Today was a little discouraging for me and I can't put my finger on it. I guess it is because I had more of a problem today rating Claire's speed and she seemed to get faster the more I trotted her. We did start the morning off at the beginning of a rainstorm and then had to wait it out in the barn. Maybe the wind and intermittent sprinkling while we were riding had something to do with it. I thought today for the first time in a long time that I might need a trainer to finish her out, but it is so hard to get someone that I could trust.
Here is what I did:
1. Lunged her (after the rainstorm). She resisted by backing up fast at times, but I really kept my cool and made her move off from me. She really didn't want to canter at all, but I 'clicked' for picking up the correct lead. To the right she got it two or three times. I only 'clicked' when she picked up the right lead (correct) and when she picked up the left lead going to the right, I just said, 'no' and broke her down to a trot. I am pretty sure it hurts her to go to the right, but I have decided to just spend a few minutes every morning 'clicking' for only the right lead on the lunge line. I will not canter her very far, -- only a few strides. I don't think this will hurt her, and maybe it will get her through working that small bone chip out.
2. Trotted her alot. I worked on transitions and circling when she gets too fast. She wasn't greatly consistent with her headset today and so I have decided to spend at least 3 days back in the biting rig, with it tightened more. I probably won't even ride her on those mornings, but I feel I really need to get her responding more to the bit.
I really wish I had a trainer that would come over and tell me what I was doing wrong. I feel my love for Claire 'overshadows' my judgment and I wonder if she might be getting some 'lazy' habits. I really need an objective opinion. I know one thing for sure--- she is not any where near ready to show. I know that when I take her to a big arena her head will pop up and she will be very nervous. I think the rainstorm proved that to me. I plan on taking her to the Athens show and just riding in the practice pleasure. I know it will probably be a harrowing experience, but I have to get over sometime.
Oh well, not every day can go great . . . . . . .
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4 comments:
I watched Claire's 30 day debut, and didnt notice her hips doing anything unusual. She's a nice mover and loves her job. If you took her to a trainer, they would probably make her hate her job and screw up her natural ability. Horse trainers=enemy! Lee Anne
bThanks sonny's mom. I am really discouraged again today. I am really worried that somehting is wrong with Claire's knee. I put her in the round pen and free lunged her just a little bit. She hardly picks up the right lead and when she does, she doesn't want to stay in the canter. Of course, she is not super great to the left either-- she is a lazy horse. But she is noticeably more upset-- head high and kicking out, and hopping into the lead-- I have decided to take her for another opinion. I have a call into Texas ATM. Thanks for the comment-- it made me feel a little better on this discouraging day. I have decided to lay off riding her until I find out. I called Dr. Hicks and he said a bone chip or bone spur does not work itself out. I have a call into my vet to find exactly what he said she had. UGH!!!!
yeah only few strides will be good.
I have been reading your blog and I can completely relate. I am a stay-at-home mom and just recently decided to get back into the WP show ring after a several year break. I am trying to finish a 3-yo gelding and every day I wonder if i just shouldn't cave and go find a trainer. I grew up showing horses, but never had to train one myself. Dh helps me out, but he comes from a mostly rodeo background. Hang in there! I am sure we will both get there eventually! (The most frusterating part for me is that I know where we want to be and I see where we are....I just am having a hard time bridging the gap and knowning whether what I am doing now is going to get me to the desired end result.) Good luck to you!
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