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Frustration ends, where knowledge begins
Trainer's JournalFollow our training journey! Feel free to contact us with questions or to discuss the featured training videos. We accept selected horses for extensive signature boarded training, if you are interested in applying for this opportunity please contact us.
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Soft circle work with CowboyNote in this video, how Cowboy bends his body around me. He has focus and is soft to the inside; you will see I use some drawing exercises to get a better connection along with a bit of driving pressure to keep his impulsion. Always remember there are many applications that can be used to train a desired effect, try to see the weaknesses in your approach and improve on your timing to develop better feel in these groundwork exercises. Reward the slightest try and be consistent in your exercises. |
December training sessions with Cowboy
With the winter whiteout upon us we have been bringing Cowboys training back to the ground. He has a tendancy to get anxious at the canter and it will be good for him to experience new obstacles and learn to trust me. So far we have made excellent progress with Cowboys reactions getting much smaller - he is starting to respond to my guidence when fearful, instead of following his flight reaction. In adding pressures like tarps, bumpers & dragging items he is gaining confidence and building a trusting partnership with me. I am very happy with our winter progress.
November 6th, 2018
I have really started to find Nova's sticky spots. During some groundwork sessions she struggled drawing in and instead balks backwards with the pressure. She has s lot if anxiety and antisipation in her approach to groundwork causing her a huge amount if mental sweat. When ridden with added pressure she worries and gets light in her front end, she is quite stiff to the right and needs to learn to carry herself with more purpose. I am working on softening her transitions as well as in her backup.
The last few sessions with Cowboy have been very productive and I am so happy with his progress!
He did great during todays session, he was much more relaxed at the lope, ponied well along side Storm and was good in the trailer. Still a little bit if brace and has sticky feet when I'm on him, I was able to walk straight lines and get a bit of rein direction at a walk but I need to initiate more movement in the next few rides. He took the bridle okay and chews on it quite a bit so I left it on while he stood tied for 2+hours. He is very patient, hardly even moves whild tied. Such a nice boy!
He did great during todays session, he was much more relaxed at the lope, ponied well along side Storm and was good in the trailer. Still a little bit if brace and has sticky feet when I'm on him, I was able to walk straight lines and get a bit of rein direction at a walk but I need to initiate more movement in the next few rides. He took the bridle okay and chews on it quite a bit so I left it on while he stood tied for 2+hours. He is very patient, hardly even moves whild tied. Such a nice boy!
October 30th, 2018
Third day working with Cowboy. He was a sweetheart, easy to cstch and locked in right away; hes going to be a great liberty partner. Cowboy still gets a little excited and humps up when he first transitions to a canter, he isnt as serious now and doesn't offer a full buck. I was able to continue workinv on his transitions until he finally softened into his canter without over reacting.
Big day as I was able to mount Cowboy and get a few steps of movement, he's a little sticky but with some more sessions he will ride out nicely Im sure. Happy with his progress! Finished the day with another laydown.
Big day as I was able to mount Cowboy and get a few steps of movement, he's a little sticky but with some more sessions he will ride out nicely Im sure. Happy with his progress! Finished the day with another laydown.
October 25th, 2018
Trail ride on Nova, working on her rearing issues. We went on a group trail ride where I was able to put Nova to work when she would fight to stay with the herd. Her leads were stiff especially to the right and she had a lot of draw to get back to the other horses - so when she would try to pull and shake her head to get back to the group, I would drive her into a fast run past them then once far away I would relax and allow her to find a soft circle. We made it the whole ride without any episodes and Nova had a really mice feel by the end.
October 24th, 2018
Session 2 with Cowboy
Today I started with reintroducing yesterdays lunging exetcises at s walk, trot and canter Cowboy was softer snd had better cadence in all gaits. I was happy with how he retained what he had learnt and he seemed to be understsnding cues without as much resistance.
I set him loose in yhe round pen snd offered for him to stay with me; loosing his focus a few times I was able to work him on the rail and eventually get him to turn towards center and draw into me in both directions. I followed this session by ssddling him amd desentsitizing him to the sturrups then continuing with the round pen exercise. He got a little excited whrn he first loped iff snd added s couple good bucks but as I drove ho. Forwsrd he found his feet snd started to accept the trainkng, he finished the session locked it amd I couldn't shake him not matter how I tried :) I was very happy wiyh the results if today and was even able to get a nicde lay down for the first time.
Today I started with reintroducing yesterdays lunging exetcises at s walk, trot and canter Cowboy was softer snd had better cadence in all gaits. I was happy with how he retained what he had learnt and he seemed to be understsnding cues without as much resistance.
I set him loose in yhe round pen snd offered for him to stay with me; loosing his focus a few times I was able to work him on the rail and eventually get him to turn towards center and draw into me in both directions. I followed this session by ssddling him amd desentsitizing him to the sturrups then continuing with the round pen exercise. He got a little excited whrn he first loped iff snd added s couple good bucks but as I drove ho. Forwsrd he found his feet snd started to accept the trainkng, he finished the session locked it amd I couldn't shake him not matter how I tried :) I was very happy wiyh the results if today and was even able to get a nicde lay down for the first time.
October 23rd, 2018
A beautiful first ride with Parkyr. She rode Paris while I rode Storm and we ventured out on the Rampart trails to the river where we worked together to collect branches and build a fire. We cooked up some hot dogs snd some smores, ate some gummy bears and took some nice photos of the horses in the evening sunlite. What a grest ride! Parkyr started with a small training session at the trailer to get to know and feel comfortable riding Paris, I ponied her for the first few minutes and we worked on her cues and what her expectations had to be from Paris. Then Parkyr took the reins and navigated Paris through the gully, she led us at a trot through the field to the river. She also led our home treck and we even we able to do a little canter on the dike. She rode so well tonight up and over the power line. I had a great time coaching her along this ride and look forward to our future adventures.
October 23rd, 2018
Session 1 with Cowboy
After 2 years I have had the chance to reconnect with Cowboy and continue his training. Today I was pleasently surprised by his ability to learn; he reacts, but he calms down and he improves once he finds the right answers. Our session today was to work on his transitions and soften his body to the inside of his circles. Going to the left he softened with his nose to the inside at a walk and trot and I was able to get a few decent strides at a canter. Going to the right he is stiffer to the outside and he was harder to get soft, although his canter departures were a lot smoother on this direction. After his circle work we worked on his back up and flexion followed by asking for the start to his laydown. In a short time he was offering to go down on both knees. I was very happy with his efforts. I finished his session off line and worked him until he would come to me off the rail - this was quite challenging because he shares his pen with a mini donkey and at the time 3 hound dogs :) But after a while I finally was able to guide him to the right choice and he found me. It was a good day!
After 2 years I have had the chance to reconnect with Cowboy and continue his training. Today I was pleasently surprised by his ability to learn; he reacts, but he calms down and he improves once he finds the right answers. Our session today was to work on his transitions and soften his body to the inside of his circles. Going to the left he softened with his nose to the inside at a walk and trot and I was able to get a few decent strides at a canter. Going to the right he is stiffer to the outside and he was harder to get soft, although his canter departures were a lot smoother on this direction. After his circle work we worked on his back up and flexion followed by asking for the start to his laydown. In a short time he was offering to go down on both knees. I was very happy with his efforts. I finished his session off line and worked him until he would come to me off the rail - this was quite challenging because he shares his pen with a mini donkey and at the time 3 hound dogs :) But after a while I finally was able to guide him to the right choice and he found me. It was a good day!
October 17th, 2018
Pony Prims progress - aka Lil Goose
Prim has been taking to evetything nicely, she is very willing and gentle. I have been able to ride her out on the trail a few times this fall and she is learning quickly how to carry herself. She has no peoblems ponying the big horses and is getting comfortable at all 3 gaits; however her lope is still a little rushed. This little pony has a ton of trust and will try anything we ask of her! She is already laying down without much encouragement and yesterday she followed me right up the staircase into Brian's saddle shop :) She walked right up to his bench to say hello and if I hadn't stopped her she would have followed me in past all the tables and saddle stands. Silly Goose!
Prim has been taking to evetything nicely, she is very willing and gentle. I have been able to ride her out on the trail a few times this fall and she is learning quickly how to carry herself. She has no peoblems ponying the big horses and is getting comfortable at all 3 gaits; however her lope is still a little rushed. This little pony has a ton of trust and will try anything we ask of her! She is already laying down without much encouragement and yesterday she followed me right up the staircase into Brian's saddle shop :) She walked right up to his bench to say hello and if I hadn't stopped her she would have followed me in past all the tables and saddle stands. Silly Goose!
October 15th, 2018
Been buzzing with excitment lately! Loving the beautiful fall weather and really making connections with all the horses.
I finally have time to spend full days parking out for hours to play and train and it is paying off big time! All three girls are working bridless out on the trail, they are responding to my cues and I am able to connect with them using very little pressure. Its so FUN!
I finally have time to spend full days parking out for hours to play and train and it is paying off big time! All three girls are working bridless out on the trail, they are responding to my cues and I am able to connect with them using very little pressure. Its so FUN!
August 19th, 2018
March 19th - 25th at Shann Webley's Ranch in Walla Walla, WA.
Such a great week sharing our love for liberty training with our new friends from the States! It was so nice to get away from our winter weather and find some sunshine :)
Breaking into liberty, using draw and softness, to help our horses accept the learning process without unnecessary resistance. Participants learnt to read their horses body language and apply the core 15 exercises where needed to create a solid foundation for learning.
Breaking into liberty, using draw and softness, to help our horses accept the learning process without unnecessary resistance. Participants learnt to read their horses body language and apply the core 15 exercises where needed to create a solid foundation for learning.
February 19th, 2018
Star - Session 67: Worked on getting Faith to pony Star then rode Star through all transitions with very light cues, she is coming along nicely. Now we just need her to give Paige the same respect without any attitude. Finished our session with passenger lesson at a trot and canter with Becca riding Storm.
February 15th, 2018
Star - Session 66: Lesson with Paige. Tonights lesson started with a groundwork warm up, Paige is really starting to connect with Star on the ground. Ridden we worked on our small circles and softening at a trot in both directions. Paige is learning to keep a wide hand feel asking Star to stay soft in her circles with her nose tipped slightly to the inside. I think both Paige and Star are a little bored with this exercise.... Following this I ponied Star off of Faith at a canter to get her moving out and prepare her for when Paige was going to ask her for her canter transitions, Star did great considering Faith wasn't being a very good leader. Faith is a little fearful of horses in her space so this exercise was very beneficial to helping her worry less and just focus on moving forward. Faith wasn't doing well enough for me to pony Paige so instead Paige worked on her canter transitions solo and was able to get some really nice circles to the left, she had to work a bit harder getting them to the right and Star was being a bit lazy trying to break down. Hoping we can get the respect from Star in her canter with Paige before the end of the month. We finished tonights session with some liberty work and Paige was able to get Star to follow her around the round pen as well as send her in a walking circle around her. It was a nice way to end their lesson.
February 14th, 2018
Feb. 14th 2018
Star - Session 65: After Star's long session yesterday today I just saddled her up and hoped on without any groundwork I did't pick on all the little things and just put her to work straight from trot to canter without all of the circle work and warm up exercises. I wanted to see how she would react to being put straight to work and I was pleasantly surprised she did everything without resistance and carried herself nicely in her canter without trying to slow down. I made it a quick session and rewarded her straight away. Sometimes I feel it is good for them to quit early if they give you their all right away. It's nice for them to not have to be tested every ride.
Storm: Just a quick groundwork session and added treats for positive reinforcement I really want her to get back to her comfortable old self. figure the treats might start to initiate her chewing so she won't be so tight in the mouth all the time. She is getting better but it is very slow...
Star - Session 65: After Star's long session yesterday today I just saddled her up and hoped on without any groundwork I did't pick on all the little things and just put her to work straight from trot to canter without all of the circle work and warm up exercises. I wanted to see how she would react to being put straight to work and I was pleasantly surprised she did everything without resistance and carried herself nicely in her canter without trying to slow down. I made it a quick session and rewarded her straight away. Sometimes I feel it is good for them to quit early if they give you their all right away. It's nice for them to not have to be tested every ride.
Storm: Just a quick groundwork session and added treats for positive reinforcement I really want her to get back to her comfortable old self. figure the treats might start to initiate her chewing so she won't be so tight in the mouth all the time. She is getting better but it is very slow...
Feb. 13th 2018
Star - Session 64: Becca Started the session with groundwork then saddled her up and rode. Star did try to give a little kick up when asked to canter but just like in her groundwork when Becca drove her forward Star quickly leveled out and behaved herself. It is good to see Star being ridden by someone new. She is really starting to look flashy and carries herself quite nicely.I can't wait to see her once she fattens up a bit this spring on the fresh grass.
Becca ended their session with liberty work in the round pen. This was a first for Star and she figured it all out fairly quickly, by the end whe was startin g to seek out the center and really tune in to the whips for direction.
Storm: Storm is still a bit off so I am working her lightly giving her lots of time for self reward. We worked on softening her groundwork and getting her to enjoy training more. I did a lot of exercises only letting her rest when she had soft ears and trying to get her to be better and knowing when she found the right answer. She is still cross firing initially with quick direction changes in the C lunge and she is super fat still so I think that is effecting her abilities quite a bit. I also took her into the round pen and worked on her focus a bit she is still really looky and at a canter looks strongly to the outside. By the end of the session though she began softening and moving more comfortably. I really hope she gets back to normal once she is home on a diet.
We ended her session working on her laydown and today was the first time since she has been off that I didn't need to assist her with the rope - small win :)
Faith: Becca worked Faith through our liberty lessons to prepare her for our trip to the States. She was able to get her to stay locked in at a walk, trot and canter as well as in her direction changes. She could use more work at keeping the canter and not closing in her circles but otherwise she was doing really well. Becca also practiced riding Faith bridless and it is coming along very nicely. We ended Faith's session with a laydown trying to get her to go down with softer ques. It took a bit of extra effort but in the end she went down a little more relaxed.
Paris: I also worked with Paris on her liberty exercises to prepare for our trip to the States. We spent the first while getting her to soften more at the neck and really look into her circles at a walk trot and canter. I got a bit ahead of myself asking her to circle me while I stood stationary and without being able to keep her hip she slipped me a couple of times going to the left so I had to put her to work and then allow her to come back in. She has an unbelievably strong draw from a distance; however I need to really work on rewarding her in her circle work so she does it freely without too much assistance.
Star - Session 64: Becca Started the session with groundwork then saddled her up and rode. Star did try to give a little kick up when asked to canter but just like in her groundwork when Becca drove her forward Star quickly leveled out and behaved herself. It is good to see Star being ridden by someone new. She is really starting to look flashy and carries herself quite nicely.I can't wait to see her once she fattens up a bit this spring on the fresh grass.
Becca ended their session with liberty work in the round pen. This was a first for Star and she figured it all out fairly quickly, by the end whe was startin g to seek out the center and really tune in to the whips for direction.
Storm: Storm is still a bit off so I am working her lightly giving her lots of time for self reward. We worked on softening her groundwork and getting her to enjoy training more. I did a lot of exercises only letting her rest when she had soft ears and trying to get her to be better and knowing when she found the right answer. She is still cross firing initially with quick direction changes in the C lunge and she is super fat still so I think that is effecting her abilities quite a bit. I also took her into the round pen and worked on her focus a bit she is still really looky and at a canter looks strongly to the outside. By the end of the session though she began softening and moving more comfortably. I really hope she gets back to normal once she is home on a diet.
We ended her session working on her laydown and today was the first time since she has been off that I didn't need to assist her with the rope - small win :)
Faith: Becca worked Faith through our liberty lessons to prepare her for our trip to the States. She was able to get her to stay locked in at a walk, trot and canter as well as in her direction changes. She could use more work at keeping the canter and not closing in her circles but otherwise she was doing really well. Becca also practiced riding Faith bridless and it is coming along very nicely. We ended Faith's session with a laydown trying to get her to go down with softer ques. It took a bit of extra effort but in the end she went down a little more relaxed.
Paris: I also worked with Paris on her liberty exercises to prepare for our trip to the States. We spent the first while getting her to soften more at the neck and really look into her circles at a walk trot and canter. I got a bit ahead of myself asking her to circle me while I stood stationary and without being able to keep her hip she slipped me a couple of times going to the left so I had to put her to work and then allow her to come back in. She has an unbelievably strong draw from a distance; however I need to really work on rewarding her in her circle work so she does it freely without too much assistance.
Feb. 11th 2018
Star - Session 63: Becca worked with Star on the ground. I wanted to see how much Star would test another person handling her. I would like to see her respond to any handler with respect. She was trying to be a bit lazy at first but when Becca just kept her working her attitude was very short lived and she came back down to her well behaved self. Becca also started to work on some liberty exercises getting Star to lock in and follow her around the arena as well as draw in along the wall. Star was really good for just starting these exercises and I think Paige will have a lot of fun with her this summer.
Star - Session 63: Becca worked with Star on the ground. I wanted to see how much Star would test another person handling her. I would like to see her respond to any handler with respect. She was trying to be a bit lazy at first but when Becca just kept her working her attitude was very short lived and she came back down to her well behaved self. Becca also started to work on some liberty exercises getting Star to lock in and follow her around the arena as well as draw in along the wall. Star was really good for just starting these exercises and I think Paige will have a lot of fun with her this summer.
Feb. 10th 2018
Star - Session 62: Worked on Stars patience to start with lots of start, stop back and stand. Added roll backs and trotting departures and finished tonights session with canter work in each direction for conditioning.
Star - Session 62: Worked on Stars patience to start with lots of start, stop back and stand. Added roll backs and trotting departures and finished tonights session with canter work in each direction for conditioning.
Feb. 09th 2018
Star - Session 61: Standard lesson started with softening at a trot in small circles, continued to hip in on the wall at a trot the work up to our lead departures and canter circles in each direction. ended the session with some liberty getting Star to follow me around the arena as a cool down.
Star - Session 61: Standard lesson started with softening at a trot in small circles, continued to hip in on the wall at a trot the work up to our lead departures and canter circles in each direction. ended the session with some liberty getting Star to follow me around the arena as a cool down.
Feb. 05th 2018
Star - Session 60: Lesson with Paige. Tonight was a really great lesson! Paige focused on her groundwork and she also rode Star while I ponied them from Paris at a canter. This was a breakthrough day all around. I felt that Paige and Star really started to feel connected and we sere able to establish some exercises to fix Star when she gets testy and tries to be lazy. Today Paige got a good feel for the C lunging exercise and was able to get more impulsion from Star in all of her groundwork exercises.
Star - Session 60: Lesson with Paige. Tonight was a really great lesson! Paige focused on her groundwork and she also rode Star while I ponied them from Paris at a canter. This was a breakthrough day all around. I felt that Paige and Star really started to feel connected and we sere able to establish some exercises to fix Star when she gets testy and tries to be lazy. Today Paige got a good feel for the C lunging exercise and was able to get more impulsion from Star in all of her groundwork exercises.
Feb. 04th 2018
Star - Session 59: Passenger lesson at a walk and trot. NIce to see Star is getting into a bit better shape
Star - Session 59: Passenger lesson at a walk and trot. NIce to see Star is getting into a bit better shape
Feb. 02nd 2018
Star - Session 58: Another groundwork night. working on yielding her shoulder in the circle as well as asking for a lot of up and down transitions. HEr roll back in the C- lunge are cleaning up and she is showing more willingness in her departures.
Star - Session 58: Another groundwork night. working on yielding her shoulder in the circle as well as asking for a lot of up and down transitions. HEr roll back in the C- lunge are cleaning up and she is showing more willingness in her departures.
Feb. 01st 2018
Star - Session 57: Lots of work on C-lunging trying to get more impulsion. Star resented this a little at first but in the end she started to move more freely and with less attitude. I think this exercise will be a huge asset to Paige as she continues with Star to establish more respect.
Star - Session 57: Lots of work on C-lunging trying to get more impulsion. Star resented this a little at first but in the end she started to move more freely and with less attitude. I think this exercise will be a huge asset to Paige as she continues with Star to establish more respect.
Jan. 31st 2018
Star - Session 56: Going back to the basics a bit. I worked with Star using groundwork exercises and desensitized her to the stick and string. I am asking more of her now on the ground and really pushing her to be more athletic. Sometimes she gets a little irritated when I make her work and change directions so this will be my focus for the next few sessions. I was happy today with her C lunging and really starting to see a change in her willingness during her canter departures. After groundwork I rode Star looking to break through her tight spots in her transitions, lots of starting and stopping, backing up and then pushing forward. These exercises need more work so she will do them without getting too excited; however for where she is in her training I am very happy with her effort.
Star - Session 56: Going back to the basics a bit. I worked with Star using groundwork exercises and desensitized her to the stick and string. I am asking more of her now on the ground and really pushing her to be more athletic. Sometimes she gets a little irritated when I make her work and change directions so this will be my focus for the next few sessions. I was happy today with her C lunging and really starting to see a change in her willingness during her canter departures. After groundwork I rode Star looking to break through her tight spots in her transitions, lots of starting and stopping, backing up and then pushing forward. These exercises need more work so she will do them without getting too excited; however for where she is in her training I am very happy with her effort.
Jan. 30th 2018
Star - Session 55: Lesson with Paige. Tonight Paige was able to communicate well with Star as they warmed up with some softening circle work followed by her turn arounds. I started to prepare Star for ponying at a canter so hopefully next weeks lesson we can start to get move forward from her. She and Paris took a bit to get sorted out but in the end they did a lot better. We finished the session with some neck reining exercises and impulsion using a crop in her walk to trot transitions. These two are going to be a great pair!
Paris: Rode Paris during Paige's lesson doing softening, lateral work and trotting transitions then I finished her riding session with lead changes from the tear drop exercise. We ended with some liberty work and she did awesome off line at a walk and a trot!
Storm:
Faith: Trimmed Faith tonight and realized that what I thought was just a surface cut last week was actually small puncture wound that has started to become infected. I flushed it and scraped the scabbed area, hopefully she heals up well.
Star - Session 55: Lesson with Paige. Tonight Paige was able to communicate well with Star as they warmed up with some softening circle work followed by her turn arounds. I started to prepare Star for ponying at a canter so hopefully next weeks lesson we can start to get move forward from her. She and Paris took a bit to get sorted out but in the end they did a lot better. We finished the session with some neck reining exercises and impulsion using a crop in her walk to trot transitions. These two are going to be a great pair!
Paris: Rode Paris during Paige's lesson doing softening, lateral work and trotting transitions then I finished her riding session with lead changes from the tear drop exercise. We ended with some liberty work and she did awesome off line at a walk and a trot!
Storm:
Faith: Trimmed Faith tonight and realized that what I thought was just a surface cut last week was actually small puncture wound that has started to become infected. I flushed it and scraped the scabbed area, hopefully she heals up well.
Jan. 29th 2018
Star - Session 54: Today was a really good ride on Star, she was willing and moving forward quite nicely. I was really happy with her transitions and she is really starting to understand leg pressure and beginning to get her hip in off the rail. Looking forward the the progress she will have in this last month of training. :)
Faith: Nice quick riding session. She was acting fairly nervous because of the rain and snow falling off the roof I would have loved to just move her out and canter around the arena but there was a jumping lesson taking up the wall so we work small circles and lateral leg yields until she relaxed. Ended her session laying her down and I was really impressed she finally was relaxed and even stayed laying down as snow avalanched off the roof. Happy day!
Storm: Tonight was a rough night with Storm, it was pouring rain and the snow was crashing off the roof and she seem ultra sensitive and reactive. Definitely a stone of a day and I felt very frustrated and discouraged by the end of her session. Wored with her mainly in the round pen and finished her session with a very hard to get lay down. Hoping tomorrow is a better day
Star - Session 54: Today was a really good ride on Star, she was willing and moving forward quite nicely. I was really happy with her transitions and she is really starting to understand leg pressure and beginning to get her hip in off the rail. Looking forward the the progress she will have in this last month of training. :)
Faith: Nice quick riding session. She was acting fairly nervous because of the rain and snow falling off the roof I would have loved to just move her out and canter around the arena but there was a jumping lesson taking up the wall so we work small circles and lateral leg yields until she relaxed. Ended her session laying her down and I was really impressed she finally was relaxed and even stayed laying down as snow avalanched off the roof. Happy day!
Storm: Tonight was a rough night with Storm, it was pouring rain and the snow was crashing off the roof and she seem ultra sensitive and reactive. Definitely a stone of a day and I felt very frustrated and discouraged by the end of her session. Wored with her mainly in the round pen and finished her session with a very hard to get lay down. Hoping tomorrow is a better day
Jan. 25th 2018
Star - Session 53: Another good session on Star. She is starting to soften in her shoulder in - shoulder out exercises and her circle work is really coming nicely. Nothing to pick on tonight! She was very willing and didn't have too much resistance in her transitions. It was a good night.
Storm: Ridden by Becca. Storm is still not acting like herself on the ground and she wasn't too solid in her groundwork today; however she was very obedient under saddle and Becca was able to ride her normally at a walk trot and canter. Storm picked up her leads and was soft in her maneuvers despite how overweight she is from free feeding all winter.
Star - Session 53: Another good session on Star. She is starting to soften in her shoulder in - shoulder out exercises and her circle work is really coming nicely. Nothing to pick on tonight! She was very willing and didn't have too much resistance in her transitions. It was a good night.
Storm: Ridden by Becca. Storm is still not acting like herself on the ground and she wasn't too solid in her groundwork today; however she was very obedient under saddle and Becca was able to ride her normally at a walk trot and canter. Storm picked up her leads and was soft in her maneuvers despite how overweight she is from free feeding all winter.
Jan. 24th 2018
Star - Session 52: Today was a conditioning day. I worked Star at all trot and a canter for lengths of time asking her for softness and collection. She could use a lot more sessions like this to free up her feet and get her lungs aired up. But it is hard to believe where she started to where she is now! A night and day difference :)
Star - Session 52: Today was a conditioning day. I worked Star at all trot and a canter for lengths of time asking her for softness and collection. She could use a lot more sessions like this to free up her feet and get her lungs aired up. But it is hard to believe where she started to where she is now! A night and day difference :)
Jan. 23rd 2018
Star - Session 51: Continuing work on lead departures and transitions. Star is staring to be more willing a rate her speed at a canter without legging behind. Ended our session with some lateral work and focused on getting her shoulder to free up in your turn arounds.
Star - Session 51: Continuing work on lead departures and transitions. Star is staring to be more willing a rate her speed at a canter without legging behind. Ended our session with some lateral work and focused on getting her shoulder to free up in your turn arounds.
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Jan. 19th 2018
Star - Session 50: Lots of lateral work and hip in along the wall. I had to assist her a bit using my reins to reinforce her hip to the inside. She responded well and was really starting to get it. Then we went on to lead departures with hip to the inside and she lacked impulsion so I had to give her a tap with the reins to encourage her forward and she got a bit sassy and wanted to kick up so I drove her ahead in a fast canter and then brought her back down and asked for the departure again. It took about 5 or 6 times before she would take her lead without resistance, but in the end she was getting it fairly nice. I finished her session with some start to stop and back up transitions. |
Jan. 15th 2018
Star - Session 49: Todays session was on patience while I removed Star's shoes. She had to stand tied for the whole time I was at the arena pulling shoes on my three mares and riding Faith and Paris. She pawed quite a lot but otherwise handled it all pretty good.
Paris & Faith: Passenger lesson at a trot for 4 songs and at a canter for 3 songs each
Star - Session 49: Todays session was on patience while I removed Star's shoes. She had to stand tied for the whole time I was at the arena pulling shoes on my three mares and riding Faith and Paris. She pawed quite a lot but otherwise handled it all pretty good.
Paris & Faith: Passenger lesson at a trot for 4 songs and at a canter for 3 songs each
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Jan. 14th 2018
Star - Session 48: Warmed up with some lateral work, start & stop transitions and canter work. Today Star was very willing and she was able to yield her shoulders without resistance in both directions, she is starting to be softer in her hip in exercise at a walk and her canter departures are getting more consistent. Then finished her session with a passenger lesson. All the girls got some serious beauty treatment from Becca and her friends. |
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Jan. 12th 2018
Star - Session 47: Warmed up with circle work and turn arounds getting her lighter and more responsive in her shoulder yield. Once she was soft I worked on her leg yield using the teardrop exercise and then added lead departures. Star was fairly responsive and had a lot of try. Her lead departures are getting a lot easier and more natural for her Storm ridden by Becca: |
Jan. 10th 2018
Star - Session 46: After last nights lesson I put a lot of focus on slow work with Star in hopes she would get impatient and paw so I could train her through it to keep Paige safe as we continue but she was actually really good for all of the softening exercises and didn't paw or shake her head at all. It may be that she needs more release and less rein contact from the rider.
Star - Session 46: After last nights lesson I put a lot of focus on slow work with Star in hopes she would get impatient and paw so I could train her through it to keep Paige safe as we continue but she was actually really good for all of the softening exercises and didn't paw or shake her head at all. It may be that she needs more release and less rein contact from the rider.
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Jan. 09th 2018
Star with Paige - Session 45: Lots of lateral work tonight. Paige was able to get Star to leg yield using the teardrop exercise. She also worked on her turn arounds and Star was really smooth to the right, still needs to be lighter to the left. She did show signs of frustration from too much mental work so I rode her and pushed her for some forward, driving her up into collection and got after her when she showed signs of irritation. Paris: Rode Paris during Paige's lesson and she was nice and light in her lateral work. Storm - Ridden by Becca: Getting their partnership back these two worked on their transitions and circle work. |
Jan. 08th 2018
Star - Session 44: Star is starting to get softer, she has less resistance and is starting to understand specific leg pressure.
Paris - Ridden by Crystal in her lesson: Started working on understanding lateral movement and body control. Crystal started using her reins along with leg pressure to manipulate Paris' body movement. Finished her session with the passenger lesson to help her to feel comfortable and find her balance.
Storm: Rode storm during Crystal's lesson and work on her ear pinning and put her to work whenever she had attitude.
Faith: Nice session on Faith, she was quiet and willing in all of her transitions and rated well in her fast and slow circles.
Star - Session 44: Star is starting to get softer, she has less resistance and is starting to understand specific leg pressure.
Paris - Ridden by Crystal in her lesson: Started working on understanding lateral movement and body control. Crystal started using her reins along with leg pressure to manipulate Paris' body movement. Finished her session with the passenger lesson to help her to feel comfortable and find her balance.
Storm: Rode storm during Crystal's lesson and work on her ear pinning and put her to work whenever she had attitude.
Faith: Nice session on Faith, she was quiet and willing in all of her transitions and rated well in her fast and slow circles.
Jan. 07th 2018
Star - session 43: Back in the arena for a good session of lateral & shoulder work. Trying to get rid of her stiffness in her turnarounds and asking for more impulsion in her transitions. She seems to be getting in better shape and I was able to work her for a decent amount of time at a lope.
Storm: Beauty day on Storm, even though she is overweight and things are not easy for her she was still very willing and had plenty of try. Worked on hip in exercises and long trotting. Leg yielding diagonals and forward to back up transitions without resistance. She had plenty of try today :)
Faith - Ridden by Jen: Lead changes, spins and basic rating and control. Nice to see someone else working with Faith and she seems to preform really well
Star - session 43: Back in the arena for a good session of lateral & shoulder work. Trying to get rid of her stiffness in her turnarounds and asking for more impulsion in her transitions. She seems to be getting in better shape and I was able to work her for a decent amount of time at a lope.
Storm: Beauty day on Storm, even though she is overweight and things are not easy for her she was still very willing and had plenty of try. Worked on hip in exercises and long trotting. Leg yielding diagonals and forward to back up transitions without resistance. She had plenty of try today :)
Faith - Ridden by Jen: Lead changes, spins and basic rating and control. Nice to see someone else working with Faith and she seems to preform really well
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Jan. 04th 2018
Morning trail ride with Tanis Star - Session 42: ponied through field off of Faith for about 30 minutes. She was tired and had a fairly good sweat on by the end. What a great way to build up her muscles and cardio. Nice change from the arena for both of us. Faith: Used Faith to pony Star. She did really well and was easy to manage single handed. After dropping off Star I worked in the snow with lead departures and cantered circles. Storm: Fun ride in the field walk, trot and canter. She worked hard and was very willing. Paris: Played around in the snow field with circle work and canter transitions. This little horse has so much heart she would have stayed out there all day working for me :) Love her. |
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Jan. 03rd 2018
Star - Session 41: Rode Star in the field of snow. She had to work very hard and was spent after only 20 minutes of walk trot. Great exercise!
Faith - Ridden by Tanis in the snow field walk, trot and canter. Ponied Storm and Faith responded well to Tanis
Storm: Worked hard trudging through the snow. walk trot and canter, she had plenty of go and I found the snow really helped to make her drive forward with energy.
Paris - Bareback & bridless: First bridless ride of 2018 in the open field with lots of snow to slow her down. LOL Super fun and she did really well.
Star - Session 41: Rode Star in the field of snow. She had to work very hard and was spent after only 20 minutes of walk trot. Great exercise!
Faith - Ridden by Tanis in the snow field walk, trot and canter. Ponied Storm and Faith responded well to Tanis
Storm: Worked hard trudging through the snow. walk trot and canter, she had plenty of go and I found the snow really helped to make her drive forward with energy.
Paris - Bareback & bridless: First bridless ride of 2018 in the open field with lots of snow to slow her down. LOL Super fun and she did really well.
Dec. 28th 2017
Faith - Ridden by Becca: Worked on all of her maneuvers and some bareback desensitizing.
Star - Session 40: Today I worked on Stars impulsion in her transitions and her back up as well as some shoulder work and leg yielding. She is coming along nice but I am very grateful for the extra couple months as she is beginning to have more energy as she is getting to a healthier weght
Storm: Rode Storm for the first time since she first was showing signs of being injured or acting out. She was very well behaved and tried hard to please in all of her exercises. She seems very fat and out of shape so its time to put some more effort in to her training.
Faith - Ridden by Becca: Worked on all of her maneuvers and some bareback desensitizing.
Star - Session 40: Today I worked on Stars impulsion in her transitions and her back up as well as some shoulder work and leg yielding. She is coming along nice but I am very grateful for the extra couple months as she is beginning to have more energy as she is getting to a healthier weght
Storm: Rode Storm for the first time since she first was showing signs of being injured or acting out. She was very well behaved and tried hard to please in all of her exercises. She seems very fat and out of shape so its time to put some more effort in to her training.
Dec. 27th 2017
Star - Session 39: Basic session trying to get her winded up lots of trotting with extension on the long walls and working on keeping her in frame through out all of the exercises.
Faith - Ridden by Tanis: transitions and desensitizing exercises
Paris: Today I worked with Paris on some lateral work, hip in exercises and circle work as well as some speed control and rating.
Storm - Groundwork. She is starting to behave more like herself still a little stiff in your small circles at a canter but finally not acting as odd
Star - Session 39: Basic session trying to get her winded up lots of trotting with extension on the long walls and working on keeping her in frame through out all of the exercises.
Faith - Ridden by Tanis: transitions and desensitizing exercises
Paris: Today I worked with Paris on some lateral work, hip in exercises and circle work as well as some speed control and rating.
Storm - Groundwork. She is starting to behave more like herself still a little stiff in your small circles at a canter but finally not acting as odd
Dec.22nd 2017
Star - Session 38: Lateral work and softness exercises working on her willingness and understanding. used forward to back up exercise looking for less resistance. Working on moving the shoulders without hesitation as well
Paris: Working on transitions and lead changes. Also working on less resistance in the forward to back up exercise and lead departures from the tear drop exercise.
Faith: Worked on speed rating and impulsion as well as just general maintenance in all of her maneuvers
Star - Session 38: Lateral work and softness exercises working on her willingness and understanding. used forward to back up exercise looking for less resistance. Working on moving the shoulders without hesitation as well
Paris: Working on transitions and lead changes. Also working on less resistance in the forward to back up exercise and lead departures from the tear drop exercise.
Faith: Worked on speed rating and impulsion as well as just general maintenance in all of her maneuvers
Dec. 21st 2017
Star - Session 37: A quick riding exercise today. Walk, trot, lope each direction and some impulsion exercises forward to back up without resistance. Star was good today.
Storm - Groundwork. still not quite herself, seems spooky and impatient.
Star - Session 37: A quick riding exercise today. Walk, trot, lope each direction and some impulsion exercises forward to back up without resistance. Star was good today.
Storm - Groundwork. still not quite herself, seems spooky and impatient.
Dec. 20th 2017
Star - Session 36: Brought things back to basics a bit with a solid groundwork session, worked on some C lunging and found a few holes in her shoulder yield. After about 30 min I rode her working on her canter departure as well as keeping her stride without breaking. We worked some circles softening and flexing to the inside. It's time for Star to start to be pushed a little bit more in her training and for her to become more consistent. Due for some solid sessions after Christmas for sure.
Storm: Groundwork. She was acting out a bit, seems to be a bit over energized and reactive. Thinks she is fay and uncomfortable. Lol
Star - Session 36: Brought things back to basics a bit with a solid groundwork session, worked on some C lunging and found a few holes in her shoulder yield. After about 30 min I rode her working on her canter departure as well as keeping her stride without breaking. We worked some circles softening and flexing to the inside. It's time for Star to start to be pushed a little bit more in her training and for her to become more consistent. Due for some solid sessions after Christmas for sure.
Storm: Groundwork. She was acting out a bit, seems to be a bit over energized and reactive. Thinks she is fay and uncomfortable. Lol
Dec. 14th, 2017
Star - Session 35: Tonight's session with Star was a bit of a stone as she decided to play keep away when I went to bridle her and took off for a run around the arena.... Luckily we were the only ones in the arena so I used it as a training session and pushed her to continue to run around the arena until she was ready to draw in and follow me around. Then I bridled her and put a good session of riding on her asking for more lateral movements and had higher expectations of her in her transitions with a nice headset. I'm hoping that today's stone will become Mondays gem :)
Storm: Trailered back to ranch. Doesn't seem lame but personality still seems off.
Star - Session 35: Tonight's session with Star was a bit of a stone as she decided to play keep away when I went to bridle her and took off for a run around the arena.... Luckily we were the only ones in the arena so I used it as a training session and pushed her to continue to run around the arena until she was ready to draw in and follow me around. Then I bridled her and put a good session of riding on her asking for more lateral movements and had higher expectations of her in her transitions with a nice headset. I'm hoping that today's stone will become Mondays gem :)
Storm: Trailered back to ranch. Doesn't seem lame but personality still seems off.
Star - Session 34:
Storm: On the mend I was able to lunge her at a walk trot & canter without her favoring her hind legs
Paris: pulled shoes
Storm: On the mend I was able to lunge her at a walk trot & canter without her favoring her hind legs
Paris: pulled shoes
Dec. 12th, 2017
Star - Session 33: Tonight Paige and Star really started to come together, Paige was able to get her leg yield from the teardrop exercise and she is able to keep softness in her transitions to a trot. She worked on her canter departures and Star was a lot more impulsive tonight, I think it helped having Paris to canter along side her.
Paris: Ridden with Tanis then in Paige's lesson and again in Tammy's lesson. A triple session on Paris and she didn't miss a beat! I was very impressed with her in all of our exercises today; although she could still use some work on her trot to backup transitions without resistance as she still tries to lift her head in her first attempt.
Faith: Ridden by Tanis as she tried to get a feel for impulsive transitions. starts and stops as well as cantering departures, and work on her fast and slow circles. Faith was more out of breath after this session then she usually is when I ride her it was like she used more energy carrying a less centered rider. It is nice to see her tolerate and trust new people and I think it was a good experience for her.
Storm: Becca started Storm with some groundwork and things didn't go as planned Storm reacted oddly when asked to canter and is showing signs of a possible strain to her stifle. We did some backing exercises and it looks like she may have slipped in the pasture, she has a lot of action in her stifle joints and seems very uncomfortable. Going to trailer her home and keep her in a small pen to rest, possibly a trip to the vet if she doesn't seem better in the morning.
Star - Session 33: Tonight Paige and Star really started to come together, Paige was able to get her leg yield from the teardrop exercise and she is able to keep softness in her transitions to a trot. She worked on her canter departures and Star was a lot more impulsive tonight, I think it helped having Paris to canter along side her.
Paris: Ridden with Tanis then in Paige's lesson and again in Tammy's lesson. A triple session on Paris and she didn't miss a beat! I was very impressed with her in all of our exercises today; although she could still use some work on her trot to backup transitions without resistance as she still tries to lift her head in her first attempt.
Faith: Ridden by Tanis as she tried to get a feel for impulsive transitions. starts and stops as well as cantering departures, and work on her fast and slow circles. Faith was more out of breath after this session then she usually is when I ride her it was like she used more energy carrying a less centered rider. It is nice to see her tolerate and trust new people and I think it was a good experience for her.
Storm: Becca started Storm with some groundwork and things didn't go as planned Storm reacted oddly when asked to canter and is showing signs of a possible strain to her stifle. We did some backing exercises and it looks like she may have slipped in the pasture, she has a lot of action in her stifle joints and seems very uncomfortable. Going to trailer her home and keep her in a small pen to rest, possibly a trip to the vet if she doesn't seem better in the morning.
Dec. 11th, 2017
Storm: Becca rode her tonight and started with some bridless; however Storm was being a bit testy so eventually Becca ended her session with a bridle working on her lead departures and her circles.
Faith: Rode by Becca and they worked on some desensitizing as well as small trotting circles with softness and a few cantered circles.
Paris: Our main focus today was on Paris' flying lead changes I tried several different methods trying to break her habit of dropping to a trot stride in her change. In the end I feel she is getting much better :) Also checked out her spins as she is still slightly favoring her left hind leg in her circles left and often tries to plant her outside hind
Star - Session 32: Worked on the usual, softness and responsiveness in her transitions and her circles. I am very impressed with how well Star is doing, she has come a long way from our first rides where she would practically fall over if I asked for any lateral flexion.
Storm: Becca rode her tonight and started with some bridless; however Storm was being a bit testy so eventually Becca ended her session with a bridle working on her lead departures and her circles.
Faith: Rode by Becca and they worked on some desensitizing as well as small trotting circles with softness and a few cantered circles.
Paris: Our main focus today was on Paris' flying lead changes I tried several different methods trying to break her habit of dropping to a trot stride in her change. In the end I feel she is getting much better :) Also checked out her spins as she is still slightly favoring her left hind leg in her circles left and often tries to plant her outside hind
Star - Session 32: Worked on the usual, softness and responsiveness in her transitions and her circles. I am very impressed with how well Star is doing, she has come a long way from our first rides where she would practically fall over if I asked for any lateral flexion.
Dec.08th, 2017
Star - Session 31: Did the passenger lesson at a trot and the canter and then worked on some circles asking her to hold herself in collection
Faith: Passenger session trying to get her winded up and in shape. We also checked out her spins and her fast and slow circles.
Star - Session 31: Did the passenger lesson at a trot and the canter and then worked on some circles asking her to hold herself in collection
Faith: Passenger session trying to get her winded up and in shape. We also checked out her spins and her fast and slow circles.
Dec. 07th, 2017
Star - session 30: tonight was a total gem of a ride on Star, she is getting so light and way more responsive to leg pressure. She is starting to really understand the leg yield and is carrying herself with softness through her transitions. Her lead departures are getting solid and I am able to get them without any spur now which is a huge improvement. Big wins today!
Star - session 30: tonight was a total gem of a ride on Star, she is getting so light and way more responsive to leg pressure. She is starting to really understand the leg yield and is carrying herself with softness through her transitions. Her lead departures are getting solid and I am able to get them without any spur now which is a huge improvement. Big wins today!
Dec. 05th, 2017
Paris: I rode Paris and work on her trot to backup transitions to prepare her to soften in her stops, she is starting to commit more to stopping without raising her head with resistance. I also worked on her lead changes using the teardrop exercise as well as a counter canter to counter canter exercise. I'm hoping to have her flying changes solid by spring.
Star - Session 29: Paige had a great session on Star tonight She was able to get her transitions up to a canter without too much resistance and hold it for a few strides. Paige is getting a nice soft feel and Star seems to be more responsive to her cues, I am excited to see these to grow together in their future lessons :)
Faith: Becca rode Faith in Crystals lesson
Storm - Heidi's lesson: Tonight Heidi had a great lesson with Becca! Becca rode Faith and ponied Storm around the arena while Heidi worked on getting comfortable with Storms movement at a trot.
Storm - Crystals lesson: Today Storm was way more responsive to Crystal and we worked on getting her to read Crystals body language working on her trot to backup transitions without hesitation she was able to get her transitions up to a canter as well as some lateral work. We also worked on Crystals seat at a trot using the passenger lesson. It was nice to see Storm not making Crystal have to work so hard to keep her moving. A good session!
Paris: I rode Paris and work on her trot to backup transitions to prepare her to soften in her stops, she is starting to commit more to stopping without raising her head with resistance. I also worked on her lead changes using the teardrop exercise as well as a counter canter to counter canter exercise. I'm hoping to have her flying changes solid by spring.
Star - Session 29: Paige had a great session on Star tonight She was able to get her transitions up to a canter without too much resistance and hold it for a few strides. Paige is getting a nice soft feel and Star seems to be more responsive to her cues, I am excited to see these to grow together in their future lessons :)
Faith: Becca rode Faith in Crystals lesson
Storm - Heidi's lesson: Tonight Heidi had a great lesson with Becca! Becca rode Faith and ponied Storm around the arena while Heidi worked on getting comfortable with Storms movement at a trot.
Storm - Crystals lesson: Today Storm was way more responsive to Crystal and we worked on getting her to read Crystals body language working on her trot to backup transitions without hesitation she was able to get her transitions up to a canter as well as some lateral work. We also worked on Crystals seat at a trot using the passenger lesson. It was nice to see Storm not making Crystal have to work so hard to keep her moving. A good session!
Dec. 04th, 2017
Faith: Becca rode Faith and worked on getting her lead departures, spins and circles. These two are becoming a very nice pair.
Storm: Becca rode Storm in Tammy & Holly's lesson and worked on Storm's dominant attitude when other horses come near her. Whenever Storm would pin her ears and get pushy with the other horses Becca would drive her up into a collected lope gathering her into a strong collection until her ears softened and she forgot about the other horses then she would let her come back down to a trot and continue the passenger lesson
Paris: I rode Paris during Tammy & Holly's passenger lesson. She did well with the other horses and then I rode her a bit afterwards working on her soft transitions and trot to backup without resistance
Faith: Becca rode Faith and worked on getting her lead departures, spins and circles. These two are becoming a very nice pair.
Storm: Becca rode Storm in Tammy & Holly's lesson and worked on Storm's dominant attitude when other horses come near her. Whenever Storm would pin her ears and get pushy with the other horses Becca would drive her up into a collected lope gathering her into a strong collection until her ears softened and she forgot about the other horses then she would let her come back down to a trot and continue the passenger lesson
Paris: I rode Paris during Tammy & Holly's passenger lesson. She did well with the other horses and then I rode her a bit afterwards working on her soft transitions and trot to backup without resistance
Dec. 01st 2017
Wow! It's already December!! One month has went by since bringing the horses to the indoor and I am so excited for the next three months of training :)
Star - Session 28: This morning Star was on her "A" game. She came trotting to the gate for me to catch her, she was soft in all of her exercises, she started to understand hip in while moving forward and she carried herself nicely at the canter. A much better session today! Great way to end the week and now whe can have the weekend to rest.
Faith: Just some regular maintenance exercises and conditioning.
Wow! It's already December!! One month has went by since bringing the horses to the indoor and I am so excited for the next three months of training :)
Star - Session 28: This morning Star was on her "A" game. She came trotting to the gate for me to catch her, she was soft in all of her exercises, she started to understand hip in while moving forward and she carried herself nicely at the canter. A much better session today! Great way to end the week and now whe can have the weekend to rest.
Faith: Just some regular maintenance exercises and conditioning.
Nov. 30th 2017
Faith: What a great ride! Really loving this horse!! Worked on our lead changes using a bunch of methods trying to get her to change with less effort. We did small changes around obstacles, teardrop changes on the wall, counter canter to counter canter changes, regular changes in the center and changes on the straight. She is so talented! Finished our session with some bridless riding at a walk trot and canter, also checked out some bridless spins. These are the days I wish I had a video so I could look back and remember how awesome it felt in the moment :)
Star - Session 27: Today wasn't Star's best day, she was stiff and resistant, she was lazy and lacked impulsion. But I'm excited for tomorrows ride because usually after you have a stone of a ride it is followed by a gem. I went easy on Star today because she has been trying so hard this week and has been progressing so well I figure she was just feeling off, maybe a little sore even. Better luck tomorrow :)
Faith: What a great ride! Really loving this horse!! Worked on our lead changes using a bunch of methods trying to get her to change with less effort. We did small changes around obstacles, teardrop changes on the wall, counter canter to counter canter changes, regular changes in the center and changes on the straight. She is so talented! Finished our session with some bridless riding at a walk trot and canter, also checked out some bridless spins. These are the days I wish I had a video so I could look back and remember how awesome it felt in the moment :)
Star - Session 27: Today wasn't Star's best day, she was stiff and resistant, she was lazy and lacked impulsion. But I'm excited for tomorrows ride because usually after you have a stone of a ride it is followed by a gem. I went easy on Star today because she has been trying so hard this week and has been progressing so well I figure she was just feeling off, maybe a little sore even. Better luck tomorrow :)
Nov. 29th 2017
Shayla with Pistol: Getting Pistol ready for sale. We worked with her online and took some sales videos. This is a smart little horse! She has a nice mind and learns quite quickly, whoever buys her will not be disappointed.
Shayla with Chrome: We did some basic ground work and then rode together ( I rode Faith) We played around with lead departures and lead changes and I played with Faith over the jumps and rails that were left in the arena from an earlier lesson. We had fun working with the girls, getting them to transition softly through all of their gaits.
Star - Session 26: I finished my night with a ride on Star. She is getting so much softer and really is eager to please, what a fun horse!
Shayla with Pistol: Getting Pistol ready for sale. We worked with her online and took some sales videos. This is a smart little horse! She has a nice mind and learns quite quickly, whoever buys her will not be disappointed.
Shayla with Chrome: We did some basic ground work and then rode together ( I rode Faith) We played around with lead departures and lead changes and I played with Faith over the jumps and rails that were left in the arena from an earlier lesson. We had fun working with the girls, getting them to transition softly through all of their gaits.
Star - Session 26: I finished my night with a ride on Star. She is getting so much softer and really is eager to please, what a fun horse!
Nov. 28th 2017
It looks like the winter has attacked our lesson participants with both Billie and Cole away sick.
Paige with Star: Today Paige really showed a good understanding of the groundwork lessons and was able to get Star moving out with just the short lead. Her focus while riding was to find a soft feel and get Star to respond more to her legs. We brought Star in for her cantering transition and kept her on line so I could reinforce Paige's cues when Star was getting a little dull. These two are starting to come together nicely and I can't wait until they break thought the hard spots in their transitions and work more as a team :)
Crystal on Storm: Tonight both Becca and I rode with Crystal, and we all had so much fun! Crystal is working to get more impulsion from storm especially when asking for her to canter. We played around with moving individual body parts and then spent most of the lesson working to get Storm more responsive. Crystal has come such a long way from our first lesson and I love seeing her confidence grow as we continue this journey together.
It looks like the winter has attacked our lesson participants with both Billie and Cole away sick.
Paige with Star: Today Paige really showed a good understanding of the groundwork lessons and was able to get Star moving out with just the short lead. Her focus while riding was to find a soft feel and get Star to respond more to her legs. We brought Star in for her cantering transition and kept her on line so I could reinforce Paige's cues when Star was getting a little dull. These two are starting to come together nicely and I can't wait until they break thought the hard spots in their transitions and work more as a team :)
Crystal on Storm: Tonight both Becca and I rode with Crystal, and we all had so much fun! Crystal is working to get more impulsion from storm especially when asking for her to canter. We played around with moving individual body parts and then spent most of the lesson working to get Storm more responsive. Crystal has come such a long way from our first lesson and I love seeing her confidence grow as we continue this journey together.
Nov. 27th 2017
Last week of November lessons
Bailey & Sterling with Lexi & Fancy: Bailey had her first lesson on Levi and Sterling worked on her steering with Fancy. Both horses and riders are really progressing nicely. I really enjoy working with these two, what a great way to start my week!
Little Billy with Peanut: Billy worked hard to get Peanut listening to direction, she did some roll back exercises at a walk and a trot to improve Peanut's steering and she got Peanut to lope on the lead line today. These two are going to be a great team once they get to know each other better and start to trust one another.
Tammy & Holly: Today Quill took his lead departures on line a lot nicer and Lincoln got nice roll backs during the C-Lunging exercise. Once we finished a short session of groundwork we moved onto our collection exercises and speed transitions. Both horses and riders are starting to get nice a light, they are getting their lead departures and able to keep momentum in their canter; which can be quite hard to do with these big fellas.
Faith: Tonight I rode Faith during the last lesson asking her to connect better to my reins and getting her to move methodical small steps fwd, bwd and side to side. She is really getting soft in her transitions and starting to rate with me nicely.
Star - Session 24: Tonight I really wanted to get Star ready for Paige's lesson tomorrow. We worked on her softness and her transition to a canter, she is getting very light and more responsive. I rode her without spurs to see if she would be light without the extra aid and she was fantastic.
Last week of November lessons
Bailey & Sterling with Lexi & Fancy: Bailey had her first lesson on Levi and Sterling worked on her steering with Fancy. Both horses and riders are really progressing nicely. I really enjoy working with these two, what a great way to start my week!
Little Billy with Peanut: Billy worked hard to get Peanut listening to direction, she did some roll back exercises at a walk and a trot to improve Peanut's steering and she got Peanut to lope on the lead line today. These two are going to be a great team once they get to know each other better and start to trust one another.
Tammy & Holly: Today Quill took his lead departures on line a lot nicer and Lincoln got nice roll backs during the C-Lunging exercise. Once we finished a short session of groundwork we moved onto our collection exercises and speed transitions. Both horses and riders are starting to get nice a light, they are getting their lead departures and able to keep momentum in their canter; which can be quite hard to do with these big fellas.
Faith: Tonight I rode Faith during the last lesson asking her to connect better to my reins and getting her to move methodical small steps fwd, bwd and side to side. She is really getting soft in her transitions and starting to rate with me nicely.
Star - Session 24: Tonight I really wanted to get Star ready for Paige's lesson tomorrow. We worked on her softness and her transition to a canter, she is getting very light and more responsive. I rode her without spurs to see if she would be light without the extra aid and she was fantastic.
Nov. 24th 2017
Had some help from my Jr trainer today. Becca spent her day riding the horses. She rode Storm, Star & Paris and was at the arena from 11-6. The girls got some solid training and grooming today, so grateful for the day of rest!
Had some help from my Jr trainer today. Becca spent her day riding the horses. She rode Storm, Star & Paris and was at the arena from 11-6. The girls got some solid training and grooming today, so grateful for the day of rest!
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Nov. 22nd & 23rd 2017
Star - Session 22: This week we stepped up Stars training and I pushed her a lot harder; asking for collected transitions and driving her forward at a canter. I did lots of softening and speed transitions, worked on her lead departures and had a high expectation of her in her circle work. She is getting in much better shape and should start to really excel now. Storm: Worked on Storm's impulsion trying to get her lighter in her transitions for lessons. Focused on lead changes from a counter canter and hip in along the wall. She is feeling stiff and needs a lot more conditioning. |
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Nov. 21st 2017
Lesson day after a morning of river play. Spent the morning with a good friend riding her horses along the river bottom. What a great way to just start my day! It's hard to be tired and lazy after you cross a freezing river in the winter :) Lessons today doubled as my riding as well. I rode Star while Heidi rode a lazy Storm. Storm came to life at the end of the lesson though when she was asked to canter and Heidi's crop kept tapping her on the bum. Heidi had to cowgirl up and I am very proud of her! She was able to drop her crop and eventually calm down enough to let go of the horn and pull back on the reins stopping Storm. This was a good reminder that the unexpected can happen with any horse and that we need to be ready, prepared and thinking about preventing the unknown from happening. In the future we will be ponying Storm with new riders until they are totally confident to manage any situations like this... Our evening lesson with Crystal went great! She rode Storm, Becca rode Faith and I rode Paris. We worked on softening and body control; Crystal learnt how to ask for a leg yield "sidepass" and we did the passenger lesson at a canter. Crystal sure had to work hard to get Storm to canter, LOL We finished the session with some bridless and learning how our legs contribute to our riding and can assist our reins in all of our maneuvers. |
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Nov. 20th 2017
I've decided to incorporate the passenger lesson into my sessions once weekly for each horse. I think it will help them to get in better shape for our other exercises; so today Star & Faith did the passenger lesson at a trot and canter. Star - Session 20: I was able to trot 4 songs them she rested for 2. We cantered 1 song rested 2 then canter 1 more song. Stars recovery time is getting shorter after cantering and she seems to be getting more comfortable in her transitions. This exercise is great for her! Faith: 5 songs trotting, 2 rest. Followed by 3 songs at a canter. Faith ws pretty tired after todays session, I think doing this weekly will help her to get in shape more quickly. Storm: Today we worked on lead changes which proved to be quite difficult, Storm is really dragging her arse lately and she needs a lot of encouragement to drive up and go forward. We finally got a couple clean changes and she needed a nice cool down as she was dripping with sweat. I can't wait til she is back in working shape and I don't have to fight so hard to get her moving. Today's Lessons! Bailey & Sterling with Fancy & Levi: Big day for this group. Today we put our first ride walk, trot and canter on Levi, he did quite well and after a couple more sessions he will be ready for Bailey to ride. Baily did a great job with Fancy today! getting her soft and working on her transition to a canter. She worked hard to keep Fancy standing up in the corners and getting her to rate back from racing on the straights. We ended the session with Sterling riding Fancy and direction her around the arena in a post to post type exercise. Sterling was tested today when there was a huge avalanche of snow that fell from the roof and spooked Fancy, luckily Fancy only ran a short distance to the gate but Sterling continued her lesson and didn't allow herself to be too frightened; she truly is a cowgirl! Shayla, Chantal, Lexus & Jess: We started this lesson with some groundwork, getting all of the horses focused and moving on light cues. Chantal's horse needed some extra time to work on his transitions; getting him to take the trot and canter with more impulsion but also not anticipating or getting too nervous. He could use a bit more time at all gates with work on transitioning up and down and he will need a lot of time to rest between transitions when he is getting things right to allow him to self reward. Jesse's horse Diago didn't some work on his flexion as he be quite stiff laterally. Once in the saddle everyone worked on getting a soft feel at a walk and trot then each rider took a turn working on the lead departures and speed control at a canter. Shaylas horse being just 3 required a bit of help to maintain her canter along with direction so we used Storm to pony her and help encourage her to move forward. Another busy fun day in the books, really looking forward to lessons next week! |
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Nov. 17th 2017
Lifes catching up & I am beat! Paris: Had a solid session on Paris today working on lead changes and hip movement. She is a bit over-reactive to my spurs and tends to want to push through my hand so it was a lot of work for both of us... In the end I was happy how we left things and I look forward to perfecting her changes over the winter. Star - Session 19: Today star was very willing and free. We just worked her on the ground and she was light and had nice transitions. I believe sometimes its beneficial to quite them early when they come out of the gate super willing as a reward for their try and effort. And she couldn't have timed her good behavior better as I was lacking energy after my hard session with Paris. |
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Nov. 16th 2017
Star - Session 18: Today we continued softening especially in transitions. Worked on holding form through lateral work and asked for more impulsion in leg yields. Such a sweet girl! Paris: This week we are just focusing on getting Paris soft and responsive. I asked her to do a lot of small moments with precision while keeping soft. You can definitely tell its been quite a while as she is struggling a bit with the exercises. I'm looking forward to seeing the winter progress in all of the girls. |
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Nov. 15th 2017
Starting & ending the workday the right way! Started my morning horsing around with a good friend and her giant draft horses. We had a lot of funn playing around bareback in the field while drinking our morning coffees :) Today I decided to go back to the basics and try the girls out with the passenger lesson. Star - Session 17: Star is out of shape and I feel she could use some cardio without having to work at anything else so after a little ground work I rode her for 3 songs at a trot, let her rest for 2 songs and then cantered her for 1 song. It was very hard for her to canter those 2+ minutes. I feel this exercise will really benefit her and hopefully help Paige when it comes time to ask her to canter in the future. To fisnish our lesson I tried out some bridless riding with her at a walk trot to see how she'd do taking direction from just my legs. She did amazing! Head down, she just plotted along like it was no big deal :) What a sweetie! She even figured out her stop and backup without reins! Paris: I did the same passenger lesson with Paris although I rode her bridless for the passenger lesson I also added the factor of closing my eyes through the entire exercise. It helps me to get a true feel for her movement and to trust her, she didn't break stride once! I rode her for 4 songs at a trot and 3 songs at a canter. She changed leads 5 times during her canter session; it was very cool to feel her movement without seeing where we were going, I feel it aloud her to make free choices without me accidentally offering direction. This was the first time riding her through the passenger lesson without a bridle with my eyes closed, I think I will be adding this to my training program with all my horses :) |
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Nov. 14th 2017
Paris: Tried out some Buck Brennaman exercises and I find it so interesting that when you think your horses are really coming along you can go back to the basics and find little gaps in your training. I am really excited to go back to some of the basics and refine all of the girls training. I also used Paris during Crystal's lesson to help direct storm and encourage more forward movement.
Cole & Blue: Cole is such a cool little cowboy and you can tell Blue really loves him. Today Cole mastered his groundwork at a walk and a trot. We worked Blue at a canter on the long line, he will still need a few more sessions to be comfortable on the circle as he tends to canter straight out and cannot quite catch his leads properly. Blue had a HUGE breakthrough in his lateral flexion this week and he softened up nicely. Cole is working on using direct rein pressure to guide Blue around the arena and a wide feel when asking for softness or backing up. These two are a super cute pair.
Paige & Star: Today Star was more comfortable in all of her groundwork exercises and Paige really got a feel for how light she could be when directing her in the circle. We worked on softening her head and neck for tacking up her bridle and once ridden we focused on her transitions up to a canter. Paige also started to work on her wide feel at a walk, trot and in the back up.
Crystal & Storm: Storm was feeling fairly lazy today so Crystal worked with her on her impulsion, asking her with her body and reinforcing using added pressure when necessary. Crystal also worked on moving the body parts of her horse individually, she would flex the head & neck, move the hindquarters, yield the forequarters and leg yield her body in and out of her circle. We had a good time riding together! I'm hoping to do the passenger exercise with Crystal and Storm next week so that Crystal can develop a feel for the movement of her horse at each gate and Storm will learn to respect Crystal's cues more.
Faith: Had a great session on Faith working on the new Buck Brennaman exercises from the weekend. We also worked a lot on her staying soft from the trot to the back up seamlessly without any resistance. Once she was nice and soft we worked on her lead changes from counter canter to counter canter and then checked out her spins. We finished the session with some bridless riding followed by a nice long laydown session, although she never really did relax laying down, she needs a lot more time trying to relax.
Paris: Tried out some Buck Brennaman exercises and I find it so interesting that when you think your horses are really coming along you can go back to the basics and find little gaps in your training. I am really excited to go back to some of the basics and refine all of the girls training. I also used Paris during Crystal's lesson to help direct storm and encourage more forward movement.
Cole & Blue: Cole is such a cool little cowboy and you can tell Blue really loves him. Today Cole mastered his groundwork at a walk and a trot. We worked Blue at a canter on the long line, he will still need a few more sessions to be comfortable on the circle as he tends to canter straight out and cannot quite catch his leads properly. Blue had a HUGE breakthrough in his lateral flexion this week and he softened up nicely. Cole is working on using direct rein pressure to guide Blue around the arena and a wide feel when asking for softness or backing up. These two are a super cute pair.
Paige & Star: Today Star was more comfortable in all of her groundwork exercises and Paige really got a feel for how light she could be when directing her in the circle. We worked on softening her head and neck for tacking up her bridle and once ridden we focused on her transitions up to a canter. Paige also started to work on her wide feel at a walk, trot and in the back up.
Crystal & Storm: Storm was feeling fairly lazy today so Crystal worked with her on her impulsion, asking her with her body and reinforcing using added pressure when necessary. Crystal also worked on moving the body parts of her horse individually, she would flex the head & neck, move the hindquarters, yield the forequarters and leg yield her body in and out of her circle. We had a good time riding together! I'm hoping to do the passenger exercise with Crystal and Storm next week so that Crystal can develop a feel for the movement of her horse at each gate and Storm will learn to respect Crystal's cues more.
Faith: Had a great session on Faith working on the new Buck Brennaman exercises from the weekend. We also worked a lot on her staying soft from the trot to the back up seamlessly without any resistance. Once she was nice and soft we worked on her lead changes from counter canter to counter canter and then checked out her spins. We finished the session with some bridless riding followed by a nice long laydown session, although she never really did relax laying down, she needs a lot more time trying to relax.
Nov. 13th 2017
After attending the Buck Brennaman clinic in High River on the weekend I was really excited to try a few of his methods & exercises on my horses
Storm: Today we worked on slow, low energy exercises, and it was crazy the mental sweat Storm worked up :) I asked her for Buck's 4 ways to yield her hindquarters, the most interesting was the method only using your rein, without any leg pressure and allowing her to find the second answer herself. We also worked on some slow circle work softening, forward and backward with feel and the confusion exercise of one step maneuvers. I was really happy with how todays session went. We ended with liberty and after a small tantrum, Storm locked in really nice. Finished with a long lay down and just let her relax.
Star - Session 15: Today I worked on moving all of Star's body parts: her hindquarters, forequarters, barrel, shoulder and neck. We worked on her transitions and lead departures and she is getting a lot lighter. I am very happy with Star's progress!
Bailey & Sterling with Fancy & Levi: Today was a break through day for Fancy, she started to really soften nicely and she was more responsive on the ground. Her back up is coming nicely and Baily is able to get the start of her collection at a walk and trot. Sterling was in charge of Fancy's cool down so she worked on her steering and walked her all around the arena. These two are a very cute pair.
Shayla & Meekah: Our main focus today with Meekah was her ground work and she was a rockstar! This little mare is eager to please and Shayla is very eager to learn so the two of them are going to be a solid pair. Today Meekah started to get nice transitions and lead departures on the lunge line, she was responsive to cues and was able to yield her hindquarters and forequarters with correct movement.
Tammy & Quill: We are working on getting Quill comfortable cantering a circle and today we were able to get a good start with him cantering on the long line. We also worked on his hindquarter yield while ridden, his flexion and his back up. We ended the session with Tammy loping on a loose rein around the arena allowing Quill to move out and become more sure footed.
Holly & Lincoln: Lincoln rocked the Buck challenge and was able to do all of his hindquarter yield exercises without any resistance. We worked on his softness for his liberty circles and his responsiveness to cues. Holly worked at keeping him cantering without breaking to a trot. Next session we will do the passenger exercise as both of these big guys could use the cardio :)
After attending the Buck Brennaman clinic in High River on the weekend I was really excited to try a few of his methods & exercises on my horses
Storm: Today we worked on slow, low energy exercises, and it was crazy the mental sweat Storm worked up :) I asked her for Buck's 4 ways to yield her hindquarters, the most interesting was the method only using your rein, without any leg pressure and allowing her to find the second answer herself. We also worked on some slow circle work softening, forward and backward with feel and the confusion exercise of one step maneuvers. I was really happy with how todays session went. We ended with liberty and after a small tantrum, Storm locked in really nice. Finished with a long lay down and just let her relax.
Star - Session 15: Today I worked on moving all of Star's body parts: her hindquarters, forequarters, barrel, shoulder and neck. We worked on her transitions and lead departures and she is getting a lot lighter. I am very happy with Star's progress!
Bailey & Sterling with Fancy & Levi: Today was a break through day for Fancy, she started to really soften nicely and she was more responsive on the ground. Her back up is coming nicely and Baily is able to get the start of her collection at a walk and trot. Sterling was in charge of Fancy's cool down so she worked on her steering and walked her all around the arena. These two are a very cute pair.
Shayla & Meekah: Our main focus today with Meekah was her ground work and she was a rockstar! This little mare is eager to please and Shayla is very eager to learn so the two of them are going to be a solid pair. Today Meekah started to get nice transitions and lead departures on the lunge line, she was responsive to cues and was able to yield her hindquarters and forequarters with correct movement.
Tammy & Quill: We are working on getting Quill comfortable cantering a circle and today we were able to get a good start with him cantering on the long line. We also worked on his hindquarter yield while ridden, his flexion and his back up. We ended the session with Tammy loping on a loose rein around the arena allowing Quill to move out and become more sure footed.
Holly & Lincoln: Lincoln rocked the Buck challenge and was able to do all of his hindquarter yield exercises without any resistance. We worked on his softness for his liberty circles and his responsiveness to cues. Holly worked at keeping him cantering without breaking to a trot. Next session we will do the passenger exercise as both of these big guys could use the cardio :)
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Nov. 09th 2017
Star - Session 14: Working on her holding frame at a walk and trot. Today I focused on transitions between the trot and canter asking Star to transition up without hesitation; I want it to be easier for Paige to get her moving so that she can start to build her confidence and trust in her horse and the two of them will be able to excel. Faith: Continued to ask for more commitment in her stops. worked on her cadence in her rundowns and had higher expectations for her to sit her bum down and free up her shoulders when she was asked to stop. I am hoping to have a better feel for stopping her by the end of the winter |
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Nov. 08th 2017
An early morning session with Star and an after work session on Faith; Love to start & end my day right. Star - Session 13: I am really starting to notice a change in the way this mare carries herself. Today we started to ask for a bit more from her at a canter; she is still out of shape and needs to wind up between exercises but my goal this week is to get her more comfortable with her transition up to a canter so hopefully Paige won't have to work so hard for it next week :) Faith: This week is going to be dedicated to working Faith. Today I continued to work with her on the ground trying to get her more locked in at a trot and canter, then riding we worked on softening, transitions, hip in off the wall, fast and slow cantered circles, spins and her stops. The ground isn't great for stopping so I haven't been working on her rundown; instead I have just been expecting her to stop willingly, getting her hind end underneath herself from a normal speed canter. After our ride I walk around with her following me to cool down and then lay her down and work on getting her more comfortable and less nervous. |
Nov. 07th 2017
Another full day playing with the ponies!
Paris: Today we worked again at getting her to soften in her groundwork circles; getting ready for her to go at liberty. Under saddle I worked on getting her hip in off the wall at a canter, I also continued to work on her stops and spins. I am very happy with with how she is doing.
Faith: I used a similar lesson plan for Faith softening her at the trot, getting her hip off the rail at a canter. I worked on her run downs and her commitment in her stops. Then I layed her down and worked on making her more comfortable with me moving around her without her jumping up frightened.
Billie & Alice: Groundwork - Worked on getting more impulsion using clear cues and proper progression with increasing pressure. Today our focus was mainly on her back up. Billie worked on using quieter ques and rewarding more often, this approach worked well for Alice and her back-up improved quickly. In her riding Billie worked on using feel in her reins to reward Alice and get the start to her collection.
Cole & Blue: Groundwork - Cole's horse Blue was very respectful in his groundwork exercises; however he would sometimes be hard to get to more forward due to confusion with his hindquarter yield... He needed quiet encouragement to move forward and a bit more rest between exercises to allow him to relax and not be so sensitive. In Coles riding we worked on some directional exercises, his back up, side-passing to an obstacle and he did a 3 minute passenger lesson at a trot to improve his seat and work on getting him more confident and less fearful.
Tessa & Scooter: Scooter had a decent start to his groundwork and just needed a little help with his canter departures and picking up the correct lead. In Tessa riding we worked on her body position for the back up, getting her to set her weight back a bit to allow the shoulders to move more freely. She worked on softening Scooter in some small circle work and finished her lesson with a 3 minute passenger lesson at a trot to work on her seat and to help get Scooter in shape.
Paige & Star: Today was Paige's first time working with Star since she came for training. She noticed an improvement in her transition in her groundwork as well as her softness at a walk and a trot. Star still needs some work at a canter and it was difficult for Paige to get her to stay loping for more than a few strides. I look forward to the positive changes that will happen for her during this weeks training.
Heidi & Storm: Becca instructed Heidi today in a lesson using Storm. She was taught some of the groundwork exercises and then got to ride around for a bit and get a feel for releasing pressure form the reins and bit and finding more balance to avoid having heavy hands.
Becca & Faith: Becca worked on building Faith's confidence in an arena full of jumps and a couple big warm bloods running around. At first she was very stiff and tense but after a while she relaxed and Becca was able to use her to assist Crystal in keeping storm to the outside and increasing her impulsion through speed.
Crystal & Storm: Today was Crystal's first day riding a horse in close to 7 years. We walked through everything from saddling , ground work exercises, directional reining, and transitions from a walk to a trot. I was very impressed with how both Crystal and Storm stayed calm with all the big English horses around them, and I enjoyed watching as Becca helped to build Crystal's confidence while they trotted together around the arena.
I am looking forward to spending my winter with all these horsey folk !
Another full day playing with the ponies!
Paris: Today we worked again at getting her to soften in her groundwork circles; getting ready for her to go at liberty. Under saddle I worked on getting her hip in off the wall at a canter, I also continued to work on her stops and spins. I am very happy with with how she is doing.
Faith: I used a similar lesson plan for Faith softening her at the trot, getting her hip off the rail at a canter. I worked on her run downs and her commitment in her stops. Then I layed her down and worked on making her more comfortable with me moving around her without her jumping up frightened.
Billie & Alice: Groundwork - Worked on getting more impulsion using clear cues and proper progression with increasing pressure. Today our focus was mainly on her back up. Billie worked on using quieter ques and rewarding more often, this approach worked well for Alice and her back-up improved quickly. In her riding Billie worked on using feel in her reins to reward Alice and get the start to her collection.
Cole & Blue: Groundwork - Cole's horse Blue was very respectful in his groundwork exercises; however he would sometimes be hard to get to more forward due to confusion with his hindquarter yield... He needed quiet encouragement to move forward and a bit more rest between exercises to allow him to relax and not be so sensitive. In Coles riding we worked on some directional exercises, his back up, side-passing to an obstacle and he did a 3 minute passenger lesson at a trot to improve his seat and work on getting him more confident and less fearful.
Tessa & Scooter: Scooter had a decent start to his groundwork and just needed a little help with his canter departures and picking up the correct lead. In Tessa riding we worked on her body position for the back up, getting her to set her weight back a bit to allow the shoulders to move more freely. She worked on softening Scooter in some small circle work and finished her lesson with a 3 minute passenger lesson at a trot to work on her seat and to help get Scooter in shape.
Paige & Star: Today was Paige's first time working with Star since she came for training. She noticed an improvement in her transition in her groundwork as well as her softness at a walk and a trot. Star still needs some work at a canter and it was difficult for Paige to get her to stay loping for more than a few strides. I look forward to the positive changes that will happen for her during this weeks training.
Heidi & Storm: Becca instructed Heidi today in a lesson using Storm. She was taught some of the groundwork exercises and then got to ride around for a bit and get a feel for releasing pressure form the reins and bit and finding more balance to avoid having heavy hands.
Becca & Faith: Becca worked on building Faith's confidence in an arena full of jumps and a couple big warm bloods running around. At first she was very stiff and tense but after a while she relaxed and Becca was able to use her to assist Crystal in keeping storm to the outside and increasing her impulsion through speed.
Crystal & Storm: Today was Crystal's first day riding a horse in close to 7 years. We walked through everything from saddling , ground work exercises, directional reining, and transitions from a walk to a trot. I was very impressed with how both Crystal and Storm stayed calm with all the big English horses around them, and I enjoyed watching as Becca helped to build Crystal's confidence while they trotted together around the arena.
I am looking forward to spending my winter with all these horsey folk !
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Nov. 06th 2017
A long fun day in the arena. Started my day working my three ponies, it feels so good to be spending quality time with my girls this winter. Faith: Faith is finally starting to be more comfortable and a little less reactive. She is my favorite horse for liberty and today she was locking in nicely on line. I worked on her casual stops a bit today loping in circles and asking her to stop at random places in the arena. I want her to try harder when shes not knowing the stop is coming; so when she didn't stop nicely I would spin her, back her or trot her in a small circle then send her into a canter and ask again for a stop My goal this winter is to get solid stops and good hip control at a canter with both Paris & Faith. Paris: Paris is starting to soften in her groundwork but she still tends to anticipate and she is a little stiff as she transitions. I'm working on getting her hip off the wall more softly when ridden at a canter and We worked a bit on her using her hind end more in her spins. Since she hurt her hind leg this past summer she is favoring it a bit and her spins aren't as correct. I also worked on getting the brace out of her front end in her stops. We will need to do a lot of this over the winter. Storm: Stormy had a quick all around session including groundwork, hip in exercises, spins and stops I am hoping by the end of the month she will be in better shape and these exercises won't be so tiring for her. Star- Session 11: Today was a nice easy day for Star. She came straight to me for the first time when I went to catch her so I figured I would just do an easy groundwork session with her, she is getting nice and responsive at all gates and starting to be a lot more comfortable cantering small circles. After Star worked on her patience but I guess she got a little bored and decided to untie herself and take a walk back to her pen. Scared me half to death when I looked out and saw her missing. Silly girl :) |
Nov. 06th 2017
Todays lessons-
Bailey & Sterling: A busy quick session. Sterling met Stormy today and rode her around while her mom & I worked with her horse Fancy. Both Fancy & Levi did a good groundwork warm up and then we worked on softening Fancy and slowing her down a little. Bailey worked with her to get some collection then she and Sterling doubled for a tour around to end the session.
Shayla, Chantal & Lexus: Had a lot of fun with this crew today. A couple young ponies and one talented young squirt. All three horses were rock-stars tonight and we had a great time working on some transitions and speed control. Using a passenger lesson at a trot and a canter the girls enjoyed a lot of laughs and we started to get these horses into winter working shape.
Tamara & Holly: Finished off the night with these beautifully awesome ladies and their black & white steeds. These gentle drafts are really a pleasant surprise; they are both starting to understand vertical flexion at a walk and trot, which is helping to keep them from shouldering out in their circle work. Now we just need to get them in shape and wind them so we can start to add fun canter exercises and get them ready for early spring tails and mountain adventures
Todays lessons-
Bailey & Sterling: A busy quick session. Sterling met Stormy today and rode her around while her mom & I worked with her horse Fancy. Both Fancy & Levi did a good groundwork warm up and then we worked on softening Fancy and slowing her down a little. Bailey worked with her to get some collection then she and Sterling doubled for a tour around to end the session.
Shayla, Chantal & Lexus: Had a lot of fun with this crew today. A couple young ponies and one talented young squirt. All three horses were rock-stars tonight and we had a great time working on some transitions and speed control. Using a passenger lesson at a trot and a canter the girls enjoyed a lot of laughs and we started to get these horses into winter working shape.
Tamara & Holly: Finished off the night with these beautifully awesome ladies and their black & white steeds. These gentle drafts are really a pleasant surprise; they are both starting to understand vertical flexion at a walk and trot, which is helping to keep them from shouldering out in their circle work. Now we just need to get them in shape and wind them so we can start to add fun canter exercises and get them ready for early spring tails and mountain adventures
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Nov. 3rd 2017
Love playing in the indoor arena!! Star - Session 10: This mare is doing so well! She is so willing and as she gets more flexible she is really starting to hold herself together nicely. Today her groundwork lesson went really well with her picking up all gates with just voice cues and she was able to carry herself at a lope in a small circle. Under saddle Star was able to soften and work small and large circles at a trot and canter. She is getting much more confident in her lead departures and is carrying herself a lot nicer at a canter. She is starting to understand moving her forequarters across and has the start to her turn arounds. She is also getting nice and soft in her back up and I am able to ad a bit of speed now :) Storm: Still fighting the fact that Storm is super out of shape and unable to carry herself as nicely as I would like due to some extra fat rolls in her way. LOL. She is trying hard to be a good girl and I know that after a few more sessions she will be driving up and able to collect more comfortably. We are working on getting her more correct in her spins, she currently gets caught planting her outside hind leg instead of her inside hind and this causes her to hit walls in her spin and she can't rotate as nicely. I trot her in a small circle, then ask for the turn around and just before she hits her wall I drive her back up into a trotting circle; this forward impulsion helps her to plant the correct foot when I restart the spin. To finish Storms session I rode her bridless and worked on getting her to soften her head and neck in small trotting circles, I also worked her liberty spins correcting her when she planted the outside hind leg. Before turning her back out to her new pasture at the Love it or Leave it Ranch I laid her down from a distance and then sat with her and we just relaxed allowing her to dry a bit before going out to the fresh snow. |
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Nov. 2nd 2017
Another great morning! Early 7am drive to Fernie was totally worth it!! Star - Session 9: Today Star was really softening and finding a more comfortable movement. She is starting to understand rein and leg pressure and I am able to get her to collect and carry herself for a few strides. She is picking up her proper leads and even starting to soften and bend at a canter. Once this little mare is in shape and starts to muscle up along her topline she is going to be a show stopper. Storm: Poor Stormy is out of shape and everything is so hard for her right now.... Today we worked on her willingness in her groundwork. Under saddle I worked on her driving up from her hindquarters and starting to carry herself without any weight in my hands. I also worked on getting her hip off the rail, her stops and a couple turn arounds. Sessions are fairly difficult on Storm right now because she is carrying quite a lot of extra weight. I can't wait until she starts to shape up :) |
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Nov. 01 2017
First rides in the new indoor arena at the Love it or Leave it Ranch! And perfect timing as today was also our first snowfall. Star - Session 8: Star is still very stiff in her neck and when asked to bend correctly she almost buckles in her front end; however today she really progressed with flexion while being ridden and I was able to get her to soften at a walk, trot & lope. This little horse has a kind nature and a lot of try, she really wants to learn. I can't wait to ride her again tomorrow. Storm: I am working with Storm in her ground work to be less irritable and more accepting of pressure. I would like her to self reward and let down more between exercises. So today we did a lot of quiet groundwork giving her plenty of rest before asking her to move on to the next exercise. I am looking for her to soften her ears and be more willing, without pinning them when asked to move. She is also starting to soften and look in more while circling at a walk and trot and able to pick up nice lead departures in tight small circles. |
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Oct. 30th 2017
Horse assessments for lessons Bailey & Sterling with Levi & Fancy: Sterling is the sweetest little girl and at 3 years old has a true love for her horse Fancy. We are going to work to soften Fancy over the winter and get her to rate her speed without getting rushed. Sterling will work on getting her to follow direct rein pressure to navigate obstacles around the arena. Bailey and I will work on softening Fancy and getting her to give to pressure so that she can be a safe beginners horse for Sterling. We will also be working with Levi on the ground and getting him responsive under saddle. Billie with 3 year old Bristol: Bristol is a beautiful steel grey filly with a nice mind, she is very willing and we are working with her on some groundwork to develop respect and helping her to understand how to give to pressure before we put our first rides on her in the next few months. I am really looking forward to seeing Billie and her newest equine partner progress throughout these winter sessions. Tamara with Quill: Quill is such a gentleman and at over 16hh he is a lot of fun to ride. Tammy will be working on developing more collection and asking Quill to soften in his circle work as well as in his lateral exercises. We will be trying to get him to be more aware of his stride as he can sometimes stumble and trip at a canter. Holly with Lincoln: Lincoln is a beautiful gentle gelding and Holly has him nice and soft laterally. We will be working to keep his forward momentum in exercises while asking him to soften. Lincoln tends to freeze up and slows his feet when rein and leg pressure are applied, we will be working on getting him to move forward more freely without bracing when asked to soften while in motion. I am really looking forward to winter lessons at the Love it or Leave it Ranch! |
Oct. 24th 2017
First liberty lesson with Heather and Babe. It was so much fun spending a session with Heather today working on teaching Babe the fundamentals for liberty training. We worked on getting her to soften in her circles at a walk trot and a canter, we developed some draw along the fence and we started to work on her drawing in to follow at liberty. It was really quite cool to see how quickly Babe became comfortable with the liberty work and Heather is excited to practice with her at home until we can meet up again :)
First liberty lesson with Heather and Babe. It was so much fun spending a session with Heather today working on teaching Babe the fundamentals for liberty training. We worked on getting her to soften in her circles at a walk trot and a canter, we developed some draw along the fence and we started to work on her drawing in to follow at liberty. It was really quite cool to see how quickly Babe became comfortable with the liberty work and Heather is excited to practice with her at home until we can meet up again :)
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Oct. 24th 2017
Star - Session 7: Started to work with Star at liberty today! Liberty training is one of my favorite ways to connect with my horses. In this lesson Star was initially sticking around the outside of the pen, but after a few short working sessions she found her way in to me in the center and started to draw towards me while I walked backwards. I am excited to continue with this training and see how connected she can become. |
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Oct. 23rd 2017
Star - Session 6: Still working with Star both on the ground and ridden. I am really enjoying this mare! She has a ways to go but I feel like we are a good fit and get along pretty good. I should note that on the days I work with Star I also ride or work with one or more of my horses as well; this way I can do short sessions and allow Star breaks in her training to rest as she is still in a conditioning stage and simple exercises are quite hard for her. Today I rode Paris and brought Faith along to work on her patience being tied. I'm loving my last rides outside before winter hits and I have to start riding inside. |
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Oct. 22nd 2017
Star - Session 5: So happy with todays progress! Star is just starting to understand rein pressure and I am getting the slightest try for vertical flexion at a walk/trot :) Once she starts to really understand without resistance her training is sure to excel and I can't wait to see how she looks come spring. |
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Oct. 16th 2017
Star - Session 4: Today's arena session was focused on trying to get some forward impulsion in Star, as well as assist her in seeking the answer when rein or spur pressure are applied. Currently Star gets fairly anxious and braces against all forms of pressure while being ridden. I felt that today's lesson went extremely well. We were able to progress and break through some of the barriers she puts up to block her ability to learn. I worked quite a lot on yielding her hindquarters and also put a lot of focus on her transitions using quieter ques. Right now our sessions are pretty short, allowing Star to get in a bit better shape; she came to her new owners a fair bit under weight, so it is important that we feed her well and don't overexercise her to reduce the chance of her injuring herself. I finished Star's lesson with some quiet flexion work and the beginning training to her lay down. This horse is very sweet and I am so excited to work with her. I can't wait to see her develop and become more confident as she acquires the skills to learn from the release of pressure. |
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Oct. 15th 2017
Star - Session 3: First training ride.Today I worked with Star in the arena, starting with groundwork; yielding her hindquarter & forequarters, flexing her head and neck, lunging her at a walk, trot and canter until she was transitioning smoothly and softening to the inside of her circles. In my first assessment of Star while riding I could tell that she is very stiff especially through her head & neck and she will require a lot of flexing, she is also not in shape yet so her riding sessions will have to be kept quite short to allow her time to get in shape both mentally and physically. My biggest starting goal with Star is to teach her how to learn from the release of pressure. Right now she often braces against pressure making exercises harder on her than they need to be, as she figures out the release of pressure she will start to learn freely and I will be able to ask more of her in the arena. We finished our session today with a trail ride where I ponied Star for the first half of the ride allowing her time to get comfortable following another horse over dead-fall and through puddles, up and down steep banks, and along narrow trails. For the second half I rode Star ponying my horse Paris off of her at a walk, trot and canter. Star seems very comfortable on the trail and did well at all positions in the group, she made a good leader but also did very well being left behind. Nothing fazed her and I would say that right now trail riding is definitely her strongest attribute, which is awesome because that is what her owners intend to do with her most of the time :) |
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Oct. 14th 2017
Star - Session 2: Yesterday when doing groundwork with Star working on her trailer loading anxiety, I found a few other issues that needed to be addressed as well. She was very sensitive to the stick and whip around her hind legs and would kick out as the rope came around behind her. She also had a hard time picking up a clean lope departure and would cross-fire not picking up the proper lead in her hind end; So today I took the opportunity to work on those small issues, then allowed her to take her rest in the trailer. I desensitized her to the stick and string around her hind legs, over her top line and slapping the ground on each side of her. I would keep steady rhythm and pressure until Star would relax and stop moving her feet or kicking at the rope then I would release and rest the stick by my side. In these exercises I wait for signs that Star is letting down and relaxing before repeating the exercise; I look for her to cock her hind leg, soften in the ears and start to lick her lips. It is extremely important to allow your horse to show signs of relaxation because this is when you see they are actually learning, quite often people ask too much of their horse without really giving the horse the opportunity to learn. I find you get a lot more success in your training if you take your time and really set a good foundation before moving on and asking for your next exercise. In the end things move more quickly if you teach your horse how to relax and look for the answers as opposed to fighting you in the learning process. We also progressed in our trailering lesson by starting to close Star in using the divider. For a horse that has anxiety in the trailer they can often feel claustrophobic when squeezed between the dividers, so today when Star would relax and stand without pushing on the divider I would reward her and take the pressure of the divider away. I did this until she no longer had a reaction to being closed into the small space. Kind of boring photos so far, but these lessons will be the foundation for Star and will be a huge asset in her future training. |
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Oct. 13th 2017
Star - Session 1: Star's first official training session: Star came to me with anxiety trailer loading and hauling without the use of a buddy horse. She would not load into the trailer alone. Today we worked with her doing groundwork outside of the trailer and offered her rest at the trailer to try and build her confidence. By using groundwork to make her less comfortable outside of the trailer and offering her rest and feed inside the trailer, she was able to relax and soon started loading herself and not racing to exit the trailer in flight mode. I believe that with patience and proper training we can develop a solid foundation in our horses that will help them to process and think calmly in all training sinarios. By being consistant in our approach and offering well timed release of pressure, we work with our horses instead of fighting their natural fight or flight responses. I was very happy with how Star finished her session today and plan to use trailer loading as a rest reward in the next few sessions of her training. |
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