Well our first visitor for Cloud. Joy kind of knew that Cloud is too young for her, but I appreciated her coming to see her anyway. Trina and I went and picked Cloud up and went to Linda Case's to use the arena. Today being the first Fallish weather, the wind blowing and rain spattering. Cloud felt it and was a little bit on the sparky side. But she actually really tried to be a good girl, it was all so exciting though. It felt good to be on her for two reasons. First, it was the first little bit of riding I have really done in over two weeks since my foot got injured, and second, she is a nice ride, so solid and forward, yet balanced!
Please let that young adult/mature teenager know about this horse, she needs to play and do stuff!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Finishing Touches- with lots of Pictures
So sorry to not finish the story of Cloud. Just after she went home to Linda's I left on a week long trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. Almost wishing I could take Cloud with me, however, a little more experience was needed as I didn't fully know how technical the trail would be. That story of that trip is being written and if you are interested e-mail me and I will gladly share!
So Cloud. We spent the week riding with the kids at camp and doing everything all the experienced horses were doing. Cloud never questioned my requests and she was super with all the answers she gave me. On our camping trip she got a bit excited by the crowd of horses that we had, but it was nothing that she didn't figure out or come to understand. She acted like she had been doing this all her life.
Here a a few pictures from the finial Exam...the trail competition at Julie Fisher's place. Cloud completed 31 out of 37 obstacles, the ones we missed were the precision back up's and sideways etc. She did all of the other over and under and arounds without hesitation and with a smile on her face (if we can call ears forward, looking of the next challenge a smile.) Of course if you look close you will see me smiling my face off, gosh, I thought I would get cramps in my cheeks she was so good. I just love this little horse. I can't wait to find the right person who will take her on an find all her hidden talents. She has lots of them!
So Cloud. We spent the week riding with the kids at camp and doing everything all the experienced horses were doing. Cloud never questioned my requests and she was super with all the answers she gave me. On our camping trip she got a bit excited by the crowd of horses that we had, but it was nothing that she didn't figure out or come to understand. She acted like she had been doing this all her life.
Here a a few pictures from the finial Exam...the trail competition at Julie Fisher's place. Cloud completed 31 out of 37 obstacles, the ones we missed were the precision back up's and sideways etc. She did all of the other over and under and arounds without hesitation and with a smile on her face (if we can call ears forward, looking of the next challenge a smile.) Of course if you look close you will see me smiling my face off, gosh, I thought I would get cramps in my cheeks she was so good. I just love this little horse. I can't wait to find the right person who will take her on an find all her hidden talents. She has lots of them!
 |
| Narrow Bridge |
 |
| That is a stuffed cow we are taking on a ride |
 |
| Here are the real cows we had to get a couple away from the herd |
 |
| Teeter-toter bridge |
 |
| Tight turn in the box, she gathered up nicely to make it around |
 |
| The big water! |
 |
| Up no problem! |
 |
| Thinking about the down... |
 |
| Yes, just slide the feet off.. |
 |
| And out through the water again! No Problem! |
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Final Exam
This final exam was like no other I tell you. It had two parts, an essay and a True or False. I'd say Cloud passed with a B+. Don't want to give the teachers pet extra credit for being cute!
The essay consisted of two days of camping. Naturally we prepared for the test the best we could and tried out everything at home first.
First Essay Q: How do you Highline?
A: You get tied to a rope that is way above your head and stand very nicely for as long as you are tied there. No pawing, no pulling, and watch out for the rope getting around your neck weird.
It is mostly ok, especially if your people tie you near your boyfriend!
Second Essay Q: What is a pack horse?
Oh that is Chaco, He gets to carry all the extra stuff that doesn't fit on us. We have to carry a lot it seems, but Chaco's pack was big, I'm glad I didn't have to do that!
I've got lots more to tell, and I will, just give me a day or two...
The essay consisted of two days of camping. Naturally we prepared for the test the best we could and tried out everything at home first.
First Essay Q: How do you Highline?
A: You get tied to a rope that is way above your head and stand very nicely for as long as you are tied there. No pawing, no pulling, and watch out for the rope getting around your neck weird.
Second Essay Q: What is a pack horse?
Oh that is Chaco, He gets to carry all the extra stuff that doesn't fit on us. We have to carry a lot it seems, but Chaco's pack was big, I'm glad I didn't have to do that!
I've got lots more to tell, and I will, just give me a day or two...
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Got to do the Arena Work too!
Arena work is kinda of like workbook homework. Got to do the exercises to be able to do the fun stuff. So that is what Cloud and I have been doing. Cloud hasn't protested too much, I think she would be classified as a nerd in school. You know the kid that likes to do the workbooks and get all the extra credit!
So arena work means that we are getting more particular about how she starts and stops, how she turns, how straight she goes from point to point, how well she follows the rail, how well she follows a circle, can she move one foot at a time, how precise can we be, you get the picture. All of this then building toward put these principles to purpose.
Purpose such as cow work. There are lots of ways to play with cows. And on ranch they probably wouldn't call it playing, but we who don't live on ranches see the opportunity to move cows around as playing. There is a lot of horsemanship that goes into getting a cow to go where you want it too. As ungainly as they might seem, cows can be fast, agile, and smart at getting away. Our favorite 5-star Parelli Instructor, Dave Ellis, says that only 1 out of 10 horses can beat a cow. So you have to be smart and be in the right place at the right time. Easily said...
Anyway, Cloud did wonderful in our 4 sessions or so that we have had in a proper arena. I am using the snaffle with slobber straps (leather pieces that connect the rein to the bit for more hinges, thus more information that the rein is about to be in use) with the hackamore underneath . Double reins if you like. I realized the other day making the reins different colors helps to know which one is which easily. She is taking the bit nicely (still mostly with molasses treat, but occasionally without). However, she is a bit fussy (pun sort of intended.) She is giving vertical flexion nicely with a very soft feel at the halt and back up, I haven't asked for more than that. But when using only the bit she tends to flip her head and say why are you doing that. So with a little more weight on the hackamore and a little less on the bit she is quiet. Time will help her accept it more and I will also perhaps try the cradle bridle once or twice. The cradle bridle combines the feel of the hackamore and the bit with the use of a specialize noseband (not tight, but connected to the movement of the bit) and a connection to the pole. More on that if we get to it.
Highlights: Canter departs, haunch turns, forehand turns, yo-yo (walk trot, stop, backup, trot etc).
She likes her right lead better than her left, so I practiced on that side till I got the left lead and then quit. Cloud has a very nice smooth canter, all her gaits really.
So on to the fun stuff! Cows! My friend Vicki has cows and she was willing to let me move a few around. There were two Steer waiting for the market in the close fields. So we went out and woke them up from their nap under the tree and moved them right up the fence into a smaller field. I then let Cloud follow them and get in rhythm. We then could start actually affecting their movements. Start and stop, turn etc. along the fence. On doing this we discovered a weak spot in the fence and didn't want the cows to go through so we changed the game to another field.
We let the cows rest while we got distracted with our horses making awful faces at each other. We decided that needed to be addressed so we played some games with getting them comfortable standing near one another. Cloud does have some issues around meeting new horses. She gets tense and I think defensive although it can look offensive.
Back to the cows and we moved them to the biggest of the fields. We were on track to move them right back to the napping tree, when we lost them off to the left. On analysis we realized that Vicki had left her jacket on the fence and they turned right before it and didn't want to go by it. Cows are very sensitive that way. That's ok, because it made for more fun getting them back. They actually separated and Cloud and I were able to move each one of them back to the gate which Vicki was guarding. Vicki's dog was not helping really and kept getting in front of my cow, but he just made it all the more a challenge.
So the arena work put to purpose. Cloud was being right with me and the cow, 7 weeks under saddle and she is already a cow pony!
So arena work means that we are getting more particular about how she starts and stops, how she turns, how straight she goes from point to point, how well she follows the rail, how well she follows a circle, can she move one foot at a time, how precise can we be, you get the picture. All of this then building toward put these principles to purpose.
Purpose such as cow work. There are lots of ways to play with cows. And on ranch they probably wouldn't call it playing, but we who don't live on ranches see the opportunity to move cows around as playing. There is a lot of horsemanship that goes into getting a cow to go where you want it too. As ungainly as they might seem, cows can be fast, agile, and smart at getting away. Our favorite 5-star Parelli Instructor, Dave Ellis, says that only 1 out of 10 horses can beat a cow. So you have to be smart and be in the right place at the right time. Easily said...
Anyway, Cloud did wonderful in our 4 sessions or so that we have had in a proper arena. I am using the snaffle with slobber straps (leather pieces that connect the rein to the bit for more hinges, thus more information that the rein is about to be in use) with the hackamore underneath . Double reins if you like. I realized the other day making the reins different colors helps to know which one is which easily. She is taking the bit nicely (still mostly with molasses treat, but occasionally without). However, she is a bit fussy (pun sort of intended.) She is giving vertical flexion nicely with a very soft feel at the halt and back up, I haven't asked for more than that. But when using only the bit she tends to flip her head and say why are you doing that. So with a little more weight on the hackamore and a little less on the bit she is quiet. Time will help her accept it more and I will also perhaps try the cradle bridle once or twice. The cradle bridle combines the feel of the hackamore and the bit with the use of a specialize noseband (not tight, but connected to the movement of the bit) and a connection to the pole. More on that if we get to it.
Highlights: Canter departs, haunch turns, forehand turns, yo-yo (walk trot, stop, backup, trot etc).
She likes her right lead better than her left, so I practiced on that side till I got the left lead and then quit. Cloud has a very nice smooth canter, all her gaits really.
So on to the fun stuff! Cows! My friend Vicki has cows and she was willing to let me move a few around. There were two Steer waiting for the market in the close fields. So we went out and woke them up from their nap under the tree and moved them right up the fence into a smaller field. I then let Cloud follow them and get in rhythm. We then could start actually affecting their movements. Start and stop, turn etc. along the fence. On doing this we discovered a weak spot in the fence and didn't want the cows to go through so we changed the game to another field.
We let the cows rest while we got distracted with our horses making awful faces at each other. We decided that needed to be addressed so we played some games with getting them comfortable standing near one another. Cloud does have some issues around meeting new horses. She gets tense and I think defensive although it can look offensive.
Back to the cows and we moved them to the biggest of the fields. We were on track to move them right back to the napping tree, when we lost them off to the left. On analysis we realized that Vicki had left her jacket on the fence and they turned right before it and didn't want to go by it. Cows are very sensitive that way. That's ok, because it made for more fun getting them back. They actually separated and Cloud and I were able to move each one of them back to the gate which Vicki was guarding. Vicki's dog was not helping really and kept getting in front of my cow, but he just made it all the more a challenge.
So the arena work put to purpose. Cloud was being right with me and the cow, 7 weeks under saddle and she is already a cow pony!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Lots More Firsts
So sorry to be so long in writing an update. The days have been full and so...
Here is a list of the firsts that Cloud has accomplished in the last two weeks.
*Wore Breaching (harness for keeping the saddle from moving forward on extreme downhills)
*Ponied another horse (Frenchie, who kept trying to take the lead...)
*Climbed Mt Pisgah (not huge, but pretty much straight up and then straight down)
*Rode in the trailer with another horse
*Stayed in the trailer calmly for 1+ hours
*Had another rider on her, then another (Linda her owner!)
*Ate straight Molasses (well, then she put the bit in her mouth)
*Had a bit in her mouth
*Had reins on that bit
*Got pretty close to a loose cow ( and the cow left!)
*Stood tied without digging a hole
*Carried Saddle bags
*Played follow the rail (and took to it like fish in water)
*Cantered in an arena
*Helped me open and close a gate (ie, from the saddle)
*Left her buddies and rode home alone
*Knew the way home!
*Got home and wanted to keep going!
*Helped to pony a difficult horse!
*must be more, I just can't think of them now that I am making the list
Anyway, you can see by this list she is a super star and here are a few pictures to prove it.
And finally, just so you can see what a great job Linda did bringing Cloud back to fantastic shape after her rescue...And Cloud's Friend Ruby...
I will try not to be away so long next time. Cloud and I will be spending time in some arenas getting more precise!
Here is a list of the firsts that Cloud has accomplished in the last two weeks.
*Wore Breaching (harness for keeping the saddle from moving forward on extreme downhills)
*Ponied another horse (Frenchie, who kept trying to take the lead...)
*Climbed Mt Pisgah (not huge, but pretty much straight up and then straight down)
*Rode in the trailer with another horse
*Stayed in the trailer calmly for 1+ hours
*Had another rider on her, then another (Linda her owner!)
*Ate straight Molasses (well, then she put the bit in her mouth)
*Had a bit in her mouth
*Had reins on that bit
*Got pretty close to a loose cow ( and the cow left!)
*Stood tied without digging a hole
*Carried Saddle bags
*Played follow the rail (and took to it like fish in water)
*Cantered in an arena
*Helped me open and close a gate (ie, from the saddle)
*Left her buddies and rode home alone
*Knew the way home!
*Got home and wanted to keep going!
*Helped to pony a difficult horse!
*must be more, I just can't think of them now that I am making the list
Anyway, you can see by this list she is a super star and here are a few pictures to prove it.
 |
| On Mt Pisgah with Frenchie in tow. |
 |
| Linda on Cloud at Snack time |
 |
| Cloud the Superstar! |
 | |
| Linda n' Cloud, Emily n' Shaea, What were they looking at? Must be dinner... |
 | |||
| Linda and Terra (on Toby) Terra was instrumental in me meeting Cloud, I am so lucky! |
 |
| Not a Pretty picture, she has gotten whiter! |
 |
| Sweet Ruby |
 | |||
| The first ride on Ruby after two years, she is going to be a fine trail horse we think! |
I will try not to be away so long next time. Cloud and I will be spending time in some arenas getting more precise!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Super Cool Canter!
Cloud cantered down the trail today for the first time just like she had done it plenty of times in her life. I asked, she did!
Yesterday I rode her with Karmen and Shaea and she was really squirrelly. Andee came at 330 and she was pretty good touching up her feet, then we fitted her with boots, which she didn't mind at all, and then we had some patience practice, during which she wasn't patient at all. Meaning I left her tied in the shade and although this time she didn't dig a huge hole, she was trying to push the barn down. It is this funny thing she does thinking she can get away I guess. She doesn't pull back, she rubs up against the place she is tied, maybe thinking she will magically untie herself. Really funny thing is...today she was as quiet as a 20 year old. She didn't move at all while she was tied there before or after riding. Did she learn that quick or was she just in a mood yesterday. We will see.
Oh ...14.2 by the not so accurate tape measure. I forgot to use the fancy one the other day when I was at my friends house, hope I will be there again to use it!
Anyway, yesterday she was devilish, today she was angelic. Yesterday she basically argued with my every request, today I hardly had to ask, like she was reading my mind. Yesterday we rode with other horses, today she was alone...hummmm
When I say devilish, she really didn't do anything bad, just had a bunch of head shaking, she had a hard time standing still, she was head high and looking at everything. She did have one moment that she was going straight at along and had a quick turn to the right, could have sent one right off her shoulder if one wasn't ready. I stayed put and she stopped quick and we had some nice turns and back ups to make up for it. She stopped after that and stood and took a deep breath and actually did start paying more attention. Maybe she was liking her new boots so much she just wanted to be playful!
When I say angelic, I mean it. I played with her out front and she didn't even look once toward the herd. She was with me the whole time, paying attention and really soft on everything I asked. I introduced her to the dragging items and she really had no problem with either of them (one is a buoy from a boat on a long line, the other is a big plastic bag (2' x2') stuffed with other plastic bags and tied up with a rope.)
Like the last time I mounted up, had our pre flight checks (lateral flexion, back up, etc) then I said ok where do you want to go? This time she headed for the woods. we climbed down the little hill and followed our new trail that is getting made. She went there yesterday on line, and followed the EXACT way we went today...smart girl. Followed it right out to the street and on we went to the trail.
The dogs were with me and she was actually following them. At one point the trail opens up and you could take a right out into a big field (if we were allowed to ride there, which we aren't.) We saw a deer bounding across the field and into the woods ahead of us, which Cloud watched with interest, and so did the dogs. Woobie headed to the field and Ellie to the woods. Cloud wasn't sure which way to go, so I asked her to wait, and called Woobie back and headed him up the trail, and she followed! She still was a little unsure of this part of the trail, she hadn't been on this loop previously, so she was stopping some and looking back. I just stayed with her and kept my focus up the trail and soon she saw the dogs again and was reassured and on up the hill we went.
On this particular trail there are nice cantering spots. We found them all, and took advantage of them all and she was fantastic. She has a nice canter, like her trot! She didn't even really try to go too fast, which they often do the first time. Even the first ask only took three or four trot steps until she picked up the canter very easily. I wasn't sure she would, but her go button is getting so sensitive and light. And her stop too!
As most youngsters she wanted to fall right down the hills and trot. So to counter that I usually ask them to stop and back up. This I had to do three times, our magic three, and she already had the idea that she had to take her time and get her legs under her. Later in the ride I did need to remind her, but only once...
When I got home I played in the front a bit more, just so she didn't think home was only to get untacked right away. Actually I played with the drag (just the buoy) , she didn't even bat an eye at pulling it around, the rope bumping her legs, Woobie trying to get the buoy and everything. I ended by asking her to pull up to the trailer, just as we started for me to get off. Someone might need that one day...This girls needs a partner who is going to do things and really take advantage of a super cool smart horse.
Yesterday I rode her with Karmen and Shaea and she was really squirrelly. Andee came at 330 and she was pretty good touching up her feet, then we fitted her with boots, which she didn't mind at all, and then we had some patience practice, during which she wasn't patient at all. Meaning I left her tied in the shade and although this time she didn't dig a huge hole, she was trying to push the barn down. It is this funny thing she does thinking she can get away I guess. She doesn't pull back, she rubs up against the place she is tied, maybe thinking she will magically untie herself. Really funny thing is...today she was as quiet as a 20 year old. She didn't move at all while she was tied there before or after riding. Did she learn that quick or was she just in a mood yesterday. We will see.
Oh ...14.2 by the not so accurate tape measure. I forgot to use the fancy one the other day when I was at my friends house, hope I will be there again to use it!
Anyway, yesterday she was devilish, today she was angelic. Yesterday she basically argued with my every request, today I hardly had to ask, like she was reading my mind. Yesterday we rode with other horses, today she was alone...hummmm
When I say devilish, she really didn't do anything bad, just had a bunch of head shaking, she had a hard time standing still, she was head high and looking at everything. She did have one moment that she was going straight at along and had a quick turn to the right, could have sent one right off her shoulder if one wasn't ready. I stayed put and she stopped quick and we had some nice turns and back ups to make up for it. She stopped after that and stood and took a deep breath and actually did start paying more attention. Maybe she was liking her new boots so much she just wanted to be playful!
When I say angelic, I mean it. I played with her out front and she didn't even look once toward the herd. She was with me the whole time, paying attention and really soft on everything I asked. I introduced her to the dragging items and she really had no problem with either of them (one is a buoy from a boat on a long line, the other is a big plastic bag (2' x2') stuffed with other plastic bags and tied up with a rope.)
Like the last time I mounted up, had our pre flight checks (lateral flexion, back up, etc) then I said ok where do you want to go? This time she headed for the woods. we climbed down the little hill and followed our new trail that is getting made. She went there yesterday on line, and followed the EXACT way we went today...smart girl. Followed it right out to the street and on we went to the trail.
The dogs were with me and she was actually following them. At one point the trail opens up and you could take a right out into a big field (if we were allowed to ride there, which we aren't.) We saw a deer bounding across the field and into the woods ahead of us, which Cloud watched with interest, and so did the dogs. Woobie headed to the field and Ellie to the woods. Cloud wasn't sure which way to go, so I asked her to wait, and called Woobie back and headed him up the trail, and she followed! She still was a little unsure of this part of the trail, she hadn't been on this loop previously, so she was stopping some and looking back. I just stayed with her and kept my focus up the trail and soon she saw the dogs again and was reassured and on up the hill we went.
On this particular trail there are nice cantering spots. We found them all, and took advantage of them all and she was fantastic. She has a nice canter, like her trot! She didn't even really try to go too fast, which they often do the first time. Even the first ask only took three or four trot steps until she picked up the canter very easily. I wasn't sure she would, but her go button is getting so sensitive and light. And her stop too!
As most youngsters she wanted to fall right down the hills and trot. So to counter that I usually ask them to stop and back up. This I had to do three times, our magic three, and she already had the idea that she had to take her time and get her legs under her. Later in the ride I did need to remind her, but only once...
When I got home I played in the front a bit more, just so she didn't think home was only to get untacked right away. Actually I played with the drag (just the buoy) , she didn't even bat an eye at pulling it around, the rope bumping her legs, Woobie trying to get the buoy and everything. I ended by asking her to pull up to the trailer, just as we started for me to get off. Someone might need that one day...This girls needs a partner who is going to do things and really take advantage of a super cool smart horse.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Three Rides behind
Well, when I had the idea to Blog, it sounded so modern and fun. Now that I am, I tell you it is quite a responsibility. People are out there waiting for the newest news and I'm over here just having all the fun.
Riding Cloud is fun, I really look forward to working with her and finding out what she will give me next. Our first ride this series was Friday with my friend Alison. She has a 6 yr old Mustang Haflinger, who is still green, but has been under saddle since she was three. Alison and Ruby came to our house to play and we had a great time in the play yard. When I am working with someone else and their horse, I like to have one in hand to show how to do this or that. Cloud doesn't know a lot her self, however, she was a star and everything I attempted to demonstrate, Cloud did perfectly, well nearly so anyway.
So after we played we went up to get tack on and go for a ride up the street. First time on this trail for Ruby and only the second time out the driveway for Cloud, first time on the trail. Cloud did seem a bit more wary this time out, not jumpy, but just a bit more tense than the last. She was letting Ruby take the lead, and then going ahead a bit, then dropping back, etc. She was very tender on the rocks, so I got off to walk on that little bit. She is standing so nicely to mount and she is such a good size getting back on was no problem. Actually I got off 4 or 5 times on this trip, just for the practice for her, and to open gates etc. We had a really nice time. Mostly walking, she would have liked to move a bit, but Ruby and Alison chose to stay walking.
On arriving back to the field we were approaching Alison's trailer, which I had put Cloud in earlier with no trouble, and I felt like she wanted to go in again. I thought I better get off before she walks right in with me, which I did and Cloud then did proceed to walk straight over to the trailer and pop right in, and stayed. Which was fine for Ruby as she appreciated the company. I almost had more trouble getting her to get out! Not really trouble, but I did have to ask several times...
And today she had her first bath! She was not so sure of it at first, but with approach and retreat, she decided it wasn't all that bad and stood very nicely while I sprayed her all over with the hose, no sponges around this barn, its a shower or nothing! I was thinking while she was still in her protest mode, just like a kid to not want a bath, then they get in and have a great time!
Next ride was Monday. I thought I would play with her up in the parking field. I had put out the new cavaletti that I made and a few new toys and just to see how she would be up there by herself. On line she was a bit worried, wondering where were her buddies, but she was also paying attention to me, so I tacked her up, mounted up and said where do you want to go Cloud? Well out the driveway and up the street we went! Very purposefully, but with no tension, no hurry, just a nice walk ears forward, looking for adventure. She passed her first trashcan, with only a sideways glance. I actually had more trouble asking her to come home. She was not headed to the grassy field, because even when we got there, grass was not that interesting, the world was! We had some nice trots and like I said, we got part way home and she wanted to turn around and go back up the hill! So cute and curious!
Tuesday we loaded up and went to Linda Case's in Veneta. I give a lesson there to Paloma, who has a snowflake Appaloosa named Miya. I thought I would bring "my" appy along to compare. Miya is 1 year older, and green, but has lots more time on her. I got there early and took Cloud into her first indoor arena, we think. She was very curious of course, so I let her go to discover, while I put out some obstacles to play with. She wasn't even waiting for me to play with them, she was checking them all out as I put them around, her own version of the touching game.
In a bit Paloma arrived and she went and got Miya. Now I don't know if I have mentioned before Cloud's ability to swish her tail faster than any horse I have ever met. When she is unsure or excited, the tail goes whipping back and forth. And if you happen to be sitting in the saddle, you feel it! So Miya approaches the gate and the tail starts going and it looked like a mirror, as Miya is doing the EXACT SAME THING! I guess it's an appy thing!!! So every time Miya got within 10 feet swishy swish goes to the tail. Talk about expressive. They actually got along just fine, tail swishing and all!
We did a little bit in the arena, I rode Miya for a bit, then we went out for a walk around Linda's place. All was fine until we had to pass the horses with full fly sheets on, neck covered and all and Cloud was not sure they were horses. She didn't really mind that much, but she did stare a bit until she figured it out! We were practicing the yo-yo game- walk, back up, walk, stop, back up, walk etc. She is getting so light at the back up! Looking forward to lots more!
Riding Cloud is fun, I really look forward to working with her and finding out what she will give me next. Our first ride this series was Friday with my friend Alison. She has a 6 yr old Mustang Haflinger, who is still green, but has been under saddle since she was three. Alison and Ruby came to our house to play and we had a great time in the play yard. When I am working with someone else and their horse, I like to have one in hand to show how to do this or that. Cloud doesn't know a lot her self, however, she was a star and everything I attempted to demonstrate, Cloud did perfectly, well nearly so anyway.
So after we played we went up to get tack on and go for a ride up the street. First time on this trail for Ruby and only the second time out the driveway for Cloud, first time on the trail. Cloud did seem a bit more wary this time out, not jumpy, but just a bit more tense than the last. She was letting Ruby take the lead, and then going ahead a bit, then dropping back, etc. She was very tender on the rocks, so I got off to walk on that little bit. She is standing so nicely to mount and she is such a good size getting back on was no problem. Actually I got off 4 or 5 times on this trip, just for the practice for her, and to open gates etc. We had a really nice time. Mostly walking, she would have liked to move a bit, but Ruby and Alison chose to stay walking.
On arriving back to the field we were approaching Alison's trailer, which I had put Cloud in earlier with no trouble, and I felt like she wanted to go in again. I thought I better get off before she walks right in with me, which I did and Cloud then did proceed to walk straight over to the trailer and pop right in, and stayed. Which was fine for Ruby as she appreciated the company. I almost had more trouble getting her to get out! Not really trouble, but I did have to ask several times...
And today she had her first bath! She was not so sure of it at first, but with approach and retreat, she decided it wasn't all that bad and stood very nicely while I sprayed her all over with the hose, no sponges around this barn, its a shower or nothing! I was thinking while she was still in her protest mode, just like a kid to not want a bath, then they get in and have a great time!
Next ride was Monday. I thought I would play with her up in the parking field. I had put out the new cavaletti that I made and a few new toys and just to see how she would be up there by herself. On line she was a bit worried, wondering where were her buddies, but she was also paying attention to me, so I tacked her up, mounted up and said where do you want to go Cloud? Well out the driveway and up the street we went! Very purposefully, but with no tension, no hurry, just a nice walk ears forward, looking for adventure. She passed her first trashcan, with only a sideways glance. I actually had more trouble asking her to come home. She was not headed to the grassy field, because even when we got there, grass was not that interesting, the world was! We had some nice trots and like I said, we got part way home and she wanted to turn around and go back up the hill! So cute and curious!
Tuesday we loaded up and went to Linda Case's in Veneta. I give a lesson there to Paloma, who has a snowflake Appaloosa named Miya. I thought I would bring "my" appy along to compare. Miya is 1 year older, and green, but has lots more time on her. I got there early and took Cloud into her first indoor arena, we think. She was very curious of course, so I let her go to discover, while I put out some obstacles to play with. She wasn't even waiting for me to play with them, she was checking them all out as I put them around, her own version of the touching game.
In a bit Paloma arrived and she went and got Miya. Now I don't know if I have mentioned before Cloud's ability to swish her tail faster than any horse I have ever met. When she is unsure or excited, the tail goes whipping back and forth. And if you happen to be sitting in the saddle, you feel it! So Miya approaches the gate and the tail starts going and it looked like a mirror, as Miya is doing the EXACT SAME THING! I guess it's an appy thing!!! So every time Miya got within 10 feet swishy swish goes to the tail. Talk about expressive. They actually got along just fine, tail swishing and all!
We did a little bit in the arena, I rode Miya for a bit, then we went out for a walk around Linda's place. All was fine until we had to pass the horses with full fly sheets on, neck covered and all and Cloud was not sure they were horses. She didn't really mind that much, but she did stare a bit until she figured it out! We were practicing the yo-yo game- walk, back up, walk, stop, back up, walk etc. She is getting so light at the back up! Looking forward to lots more!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)