Not Just A Hobby
It's funny how people are so careful around their horses and quiet. I feel like sometimes it just makes them more of a spook. Big example... Brantley. Yes, there are some things I'm hesitant doing on him just yet but that's because I don't have a round pen I can work him in and let him go while I try to take off my jacket or raise my hands in the air. We're working on it, slowly. But putting his blanket on and haltering him? Make your intentions clear, don't beat around the bush. Walking into his stall going, "Easy Brantley, you're okay, shhhhh, easy boy" he responds, "What... What's going on? Why are you being sneaky, quiet... WHAT THE HELL?! I'm so confused. Please don't touch me." and then he starts running away from you or spinning around in his stall. Had to explain that... Again today. You have to build a trust and a bond with him. But don't make it scarier than it is. Luckily he's got a couple of good aunties at the barn who don't baby him... You know who you are.
After my ride with Brantley, I went back to work and got to sit on the computer and re-enter invoices from the past 4 days... Long story short, we spent 2 days (and overtime) putting in new software. After 4 days we realized that it was too powerful for our OS and well, now have to spend the rest of the week re-entering all the data into the OLD software. I did get to hold a pet... Or two.
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I made my way back to the barn to play with the Princess. A is sick at the moment so I'm playing step-mom... More like evil step-mother. We warmed up with one-rein halts which she had kind of a forgotten since the last time I worked with her, but picked it back up quickly. We did them at the walk, then at the trot. Next step? Let's put the reins over the horn and let the OTTB trot around the arena at any speed she wants... As long as it was at the trot. I basically let her go around and around, switching directions, leaving her to be responsible for her own body, feet, and speed. If she tried to break into a canter, I'd bend her down, then send her back out. We did this for about 30-45 mins before we had a nice cool down in-hand. It was actually pretty successful and she only got pissy with me once. No bucking (yay!).
Ride 12: Quick ride on Brantley after new job intro training. Nothing very interesting but raining so I couldn't hit the trails. K met me at the barn and I hopped on Lucy again. I had a feeling that since Mom was there she was going to be a nut job, but she surprised us both. Even for us to have a little canter around the arena... Okay, more like around a barrel like pattern on her own accord. I had my hand on the rein but only to be able to quickly break her down if I needed to. This horse put herself on tiny circles and then slowly moved out along the fence. Most she's cantered in a while. I really focused on putting my leg on her with she does NOT appreciate. Not a go-go-go leg but a bending leg. Just a guide or aide. First time I did it she did a little kick and for that she got her nose turned into my toe and a swift heel in the gut, then back out on the rail at a canter. I know it sounds mean... But she didn't do it again and honestly... She could kill me.
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Ride 13: Okay, I won't lie. I didn't ride my horse today. But we did work. I think that should count right? I did ride Lucy again and she was well... Definitely a little peppier and anti-Maddy, but it was easier to bring her back which is exactly what I was looking for. Instead of starting her loose around the arena, I asked her to get on the bit and I think that may have been her being "da f*ck do you think you're doing?" But she finally gave and as she relaxed, I gave her her head back. I focused on asking her for more than I had been so instead of letting her go where ever she pleased, I lifted the rein just a touch to ask her to go in a specific direction. She gave in more and more while we went. Lots more cantering and she relaxed enough for me to completely drop the rein and let her go around in circles. They started off small but as she started to breathe and get her feet underneath her, her circles got slower and larger. We actually had a nice canter around the entire arena in both directions and a basically non-existence (but prepared) rein. Good ride? I call it a success. Hopefully A can make it out tomorrow and do some ground work with her. Fingers crossed for a good ride.
Brantley and I borrowed K's long-lines and headed out to the outdoor. We had a really nice work out in the arena and for me to be behind him at first his head was up and ears were back. But it's not his first rodeo. I've done it before and Cowboy tied tarps to him and sent him around the ring in lines at CC. He got comfortable really fast and we did some walk/trot work over poles that had been set up and then did some good loping at both ends of the arena. I was very impressed how he got under himself and even framed up through his neck and back. He's getting new kicks tomorrow so we'll see how my work day goes and if maybe I can hit the trail tomorrow. Not likely.
15 Comments:
Lucy is lucky to have you climb aboard, and it wasn't mean, it was making a point that she needed to hear, because like you said, she could kill ya ;) Glad she was good overall. Mares, oiy.
Can totally relate to the quote. Most riders probably have. I feel like my non riding friends either truly accept it or we end up parting ways. Yes shoveling shit does come first sometimes. Sorry guys! But the horses have always been there and will continue to be there when you aren't. I envy the people that find horse loving SOs. Hopefully I'll find one too someday!
Glad to read about your rides! Lots of saddle time!
I've only had a little experience with mares, especially thoroughbred mares. I couldn't believe how offended she was that I let her make all the decisions. So far what I'm doing seems to be working though and with Amanda's help, we'll have a Kate-safe pony come Spring/Summer!
The whole SO thing is a WHOOOLLEE other issue. It usually takes about 6 months until they go, "Why don't you want to spend time with me?!" Sorry... I like getting up in the morning and going straight to the barn on my days off... I don't want to sleep in and cuddle. I'm doomed to be alone for all eternity so I'm with you on the "someday" thing.
Lol, you're NOT doomed to be alone, it just takes a little extra searching. I do the whole car club thing (hubby had a Mustang when we met- perfect car right?) and he comes to the barn and takes pics/video. He's not super into horses, but likes being around them. They are growing on him though (who couldn't start to love horses?!) Its about finding hobbies that you and your SO can enjoy together, or do alone at the same time. :)
I think the key is finding people who are also passionate about things in their life. If they aren't passionate about something then they can never understand.
Thank you again for all your hard work with Lucy. She may not know it, but she appreciates it too ;) ;) ;)
Lucy looks fabulous! Props to you for sticking through with the daily challenge with Brantley (groundwork totally counts in my book). I would love to try a 100 day challenge sometime but I know I can't be that consistent right now with the randomness of my jobs. I do get to work Charlie 3-5 times a week, depending how the baby training goes, so I figure that's pretty good for now. P.S. I love that quote you posted :)
That's really cute. I used to do the car thing but I could only afford one or the other. I have had boyfriends in the past that came to the barn to "help" and ended up just complaining about how time-consuming it all is or they try really hard but you can tell they really don't want to be there. I just end up with the wrong people. One day!
That's why I love my barn friends now. I have friends that are passionate about things, but not like this. Or if they are, they still don't get it. They think of horses more like pets than what they actually are. A dog will always love you. A horse, you earn it. Big time. That's why when Kate introduced me to blogging, I loved it. Because you guys get it.
Of course! Plus, I love the experience. And the horse... And you of course!
Do whatever you can whenever you can. I have a feeling that I won't make it all 100-days... But I'm trying!
Part of me is like woah yeah, definitely more than a hobby, why would anyone say that! But then another part is like, well, I can understand the mistake. I grew up around horsey folks, so I knew, but I can see how someone might not know any better if they didn't know someone with horses. As for people wanting you to cut back to spend more time with them... that's pretty lame. The horse, in this case Brantley, is family. You aren't going to bail on family's NEEDS for a needy friend's WANTS and that should be obvious. My cats are my family, and they'd always come first (however, they need a lot less than a horse does... but still! If they needed more, they'd still be top of my list, so thats how i look at it)
I'm always happy to go to the barn with you - i think its fun, and I love taking pictures. Too bad I'm in maine. I tried to get into the barn crowd here, but they're... different. Its not like with you in RI. I didnt go back again. Saddd. :(
I miss you tons Bree! And you know if you were still in you'd fit in perfectly with our little barn group (you'd love the new girls). Plus... now I have to build a shed for a pony...
Thats awesome that ya'll are helping make sure Lucy is Kate-safe when she's ready :)
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