Monday 31 December 2007
Pig Poo
Re-traced our hack steps today with the Ent on foot, to show Max it's OK to be out and about on our own. He had one spin (sigh!) but other than that, was an exemplary character, and went bravely past the pigs and goat, despite the fact that they were lined up at their fence taunting him! He did have to, ahem, “lighten his load” a bit first, but managed to get past them at a fairly regal walk.
Sunday 30 December 2007
The hack from hell
Poor ol' Mr Max! We went on a lone hack today and every horse scarer in Hampshire turned out for the occasion.
We started with a human eating car. That was not nice. A Mini... bonnet up, boot up, doors open, half torso dangling out of bonnet area. Surely being devoured!
Who knew the cars parked on our lane were carnivorous? Max didn't, and he does not like the new information. I assured him cars don't eat horses, and person being devoured laughed to ease the tension, but Max remains unconvinced. I mean, surely car snatching me off his back for a meal might in fact present some danger to Max himself? It stands to reason, doesn't it?
We recovered from that, and he was going so well, and so confidently. Then we had walkers with shiny sticks (he saw the sun reflect off them when they were way back, and just about carted me off). Eventually got off him because I thought we were headed for disaster. The walkers were on a path coming towards us, but there was a hedge between their path and the field we were in, so shiny sticks appeared and disappeared…
“Phew! They’re gone. Oh no! There they are… oh… Nope, gone. ARGH! I see ‘em! It’s an ambush! Look out they… Oh. Gone. What the…? Holy Cr*p! There they are again!”
Let the walkers past, and then got back on. That’s when we met the dirt bike ridden by Rider With No Face (crash helmet).
Then we had the pig... just about coped with the pig, until the farmhouse door opened and a bunch of hollering kids spilled out. That set the goat off, who started running around bleating, which set the pig off too, and Max was a quivering wreck, completely unsure of which way to bolt, so just did the frightened Riverdance.
Got him past it, ridden!! He was so tense, but he got through it all fairly well, and big ol' click treat for being brave. But he never really settled after that, just couldn't feel him relax at all.
Then we found an abandoned dolly carriage, complete with abandoned dolly, at the side of the lane. Man, that thing was BIG scary for Max. We crept past it sideways, practically in hysterics.
Then another bunch of tumbling kids, with yapping dog. Then farmer doing something that made a metallic noise behind the hedge, then, phew! home.
For all that, he really was very good. It was like riding a ticking bomb though.
Despite being disappointed by what Max had to go through on his hack from hell, I am so proud of him, and of us. I definitely put it all down to long-lining and taking him out in hand. We've gotten to know and trust each other on the ground, and that really helped us when hell was a-poppin' all around us. He didn't like it, but he listened and he trusted me. And I didn't like it much, either, but I could stay calm because I trust him, too.
Groundwork, groundwork, groundwork! And groundwork some more.
We started with a human eating car. That was not nice. A Mini... bonnet up, boot up, doors open, half torso dangling out of bonnet area. Surely being devoured!
Who knew the cars parked on our lane were carnivorous? Max didn't, and he does not like the new information. I assured him cars don't eat horses, and person being devoured laughed to ease the tension, but Max remains unconvinced. I mean, surely car snatching me off his back for a meal might in fact present some danger to Max himself? It stands to reason, doesn't it?
We recovered from that, and he was going so well, and so confidently. Then we had walkers with shiny sticks (he saw the sun reflect off them when they were way back, and just about carted me off). Eventually got off him because I thought we were headed for disaster. The walkers were on a path coming towards us, but there was a hedge between their path and the field we were in, so shiny sticks appeared and disappeared…
“Phew! They’re gone. Oh no! There they are… oh… Nope, gone. ARGH! I see ‘em! It’s an ambush! Look out they… Oh. Gone. What the…? Holy Cr*p! There they are again!”
Let the walkers past, and then got back on. That’s when we met the dirt bike ridden by Rider With No Face (crash helmet).
Then we had the pig... just about coped with the pig, until the farmhouse door opened and a bunch of hollering kids spilled out. That set the goat off, who started running around bleating, which set the pig off too, and Max was a quivering wreck, completely unsure of which way to bolt, so just did the frightened Riverdance.
Got him past it, ridden!! He was so tense, but he got through it all fairly well, and big ol' click treat for being brave. But he never really settled after that, just couldn't feel him relax at all.
Then we found an abandoned dolly carriage, complete with abandoned dolly, at the side of the lane. Man, that thing was BIG scary for Max. We crept past it sideways, practically in hysterics.
Then another bunch of tumbling kids, with yapping dog. Then farmer doing something that made a metallic noise behind the hedge, then, phew! home.
For all that, he really was very good. It was like riding a ticking bomb though.
Despite being disappointed by what Max had to go through on his hack from hell, I am so proud of him, and of us. I definitely put it all down to long-lining and taking him out in hand. We've gotten to know and trust each other on the ground, and that really helped us when hell was a-poppin' all around us. He didn't like it, but he listened and he trusted me. And I didn't like it much, either, but I could stay calm because I trust him, too.
Groundwork, groundwork, groundwork! And groundwork some more.
Saturday 29 December 2007
No, I'm the boss now, 'kay?
Max is flexing his muscles again, and seeing if he can get the upper hand. Just really started at that this week, but nowhere near as ornery as he used to be. Just tries it on, and gives in pretty amiably when he sees it ain't gonna work. He does make me laugh though - I can see the mischief coming before it happens, because it's all in his eyes! I keep telling him he's too transparent to be unruly, but he hasn't taken it on board yet!
He was an absolute horror trying to long-line earlier this week, but a gem when I took the lines off and put him through all his paces loose. It was Boxing Day though, the yard was buzzing, the Ent was in the school with us, and Max had been out for 36 hours, so I think he was distracted/grumpy/wilful/totally bored with the indoor school.
The Ent had his first attempt at trying to long-line, and Max pulled him around like a tin sled!
I'm concentrating on getting him out and about until then, to shake the cobwebs, and do some hill work. The cold weather has given him some problems with his stifles, but he was getting better again today and sorting it out himself. Though he had a problem in canter yesterday, in the downward transition. He was loose, so I watched it happen, and his hind (right) just seemed to have a little collapse. He recovered nicely, but it's obviously still a niggle for him.
Today it was a long walk in hand, and he was moving beautifully after he'd worked in a bit. Really pleasant day today (with a bit of a chill), so it was nice to be out on a long wander with him.
He was an absolute horror trying to long-line earlier this week, but a gem when I took the lines off and put him through all his paces loose. It was Boxing Day though, the yard was buzzing, the Ent was in the school with us, and Max had been out for 36 hours, so I think he was distracted/grumpy/wilful/totally bored with the indoor school.
The Ent had his first attempt at trying to long-line, and Max pulled him around like a tin sled!
I'm concentrating on getting him out and about until then, to shake the cobwebs, and do some hill work. The cold weather has given him some problems with his stifles, but he was getting better again today and sorting it out himself. Though he had a problem in canter yesterday, in the downward transition. He was loose, so I watched it happen, and his hind (right) just seemed to have a little collapse. He recovered nicely, but it's obviously still a niggle for him.
Today it was a long walk in hand, and he was moving beautifully after he'd worked in a bit. Really pleasant day today (with a bit of a chill), so it was nice to be out on a long wander with him.
Friday 21 December 2007
RIP Nanny Mare
Took Max for a quick work out in the school, while S was exercising the Ginger Tart. Very pleased with Max not being distracted by The Other Horse, and took him several times over trot poles to get his legs picking up nicely. He really seems to enjoy doing that with me - thinks it's a race!
We've got a freezing fog here today. Took ages to do the yard because there was ice everywhere and had to do everything very slowly and carefully to make sure I didn't go arse over elbow!
Went up to where the deed was done and cleaned up a bit, too - wasn't asked, but didn't want YO to deal with it. There was no blood, but a last pile of droppings, and ginger fur from where poor girl was dragged to the lorry, which I got up as best I could - quite frozen, so I couldn't get all of it. Made me have a tear again, but I'm glad she's not standing in her field, all miserable, feeble and shaky in this bad weather.
The shot... I'm still hearing it. Horses can be PTS by lethal injection, but many people go for the gun because it's instant. The trouble with an injection, from what I understand, is that it's hard to get the dosage right for a large animal, so there may be delay in effect, or the horse may fall in a stupor as the drug begins to take hold, break something on the way down, and spend its last minutes suffering pain, waiting for the drug to take over and end it.
I understand about the instant thing and I have no argument with those who make that choice; I just know I couldn't. It seems far too violent an end for an old and dear friend. Would any of us contemplate having a human loved one shot? Or a dog, a cat? Bad argument, because the horse doesn't know what the gun is for, so isn't scared by it, and small critters don't pose the same dosage problems as large ones.
I still wouldn't do it though.
Don't want to think about it. Please, God, when Max and I leave this world, old and doddering, we'll be curled up in a field together, with the sun in our faces, hand over hoof, so we can just rise again, blink at each other and say, "I'm feeling good, old friend, how 'bout you? Fancy a gallop?"
Hopefully all that is a long way off for Max and me, and we have many happy years together to look forward to, before we part, temporarily, to meet again for our gallop. Concentrate on life now, while we are together and vibrant. In the moment, in each moment, we are good. Cherish that, come what may.
Was all clingy with him today, and he seemed to understand I needed to be clingy, and was tolerant and affectionate right back at me.
"I'm here! I'm not going anywhere. Rub my mouth in both your hands that way you do, and I'll give you a kiss!"
Little bugger licked my cheek today. The old softie!
When the shot happened yesterday, I was standing with V (both of us taken by surprise by what we'd stumbled across) and I burst into silent tears straight away. It is a sad thing to have a creature like that leave the world, and I can't help but react to it. Partly for Nanny herself, of course, and partly relief for her, definitely, and partly for the grief that I know is coming for me, for my friends, for what is lost, and what was gained, and the wonderful, terrible, awesome cycle of life. It's definitely worth a tear or two.
We all have to face it one day, and we know it. With our pets, with our loved ones, and ourselves - that shot told me all of that, and also reminded me of what has already gone, and how important each day is, that we get to be in this wonderful world, with the people that we love, and laugh, and talk about stuff with, and take it all in, and be struck by the beauty and poignancy of our little flash of time together.
That isn't meant to be maudlin. I'm not feeling maudlin... Introspective, for sure, but Nanny Mare’s Christmas present to me has been to put me in the moment and breathe it in, give it life, give it warmth, give it love. Give it tons of respect, for a magnificent, unique creature has left this world, and she deserves all of that, as she reminds me, with her kind brown eyes that hadn't aged a bit, to send it out to there to those who are still here to be loved and respected.
And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
We've got a freezing fog here today. Took ages to do the yard because there was ice everywhere and had to do everything very slowly and carefully to make sure I didn't go arse over elbow!
Went up to where the deed was done and cleaned up a bit, too - wasn't asked, but didn't want YO to deal with it. There was no blood, but a last pile of droppings, and ginger fur from where poor girl was dragged to the lorry, which I got up as best I could - quite frozen, so I couldn't get all of it. Made me have a tear again, but I'm glad she's not standing in her field, all miserable, feeble and shaky in this bad weather.
The shot... I'm still hearing it. Horses can be PTS by lethal injection, but many people go for the gun because it's instant. The trouble with an injection, from what I understand, is that it's hard to get the dosage right for a large animal, so there may be delay in effect, or the horse may fall in a stupor as the drug begins to take hold, break something on the way down, and spend its last minutes suffering pain, waiting for the drug to take over and end it.
I understand about the instant thing and I have no argument with those who make that choice; I just know I couldn't. It seems far too violent an end for an old and dear friend. Would any of us contemplate having a human loved one shot? Or a dog, a cat? Bad argument, because the horse doesn't know what the gun is for, so isn't scared by it, and small critters don't pose the same dosage problems as large ones.
I still wouldn't do it though.
Don't want to think about it. Please, God, when Max and I leave this world, old and doddering, we'll be curled up in a field together, with the sun in our faces, hand over hoof, so we can just rise again, blink at each other and say, "I'm feeling good, old friend, how 'bout you? Fancy a gallop?"
Hopefully all that is a long way off for Max and me, and we have many happy years together to look forward to, before we part, temporarily, to meet again for our gallop. Concentrate on life now, while we are together and vibrant. In the moment, in each moment, we are good. Cherish that, come what may.
Was all clingy with him today, and he seemed to understand I needed to be clingy, and was tolerant and affectionate right back at me.
"I'm here! I'm not going anywhere. Rub my mouth in both your hands that way you do, and I'll give you a kiss!"
Little bugger licked my cheek today. The old softie!
When the shot happened yesterday, I was standing with V (both of us taken by surprise by what we'd stumbled across) and I burst into silent tears straight away. It is a sad thing to have a creature like that leave the world, and I can't help but react to it. Partly for Nanny herself, of course, and partly relief for her, definitely, and partly for the grief that I know is coming for me, for my friends, for what is lost, and what was gained, and the wonderful, terrible, awesome cycle of life. It's definitely worth a tear or two.
We all have to face it one day, and we know it. With our pets, with our loved ones, and ourselves - that shot told me all of that, and also reminded me of what has already gone, and how important each day is, that we get to be in this wonderful world, with the people that we love, and laugh, and talk about stuff with, and take it all in, and be struck by the beauty and poignancy of our little flash of time together.
That isn't meant to be maudlin. I'm not feeling maudlin... Introspective, for sure, but Nanny Mare’s Christmas present to me has been to put me in the moment and breathe it in, give it life, give it warmth, give it love. Give it tons of respect, for a magnificent, unique creature has left this world, and she deserves all of that, as she reminds me, with her kind brown eyes that hadn't aged a bit, to send it out to there to those who are still here to be loved and respected.
And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
Thursday 20 December 2007
No words
Having a bit of a dozy day. It was a pretty bad day, actually. Our Nanny Mare was PTS this morning. Well, totally by accident, I was there when it happened.
Still feeling pretty low about it... Had to go give my boy a big hug and have a cry with him.
Still feeling pretty low about it... Had to go give my boy a big hug and have a cry with him.
Wednesday 19 December 2007
The devil makes work for idle teeth
Poor ol' Maximus! Very stiff back leg today. He kept thumping it on the ground, like you do when your foot has gone to sleep and you're trying to shake it off. He was OK after I took him round the school a bit, and he was a brilliant boy, going through his paces with me. Had a really good roll, too, over three times (the boy has no problem with his back!) which was good to see.
Also, cleaning his undercarriage today, which is finally going well because of the hot water and soft cloth, I discovered he has a few sores on the underside of his sheath. Quite ouchy for him, so I'm glad I didn't put any salt in the water. I'll have to keep an eye on it - I think it's kinda like nappy rash.
Covered him in aloe vera and will just make a real effort over the next while to do that every day and see how he goes. Not looking weepy or anything, and thank god no flies around to irritate or cause infection. So glad he allows me to do a more thorough cleaning job now, or I might not have caught this quickly enough. He still no likey, but he's a lot more patient
He also got led out by our farrier to baby-sit while his field-mate was shod. J is very scared of having his feet done, but stays calm and stands still if Max is with him. Max doesn't give a stuff. Managed to untie himself and go off and maraud through horse rugs he had no business rummaging, picking them up in his teeth and dumping them on the ground until farrier caught him and tied him up again.
"Bored now! Mischief making! Mwuh ha ha!"
I am still so amazed at the turn around I've had with him these past few weeks. He's so co-operative and really seems to relish what we're doing together. It's such a joy to see, and so much fun for both of us. Lots of laughing, lots of Max being playful, but in an eager way, not disruptive. And me, so calm and steady, coaxing and keeping my voice low - he responds so well to that!
I know we'll have a backslide- I absolutely know that, but I'm trying to concentrate on this upswing, and remember, when we do slide back, how far we've come, and how far we'll go when we get over the next challenge.
What an amazing little horse I have! Such a brave and generous heart. He continues to be my absolute delight!
I've said that before, haven't I? Boring, I am. Broken record. Horrendous mum you try to get away from at cocktail parties "My child is super intelligent. My child is uber talented. Blah, blah, blah..."
"Hmmm..." fixed smile on face. "Where's that drinks tray?"
Also, cleaning his undercarriage today, which is finally going well because of the hot water and soft cloth, I discovered he has a few sores on the underside of his sheath. Quite ouchy for him, so I'm glad I didn't put any salt in the water. I'll have to keep an eye on it - I think it's kinda like nappy rash.
Covered him in aloe vera and will just make a real effort over the next while to do that every day and see how he goes. Not looking weepy or anything, and thank god no flies around to irritate or cause infection. So glad he allows me to do a more thorough cleaning job now, or I might not have caught this quickly enough. He still no likey, but he's a lot more patient
He also got led out by our farrier to baby-sit while his field-mate was shod. J is very scared of having his feet done, but stays calm and stands still if Max is with him. Max doesn't give a stuff. Managed to untie himself and go off and maraud through horse rugs he had no business rummaging, picking them up in his teeth and dumping them on the ground until farrier caught him and tied him up again.
"Bored now! Mischief making! Mwuh ha ha!"
I am still so amazed at the turn around I've had with him these past few weeks. He's so co-operative and really seems to relish what we're doing together. It's such a joy to see, and so much fun for both of us. Lots of laughing, lots of Max being playful, but in an eager way, not disruptive. And me, so calm and steady, coaxing and keeping my voice low - he responds so well to that!
I know we'll have a backslide- I absolutely know that, but I'm trying to concentrate on this upswing, and remember, when we do slide back, how far we've come, and how far we'll go when we get over the next challenge.
What an amazing little horse I have! Such a brave and generous heart. He continues to be my absolute delight!
I've said that before, haven't I? Boring, I am. Broken record. Horrendous mum you try to get away from at cocktail parties "My child is super intelligent. My child is uber talented. Blah, blah, blah..."
"Hmmm..." fixed smile on face. "Where's that drinks tray?"
Tuesday 18 December 2007
All at sea
Man, I've got bad vertigo today... Yard work was torture, and I actually fell over in Max's box trying to get his rug off. I was bent down to undo the belly clasps, and I just lost it and fell over in the straw.
"Ahem. My bed, mum. No sharesies. Oh… Oh! Are you OK? Shall I breathe on you and ruffle up your hair with my whiskery lips? There! Polo?"
Needless to say, no work with Max today - didn't feel I'd be safe for him, even to just go for a walk. Certainly no riding, and no way watching him go round me in a circle in the school. Just bloomin' good grooming session and hopefully tomorrow will be better.
"Ahem. My bed, mum. No sharesies. Oh… Oh! Are you OK? Shall I breathe on you and ruffle up your hair with my whiskery lips? There! Polo?"
Needless to say, no work with Max today - didn't feel I'd be safe for him, even to just go for a walk. Certainly no riding, and no way watching him go round me in a circle in the school. Just bloomin' good grooming session and hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Monday 17 December 2007
Sammie's mum comes to visit
We went over to visit Max in his field this afternoon before taking ourselves off for lunch at mine. Max frisked Sammie's mum for pony nuts in a friendly way. She said he looks a lot darker in his winter coat. I think his winter coat does come in a bit darker than his summer one, but I don't notice so much because I'm with him every day.
He was Mr Love Bug today, just wanted affection and attention, bless his perfect wee hooves.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like that first look at Max in the morning. He is absolutely my delight, he is the throne of my joy, that horse. That horse I've dreamed of all my life, and suddenly here he is, big as life and twice as lovely. One look at him washes everything out of my head and just makes me smile. Can there really be anything wrong with that?
Do I love him above all other things in this world? No, I love him equally to the other important things in this world. But maybe, just maybe, nothing else can touch the delight I have in him. Maybe nobody else can quite get to the spot, that little hole in my psyche that Max fills. That is our special place, and I can't explain it, I can't justify it, and I certainly won't apologise for it. It just is what it is.
Max has just been for walks in hand this past weekend. Really quite disturbing stifle lock on Saturday morning for the first time in ages. Didn't bother him at all, but as I said, just recently he seemed to be getting a handle on it, so to see him in full lock again was disappointing. The Ent was there so he could finally see what it looks like, and he was quite horrified. It does look pretty dramatic when it happens, though Max and I are getting pretty used to it, by now.
I expect the cold weather has probably just stiffened him up a bit, and he was fine as soon as he started walking out, but no way did I want him to carry me on his back to compound things, especially with the ground being what it is just now.
So it was Ent and I walking him Saturday, between my morning and afternoon shifts at the yard, and Sunday, total BLISS, Max and I out on our own. Loved it! Very forward going Max, full of mischief, but just playful, not naughty. We had such a nice time and didn't bump into another soul!
He had one unfortunate trip on bumpy ground, and whilst recovering himself managed to stamp on my foot. Thank goodness for reinforced toes! Big dent in my Mountain Horse jod boots, and I had to walk back to the yard with it all squashed in like that, until I could find a good spot to take the boot off and push the toe back out again.
Rubbed some witch hazel/arnica gel into Max’s stifles when we got home. He was a little better today, and is sorting out lifting his hooves nicely again. Poor bug. I don't like that he has the problem, but I do like that we seem to be coping with it OK.
He was Mr Love Bug today, just wanted affection and attention, bless his perfect wee hooves.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like that first look at Max in the morning. He is absolutely my delight, he is the throne of my joy, that horse. That horse I've dreamed of all my life, and suddenly here he is, big as life and twice as lovely. One look at him washes everything out of my head and just makes me smile. Can there really be anything wrong with that?
Do I love him above all other things in this world? No, I love him equally to the other important things in this world. But maybe, just maybe, nothing else can touch the delight I have in him. Maybe nobody else can quite get to the spot, that little hole in my psyche that Max fills. That is our special place, and I can't explain it, I can't justify it, and I certainly won't apologise for it. It just is what it is.
Max has just been for walks in hand this past weekend. Really quite disturbing stifle lock on Saturday morning for the first time in ages. Didn't bother him at all, but as I said, just recently he seemed to be getting a handle on it, so to see him in full lock again was disappointing. The Ent was there so he could finally see what it looks like, and he was quite horrified. It does look pretty dramatic when it happens, though Max and I are getting pretty used to it, by now.
I expect the cold weather has probably just stiffened him up a bit, and he was fine as soon as he started walking out, but no way did I want him to carry me on his back to compound things, especially with the ground being what it is just now.
So it was Ent and I walking him Saturday, between my morning and afternoon shifts at the yard, and Sunday, total BLISS, Max and I out on our own. Loved it! Very forward going Max, full of mischief, but just playful, not naughty. We had such a nice time and didn't bump into another soul!
He had one unfortunate trip on bumpy ground, and whilst recovering himself managed to stamp on my foot. Thank goodness for reinforced toes! Big dent in my Mountain Horse jod boots, and I had to walk back to the yard with it all squashed in like that, until I could find a good spot to take the boot off and push the toe back out again.
Rubbed some witch hazel/arnica gel into Max’s stifles when we got home. He was a little better today, and is sorting out lifting his hooves nicely again. Poor bug. I don't like that he has the problem, but I do like that we seem to be coping with it OK.
Sunday 16 December 2007
My Bay City Roller
Max is in his tartan rug with the neck hood now. I switched him over on Friday. Too cold! Well, I was too cold, therefore my pony needs to wrap up toasty warm.
Funny day, Friday, because it started out mild, and it was still above zero, but there was just something about the air. A bit foggy, a bit of an icy chill, and that was at 1.00 in the afternoon. So no way did I want him out in just his cardigan when the sun went down.
It has warmed up a little since then, but the night's are still cold, and I sleep better knowing he's bundled up. He's ripped one of the clasps on the neck attachment today, though. I think I can fix it myself. Little rug destroyer
Thursday 13 December 2007
Jingle, jingle, jingle...
That will be Max tomorrow. I bought him three little bells from the pet shop (the kind you'd put on a cat's collar) and will attach two to his bridle, and one to the back of his saddle, where I have a D-ring. I anticipate he won’t give a flyin’.
Had to get up early on my "sleep in" day to take the Ent to the train station. He had a meeting in London first thing, then his company Christmas lunch, and I told him I'd drive and pick him up so he can have a drink if he wants to. He'll probably only have one pint anyway but it's nice to know he can have TWO if he fancies it.
So, since I was up and out anyway, I went straight to the yard, and shocked Max by having him tacked up and in the school by about quarter past eight!
We did a good 40 minutes of schooling. Riding in the school is our weakest thing, at the moment, no question. Mostly down to me, I think, just not being balanced enough, or clear enough, but it's getting a little better each time. Lots of concentrating for both of us, and Max, bless him, having such a good go at trying to canter! We got a few strides.
Compound young horse and stifle lock with me not being as finely balanced on his back as I should be, and he's got a lot of stuff to contend with trying to canter. He seems to want to, though. Gets fed up with the trotting, gives his head a shake and I say, "Go on Max, try" and he puts in a stride or two, then back to a jog.
Anyway, we're better at that (as a team) on the left rein, and I actually seem to get a few strides where it feels "right" (can't describe it any other way) and Max suddenly feels... different. Like we've been on quite a firm contact and suddenly there is a slackness in the reins because he's kind of tucked himself up into me.
Hmm... I'm not describing that very well. It goes all smooth though, and a couple of times I had to check to see if he was still trotting because it felt more like walking. But it wasn't. Can't maintain it for very long though... and certainly can only get a few strides at a time on the right rein before it all gets a bit jarring.
We had fun though, and I laughed at him quite a bit. When he's losing his concentration, he starts to get a bit bolshy and wants his own way. It's like a mini-hissy fit, but with no malice, just "No! Let's do what I say now!".
Gave him lots of breaks to stretch his neck down low, and he got lots of treats for good work, so he was a happy boy.
Long grooming session when we were done, including the warm cloth of the undercarriage, then off to the post office for me, for last of the international post before settling in back home for a crafty kip curled up with my lovely old cat.
Had to get up early on my "sleep in" day to take the Ent to the train station. He had a meeting in London first thing, then his company Christmas lunch, and I told him I'd drive and pick him up so he can have a drink if he wants to. He'll probably only have one pint anyway but it's nice to know he can have TWO if he fancies it.
So, since I was up and out anyway, I went straight to the yard, and shocked Max by having him tacked up and in the school by about quarter past eight!
We did a good 40 minutes of schooling. Riding in the school is our weakest thing, at the moment, no question. Mostly down to me, I think, just not being balanced enough, or clear enough, but it's getting a little better each time. Lots of concentrating for both of us, and Max, bless him, having such a good go at trying to canter! We got a few strides.
Compound young horse and stifle lock with me not being as finely balanced on his back as I should be, and he's got a lot of stuff to contend with trying to canter. He seems to want to, though. Gets fed up with the trotting, gives his head a shake and I say, "Go on Max, try" and he puts in a stride or two, then back to a jog.
Anyway, we're better at that (as a team) on the left rein, and I actually seem to get a few strides where it feels "right" (can't describe it any other way) and Max suddenly feels... different. Like we've been on quite a firm contact and suddenly there is a slackness in the reins because he's kind of tucked himself up into me.
Hmm... I'm not describing that very well. It goes all smooth though, and a couple of times I had to check to see if he was still trotting because it felt more like walking. But it wasn't. Can't maintain it for very long though... and certainly can only get a few strides at a time on the right rein before it all gets a bit jarring.
We had fun though, and I laughed at him quite a bit. When he's losing his concentration, he starts to get a bit bolshy and wants his own way. It's like a mini-hissy fit, but with no malice, just "No! Let's do what I say now!".
Gave him lots of breaks to stretch his neck down low, and he got lots of treats for good work, so he was a happy boy.
Long grooming session when we were done, including the warm cloth of the undercarriage, then off to the post office for me, for last of the international post before settling in back home for a crafty kip curled up with my lovely old cat.
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Day off from Mr Sleepy Head
Very sleepy pony, so I think he appreciated it. Long and difficult day at the yard, everything frozen. Just too tired to do him justice, and icy surfaces out and about, so not tempting for a wander.
We just had a nuzzle and a chat, and that was it. Along with everything else, Max has also just recently become a lot more tolerant of physical displays of affection. Tomorrow is our big day for doing stuff. A long grooming session, including hands-on nether washing, and either a long walk out on our own, or some ridden work in the school.
H has been telling me to pat myself on the back for the good work coming from Max these days, but I find it very hard to do. I think I'm about the same, but Max has improved so much that he gets what's required despite me, not because of me. I still feel totally fumbly, but I do know, logically, that that can't be the case or we'd still be spinning our wheels and I'd still be getting freaked out by criticism.
So H must be right, I just... find it difficult. But no, even a month ago I would not have dreamed of lining Max out of the school. So something has changed, and part of the change must be my level of confidence. Or something. And if I'm more confident myself, Max is bound to feel more confident in me, and in himself, too.
I know we'll have another knock-back sooner or later, but it won't be as far back as the last one, and we'll recover again and take another couple of steps forward. I just loved yesterday, everybody watching, and nobody able to make any suggestions about what I should be doing differently because we were getting along just fine with no advice! Way to go, Max & me!
We just had a nuzzle and a chat, and that was it. Along with everything else, Max has also just recently become a lot more tolerant of physical displays of affection. Tomorrow is our big day for doing stuff. A long grooming session, including hands-on nether washing, and either a long walk out on our own, or some ridden work in the school.
H has been telling me to pat myself on the back for the good work coming from Max these days, but I find it very hard to do. I think I'm about the same, but Max has improved so much that he gets what's required despite me, not because of me. I still feel totally fumbly, but I do know, logically, that that can't be the case or we'd still be spinning our wheels and I'd still be getting freaked out by criticism.
So H must be right, I just... find it difficult. But no, even a month ago I would not have dreamed of lining Max out of the school. So something has changed, and part of the change must be my level of confidence. Or something. And if I'm more confident myself, Max is bound to feel more confident in me, and in himself, too.
I know we'll have another knock-back sooner or later, but it won't be as far back as the last one, and we'll recover again and take another couple of steps forward. I just loved yesterday, everybody watching, and nobody able to make any suggestions about what I should be doing differently because we were getting along just fine with no advice! Way to go, Max & me!
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Max's beautiful bum...
... swaying in front of me as I long-lined him out of the school, through all the gates (waiting patiently for me to open and shut) and back into his box, past on-lookers, like a total pro!
Gosh, I love that boy of mine. Looked like he'd been doing it for years! Completely unfazed, completely confident!
So yes, we long-lined today, and pretty much did a repeat of what we did yesterday (really sharp transitions) only on the lines rather than loose.
We did a bit of work on smaller circles too, and we're still a little shambolic on that, at trot, so I just get a couple of good turns and take him back big again. Seems the best way to do it at the moment, so we don't end up in a tangle, and I can get the confused look out of Max's eyes. We can just build on that a little at a time until we look like pros at that, too!
He really did me proud today, especially with an audience.
I'd like to think that I've found some confidence within and that's what the change is, but I'm not sure I can... well, I am confident in Max, and in our growing ability to communicate. But a lot is also down to Max maturing, I think. He seems a lot more willing to work in the school than he used to. He just gets down to it, and today, he would have kept going (he tried to!) if I hadn't told him we were done.
Gosh, I love that boy of mine. Looked like he'd been doing it for years! Completely unfazed, completely confident!
So yes, we long-lined today, and pretty much did a repeat of what we did yesterday (really sharp transitions) only on the lines rather than loose.
We did a bit of work on smaller circles too, and we're still a little shambolic on that, at trot, so I just get a couple of good turns and take him back big again. Seems the best way to do it at the moment, so we don't end up in a tangle, and I can get the confused look out of Max's eyes. We can just build on that a little at a time until we look like pros at that, too!
He really did me proud today, especially with an audience.
I'd like to think that I've found some confidence within and that's what the change is, but I'm not sure I can... well, I am confident in Max, and in our growing ability to communicate. But a lot is also down to Max maturing, I think. He seems a lot more willing to work in the school than he used to. He just gets down to it, and today, he would have kept going (he tried to!) if I hadn't told him we were done.
Monday 10 December 2007
Pleased as punch...
...with my little monkey man! Weather was against me for taking him out, so I decided on some ground work with his training head collar in the school.
Just worked him in at smart walk for five circles of the school in each direction, with a bit of turning to keep his mind busy, and then took him off the lead rope and did loose work, shoulder to shoulder, on really quick transitions stand/walk/trot back to walk.
He got click treats for quick responses, and when he didn't listen, he got nothing. I'd go collect him from where he stopped, saying nothing, not looking at him, take him back to where he went wayward and try again.
Well, he caught on pretty quickly as to what was being asked and what got a click, and he was so good! Really fast reply to my voice, managing to stay straight on the track rather than ambling in. A small triumph, I know, but I was really chuffed with him, and he got lots of hugs and pats, and enthusiastic praise (which he seems to enjoy almost as much as his pony nut).
I then did a little bit of canter work just to stretch him out and see how he was moving. We still lose direction completely on canter because I can't stay beside him to push him out, but that will come in time, and I'm not worried about it for now.
He had a little bit of trouble cantering on the right rein (that really does seem to be his tough one), but we got there in the end, and managed a nice canter right down the side of the school.
Gathered him up, gave him a final pat, and then said, "Your time now, Max" and walked away from him to sit on the bench and watch. He followed me for a bit, and then, just as I'd hoped, he had a good roll, a dusty shake, and ambled over to where I sat, nudged my boot, and we were done.
I had some success with his undercarriage today, too. I noticed yesterday that he was getting fairly crusty in the corners (euw!), but the sponge wasn't doing it, and neither were the sheath wipes which I bought as a kind of "in-between" mild cleaning session to keep him going without quite so much fuss.
Needless to say, I had my worry hat on, and decided that I'd try a soft cloth instead. Bought that yesterday, and had a go today with warm water. Really effective! I got all the gunk out and Max barely fussed at all. I think perhaps because I had a better "feel" (ick, I know!) and the cloth was warm and not so intrusive, Max was more tolerant. Gave me time to have a proper look round, too, and make sure I got everything clean as a whistle.
Whatever makes it easier for Max, though, which also necessarily makes it easier for me as a by-product.
I've given up wearing gloves to clean him. I just have a more sensitive feel to it if I'm bare handed, and though it's a bit icky, it's much more effective. I go wash my hands straight away, and I've got some anti-bacterial gel that I put on my hands afterwards, so I'm not a danger to polite society. Besides, how is it any worse than changing a nappy? Which is also icky, as it happens, but nobody flips out if you don’t put latex gloves on before you dive in!
I don't know what it is about the gloves, but it's definitely different. Partly Max reacts when he sees me put them on, but mostly I can't get enough of a sense of where he's in trouble through latex, and I really don't want any trouble to brew in his nethers.
One of my friends was saying the other night that she thinks I should just go for the op, and give Max a more natural life and save us both the aggravation.
It is so tempting, and it is something I'm going to talk to a veterinary surgeon about, but I'm just not sure. I wish I could talk to others with the same problem (if I could find any).
My first vet said the op would be painful, long recovery period, and no guarantee that it would "take". They'd have to cut into that ring of muscle and make it looser so he could drop, but would he be able to control it? Would he drop and not be able to lift back up again? Would we go through it all for no change at all?
Have also had a surprise benefit of clicker training and Max's stifle lock. He seems to be working out how to manage it. It could just be he's growing out of it, I suppose, but there's definitely been a change.
He still locks on pivot in his box, or backing up, occasionally, but I used to see the lock most often when I was trying to pick, out his hind feet.
So, I started working on a click treat for each foot nicely lifted and held for me without struggling. I'd wait and try again if he was locked, but always the click treat after each hoof.
He seems to have worked out how to unlock his back legs for this. He has a little pause now, before trying to lift the hoof, does a little shift, and then tentatively puts the foot into a "rest" position, from where I can pick it up and hold it. I jiggle it up and down and tell him to relax, and he just "gives" it to me then, and lets me get on with it.
We were having a struggle with picking up feet, I think because he found it a bit uncomfy, but now all I have to do is tap his leg and say "up!" and he obliges. Not always instantly, but the pause is always to sort himself out, and I'm happy to wait for that. He's a clever boy, and very willing once he's worked out what is required (and of course that he gets his click for it!).
Just worked him in at smart walk for five circles of the school in each direction, with a bit of turning to keep his mind busy, and then took him off the lead rope and did loose work, shoulder to shoulder, on really quick transitions stand/walk/trot back to walk.
He got click treats for quick responses, and when he didn't listen, he got nothing. I'd go collect him from where he stopped, saying nothing, not looking at him, take him back to where he went wayward and try again.
Well, he caught on pretty quickly as to what was being asked and what got a click, and he was so good! Really fast reply to my voice, managing to stay straight on the track rather than ambling in. A small triumph, I know, but I was really chuffed with him, and he got lots of hugs and pats, and enthusiastic praise (which he seems to enjoy almost as much as his pony nut).
I then did a little bit of canter work just to stretch him out and see how he was moving. We still lose direction completely on canter because I can't stay beside him to push him out, but that will come in time, and I'm not worried about it for now.
He had a little bit of trouble cantering on the right rein (that really does seem to be his tough one), but we got there in the end, and managed a nice canter right down the side of the school.
Gathered him up, gave him a final pat, and then said, "Your time now, Max" and walked away from him to sit on the bench and watch. He followed me for a bit, and then, just as I'd hoped, he had a good roll, a dusty shake, and ambled over to where I sat, nudged my boot, and we were done.
I had some success with his undercarriage today, too. I noticed yesterday that he was getting fairly crusty in the corners (euw!), but the sponge wasn't doing it, and neither were the sheath wipes which I bought as a kind of "in-between" mild cleaning session to keep him going without quite so much fuss.
Needless to say, I had my worry hat on, and decided that I'd try a soft cloth instead. Bought that yesterday, and had a go today with warm water. Really effective! I got all the gunk out and Max barely fussed at all. I think perhaps because I had a better "feel" (ick, I know!) and the cloth was warm and not so intrusive, Max was more tolerant. Gave me time to have a proper look round, too, and make sure I got everything clean as a whistle.
Whatever makes it easier for Max, though, which also necessarily makes it easier for me as a by-product.
I've given up wearing gloves to clean him. I just have a more sensitive feel to it if I'm bare handed, and though it's a bit icky, it's much more effective. I go wash my hands straight away, and I've got some anti-bacterial gel that I put on my hands afterwards, so I'm not a danger to polite society. Besides, how is it any worse than changing a nappy? Which is also icky, as it happens, but nobody flips out if you don’t put latex gloves on before you dive in!
I don't know what it is about the gloves, but it's definitely different. Partly Max reacts when he sees me put them on, but mostly I can't get enough of a sense of where he's in trouble through latex, and I really don't want any trouble to brew in his nethers.
One of my friends was saying the other night that she thinks I should just go for the op, and give Max a more natural life and save us both the aggravation.
It is so tempting, and it is something I'm going to talk to a veterinary surgeon about, but I'm just not sure. I wish I could talk to others with the same problem (if I could find any).
My first vet said the op would be painful, long recovery period, and no guarantee that it would "take". They'd have to cut into that ring of muscle and make it looser so he could drop, but would he be able to control it? Would he drop and not be able to lift back up again? Would we go through it all for no change at all?
Have also had a surprise benefit of clicker training and Max's stifle lock. He seems to be working out how to manage it. It could just be he's growing out of it, I suppose, but there's definitely been a change.
He still locks on pivot in his box, or backing up, occasionally, but I used to see the lock most often when I was trying to pick, out his hind feet.
So, I started working on a click treat for each foot nicely lifted and held for me without struggling. I'd wait and try again if he was locked, but always the click treat after each hoof.
He seems to have worked out how to unlock his back legs for this. He has a little pause now, before trying to lift the hoof, does a little shift, and then tentatively puts the foot into a "rest" position, from where I can pick it up and hold it. I jiggle it up and down and tell him to relax, and he just "gives" it to me then, and lets me get on with it.
We were having a struggle with picking up feet, I think because he found it a bit uncomfy, but now all I have to do is tap his leg and say "up!" and he obliges. Not always instantly, but the pause is always to sort himself out, and I'm happy to wait for that. He's a clever boy, and very willing once he's worked out what is required (and of course that he gets his click for it!).
Tuesday 4 December 2007
Sigh...
Pretty good day, today. Grey and drizzly, so I took Max into the school for some long-lining. He is coming along so well, and I'm delighted with him!
He really does seem to have turned a corner and is picking things up really well. I'm sure it's a plateau, and we'll dip again, but for each step back, we're taking a couple forward, and that's encouraging. He still gets confused now and again, but we've definitely moved up a gear in our training.
When I see him get the stressy look, I stop him and we have a chat. Maybe that's a bit silly and anthropomorphic, but it feels like the right thing to do. Just reel him in, tell him he's doing brilliantly well and there's nothing to worry about, and then we go on calmly at walk again for a bit and go through the stuff he knows well. I just don't want him to feel that learning is stressful or that he's doing anything "wrong". I want him to trust that I'm with him every step, and if it's too much, we'll take it down a notch. I'm learning too, so I don't mind going slow so we can both get it right. A few strides of right is all we need just now.
Am going to have to work something out as a Max thing or a me thing. On the right rein on a large circle (using the whole school), he's started turning his head slightly towards the wall as we go along. I'm not sure if this is Max having trouble with something, or whether it's me perhaps being too firm on my left rein... He used to cut in on the right rein, so maybe I'm over correcting him? It doesn't feel like I am putting too much pressure on that rein, but perhaps I am, so I'm going to keep an eye on it and assess as we go.
Doesn't stop him going forward at all. He does more head tossing on that rein, too, but nowhere near as much as he once did. Today when I tried to ease pressure when his head was turning to the left, he immediately tried to cut in to the right... Something is going on there, but I haven't quite worked it out yet.
For the moment, when he does that stuff, I just gather him and set him straight again, no praise, no treat, but no drama either. When he starts getting it right, the praise and clicks come.
Took him off the lines to have a canter on both reins (can't do that with the lines yet, although I daresay Helen might be able to coax that out of him now, and I'd love her to have a go), and then clipped him back up to finish with a bit more trot work.
I long-lined him out of the school - only the second time I've done it. I usually lead him back. He was tempted by the grass outside the school door, but I told him to keep his head up, turn and stand so I could close the door, which he did, perfectly well behaved, then got him going down the path back towards his box.
He was really so co-operative and I was so proud of him!
As an aside, I had one of those moments, yesterday, in Max's box. I went in, as I always do, day to day life, ho hum, this is what I do with my horse. I was standing there, and my little man was tucked into my chest while I scratched his forehead, and I had this sudden, "This is my horse!" moment. Like I couldn't believe I was so lucky, like I couldn't quite comprehend that my dream had come true, and this living, breathing, spectacular creature was actually my responsibility, my horse, my best friend. Like I was seeing him for the first time. I got all overwhelmed by it, and a bit scared by it, too, I have to admit.
"How did you get here, Max?" I asked him.
"You called me, and I came," seemed to be the reply.
Ah, I knew that boy was mine the second I clapped eyes on him. Before I knew he ever could actually be mine.
He really does seem to have turned a corner and is picking things up really well. I'm sure it's a plateau, and we'll dip again, but for each step back, we're taking a couple forward, and that's encouraging. He still gets confused now and again, but we've definitely moved up a gear in our training.
When I see him get the stressy look, I stop him and we have a chat. Maybe that's a bit silly and anthropomorphic, but it feels like the right thing to do. Just reel him in, tell him he's doing brilliantly well and there's nothing to worry about, and then we go on calmly at walk again for a bit and go through the stuff he knows well. I just don't want him to feel that learning is stressful or that he's doing anything "wrong". I want him to trust that I'm with him every step, and if it's too much, we'll take it down a notch. I'm learning too, so I don't mind going slow so we can both get it right. A few strides of right is all we need just now.
Am going to have to work something out as a Max thing or a me thing. On the right rein on a large circle (using the whole school), he's started turning his head slightly towards the wall as we go along. I'm not sure if this is Max having trouble with something, or whether it's me perhaps being too firm on my left rein... He used to cut in on the right rein, so maybe I'm over correcting him? It doesn't feel like I am putting too much pressure on that rein, but perhaps I am, so I'm going to keep an eye on it and assess as we go.
Doesn't stop him going forward at all. He does more head tossing on that rein, too, but nowhere near as much as he once did. Today when I tried to ease pressure when his head was turning to the left, he immediately tried to cut in to the right... Something is going on there, but I haven't quite worked it out yet.
For the moment, when he does that stuff, I just gather him and set him straight again, no praise, no treat, but no drama either. When he starts getting it right, the praise and clicks come.
Took him off the lines to have a canter on both reins (can't do that with the lines yet, although I daresay Helen might be able to coax that out of him now, and I'd love her to have a go), and then clipped him back up to finish with a bit more trot work.
I long-lined him out of the school - only the second time I've done it. I usually lead him back. He was tempted by the grass outside the school door, but I told him to keep his head up, turn and stand so I could close the door, which he did, perfectly well behaved, then got him going down the path back towards his box.
He was really so co-operative and I was so proud of him!
As an aside, I had one of those moments, yesterday, in Max's box. I went in, as I always do, day to day life, ho hum, this is what I do with my horse. I was standing there, and my little man was tucked into my chest while I scratched his forehead, and I had this sudden, "This is my horse!" moment. Like I couldn't believe I was so lucky, like I couldn't quite comprehend that my dream had come true, and this living, breathing, spectacular creature was actually my responsibility, my horse, my best friend. Like I was seeing him for the first time. I got all overwhelmed by it, and a bit scared by it, too, I have to admit.
"How did you get here, Max?" I asked him.
"You called me, and I came," seemed to be the reply.
Ah, I knew that boy was mine the second I clapped eyes on him. Before I knew he ever could actually be mine.
Monday 3 December 2007
Where's my hooligan?
Today was a busy day , and I left the yard to go do a bit of shopping.
Came back to the yard hoping to do something with Max in the school. Sadly, the school was about to be used, and the weather was threatening again, so we just had a short walk out in hand. He was very good, though a little hesitant because the wind was still up. I think the wind makes the world a whole different place for the critters. Max wasn't scared, exactly, but he was certainly alert.
He really seems to be listening to me these days, and responding quite well. Like somebody switched my pony for a co-operative one. I guess it's partly all the work and patience finally starting to pay off a bit, and it could also be another phase, to be followed by yet more stroppy hooliganism in the future.
Enjoy it while I have it, I guess!
Saturday 1 December 2007
Herd instinct
The weather today was absolutely dreadful! I didn't do anything with Max on Saturday because it's my long shift on the yard and I’m just too knackered. We had a long grooming session, and also a bit of clicker training in his box, but nothing else.
Today there was just no way I was taking him out in that, even into the school. He'd never have been able to concentrate with all that commotion!
I spent about an hour in his box with him, and I was really glad I was there, because he actually got scared by the weather. Howling wind, lashing rain, and then the eaves trough right in front of his box door started gushing a torrent of water.
I was at the back of his box with my latest purchase, a "bucket organiser". Sad and slightly anal, I know, but it's this thing that fits over a bucket, and has pockets and places to put stuff, so rather than a jumble of stuff in his wash bucket, I've now got everything arranged neatly where I can see it.
Anyway, there I was organising, and suddenly Max came dashing back to me, tucked his head behind my shoulder and looked very warily out of his door. Poor thing didn't quite know what to make of it all, but decided it was best off to be at the back near me. I stood and said nothing, just stroked his withers until he relaxed again. But I was so glad I was there. I know it's just herd instinct, but I'm his herd!
Today there was just no way I was taking him out in that, even into the school. He'd never have been able to concentrate with all that commotion!
I spent about an hour in his box with him, and I was really glad I was there, because he actually got scared by the weather. Howling wind, lashing rain, and then the eaves trough right in front of his box door started gushing a torrent of water.
I was at the back of his box with my latest purchase, a "bucket organiser". Sad and slightly anal, I know, but it's this thing that fits over a bucket, and has pockets and places to put stuff, so rather than a jumble of stuff in his wash bucket, I've now got everything arranged neatly where I can see it.
Anyway, there I was organising, and suddenly Max came dashing back to me, tucked his head behind my shoulder and looked very warily out of his door. Poor thing didn't quite know what to make of it all, but decided it was best off to be at the back near me. I stood and said nothing, just stroked his withers until he relaxed again. But I was so glad I was there. I know it's just herd instinct, but I'm his herd!
Friday 30 November 2007
Where's a young man meant to look?
Today, I took Max in to the school for some long-lining. He was a real star again, I even got him on a smaller circle so that I could pretty much stay at a walk while he trotted around me. I've never been able to get him to do that before, but he's getting so good with his aids and directions, that we had a pretty good go at it today! I ended up cutting our session short because he was doing so well, and it's lots of concentrating for him when there are new things.
The reason for my not wanting to run after him on the lines in the school was that I was doing it, and my jeans fell down around me knees! I knew they were loose, but I didn't think they'd actually come down!
"Mum! I can see your arse! Good God! Cover yourself up before somebody sees you!"
Peeing it down with rain this afternoon and this evening. It's meant to be a nice day tomorrow and then rainy again after that. Too bad it's not a day for riding Max, because I'm doing six hours on the yard. Still, I think I'd rather be working in dry sunny weather than in pouring rain, which is what Sunday will be.
The reason for my not wanting to run after him on the lines in the school was that I was doing it, and my jeans fell down around me knees! I knew they were loose, but I didn't think they'd actually come down!
"Mum! I can see your arse! Good God! Cover yourself up before somebody sees you!"
Peeing it down with rain this afternoon and this evening. It's meant to be a nice day tomorrow and then rainy again after that. Too bad it's not a day for riding Max, because I'm doing six hours on the yard. Still, I think I'd rather be working in dry sunny weather than in pouring rain, which is what Sunday will be.
Thursday 29 November 2007
Loving the lovelies
I love the days when I don't rush and just have time to be with the horses and love them. Such amazing creatures, and so generous. They all know me so well now, and I love the way they rush to their doors when I come by, with the whuffles. Man, I love the way those nostrils vibrate when they do the quiet whuffles!
To just stand quietly by these amazing, strong, graceful creatures, and have them bend their heads in, gently nudge, play with my hair, fumble with my pockets in case there's anything good in there (they don't seem to mind if there is or isn't, as long as I have a scratch and a kind word for them). It's an amazing way to spend my time, and I wouldn't part with it for a moment. They give me a lot more than I give them, I reckon.
Max was so locked this morning on his right side, it took me ages to pick out the right hind hoof, and I was really worrying about him. Not in a "this is a new, bad thing" way, but just because I hate to see that leg elevated and sticking straight out in such an unnatural way. He was fine once he got going though.
Hacked out accompanied today. The beauty thing about walking along calmly behind is it gave me lots of time to experiment and pay attention to my position, and what reaction I got from little shifts. So it was a working hack for me and Max, even though we didn't get up to much.
So helpful to just sit back and try things, and watch Max's ears swivel back, or in some cases he even glances back at me, so I know what I'm doing is causing a reaction - or his pace changes slightly. I just need to keep doing it so I can keep track of what shift brings what reaction.
He was very relaxed through the whole thing again, mostly very responsive to me, and I'll chalk it up as a good day.
To just stand quietly by these amazing, strong, graceful creatures, and have them bend their heads in, gently nudge, play with my hair, fumble with my pockets in case there's anything good in there (they don't seem to mind if there is or isn't, as long as I have a scratch and a kind word for them). It's an amazing way to spend my time, and I wouldn't part with it for a moment. They give me a lot more than I give them, I reckon.
Max was so locked this morning on his right side, it took me ages to pick out the right hind hoof, and I was really worrying about him. Not in a "this is a new, bad thing" way, but just because I hate to see that leg elevated and sticking straight out in such an unnatural way. He was fine once he got going though.
Hacked out accompanied today. The beauty thing about walking along calmly behind is it gave me lots of time to experiment and pay attention to my position, and what reaction I got from little shifts. So it was a working hack for me and Max, even though we didn't get up to much.
So helpful to just sit back and try things, and watch Max's ears swivel back, or in some cases he even glances back at me, so I know what I'm doing is causing a reaction - or his pace changes slightly. I just need to keep doing it so I can keep track of what shift brings what reaction.
He was very relaxed through the whole thing again, mostly very responsive to me, and I'll chalk it up as a good day.
Wednesday 28 November 2007
Time slip...
Today was a bit weird, in a losing time sort of way. I had my four hour shift, and I tentatively thought of long-lining Max when I was done, with the proviso that I know I'm usually too knackered after four hours mucking out, so I was equally prepared to do nothing.
Nothing is what I did in the end. I wasn't rushing through my work at all, I know (don't feel the need on a Wednesday), and I did stop for a chat with a couple of the owners, but when I finished up and checked my watch, it was almost half twelve! That's a whole hour longer than it usually takes me. I can't think where I lost an hour!
So no work for Max, but that's OK. I went off to do the grocery shopping, and stopped back at the yard just now to put his rug on and get him ready for the field, with some cuddles and a polo.
Actually, I think my downfall today was spending a lot of time loving the lovelies.
That's no bad thing. Lots of chats and scratches, and they were all being particularly adorable and friendly today, so if that takes an hour extra of my time, it is time well spent. I was ages with Glamour Girl this morning, come to think of it. She's such an affectionate mare, gives you little nuzzles and seems to really enjoy being hugged.
Nothing is what I did in the end. I wasn't rushing through my work at all, I know (don't feel the need on a Wednesday), and I did stop for a chat with a couple of the owners, but when I finished up and checked my watch, it was almost half twelve! That's a whole hour longer than it usually takes me. I can't think where I lost an hour!
So no work for Max, but that's OK. I went off to do the grocery shopping, and stopped back at the yard just now to put his rug on and get him ready for the field, with some cuddles and a polo.
Actually, I think my downfall today was spending a lot of time loving the lovelies.
That's no bad thing. Lots of chats and scratches, and they were all being particularly adorable and friendly today, so if that takes an hour extra of my time, it is time well spent. I was ages with Glamour Girl this morning, come to think of it. She's such an affectionate mare, gives you little nuzzles and seems to really enjoy being hugged.
Monday 26 November 2007
Ta Da!
Max was absolutely bloomin' brilliant! I am so proud of him I could just about burst.
I took him out alone, in hand but saddled up, for a hack. We walked for about a mile down the lane, and then I mounted up and turned back towards home, but we made a few detours, through a rolling field (we trotted along the edge, up a hill and then along the top) then along "the triangle" a bridleway that takes us back towards the yard.
He didn't put a foot wrong. No planting, no spinning, no spooking (not even when a pheasant came out from under the hedge) and barely any feeling of anxiety in him at all. We didn't break any landspeed records, but who cares about that? I didn't need to urge him forward once, he just kept going, ears pricked, but feeling really steady and fairly relaxed.
I let him stop a couple of times for a munch, and I also click treated him for standing when asked a couple of times. Lots & lots of praise, too - had to tell myself to shut up a couple of times because I was blathering on at him so much. So delighted with him though!
Sure, it wasn't the most challenging of hacks, and I guess we were only out on our own for about an hour or so, but after all the struggling we've had out and about lately, I couldn't have asked for more from him. Absolute diamond, my boy!
So we leave that alone, don't touch! Tomorrow we'll do something completely different in the school. I'll decide in the moment.
I took him out alone, in hand but saddled up, for a hack. We walked for about a mile down the lane, and then I mounted up and turned back towards home, but we made a few detours, through a rolling field (we trotted along the edge, up a hill and then along the top) then along "the triangle" a bridleway that takes us back towards the yard.
He didn't put a foot wrong. No planting, no spinning, no spooking (not even when a pheasant came out from under the hedge) and barely any feeling of anxiety in him at all. We didn't break any landspeed records, but who cares about that? I didn't need to urge him forward once, he just kept going, ears pricked, but feeling really steady and fairly relaxed.
I let him stop a couple of times for a munch, and I also click treated him for standing when asked a couple of times. Lots & lots of praise, too - had to tell myself to shut up a couple of times because I was blathering on at him so much. So delighted with him though!
Sure, it wasn't the most challenging of hacks, and I guess we were only out on our own for about an hour or so, but after all the struggling we've had out and about lately, I couldn't have asked for more from him. Absolute diamond, my boy!
So we leave that alone, don't touch! Tomorrow we'll do something completely different in the school. I'll decide in the moment.
Sunday 25 November 2007
Follow my leader
I rode Max out with the Ent leading on foot. The idea was that the Ent was going for a run (sounds positively hasty, doesn't it?), so we'd follow on the lane as far as the
Wood, then the Ent would carry on with his run, and Max and I would turn for home all by ourselves.
Mainly Max was good, though we had a bit of spinning for home. Got in to a real tangle a couple of times on the way back, but I managed to get him forward both times (at trot, after lots of turning and taking runs at it).
Lots of praise when he did it, and click/treats, but man, we had words before that. He's not scared, this I know. He's happy to stick his head down and have a munch. So it was just a matter of firmness and intention on my part, and absolutely no finesse whatsoever! Argh!
I'm happy with the result, but not how I got it. I need to be able to rely a lot more on my seat, and at this point, I just can't. He needs that from me, too, because that's what will give him confidence.
So tomorrow... not sure. Maybe ground work again so we can regain our composure. Don't mean to give the idea that it was totally hellacious, because it wasn't, but we are much more dignified when we are both on the ground at this point!
Wood, then the Ent would carry on with his run, and Max and I would turn for home all by ourselves.
Mainly Max was good, though we had a bit of spinning for home. Got in to a real tangle a couple of times on the way back, but I managed to get him forward both times (at trot, after lots of turning and taking runs at it).
Lots of praise when he did it, and click/treats, but man, we had words before that. He's not scared, this I know. He's happy to stick his head down and have a munch. So it was just a matter of firmness and intention on my part, and absolutely no finesse whatsoever! Argh!
I'm happy with the result, but not how I got it. I need to be able to rely a lot more on my seat, and at this point, I just can't. He needs that from me, too, because that's what will give him confidence.
So tomorrow... not sure. Maybe ground work again so we can regain our composure. Don't mean to give the idea that it was totally hellacious, because it wasn't, but we are much more dignified when we are both on the ground at this point!
Saturday 24 November 2007
High Jinx
Max and I went out for a long walk (about an hour and a half) with the Ent leading most of the way, and me behind getting that hind end swinging. It was fairly uneventful until Max started getting a bit full of himself, dragged the Ent through some bushes, up a bank, then became a bit of a whirling dervish. I took over in the lead then, with Ent looking quite shocked at just how powerful a sweet little pony can be!
"He pushed me over and stood on my foot!"
"Really? Shocking behaviour, Max!"
The uplifting thing about it was I can remember when Max did all that to me on a regular basis. I took his reins from the Ent and the monkey boy pretty much snapped to attention.
"Uh oh! Play time's over. Hi mum."
"Hello darling. Were you playing up a bit?"
"No, I was just... um... polo?"
"No, no polos for manhandling the Man. Look sharp, let's go!"
"OK. Polo later?"
"Yes, later."
Did me proud, he did.
Although I wasn't happy to see him being such a punk with the Ent, it was high spirits and confidence that did it, which in a way was good, for him to feel so playful and secure out in the world with just we two humans for company. He tried it on with the Ent because he's an opportunist and saw his chance! No malice in it.
"He pushed me over and stood on my foot!"
"Really? Shocking behaviour, Max!"
The uplifting thing about it was I can remember when Max did all that to me on a regular basis. I took his reins from the Ent and the monkey boy pretty much snapped to attention.
"Uh oh! Play time's over. Hi mum."
"Hello darling. Were you playing up a bit?"
"No, I was just... um... polo?"
"No, no polos for manhandling the Man. Look sharp, let's go!"
"OK. Polo later?"
"Yes, later."
Did me proud, he did.
Although I wasn't happy to see him being such a punk with the Ent, it was high spirits and confidence that did it, which in a way was good, for him to feel so playful and secure out in the world with just we two humans for company. He tried it on with the Ent because he's an opportunist and saw his chance! No malice in it.
Thursday 22 November 2007
Lord of the Dance
Clear bright day here, today, but getting cooler. Tomorrow night below 0, they say. Brrr for Mr Max.
We went out for a long walk today, and Max was all on his tippy-toes, being scared of stuff. But we got round all right.
Then we got back to the yard, and Max didn't notice that A was sitting in her car with the door open. She stepped out and he just about collapsed in fright! All his little hooves doin' The Riverdance!
Poor little man! He regained his composure quickly enough, but I was laughin' at him, while A was apologising to him.
We went out for a long walk today, and Max was all on his tippy-toes, being scared of stuff. But we got round all right.
Then we got back to the yard, and Max didn't notice that A was sitting in her car with the door open. She stepped out and he just about collapsed in fright! All his little hooves doin' The Riverdance!
Poor little man! He regained his composure quickly enough, but I was laughin' at him, while A was apologising to him.
Wednesday 21 November 2007
A horse in the hand...
What a mostly beautiful day today. I had four hours of yard work which was pretty pleasant, really. The boxes are a mess because it's been raining so much (I think water just seeps in through the breezeblock and bricks) but I didn't feel rushed, so just took my time and enjoyed it.
I had already decided not to do anything with Max - I'm just too knackered after four hours, but we had an hour long grooming session in the sun, which was fine by both of us.
I bought some baby bath sponges a couple of days ago. I tried one bit (I cut them up) on his undercarriage today with a bucket of hot water, and Max was much more amenable. Still got click treats for being good, but he seemed to accept it better, so it must just feel a bit nicer, I guess. Result! Well, at least for today, anyway.
We also did a lot of work on his mane and tail, because he was a burr bush when he came in this morning. Put in more conditioner, because it really helps to slide them out, and keep them from sticking so much for a few days.
I was telling another owner about a friend's success with her horse and his former fear of clippers, and she was intrigued to hear it. Last time her horse was clipped it took three injections of sedation and the vet had to stay there on stand-by. Added complications because sedation tends to make horses sweat, and sweating doesn't mix well with clipping.
Anyway, she said wistfully that she wished she'd done more clicker training and ground work with her horse over the summer, and I said, "But you could still do it now, even if you decide not to clip him this winter. It's worth having a go to see if it makes it any easier for him."
Don't know if I convinced her or not, but yes, it's not all about hacks, is it? I know, "make hay while the sun shines" and all that, but I guess I just find the ground work and clicker stuff a lot more fascinating than some others do. I just love watching Max's eyes and face as he's trying to work something out, and I think the time we spend together doing work on the ground is more valuable, more satisfying, than the riding stuff. Though I love riding too.
We're fine at the moment working on transitions, but I'd love to work on more stuff to get his body bending and his brain thinking. I just love the in-hand stuff! The more I do it, the more I love it. Could be my "thing" maybe, but I need to find some direction.
A lot of the lovelies at our yard are unusually het up, so it could be the change of seasons or something. I think they do pick up on that stuff in a way we perhaps don't understand. It may even call to something fairly primal in them, hard weather coming and how to prepare for it in "survival" mode, so if there is no "survival" necessary because they know all their stuff is looked after, extra energy has to go somewhere.
Hmm... interesting to think about. My dad and I are just in a e-mail conversation about observations of the natural world and what we can learn from it. I know lots of people enjoy people watching, but critter watching is more my thing. Yes, people are interesting too, but animals have such raw honesty about them, no hidden agenda or deception, they just are what they are, so it's intriguing to note the changes and try to work out why.
I had already decided not to do anything with Max - I'm just too knackered after four hours, but we had an hour long grooming session in the sun, which was fine by both of us.
I bought some baby bath sponges a couple of days ago. I tried one bit (I cut them up) on his undercarriage today with a bucket of hot water, and Max was much more amenable. Still got click treats for being good, but he seemed to accept it better, so it must just feel a bit nicer, I guess. Result! Well, at least for today, anyway.
We also did a lot of work on his mane and tail, because he was a burr bush when he came in this morning. Put in more conditioner, because it really helps to slide them out, and keep them from sticking so much for a few days.
I was telling another owner about a friend's success with her horse and his former fear of clippers, and she was intrigued to hear it. Last time her horse was clipped it took three injections of sedation and the vet had to stay there on stand-by. Added complications because sedation tends to make horses sweat, and sweating doesn't mix well with clipping.
Anyway, she said wistfully that she wished she'd done more clicker training and ground work with her horse over the summer, and I said, "But you could still do it now, even if you decide not to clip him this winter. It's worth having a go to see if it makes it any easier for him."
Don't know if I convinced her or not, but yes, it's not all about hacks, is it? I know, "make hay while the sun shines" and all that, but I guess I just find the ground work and clicker stuff a lot more fascinating than some others do. I just love watching Max's eyes and face as he's trying to work something out, and I think the time we spend together doing work on the ground is more valuable, more satisfying, than the riding stuff. Though I love riding too.
We're fine at the moment working on transitions, but I'd love to work on more stuff to get his body bending and his brain thinking. I just love the in-hand stuff! The more I do it, the more I love it. Could be my "thing" maybe, but I need to find some direction.
A lot of the lovelies at our yard are unusually het up, so it could be the change of seasons or something. I think they do pick up on that stuff in a way we perhaps don't understand. It may even call to something fairly primal in them, hard weather coming and how to prepare for it in "survival" mode, so if there is no "survival" necessary because they know all their stuff is looked after, extra energy has to go somewhere.
Hmm... interesting to think about. My dad and I are just in a e-mail conversation about observations of the natural world and what we can learn from it. I know lots of people enjoy people watching, but critter watching is more my thing. Yes, people are interesting too, but animals have such raw honesty about them, no hidden agenda or deception, they just are what they are, so it's intriguing to note the changes and try to work out why.
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Early morning workout
Took Max into the indoor school early again this morning (about 8.45 am) for 40 minutes or so. This time we were doing in hand with his "Be Nice" head collar and he was ace! Really good on transitions, very attentive and playful, and quite brave when I held a big, stripy umbrella over his head.
And he found a dead rat. Nice one! Oh sure, he'll touch that, unprompted. I thought it was a bit of crumpled up paper until I got close enough to see what he was sniffing at.
We're having a problem with rats at the moment. There was a live one in one of my boxes on Sunday when I was trying to muck out. Actually moving straw around and stuff! Euw!
I really enjoy getting Max exercised early when I pretty much know we won't be interrupted. Then when the yard work is done, we can just have a big ol' grooming session and fuss, with nothing else to be getting on with.
And he found a dead rat. Nice one! Oh sure, he'll touch that, unprompted. I thought it was a bit of crumpled up paper until I got close enough to see what he was sniffing at.
We're having a problem with rats at the moment. There was a live one in one of my boxes on Sunday when I was trying to muck out. Actually moving straw around and stuff! Euw!
I really enjoy getting Max exercised early when I pretty much know we won't be interrupted. Then when the yard work is done, we can just have a big ol' grooming session and fuss, with nothing else to be getting on with.
Monday 19 November 2007
Split shift
The weather was meant to be bad again, I figured there would be a queue for the indoor school when I finished work, so I mucked out two boxes, then took Max in for some schooling at about quarter to nine.
He was a complete prat! He's done so well schooling recently, but he had the wind up his tail and his own ideas. Going in to trot (either rein) he was head tossing and bucking like back in the old days at Cedars. "No I won't! No, you can't make me!"
I jumped off at one point just to check everything was sitting right with him and he wasn't pinched or uncomfy, but no, everything was fine.
Mounted up again and wahey! My rodeo pony was back, prancing, bucking, farting, then going perfectly for a bit, then not.
I think he's actually trying to go in to canter, but isn't quite sure how. Anyway, it used to make me feel really unsure and a bit scared when he did this stuff, but today I was just laughing at him as he snorted around, deciding to be scared of a cone. Took him up to it, asked him to touch, which he did, click/treat, and we were off again on two perfect circles of the school, and then "No! I protest! Want to go this way! Want to run!"
It may just have been high energy and high jinx from lots of wind and two rest days in a row. He hasn't had that for a while!
He was a complete prat! He's done so well schooling recently, but he had the wind up his tail and his own ideas. Going in to trot (either rein) he was head tossing and bucking like back in the old days at Cedars. "No I won't! No, you can't make me!"
I jumped off at one point just to check everything was sitting right with him and he wasn't pinched or uncomfy, but no, everything was fine.
Mounted up again and wahey! My rodeo pony was back, prancing, bucking, farting, then going perfectly for a bit, then not.
I think he's actually trying to go in to canter, but isn't quite sure how. Anyway, it used to make me feel really unsure and a bit scared when he did this stuff, but today I was just laughing at him as he snorted around, deciding to be scared of a cone. Took him up to it, asked him to touch, which he did, click/treat, and we were off again on two perfect circles of the school, and then "No! I protest! Want to go this way! Want to run!"
It may just have been high energy and high jinx from lots of wind and two rest days in a row. He hasn't had that for a while!
Saturday 3 November 2007
Braveheart
Was out on Max for about two hours today, following the Ent on a bike. We went to the next village Common, which was another new adventure for young Max. Along a few familiar paths at first, and then one right turn that took us away from the realm of all knowledge.
He was fairly good. Tried to turn for home a couple of times, got a little worked up when we met yard mate trotting along with his carriage, and when we finally got to the Common, he bellowed out one lone neigh. He was very keyed up by then, and it was like riding a coiled spring. Really on his toes, really tall underneath me, all front end and no back, like he'd shortened or something (and no, he wasn't poking his nose out, but he had his head right up - not evading the bit, either).
As we turned for home, I did think I was going to lose him. I wasn't worried about him peeling off, I was worried about spooking though, and he seemed pretty ripe for a sideways, backwards, circular leap/flip-out.
As soon as we got back to the path he knew, he started to relax, I could feel the tension easing out of him, and didn't have to hold him to me so much. Really nice to let him go - not that I was applying loads of pressure, I wasn't, but I certainly had him gathered with my hands. Felt like I was riding the whirlwind, even though we had only been trotting.
He trotted most of the way home then mainly in the lead, but not too far, and then had a big hose down because he was pretty wet, and all lathered up between his hinds. I think he could have gone further, he was not flagging in stamina at all, but he did seem pretty happy to be home.
His box is such a sun catcher, and it was so warm (for November!!) that I left his fleece off after the hosing to let him air dry. Was afraid he'd get all clammy, otherwise.
Am a little wary about fireworks tonight. We've found a few rockets in the bottom half of Max's field, which must have been let off from local gardens. I'm sure he's been through fireworks before though, and he's a fairly stout-hearted chap, really.
I guess I'll try to take him that way a few more times, with Ent, in hand, and with other horses, until it doesn't seem unfamiliar any more. Then we can ride it, or at least part of it, on our own. He'd had trouble with the path leading to the common before, because it's quite gravelly, but whether his feet are tougher, or the fallen leaves helped to soften it, he wasn't troubled this time.
He was fairly good. Tried to turn for home a couple of times, got a little worked up when we met yard mate trotting along with his carriage, and when we finally got to the Common, he bellowed out one lone neigh. He was very keyed up by then, and it was like riding a coiled spring. Really on his toes, really tall underneath me, all front end and no back, like he'd shortened or something (and no, he wasn't poking his nose out, but he had his head right up - not evading the bit, either).
As we turned for home, I did think I was going to lose him. I wasn't worried about him peeling off, I was worried about spooking though, and he seemed pretty ripe for a sideways, backwards, circular leap/flip-out.
As soon as we got back to the path he knew, he started to relax, I could feel the tension easing out of him, and didn't have to hold him to me so much. Really nice to let him go - not that I was applying loads of pressure, I wasn't, but I certainly had him gathered with my hands. Felt like I was riding the whirlwind, even though we had only been trotting.
He trotted most of the way home then mainly in the lead, but not too far, and then had a big hose down because he was pretty wet, and all lathered up between his hinds. I think he could have gone further, he was not flagging in stamina at all, but he did seem pretty happy to be home.
His box is such a sun catcher, and it was so warm (for November!!) that I left his fleece off after the hosing to let him air dry. Was afraid he'd get all clammy, otherwise.
Am a little wary about fireworks tonight. We've found a few rockets in the bottom half of Max's field, which must have been let off from local gardens. I'm sure he's been through fireworks before though, and he's a fairly stout-hearted chap, really.
I guess I'll try to take him that way a few more times, with Ent, in hand, and with other horses, until it doesn't seem unfamiliar any more. Then we can ride it, or at least part of it, on our own. He'd had trouble with the path leading to the common before, because it's quite gravelly, but whether his feet are tougher, or the fallen leaves helped to soften it, he wasn't troubled this time.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Physio Day
Max had a visit from his friendly physio-therapist today. We were in the box with the door open, and Max was fine for ages, and then he just decided he'd had enough and walked out, pushing me along with him with his nose. I just laughed - he was so determined.
"OK, done now. Thanks very much, lady. Buh-bye!"
Physio-therapist didn't find anything too bad with him. His shoulders and hindquarters are coming on really well, and feels we may yet see him grow out of his stifle lock (she could make a lock happen with the right manipulation).
She asked me how worried I was about it and I said in the great scheme of things, it could be a lot worse. He's not lame with it, it doesn't bother him overmuch, so I'm aware & concerned, of course, but not worried. She asked about the vet and I said I'd have it checked again when vet was in for jabs, but I don't expect to be told anything I don't already know. She told me to be wary of suggestions to operate on them. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, but an operation for Max is not something I want to contemplate at this stage.
Told me lots of downhill work which is the most likely place I'll see evidence of it happening out and about (which I can vouch for - if he locks anywhere, it's going downhill).
Gave me a bunch of massage exercises to loosen him up a bit before we go out, and help when we get back, too. She doesn't think he's fat or cresty, but she does think I don't want him to get bigger, because any more weight will inhibit the hinds and keep him struggling. She still thinks we might see withers, too. Don't know about that!
"OK, done now. Thanks very much, lady. Buh-bye!"
Physio-therapist didn't find anything too bad with him. His shoulders and hindquarters are coming on really well, and feels we may yet see him grow out of his stifle lock (she could make a lock happen with the right manipulation).
She asked me how worried I was about it and I said in the great scheme of things, it could be a lot worse. He's not lame with it, it doesn't bother him overmuch, so I'm aware & concerned, of course, but not worried. She asked about the vet and I said I'd have it checked again when vet was in for jabs, but I don't expect to be told anything I don't already know. She told me to be wary of suggestions to operate on them. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, but an operation for Max is not something I want to contemplate at this stage.
Told me lots of downhill work which is the most likely place I'll see evidence of it happening out and about (which I can vouch for - if he locks anywhere, it's going downhill).
Gave me a bunch of massage exercises to loosen him up a bit before we go out, and help when we get back, too. She doesn't think he's fat or cresty, but she does think I don't want him to get bigger, because any more weight will inhibit the hinds and keep him struggling. She still thinks we might see withers, too. Don't know about that!
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About Me
- maczona
- The diary of a young horse and a not quite so young novice. What happens when you decide to return to riding after years away from it and suddenly find yourself buying a horse, and a very young horse at that? Who teaches who?