks before and he panicked, I felt him go light in his shoulders and saw the tension line behind his ear reappear - this is my signal that he is beyond reasoning with and IS going to rear and run away.
So before that happened I hopped off (comfort zone being pushed by the location, so took the other part of the comfort zone back to where he's happier by being at his head, not on his back)
We then went to meet the ducks, he did lots of snorting and flinching but held himself together very well.
Then decided to do some backwards/halt/step forwards work to test his manners. (he's allowed to be scared, but he's NOT allowed to be bad mannered)
This is where we had problems as he kept trying to walk straight through me, so had to back him up, try again, back him up, try again, back him up try again....for about 15 mins approx. By that point i was able to have him taking one step at a time and stopping with me, without having to put any pressure on the lead rein - so that to me was a success.
e then walked a little of the way home to bring his adreniline back down and then I was actually able to get back on and do the last 5 mins of the ride on his back again!
So a good lesson learned I guess. It's not often now that I get genuine scared behaviour to do manners work, normally it's because he's decided he wants to be scared....but this was real fear and although it took me 15 mins of ground work to get him back to me - he never actually stepped over the line too far, all this was done with a lead rein attached to just his noseband, so not even the Dually needed, and def not the bit.
Not quite the relaxing stroll that it was intended as though!
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Friday, 11 September 2009
A few weeks in one update!
Well, it has been a very busy week with Snip. He has become more and more willing, and we've actually been able to start some 'proper' work.
I've kept him in the Dually but have also added the bridle, and ridden with 2 sets of reins, using the diually rein like a Snaffle rein, and the rein to the bit like a Curb rain.
He's actually lifting and softening and feels almost like his old self, with one major difference, we get virtually NO spooks, there's the occasional look at something but I'm almost forgetting about it completely now. In trot he's really starting to soften and lift across his back again, and he's even cantering ncely forwards, if a little babyish!
We've been out for a couple of short hacks, we've only had one 'moment' when he suddenly realised he was walking across a different coloured bit of road and tried to pick all 4 feet off it at the same time - was more comedy than anything else, and once he touched down again he realised it was nothing and walked nicely on again.
Last night he unfortunately had a bit of a runny tummy, due to being let on to a richer field without me knowing so I hadn't put his muzzle on, but he actually still worked nicely - I wanted to trry as with his history of stomach problems I thought this would be a good test!
We still have out moments, even tonight I accidentally put my leg on too hard, too soon, and he gave me a massive buck to tell me off - but as long as I'm considerate and do things in a way he is happy with, he's extremely willing.
He's cuddlier than ever, and tonight I was chatting to someone whilst still sat on him and he practically fell asleep with his chin resting on the fence! I never thought I'd see the day he would relax like that with a rider on again!
I've kept him in the Dually but have also added the bridle, and ridden with 2 sets of reins, using the diually rein like a Snaffle rein, and the rein to the bit like a Curb rain.
He's actually lifting and softening and feels almost like his old self, with one major difference, we get virtually NO spooks, there's the occasional look at something but I'm almost forgetting about it completely now. In trot he's really starting to soften and lift across his back again, and he's even cantering ncely forwards, if a little babyish!
We've been out for a couple of short hacks, we've only had one 'moment' when he suddenly realised he was walking across a different coloured bit of road and tried to pick all 4 feet off it at the same time - was more comedy than anything else, and once he touched down again he realised it was nothing and walked nicely on again.
Last night he unfortunately had a bit of a runny tummy, due to being let on to a richer field without me knowing so I hadn't put his muzzle on, but he actually still worked nicely - I wanted to trry as with his history of stomach problems I thought this would be a good test!
We still have out moments, even tonight I accidentally put my leg on too hard, too soon, and he gave me a massive buck to tell me off - but as long as I'm considerate and do things in a way he is happy with, he's extremely willing.
He's cuddlier than ever, and tonight I was chatting to someone whilst still sat on him and he practically fell asleep with his chin resting on the fence! I never thought I'd see the day he would relax like that with a rider on again!
A few weeks in one update!
Well, it has been a very busy week with Snip. He has become more and more willing, and we've actually been able to start some 'proper' work.
I've kept him in the Dually but have also added the bridle, and ridden with 2 sets of reins, using the diually rein like a Snaffle rein, and the rein to the bit like a Curb rain.
He's actually lifting and softening and feels almost like his old self, with one major difference, we get virtually NO spooks, there's the occasional look at something but I'm almost forgetting about it completely now. In trot he's really starting to soften and lift across his back again, and he's even cantering ncely forwards, if a little babyish!
We've been out for a couple of short hacks, we've only had one 'moment' when he suddenly realised he was walking across a different coloured bit of road and tried to pick all 4 feet off it at the same time - was more comedy than anything else, and once he touched down again he realised it was nothing and walked nicely on again.
Last night he unfortunately had a bit of a runny tummy, due to being let on to a richer field without me knowing so I hadn't put his muzzle on, but he actually still worked nicely - I wanted to trry as with his history of stomach problems I thought this would be a good test!
We still have out moments, even tonight I accidentally put my leg on too hard, too soon, and he gave me a massive buck to tell me off - but as long as I'm considerate and do things in a way he is happy with, he's extremely willing.
He's cuddlier than ever, and tonight I was chatting to someone whilst still sat on him and he practically fell asleep with his chin resting on the fence! I never thought I'd see the day he would relax like that with a rider on again!
I've kept him in the Dually but have also added the bridle, and ridden with 2 sets of reins, using the diually rein like a Snaffle rein, and the rein to the bit like a Curb rain.
He's actually lifting and softening and feels almost like his old self, with one major difference, we get virtually NO spooks, there's the occasional look at something but I'm almost forgetting about it completely now. In trot he's really starting to soften and lift across his back again, and he's even cantering ncely forwards, if a little babyish!
We've been out for a couple of short hacks, we've only had one 'moment' when he suddenly realised he was walking across a different coloured bit of road and tried to pick all 4 feet off it at the same time - was more comedy than anything else, and once he touched down again he realised it was nothing and walked nicely on again.
Last night he unfortunately had a bit of a runny tummy, due to being let on to a richer field without me knowing so I hadn't put his muzzle on, but he actually still worked nicely - I wanted to trry as with his history of stomach problems I thought this would be a good test!
We still have out moments, even tonight I accidentally put my leg on too hard, too soon, and he gave me a massive buck to tell me off - but as long as I'm considerate and do things in a way he is happy with, he's extremely willing.
He's cuddlier than ever, and tonight I was chatting to someone whilst still sat on him and he practically fell asleep with his chin resting on the fence! I never thought I'd see the day he would relax like that with a rider on again!
Sunday, 16 August 2009
A perfect transition!
Such a small thing really, but I'm so happy!
After a bit of a low week where Snip seemed to take several steps back and was grumping a little, and spooking a little (nothing like how he used to be, but still not close to the improvements of late) and I felt we'd hit a kind of plateaux and we were sort of floundering about in it a bit.
So I took a few steps back in the work I was asking, to repeat what we were doing when we WERE making the progress, and it seems to have worked because today he was full of confidence again.
Did a lot more leading work than I would normally just to make sure I was boss. Then the long lining (there was one spook, but it was small)
He was totally chilled at the monting block and behaved impeccably when I got on. I've been working on getting him to move foreard from a release of leg pressure, rather than forward to a squeeze r kick, and so far he's sort of picked it up but it takes 2 or 3 squeeze and releases to get him into trot, and it's not usually a very good trot.
Today the trot was better but was still taking 2 squeeze/releases - but then I got a perfect one!
I'd picked a spot, did a small squeeze a stride before that trot and released and lifted my seat and he actually PINGED into trot! He only managed one perfect one, the others were a bit sticky still, but just that one ping forwards into a lovely swinging trot has made my weekend!
After a bit of a low week where Snip seemed to take several steps back and was grumping a little, and spooking a little (nothing like how he used to be, but still not close to the improvements of late) and I felt we'd hit a kind of plateaux and we were sort of floundering about in it a bit.
So I took a few steps back in the work I was asking, to repeat what we were doing when we WERE making the progress, and it seems to have worked because today he was full of confidence again.
Did a lot more leading work than I would normally just to make sure I was boss. Then the long lining (there was one spook, but it was small)
He was totally chilled at the monting block and behaved impeccably when I got on. I've been working on getting him to move foreard from a release of leg pressure, rather than forward to a squeeze r kick, and so far he's sort of picked it up but it takes 2 or 3 squeeze and releases to get him into trot, and it's not usually a very good trot.
Today the trot was better but was still taking 2 squeeze/releases - but then I got a perfect one!
I'd picked a spot, did a small squeeze a stride before that trot and released and lifted my seat and he actually PINGED into trot! He only managed one perfect one, the others were a bit sticky still, but just that one ping forwards into a lovely swinging trot has made my weekend!
Thursday, 13 August 2009
A slightly off day
Well, at least he was clean tonight (after plastering himself beyond recognition yesterday) but he had a sort of nettle rash all down each flank and quarters....not 'bad' but covering quite a large area of his body on both sides.
He seemed fine in himself so I went ahead with plans, no issues with tacking up etc, but I did notice some tension at the mounting block - he hasn't been like that for a while now, but he did a bit of head bobbing and his ears were 'tense' and both back listening to me, where normally they are both relaxed with one forward and one listening to me.
So I spent most of the session just walking him up to and away from the mounting block until he relaxed, then decided to get on and just do a few laps in walk - he was fine with me getting on, fine walking away from the block, no napping. I asked for halt and he did, but squirmed a lot. So did a few halts and he squirmed each time, not naughty as such, but like he was anxious.
I kept everything really low ley and then as soon as he gave me one nice quiet halt I got off and ended the session - probably lasted about 5-10 mins in total (after about 15 mins of mounting block work and some ground work)
He wasn't naughty at any point, but he was definitely not the happy chilled Snip I've seen in the last few weeks. Not sure if maybe he is feeling a little off after his slip the other night, or if that mud he was plastered in last night had a few nasties in it that has brought this rash up and that might be bothering him.
To take the positive out of the evening, he was affectionate, calm, and we achieved going from tense, to more relaxed.
I guess I'll just keep an eye on him over the next few days - Bowen Therapist is out to see another horse on the yard on Monday evening so I could always tag a session on for him if he's not right.
He seemed fine in himself so I went ahead with plans, no issues with tacking up etc, but I did notice some tension at the mounting block - he hasn't been like that for a while now, but he did a bit of head bobbing and his ears were 'tense' and both back listening to me, where normally they are both relaxed with one forward and one listening to me.
So I spent most of the session just walking him up to and away from the mounting block until he relaxed, then decided to get on and just do a few laps in walk - he was fine with me getting on, fine walking away from the block, no napping. I asked for halt and he did, but squirmed a lot. So did a few halts and he squirmed each time, not naughty as such, but like he was anxious.
I kept everything really low ley and then as soon as he gave me one nice quiet halt I got off and ended the session - probably lasted about 5-10 mins in total (after about 15 mins of mounting block work and some ground work)
He wasn't naughty at any point, but he was definitely not the happy chilled Snip I've seen in the last few weeks. Not sure if maybe he is feeling a little off after his slip the other night, or if that mud he was plastered in last night had a few nasties in it that has brought this rash up and that might be bothering him.
To take the positive out of the evening, he was affectionate, calm, and we achieved going from tense, to more relaxed.
I guess I'll just keep an eye on him over the next few days - Bowen Therapist is out to see another horse on the yard on Monday evening so I could always tag a session on for him if he's not right.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Nearly fell off tonight!
but for the first time in, maybe ever, it wasn't because he was panicking or stropping, or acting dangerously.I was pootling round the school on him, asking for a few walk to trot transitions and playing with our steering skills in the Dually. He started to really go nicely forwards into trot, so i let him, then he did his little skip again and popped into canter, so i let him.Unfortunately the great big oaf tripped over his own feet, or an uneven bit of sand or something and PROPERLY stacked it, when I got off later he had sand up his entire underside, both knees and hind legs, up his face and even inside his lower lip, he really went down with a crash, but bless him he didn't panic or worry at all.Normally, or should i say in the past, his reaction to something like that would be to fling his gead up and run away, but he didn't and I didn't even lose a stirrup. The person watching said it looked suspisciously like he was trying his best to keep me on top! Have to say it was a heart in mouth moment though! Tis a long way down from up there!The incident didn'y seem to dent his confidence either and he happily went back into trot again afterwards! Funny how the oddest things show just how much progress has been made!
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Small steps turn into big steps!!
So, today I decided to do something a little different. I have been taking him through the yard gates to give him a change of scenery, and he's not been at all bothered, so today I took him for a long walk - about 4 miles! (not recommended in the full sun like we had today, stupid girl I am!)
He was so so good. At first he walked perfectly at my shoulder, not with a lowered head but that's a little much to expect as there was so much to look at that was new. But he was in the right place, no barging or spooking (oh, apart from a pheasant moment! but it was only a small spook) we then turned off the road and onto a bridleway where he started to get a little enthusiastic and I did 5 mins of Dually work with him to get his attention back and to let him realise that the Dually rules still apply in this situation - it worked and he fell back into step and did even lower his head after a while. I only had to remind him a couple of times that he was not to get ahead of me.
He seemed to really enjoy it, and by the time we got back to the yard (1.5hrs later) he was so chilled and like he does this every day. There were odd moments throughout the walk where he'd spot something scary and do a few seconds of fire breathing dragon, but he was quite polite about it.
THEn, and this is the best bit, I decided to push my luck a bit (I know, a bit naughty but it just felt right) so I put his saddle on and got on!
There was another girl at the yard, but this is the first time I've got on without anyone directly helping me.
We walked around for a bit with no problems at all...and then we trotted. Shuffley and stiff at first, as always, then he sort of opens up when he realises there's no pain, and we floated around for a couple of laps and he did a kind of skip and a hop and cantered!!! Solo!!!! in a Dually!!!!
Felt fab...and I now know I can do all three paces in the Dually, and still have full control.
I got off after that to end on such a good note!
So proud of him.
He was so so good. At first he walked perfectly at my shoulder, not with a lowered head but that's a little much to expect as there was so much to look at that was new. But he was in the right place, no barging or spooking (oh, apart from a pheasant moment! but it was only a small spook) we then turned off the road and onto a bridleway where he started to get a little enthusiastic and I did 5 mins of Dually work with him to get his attention back and to let him realise that the Dually rules still apply in this situation - it worked and he fell back into step and did even lower his head after a while. I only had to remind him a couple of times that he was not to get ahead of me.
He seemed to really enjoy it, and by the time we got back to the yard (1.5hrs later) he was so chilled and like he does this every day. There were odd moments throughout the walk where he'd spot something scary and do a few seconds of fire breathing dragon, but he was quite polite about it.
THEn, and this is the best bit, I decided to push my luck a bit (I know, a bit naughty but it just felt right) so I put his saddle on and got on!
There was another girl at the yard, but this is the first time I've got on without anyone directly helping me.
We walked around for a bit with no problems at all...and then we trotted. Shuffley and stiff at first, as always, then he sort of opens up when he realises there's no pain, and we floated around for a couple of laps and he did a kind of skip and a hop and cantered!!! Solo!!!! in a Dually!!!!
Felt fab...and I now know I can do all three paces in the Dually, and still have full control.
I got off after that to end on such a good note!
So proud of him.
Friday, 7 August 2009
So, this week has been mixed...
Last Saturday we had a fantastic session, and Snip offered canter again, and actually did a whole lap on the lunge, in canter. He also began to really open up and free his shoulders in the trot.
Sunday he had a well earned day off whilst I scummed it at Sonisphere.
Monday I had to work late so I didn't even get to see him. Tuesday I saw him briefly as I had to work late AGAIN.
Wednesday was....interesting! It started off well until the guy in the field next door started flying his new plane! Snip was terrified, we had panics and whites of eyes. The works.
Then the flying stopped and Snip did settle a bit so I longreined, had a bit of a confrontation over going to the 'scary end' of the school - which is the end the the plane is flown! But he did settle, and did do as I was asking after just a few minutes.
I did get on, and he was very good, but kept it short.
Thursday we had torrential rain, no way I was going to wrok him but I did think he'd appreciate coming into the stable to eat his feed, as it really was wet.
Wrong!
He went in, panicked, reared, hit his head on the ceiling, and barged out the door. Gave the evening up as a bad job!
Tonight couldn't have been more different, he was happy and chilled and lovely. Long reined him without any issue, got on - best ever, he never moved a hoof! The school was so wet so he was struggling a bit with the footing, but once he relaxed he did float nicely above the mud sand!
We then came off the lunge and went solo! Did some walking and trotting around on our own, and even did a step or 2 of rein back.
Was so so pleased with how chilled out he was about it all!
Sunday he had a well earned day off whilst I scummed it at Sonisphere.
Monday I had to work late so I didn't even get to see him. Tuesday I saw him briefly as I had to work late AGAIN.
Wednesday was....interesting! It started off well until the guy in the field next door started flying his new plane! Snip was terrified, we had panics and whites of eyes. The works.
Then the flying stopped and Snip did settle a bit so I longreined, had a bit of a confrontation over going to the 'scary end' of the school - which is the end the the plane is flown! But he did settle, and did do as I was asking after just a few minutes.
I did get on, and he was very good, but kept it short.
Thursday we had torrential rain, no way I was going to wrok him but I did think he'd appreciate coming into the stable to eat his feed, as it really was wet.
Wrong!
He went in, panicked, reared, hit his head on the ceiling, and barged out the door. Gave the evening up as a bad job!
Tonight couldn't have been more different, he was happy and chilled and lovely. Long reined him without any issue, got on - best ever, he never moved a hoof! The school was so wet so he was struggling a bit with the footing, but once he relaxed he did float nicely above the mud sand!
We then came off the lunge and went solo! Did some walking and trotting around on our own, and even did a step or 2 of rein back.
Was so so pleased with how chilled out he was about it all!
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Sweat....
Without any blood or tears! Actual real life SWEAT, my horse is SWEATY!
Sound a bit of an odd thing to get excited about?? Not for me, because I made him sweaty, by riding him! He hasn't broken into a sweat in what seems like forever! All the work I've been doing with him so far has been all gently gently, nearly all in walk with only the last few days where we worked on a little trot.
Today I didn't long line.
I didn't do any ground work.
I led him to the mounting block, I got on (first time - no stress!) we walked away and straight onto a circle (remember all this is on a lunge with someone in the middle!) and he walked out happily and was actually forward....little bit of leg and we got trot, a couple of stuffy transitions and then he just popped forwards like he'd never even had a problem!
In fact he got so fast and forward in the trot that he broke into canter (yesterday he sort of skipped into a half stride of it) so I just sat there and said 'fine, as long as it's forwards, you choose the pace'
We did this 2 or 3 times, and on the last time he did a whole lap on the lung of canter.
LOTS of praise, and I asked to be unclipped, and then we were off, walked all around the arena, and even had a little solo trot! Left it at that as I didn't want to push my luck, but I'm so so so happy, he felt like Snip again, his ears were forwards, he listened, he was (or seemed to be) happy!
When I untacked him, his girth area was so sweaty I actually had to sponge him down, I'd started to feel like I'd never get to do that again!
Sound a bit of an odd thing to get excited about?? Not for me, because I made him sweaty, by riding him! He hasn't broken into a sweat in what seems like forever! All the work I've been doing with him so far has been all gently gently, nearly all in walk with only the last few days where we worked on a little trot.
Today I didn't long line.
I didn't do any ground work.
I led him to the mounting block, I got on (first time - no stress!) we walked away and straight onto a circle (remember all this is on a lunge with someone in the middle!) and he walked out happily and was actually forward....little bit of leg and we got trot, a couple of stuffy transitions and then he just popped forwards like he'd never even had a problem!
In fact he got so fast and forward in the trot that he broke into canter (yesterday he sort of skipped into a half stride of it) so I just sat there and said 'fine, as long as it's forwards, you choose the pace'
We did this 2 or 3 times, and on the last time he did a whole lap on the lung of canter.
LOTS of praise, and I asked to be unclipped, and then we were off, walked all around the arena, and even had a little solo trot! Left it at that as I didn't want to push my luck, but I'm so so so happy, he felt like Snip again, his ears were forwards, he listened, he was (or seemed to be) happy!
When I untacked him, his girth area was so sweaty I actually had to sponge him down, I'd started to feel like I'd never get to do that again!
Friday, 31 July 2009
Wow!!!
Well, in the last few days we've been working on trot. He has been fine with it, but very stiff (peg legs and head on a pole)
Well today he really relaxed into it and we had some really nice trot, and he actually started to stretch down too.
AND, at one point he forgot himself and skipped into a stride of canter (only one stride, then he remembered and went back to trot!)
Really pleased with him, not a hint of stress at all!
Well today he really relaxed into it and we had some really nice trot, and he actually started to stretch down too.
AND, at one point he forgot himself and skipped into a stride of canter (only one stride, then he remembered and went back to trot!)
Really pleased with him, not a hint of stress at all!
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Trot!!!!!
We can trot!
I spoke to Liz and updated her with our progress so far and she suggested that maybe it was time to push for a few strides of trot....so tonight I did! It wasn't good trot, very shuffley and restricted but it was trot, and there was improvement throughout the session.
Also, I did it all in the Dually - there's much more control when he tries to nap and squim because with a bit he just opens his mouth and then I have nothing, but in the Dually I could give him a tug and there was no evasion! Plus, it's more similar to how we've been long lining so there's consistency there too.
I shall gradually increase the amount of trot I ask for in each session and work on the walk to trot transition.
I spoke to Liz and updated her with our progress so far and she suggested that maybe it was time to push for a few strides of trot....so tonight I did! It wasn't good trot, very shuffley and restricted but it was trot, and there was improvement throughout the session.
Also, I did it all in the Dually - there's much more control when he tries to nap and squim because with a bit he just opens his mouth and then I have nothing, but in the Dually I could give him a tug and there was no evasion! Plus, it's more similar to how we've been long lining so there's consistency there too.
I shall gradually increase the amount of trot I ask for in each session and work on the walk to trot transition.
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Our first battle in a while
Before the Bowen therapy yesterday (yes I know I'm out of order with my blogs!) I had a quick ride - it wasn't meant to be quick but we were interrupted by a rather violent thunder and lightening storm that I didn't fancy riding in!
Well, for the first time I decided to not do the longlining and ground work first, just get straight on. He seemed happy enough with this, no fussing at the mounting block, no tension or anything - in fact I actually got straight on, first time. Walked away fine, no squirming, perfect.
We went outside of the arena to do a lap on the other side of the fence, and he just stopped - I ended up having to rock him to get him to move, so this is a new evasion. Normally if he's unsure he'll rear/buck/spin/bolt, this is better, it's safe, but it's new. He didn't show any sign of stress, relaxed ear/eyes etc....so will watch this space with that one!
Actually about a minute after he relented and walked forwards (to much praise and a treat) the heavens opened and we had a mega storm, so it could well have been that looming that made him act differently.
I'd much rather he planted than reared, but at the same time I need to find a way of moving him forwards without getting too strong with him because I don't want to lose his trust again by booting him in the ribs!
Well, for the first time I decided to not do the longlining and ground work first, just get straight on. He seemed happy enough with this, no fussing at the mounting block, no tension or anything - in fact I actually got straight on, first time. Walked away fine, no squirming, perfect.
We went outside of the arena to do a lap on the other side of the fence, and he just stopped - I ended up having to rock him to get him to move, so this is a new evasion. Normally if he's unsure he'll rear/buck/spin/bolt, this is better, it's safe, but it's new. He didn't show any sign of stress, relaxed ear/eyes etc....so will watch this space with that one!
Actually about a minute after he relented and walked forwards (to much praise and a treat) the heavens opened and we had a mega storm, so it could well have been that looming that made him act differently.
I'd much rather he planted than reared, but at the same time I need to find a way of moving him forwards without getting too strong with him because I don't want to lose his trust again by booting him in the ribs!
Friday, 24 July 2009
Finally a clean bill of 'health'!!!
Had the Bowen Therapist out today, for Snip (but also had a session for myself to sort out my bad back)
Every session so far has shown up little niggles and tensions and the Iridology has shown up the liver problems etc...
His behaviour lately has been impeccable, he's just plain lovely to be around, like the horse i know he can be. Today she came out and was so pleased with the progress since last session 4 weeks ago that she has declared him not needing another for several months!
I've asked that she com out again at the start of winter mainly for an iridology assessment as I want a benchmark at the beginning and end of the winter for my own peace of mind.
But my horse is finally declared fit for purpose! lol
And it is showing in his behaviour too, he no longer panics and runs at the slightest sound, he doesn't treat everything as a fight to the deth. He stops, he listens, he works it out and he gives it a go....can't ask for much more!
Every session so far has shown up little niggles and tensions and the Iridology has shown up the liver problems etc...
His behaviour lately has been impeccable, he's just plain lovely to be around, like the horse i know he can be. Today she came out and was so pleased with the progress since last session 4 weeks ago that she has declared him not needing another for several months!
I've asked that she com out again at the start of winter mainly for an iridology assessment as I want a benchmark at the beginning and end of the winter for my own peace of mind.
But my horse is finally declared fit for purpose! lol
And it is showing in his behaviour too, he no longer panics and runs at the slightest sound, he doesn't treat everything as a fight to the deth. He stops, he listens, he works it out and he gives it a go....can't ask for much more!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Update after some time off
Well, after being away for a week in Cornwall (and having had a phonecall during that time off to say Sniphad to be separated as he had been mounting the mare!) I was expecting to have to go back several steps, if not right back to start again.
Wrong.
On Monday he had his photoshoot for the portrait, and he was just lovely, then on Tuesday he longreined like we had never had a break, in fact better, he was calm, polite, willing, foot perfect. So much so I was even able to get on him and let someone lead him around with me on.
Then today He was, again, perfect to long rein, and this evening i hopped straight on and was 'lunged' on him (by lunged I mean someone stood holding the rope!) we then went outside the arena and had a walk down the lane.....almost counted as a mini hack!
So pleased with him, he was just so calm the whole time. For the first time in a long time I actually felt like I might get my horse back one day.
Wrong.
On Monday he had his photoshoot for the portrait, and he was just lovely, then on Tuesday he longreined like we had never had a break, in fact better, he was calm, polite, willing, foot perfect. So much so I was even able to get on him and let someone lead him around with me on.
Then today He was, again, perfect to long rein, and this evening i hopped straight on and was 'lunged' on him (by lunged I mean someone stood holding the rope!) we then went outside the arena and had a walk down the lane.....almost counted as a mini hack!
So pleased with him, he was just so calm the whole time. For the first time in a long time I actually felt like I might get my horse back one day.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
A good day!
Well after a less than perfect start to the day, things turned out really well!
The farrier came out before work and Snip was an absolute horror, not scared, just naughty, you could see it in his face. Farrier was not impressed but they had a bit of a smooch at the end after feet were done...so all was forgiven! So glad I have a patient farrier!
So tonight I was expecting devil horse to come out to play so I decided to only long line and do some leading work, tempting fate to try anything else really!
But i was wrong! After one initial tantrum to try and get out of going near the scary end of the school, he settled better than ever and did some lovely long lining work, really listening, lowered head, relaxed ears etc. I was really pleased with the whole session.
After that I did a bit of leading work through the ground poles, he stayed calm, lowered head and did everything I asked first time, with no objections or sillyness.
So I kept that short and untacked him in the arena and let him loose for a bit, put 2 of his friends in there with him for a play and he was happily wandering along thenscary side without a second thought! So that was also a really positive experience for him.
All in all, really happy with him. He was a nice horse to know tonight.
The farrier came out before work and Snip was an absolute horror, not scared, just naughty, you could see it in his face. Farrier was not impressed but they had a bit of a smooch at the end after feet were done...so all was forgiven! So glad I have a patient farrier!
So tonight I was expecting devil horse to come out to play so I decided to only long line and do some leading work, tempting fate to try anything else really!
But i was wrong! After one initial tantrum to try and get out of going near the scary end of the school, he settled better than ever and did some lovely long lining work, really listening, lowered head, relaxed ears etc. I was really pleased with the whole session.
After that I did a bit of leading work through the ground poles, he stayed calm, lowered head and did everything I asked first time, with no objections or sillyness.
So I kept that short and untacked him in the arena and let him loose for a bit, put 2 of his friends in there with him for a play and he was happily wandering along thenscary side without a second thought! So that was also a really positive experience for him.
All in all, really happy with him. He was a nice horse to know tonight.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
A better day
So not the best still, but not a battle today. He was wary of the hedge and it's OBVIOUS monsters, but he did do as I asked with very little squirming on the long reins.
I tried to make sure each time I walked him to the scary bit and he went straight away, i turned him away again so he had a pressure and release from that.
I've hurt my back AGAIN today, so didn't want to get on him, but we did some mounting block work and that went well. He was quite distracted by what everyone else was doing, but did behave himself.
I tried to make sure each time I walked him to the scary bit and he went straight away, i turned him away again so he had a pressure and release from that.
I've hurt my back AGAIN today, so didn't want to get on him, but we did some mounting block work and that went well. He was quite distracted by what everyone else was doing, but did behave himself.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Crashing back down again...
Ok so yesterday i was over the moon at having actually ridden my horse, but after I rode last night the farmer next door had started clay pigeon shooting and all the horses were running around and scared. I didn't think too much of it at the time.
But today i had a hell of a battle to get him out of the field and into the yard, he was spooky and flighty on the yard. I decided to long rein him and he was just terrified of the side of the arena nearest the farm next door.
Great.
I guess i should take the positive out of it, after a lot of perseverence we DID manage to walk nicely along that side - but it wasn't relaxed and boy did he fight to not go there at the start!
Tomorrow is another day. I'm just gutted as i really felt I made progress last night.
But today i had a hell of a battle to get him out of the field and into the yard, he was spooky and flighty on the yard. I decided to long rein him and he was just terrified of the side of the arena nearest the farm next door.
Great.
I guess i should take the positive out of it, after a lot of perseverence we DID manage to walk nicely along that side - but it wasn't relaxed and boy did he fight to not go there at the start!
Tomorrow is another day. I'm just gutted as i really felt I made progress last night.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Flying solo!
So, it's been a really good week. He's really enjoying his long reining and we are now venturing out of the arena to explore the fields etc, and he's very good at the leading work now.
I've moved the mounting block work on gradually this week as he's settling really nicely, he has no issue at all standing by it, or with me on the block. I have found that if I stand on the block and then pick up the reins, he still tenses a little, but if I pick up the reins and THEN step up on to the block he has no problem at all. So we've picked the option he prefers for now and I'll revisit the other later.
So as he's relaxed so much, I have been getting on and having a sit on him each nigh, he doesn't seem to mind too much. The first couple of times he went all squirmy and was sticking his tongue out and fake yawning, but did settle, and after the first few times he's been fine.
I've been led around in a circle on him a few times, and then last night i asked him to walk away from the leader whilst still on the lunge line. He did this with no problems, and after a few laps he let out a lovely big nose wobbling sigh - so called it a day there and gave him treats!
Tonight I had no help, unfortunately, but I was feeling adventurous so did some mounting block work on my own, and then hopped on, and then we walked around the arena! On our own!
He walked on a long rein with nice relaxed ears. We even managed to walk out of the arena and do a lap of the stable block before calling it a day....reeeeally pleased with him!
I've moved the mounting block work on gradually this week as he's settling really nicely, he has no issue at all standing by it, or with me on the block. I have found that if I stand on the block and then pick up the reins, he still tenses a little, but if I pick up the reins and THEN step up on to the block he has no problem at all. So we've picked the option he prefers for now and I'll revisit the other later.
So as he's relaxed so much, I have been getting on and having a sit on him each nigh, he doesn't seem to mind too much. The first couple of times he went all squirmy and was sticking his tongue out and fake yawning, but did settle, and after the first few times he's been fine.
I've been led around in a circle on him a few times, and then last night i asked him to walk away from the leader whilst still on the lunge line. He did this with no problems, and after a few laps he let out a lovely big nose wobbling sigh - so called it a day there and gave him treats!
Tonight I had no help, unfortunately, but I was feeling adventurous so did some mounting block work on my own, and then hopped on, and then we walked around the arena! On our own!
He walked on a long rein with nice relaxed ears. We even managed to walk out of the arena and do a lap of the stable block before calling it a day....reeeeally pleased with him!
Monday, 29 June 2009
A Whole New World...
...Outside the arena!
So today I decided to get straight into longreining, and to start off going for a walm outside the arena. I started him off in the small winter paddocks so that I was still in a reasonably enclosed area. We had one challenge from him in each corner, but I was quick enough to sstop it becoming anything. Then second time around he didn't bat an eyelid.
So off we went around the back of the stables, and lined him up and down the banks with me staying down at the bottom. We had a couple of moments going past some of the stored equipmwnt, but again I was quick enough and there was no major drama.
So lined him into the arena, round the outside once, and then started the mounting block work. He settled very quickly tonight and showed no sign of stressing at all, not even the slight head lift. So I hopped on board! Woohoo! He seemed fine with this, no drama, so had someone lead us round until Snip let out a great big sigh - got off t that point. We walked around in hand a bit more and then went back to the mounting block, and hopped on again - and no drama this time either! Only did 3/4 of a lap of the school the second time as he relaxed almost straight away so hopped off and called it a day.
Happy bunny tonight!
So today I decided to get straight into longreining, and to start off going for a walm outside the arena. I started him off in the small winter paddocks so that I was still in a reasonably enclosed area. We had one challenge from him in each corner, but I was quick enough to sstop it becoming anything. Then second time around he didn't bat an eyelid.
So off we went around the back of the stables, and lined him up and down the banks with me staying down at the bottom. We had a couple of moments going past some of the stored equipmwnt, but again I was quick enough and there was no major drama.
So lined him into the arena, round the outside once, and then started the mounting block work. He settled very quickly tonight and showed no sign of stressing at all, not even the slight head lift. So I hopped on board! Woohoo! He seemed fine with this, no drama, so had someone lead us round until Snip let out a great big sigh - got off t that point. We walked around in hand a bit more and then went back to the mounting block, and hopped on again - and no drama this time either! Only did 3/4 of a lap of the school the second time as he relaxed almost straight away so hopped off and called it a day.
Happy bunny tonight!
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Small things...
There's always a haynet hanging at Snip's tie ring, tis a good idea for him to have hay in his belly before any work, with the ulcers n'all.
He used to eat lots of it. Then he stopped, and for about 5 weeks he barely made any impression on the haynet.
Since last Saturday that haynet has gone, and so have the three others I've filled since!
I don't think he's hungrier, I think he's just more relaxed and therefore wanting to stand and munch, rather than panicking about all the nothings that aren't happening around him.
Anyway, I decided not to do any actual work with him today, I'm exhausted after all the trauma with the cat (who is fine(ish) but is having to stay at the vets for at least the weekend and is on a drip. I thought that my less than great mood and outlook on life would probably result in a negative session, and that it was more productive to just bring him in for a feed than to ruin a session and put us back!
I did go for a 3 hour hack on a fun pony, with a friend, round a newly discovered hack. I already ache so there's a good chance I won't be moving to quickly in the morning! It did make me feel a whole lot better though so I'm now ready with the positivity to get on with another session tomorrow (after we visit the cat at the vets - poor thing must think we've abandoned her!)
Oh, and the little'un did good today. He went to a show with his loaner and got a 6th place in veteran pony, and 1st place in Most Appealing Thelwell pony! They also did a bit of clear round jumping....good old Bert! Bit gutted I missed it, i had intended to go, but I thought it was on tomorrow (dimwit) but wouldn't have been able to go even if I had got the day right, as the cat took up all the time and energy today!
He used to eat lots of it. Then he stopped, and for about 5 weeks he barely made any impression on the haynet.
Since last Saturday that haynet has gone, and so have the three others I've filled since!
I don't think he's hungrier, I think he's just more relaxed and therefore wanting to stand and munch, rather than panicking about all the nothings that aren't happening around him.
Anyway, I decided not to do any actual work with him today, I'm exhausted after all the trauma with the cat (who is fine(ish) but is having to stay at the vets for at least the weekend and is on a drip. I thought that my less than great mood and outlook on life would probably result in a negative session, and that it was more productive to just bring him in for a feed than to ruin a session and put us back!
I did go for a 3 hour hack on a fun pony, with a friend, round a newly discovered hack. I already ache so there's a good chance I won't be moving to quickly in the morning! It did make me feel a whole lot better though so I'm now ready with the positivity to get on with another session tomorrow (after we visit the cat at the vets - poor thing must think we've abandoned her!)
Oh, and the little'un did good today. He went to a show with his loaner and got a 6th place in veteran pony, and 1st place in Most Appealing Thelwell pony! They also did a bit of clear round jumping....good old Bert! Bit gutted I missed it, i had intended to go, but I thought it was on tomorrow (dimwit) but wouldn't have been able to go even if I had got the day right, as the cat took up all the time and energy today!
Friday, 26 June 2009
Nothing tonight
I had to cancel the ground work plan for tonight and take my poor cat to the vet. Not looking good for her :-( we have to go back tomorrow for blood tests and she has to stay there the whole weekend.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Something new...
So tonight i wanted to change something, just to keep things varied, but I'm not quite ready to venture out of the school yet.
So I decided to combine the mounting block work with the long lining work, so after doing some work through the ground poles, I started lunging him alongside the mounting block and asking for halt next to it - he was perfect first time and every time after! Stood very nicely and even did a rein back step and then forwards to it again. We approached it form all angles - no issues.
Thought that might be a good way to have him tackle something by himself.
Everything else tonight went without a hitch, nothing particular to report.
So I decided to combine the mounting block work with the long lining work, so after doing some work through the ground poles, I started lunging him alongside the mounting block and asking for halt next to it - he was perfect first time and every time after! Stood very nicely and even did a rein back step and then forwards to it again. We approached it form all angles - no issues.
Thought that might be a good way to have him tackle something by himself.
Everything else tonight went without a hitch, nothing particular to report.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Getting OCD about body language!
Yonight was good again. He was very distracted as there were lots of people on the yard, and everyone was making the most of the sun and playing with various ponies, too much to look at!
But he was a good boy, not quite as amenable as last night, but that seemed to be more because he wanted to watch everyone else, rather than it being due to stress.
Leading work was fairly standard, being not so switched on meant I had to get in his face a little bit to focus him back on me, lots of slapping the rope against my boot to get his attention back!
The mounting work was very good, he was totally not fussed about standing at the block and me getting up to sand on it, so I did more work picking up the reins and putting my foot in the stirrup....again, he was distracted by other people so I spent some time putting his head back round to where it should be, so he wasn't really reacting to me at all with my foot in the stirrup.
I did try just easing my weight in the stirrup, his face didn't change (not from my view point anyway) but he just rocked backwards everso slightly....didn't toss his head, or move his feet, but just rocked back everso slightly braced. But after a few goes at that the bracing stopped.
Longlining was uneventful, I need to think of some more obstacles, or perhaps venture out to explore the fields?
But he was a good boy, not quite as amenable as last night, but that seemed to be more because he wanted to watch everyone else, rather than it being due to stress.
Leading work was fairly standard, being not so switched on meant I had to get in his face a little bit to focus him back on me, lots of slapping the rope against my boot to get his attention back!
The mounting work was very good, he was totally not fussed about standing at the block and me getting up to sand on it, so I did more work picking up the reins and putting my foot in the stirrup....again, he was distracted by other people so I spent some time putting his head back round to where it should be, so he wasn't really reacting to me at all with my foot in the stirrup.
I did try just easing my weight in the stirrup, his face didn't change (not from my view point anyway) but he just rocked backwards everso slightly....didn't toss his head, or move his feet, but just rocked back everso slightly braced. But after a few goes at that the bracing stopped.
Longlining was uneventful, I need to think of some more obstacles, or perhaps venture out to explore the fields?
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Baby Steps and Progress! 23.06.09
So last night I took it right back to even more basics, starting with just standing by the mounting block, it worked well.
Tonight he stood by the block, first time, with no fussing at all. A nice big sigh, a low head carriage and floppy chill ears.
I decided to try the reins again, and again no fussing. He was so good I even tried raising my foot to the stirrup - he looked around when I first did it but then relaxed to that as welll.
I'd started the session with just some leading, had a small maze of ground poles so was walking him through them, and over them, with halts at the turns, and then we tried going backwards through them. He even managed all the corners first time in reverse!
Long lining was also good tonight, I started off by taking him right around the edge of the arena, having him walk right into, and halt in, all the corners. There were a couple of squirmy moments in his 2 worst vorners, and I wasn't quick enough the first time, but had it sudded the second time!
We then spent some time practicing aiming on the lines, by lining through the ground pole maze - that was good fun and we go it right every time! Even managing to halt at each of the corners before making the turn.
There was no nipping or foreleg pawing tonight, but he did do a lot of yawning - y'know the really exaggerated tongue lolling out type of yawning.
Tonight he stood by the block, first time, with no fussing at all. A nice big sigh, a low head carriage and floppy chill ears.
I decided to try the reins again, and again no fussing. He was so good I even tried raising my foot to the stirrup - he looked around when I first did it but then relaxed to that as welll.
I'd started the session with just some leading, had a small maze of ground poles so was walking him through them, and over them, with halts at the turns, and then we tried going backwards through them. He even managed all the corners first time in reverse!
Long lining was also good tonight, I started off by taking him right around the edge of the arena, having him walk right into, and halt in, all the corners. There were a couple of squirmy moments in his 2 worst vorners, and I wasn't quick enough the first time, but had it sudded the second time!
We then spent some time practicing aiming on the lines, by lining through the ground pole maze - that was good fun and we go it right every time! Even managing to halt at each of the corners before making the turn.
There was no nipping or foreleg pawing tonight, but he did do a lot of yawning - y'know the really exaggerated tongue lolling out type of yawning.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Day 2 after RA visit - 22.06.09
So last night he was getting stressed at me standing on the mounting block, so tonight I just walked him up to it and stood on the ground with him. He was still a bit tense to begin with but gave me some lovely big sighs...and on the walk offs he didn't try and take control, like he did last night.
After a few of these he was totally settled so I stood up on the block again and he was a little tense, but he didn't even try and chew his reins, and never showed any sign of biting at me. And after a few walk aways he was standing nicely, even with me gathering up the reins.
I stopped on the go where he let out a nice big sigh just as I was picking up the reins!
I have noticed that he does a weird breathing thing, he is exhaling loudly - but not a ralaxed 'sigh' it's a more stressed 'heavy breathing' thing...so going to have to watch out for that and make sure i can tell the difference every time!
Long lining went really well, only one small challenge but he didn't really follow it through so i kept the session really short and did some more leading.
Went over to the ground poles and just did some turning and following and backing up through, and over the poles...no issues there at all tonight so left that quickly!
Happy bunny tonight!
After a few of these he was totally settled so I stood up on the block again and he was a little tense, but he didn't even try and chew his reins, and never showed any sign of biting at me. And after a few walk aways he was standing nicely, even with me gathering up the reins.
I stopped on the go where he let out a nice big sigh just as I was picking up the reins!
I have noticed that he does a weird breathing thing, he is exhaling loudly - but not a ralaxed 'sigh' it's a more stressed 'heavy breathing' thing...so going to have to watch out for that and make sure i can tell the difference every time!
Long lining went really well, only one small challenge but he didn't really follow it through so i kept the session really short and did some more leading.
Went over to the ground poles and just did some turning and following and backing up through, and over the poles...no issues there at all tonight so left that quickly!
Happy bunny tonight!
Bowen Therapy - 12.06.2009
Well, that was an interesting session.Bowen therapist arrived and asked how we'd been getting on, all I told her at that point was that it had all gone wrong again and I'd made the decision to turn him away for a bit.So she suggested a quick iridology checkk to see what she could see...she said 'oh!' and told me that the ulcer mark was totally gone, and so was the kidney mark, but that the digestion ring was pointing to his liver still, and that mark was exactly the same as it was in session one....meaning all the stuff I've been doing has sorted the problems apart from the liver.I KNEW this time wasn't the ulcers again, people have been telling me to get him back on gastrogard, but I just KNEW this was different!She did her Bowen session, which he loves, and he was showing tension around the liver area, and when she'd worked on that area he got really itchy and was scratching like mad - a good sign that the Bowen is working on something! So that backed up the iridology signs.She gave me a liver tonic so we can try and really target the liver issue - it's a non specific issue, probably toxicity build up, so these herbs should help...I tried the test that Dena showed me where I offer it to him to see if he will self select it - and he went mad for it! Gobbled it up, even though she did say a lot of horses won't eat the stuff because it tastes bitter....so again that backed up the other signs!So all very interesting, and I was right, the ulcers ARE gone, he's stopped self medicating on any of the digestive things, and gone mad for the calmer oils.Therapist showed me some literature on liver problems and the symptoms can be hypertension, hypersensitivity, muscle spasms, spookyness, anger, resentment, headshaking - he doesn't headshake but yes to all those others!So will be interesting to see what this tonic does, and what the iridology shows up in her next visit. She was so good, the liver tonic is VERY expensive and I couldn't afford it this month, but she made me take it and said to pay her on my next payday (I work with her husband so she knows where to find me! lol) She did say that the eye wasn't showing any kind of deficiency in anything like magnesium, but that something like that could be quite vague and that it is worth trying him on a Mag Ox supplement anyway...she is going to find out about the dandelion theory for me but she didn't think the dried stuff could do that, but it's more likely the acidic soil.
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