Great Day with Claire!

Gosh I had a great morning with Claire! First of all, my sweetheart (for my anniversary) rigged up a ATV pull behind watering tank that works on 1. generator in back of ATV 2. PVC pipe with sprinkling holes 3. a submersible pump that sits in 100 gallon water tank that pulled by the ATV and sits in a lawn cart-- and it works! I watered the arena today-- almost 2 full tanks and it was so nice to have a more solid surface and less dust flying everywhere.

Here is what I did on Claire:

I decided to use the clicker a little less often and especially keeping her in the gait after the 'click' until I decide to stop her.

Today on Claire:

1. We worked on backing. I neglected to back her any over the past few riding sessions, and she acted like she completely forgot how. I really worked on this-- using the clicker-- for each step-- until she could back on a loose rein and without much pull. I ended on backing her at least 10 steps and then clicking. Yea-- I will definitely not let another riding session go by without doing lots of backing.

2. Lots and lots of trot transitions and head lowering. She trots very nicely and with mostly a level head. I worked on getting her to do a slight jog and not taking off so quick when I ask for the trot. I clicked when she took off collected and slow. She did very well this morning and I felt all my head lowering exercises had paid off for today's ride.

3. Some serpetines-- she turns very nicely following her nose, and some haunches work.

4. The best thing we accomplished was I was able to 'click' when she got the right headset and then keeping her in the trot for 1 whole pass around the arena. She did want to stop when she heard the 'click' but she responded very nicely to my legs and kept the trot until I stopped her. She is keeping in the trot very nicely now and I hardly have to ever keep going. I was very proud of her trying so hard to listen and to please.

5. After we rode in the arena, we rode out in the front and the back and I was really proud of Claire. We rode down by the lake and then by the new swing with the green awning that she was very scared of. Her head really shot up and she was scared. I nudged her forward and with each step toward the 'scary' object I clicked and gave her a treat. It only took a few steps for her to reach the object and put her nose on it. It took several clicks but she learned to face her fear with the clicker and live through it. This why I love the clicker training so much because it gives you a tool on the saddle that really works!

We went back in the arena and trotted the arena 2 laps and then stopped. Yeah-- great day with Claire!! I really love this horse!

Annie:

1. I worked with Annie on canter departures on the lunge line and she still needs more work. I worked with the clicker, but I am not sure if she got it yet. One thing I have learned in this endeavor with the 'clicker' and in horse training in general is, that if you just keep at it and don't get discouraged-- or more importantly-- don't get mad at your horse-- and if you are consistent and patient enough-- you will eventually reach your goal.

Great day--- I was initially a little down this morning-- but now I feel great. I do love riding these horses!