This afternoon.

Life is good

Wow what a great ride a had! Chicles feet feel good. He was forward happy and very much with me. I couldn't wait to get on and ride. Did a mini dressage test with leg yields and everything. I had such a awesome ride! Love that horse!

New shoes

Today was fun dogs, kids, horse.... Got to the barn early to ride before Pete my farrier got there. I wanted to ride before the new shoes. Played online just a few mins then got on to ride boy was Chicle full of it. Glad I rode he lost his shoe while I was riding good thing Pete was coming. The glue on shoes took 2 hours to put on. They look great had to keep Chic in his stall for a few hours after so the glue would set. I went back this afternoon to let him back out a bit he was looking at me like why am I in my stall?! Ran around a bit in the ring and seemed to feel good....I'm hopping the new shoes help.

Cool

Finally we are getting a break from the heat. It's been cool at night and not to bad during the day. Get a chance to play and ride Sunday....it was awesome! Zone 5 driving with tossing the rope over his back for change of direction that went really well! Chicle followed my feel about 90% of the time. The one time he didn't follow my feel he just keeped going straight so I just went with it until we got to the end of the ring and i got him right back with me. Riding was great canter freestyle if going so good. He picks it up so easy now I love it. Turn on the forehand and turn on the hind end without reins is still a little punky in some ways. Chicle keeps trying to take over and after doing it once he thinks he should do it again without me asking. Probably wants to get another cookie.

Going to try something new with Chicles hoofs. Next time he gets new shoes we are going to put the sigafoo glue on shoes. I'm hopping it will be next week. My hope is that without the nail holes his hoofs will grow in better then maybe we have a stronger hoofs. My farrier said something about trying barefoot but I have to admit that makes me very nervous. I'm not going to be closed minded to it though. I'm willing to try anything as long as my horse is not lame. I know him so well and when his feet arnt feeling good he's not a happy boy. Everything goes down hill when his feel hurt.

On another note a friend gave me a 2 month supply of rapid flex supplement. It's Glucosamine HCI, Chondroitin Sulfate and Hyaluronic Acid, as well as a blend of natural herbs. I have to say Chicle is feeling so good being on it. It's been about a month and a half now and that stuff is great!

Slideshow.

My friend Sarah made this slideshow of me and Chiclet of the past 2 years of photos she had taken of us.

Green string

I've decided that I don't want to be a in the middle person so, I'm trying to get my crap together and focuse on filming my level 3. It's so way over due I should have filmed it years ago.  Yesterday I played with freestyle and I felt pretty good even the canter was good without using the reins. I just need to get some toys to bring to the barn because there is nothing there. online was good got a little sticky with change of direction. Follow my feel with the line over Chiclet back was nice I got some really sweet turns halt and backup. It's so funny I think he follows me better at liberty then with the line flipped over his back. Green string hhmm can we do it by the end of this year........

Maine

I took the 2 dogs Chiclet and my husband to maine for the weekend. So much fun I didn't want to come home. My best friend Laura lives there with her interesting little herd of 2 goats and Diesel the horse. Played with our ponies, ate good food by the camp fire life was good there. The best was watching Laura's 3 dogs and my 2 do dog stuff all weekend. So nice to get away. Chiclet did well with the 5 hour drive there and back. He was ready to get off the trailer on the way home. Backed off the trailer nicely then jumped in the air and squealed.

Interesting Stuff

I sent this to some of my non natural friends in hopes that this will open there eyes..................................................................... Understanding Horse Behavior – Emotions by NCarpenter July 18th, 2011 ,When Emotions Affect Your Horse Relationship -a Horse Training Article by Cynthia McFarland with Linda & Pat Parelli No matter how independent we may be, none of us exists in a vacuum. Our thoughts, emotions and actions impact not only ourselves, but those around us. This includes our horses. Emotions, in particular, play a part in every decision we make. Even the most practical, “in control” person is affected by emotions. When it comes to our relationship with horses, our emotions can have both positive and negative impact. Horses themselves are highly emotional creatures. In a herd, they virtually experience a kind of united nervous system. When something startles the herd, there is no time to communicate the need to flee by anything other than the reactive nervous system. Instinct, or the “right brain,” takes over because conscious thought is too slow, so instinct and feeling are everything. “This is precisely why horses buy into the emotional imbalances of other horses, as well as their riders and handlers,” says Linda Parelli . “When you learn how to become your horse’s leader, he will ignore everything else and only focus on being in harmony with you as his leader in a ‘herd’ of two.” Be Aware of Emotions In a past article, we talked about doing a pre-ride check to make sure your horse is safe and ready to ride. A savvy horseman will also do an “emotions check” to make sure he’s in the right frame of mind and attitude before going out to play with or ride his horse. “Even if you arrive in a frame of mind that is not appropriate, it won’t take long before your horse alerts you to this and causes you to change it… or suffer!” says Pat Parelli. A major reason emotion comes into play is that most of us only have so much time to spend with our horses, and we want to make the most of it. “People tend to be very time-oriented compared to horses,” notes Linda. “You show up to be with your horse and you’re beset with goals and time limits. You think about what you want to get done and why, how much time you have, and you are anything but ‘present.’ “But your horse is fully present. Horses live in the moment, whereas most people live in the past or the future. This makes for a major disconnect with their horses. Not only are you both on different time lines, but dwelling on the past brings baggage, and focusing on the future can bring anxiety.” Making an effort to concentrate less on time can have a positive effect on the hours you have with your horse, whether you’re riding, grooming, playing, or just “being there.” Some people have already discovered that being with their horse is a relaxing time that truly offers escape. Unfortunately, most people have not found this place because they are frustrated with or afraid of their horse. After an especially distressing day, getting to the barn may sound like a life saver. But is there ever a time when you should not be around your horse because of particular emotions? “Yes and no,” says Linda. “Yes… in terms of expecting your horse to perform.  He can only be as good as the leadership you offer and almost nobody wants to follow an emotionally imbalanced leader. Horses are really grounding. You can leave your very stressful day in life and find solace by being totally present with your horse. But you have to acknowledge that and not try to ‘achieve’ something, or train and make progress. When you are upset, just ‘be’ with your horse. It’s healing.” Because horses live in the moment without fear of the future or sadness from the past, people tend to find comfort in their presence. Someone who is grieving a loss, for example, may seek consolation in the company of their horse, filling a void that can’t be satisfied by another human, even by dear friends and family. Fear & Anger Our emotions, or moods, definitely impact the time we spend with our horses. One emotion that many horse owners experience is fear, although most don’t feel safe to admit it. “Many riders are naturally brave and competitive, but many are not, and sadly, they are made to feel somehow stupid or inferior,” says Linda. “Even worse, they are pushed into situations that feel threatening or even dangerous.” “Horses are natural followers who are looking for natural leaders. As prey animals, horses are cowards, claustrophobics and ‘panicaholics.’  They expect you to be the brave one,” says Pat. “If you are afraid of your horse, you need to find out what is going on.” Pat explains that fear is often caused by thinking you should be riding your horse and doing what everyone else is doing. The Parelli Method emphasizes that horses are for way more than riding, and teaches you how to play on the ground, as well as when riding. If you have fear issues, playing with your horse on the ground and doing things with him that don’t necessarily include riding can help you gain confidence and move past that fear. “Not only can you do amazing things on the ground with them,” Pat notes, “but horses tend to teach us about ourselves, in ways we cannot even imagine.”  Many horse owners are nervous around their horses because they don’t feel in control of the situation. “Unfortunately, many people getting into horses for the first time are pushed into doing things, such as getting on the horse, before they are mentally and emotionally ready,” Linda points out. “At Parelli, we believe in developing a trusting relationship with the horse before ever thinking about getting on his back. It makes sense that this would be what the horse prefers, too.” We’ve all seen the sad spectacle of someone taking out their anger on a horse. As responsible horse owners, this is one emotion that we must keep out of the equation because it’s not the horse’s fault. “Your anger is something that horses do not deserve to feel,” says Linda. “It terrifies them.” Like it or not, our horses consider us as “predators” and because they are prey animals, they aren’t capable of discerning the difference between an aggressive or frightened predator. To the horse, whether you approach him with anger or fear, you are tense and have an unbearable energy, which comes across to him as emotionally unbalanced and out of control. He innately knows that aggressive predators have preyed on horses for millions of years and need to be avoided at all costs. Some owners use the excuse that their horse “makes” them angry because of things he does. “If your horse ‘makes’ you angry, chances are you are an angry person and you don’t know how to maintain your composure in situations you don’t know how to handle because you are not really emotionally fit,” says Pat. “When you get angry with your horse, it’s probably because he’s not doing what you want. He’s not going to react favorably when you lose your temper because he thinks you are going to kill and eat him! His instincts prevail and he’ll do whatever it takes to survive…. run off, rear, buck, strike, kick, freak out…do whatever it takes to get rid of that PREDATOR!” “Horses can teach us a lot about ourselves. It’s not about anger management so much as realizing that we have run out of knowledge, and that’s what triggers our emotions of fear, frustration, anger, or anxiety,” notes Linda. “The more we know, the less we will get frustrated or angry, mainly because we learn how to set things up for success rather than be the victim of accident or failure.” Focus on the Present Take a lesson from your horse and make an effort to live in the present, especially when you are around him. It becomes easier to enjoy your time together if you can learn to consciously let go of negative emotions. “Horses LOVE happy humans and you cannot fake that,” says Linda. “To me, the definition of ‘happiness’ is being content with the present. It’s hard to do anything meaningful in the future if you’re coming from a position of dissatisfaction in the present. Horses can help us learn to cherish every present moment. Parelli is all about learning how to become the kind of person horses want to be with, feel safe with, and will do anything for.” “This is way more than a ‘horse training‘ program,” adds Pat. “It’s all about self development. It’s learning how to get so good with horses that even your horse thinks you’re good.”

Heat wave

We are having another heat wave....ugh! Played at liberty in the paddock the other day that way fun that's about all I can ask for when it a 100 and feels like 110 out. Just a little sick to me and driving in zone 5. We have been pretty much been spending most of our time grazing in the shade. Looking forward to friday the high is going to be 75 yay!!

Good times

Things since last time I wrote have been good. My friend Sarah took some great pictures of me and Chiclet. She even printed them for me. I'll scan them and post when I get a chance.

Had some good rides. Finally got Chiclet to relaxe in the ring. He was beed having issues with the tree line along the ring. There is a house on the other side of the trees and kids play over there, it makes Chic very up when we play. I think we are over that now.

Went to have a lesson with Sarah Berg yesterday. It was great!!!...we went back to the basics with direct and indirect rein. That was so helpful just to go back to that in a whole new way. She really opened my eyes to what my goals are and where I want to be. After we went and walked the corn fields that are around her farm so pretty. Perfect day! Today I played with my horse in a new way. Did lots of moving the hind end and move the shoulders online. Only played online 15 minutes or so got on with just the rope halter and lead one rein so I could practice for getting back to riding bridless. It went really well but it's so funny how Chiclet likes to take over once he figured out that we are moving the front end and hind end he started do it when he thinks I wanted it. I only played with that until he got it without me using my reins. Then we went on a nice walk to find the good grass. It was so nice all the grass is cut in the fields. Love my pony!

Time off

I've decided that when it's over 80 I'm not riding or playing with anything that makes my horse sweat. The last week has been 90 plus off and on so we have been spending lots of time grazing and going on walks out and about. Yesterday went on a walk and grazed along the way saw all the thresh holds my horse has so just retreated back to where he was ok. Had a big break through grazed along the fence where the chickens live. The chickens have been a big deal since we moved there. For some reason the chickens were Chiclet's friend yesterday. Today got to the barn did my chores and got Chiclet in just in time. A huge thunder storm moved through so only got to graze about 15 minutes. Can'twait for the day Chiclet lives in my back yard and I can see him all the time. That day can't come soon enough.

Focuse

Oh boy lots of things going on. Finally got my farrier out for Chiclet last Tuesday. Then he lost a shoe on Thursday looked like he was running around in his paddock. He was very sore on it even after my farrier put it back on friday. I let him hang out for the weekend hopping that he would be good for my lesson with Sarah Berg (soon to be 2 star instructor) on Monday, but when I played with him Sunday afternoon he wasn't quite right. So I'm now going next Monday for my lesson with Sarah. I'm very excited and can't wait to hear what she was to teach me.

Not sure if it's me or Chiclet that can't focuse lately but we are both all over the place. Played and rode yesterday and he was such a punk and I realized that I was being a punk back to him. Today I made sure that my mind was on my horse when I got the barn and things were better but when I went to bridle Chiclet he left me, that hasn't happened in a long time. I haven't had cookies the past week and cookies are a big part of getting Chiclet to do things for me. I'm stopping at the store tomorrow for cookies. I need to start bringing my iPod with me when I play and ride it really helps me only think about my horse and not the hundred things that are fogging my brain. It's so true that our horses are a mirror of us.

Chic

Something not right

Very strange thing's happening with Chiclet. Yesterday i get this call from one of the boarders at the barn your horse is out and I can't get him. Crap!...took 20 minutes to get the to barn when I got there he was in his stall. The boarder got him finally. She said he was crazy and I'm thinking that's not my horse something must be wrong. She wasn't sure what happened but there was two rails down and all the horses where running. I put him back out he squealed when I let him go ......hhmm.....So I picked the paddock and watched him for about a hour and a half everything seemed ok. I took him out and put him in the ring he was nuts running the fence line. I put him online and played with him, Something was not right... He couldn't focus on anything it took a very long time to get him thinking. After I grazed him for a long time. I don't know what happened but something really got to him. Later that evening the boarder called me to tell me she doesn't want my horse turned out with hers anymore (she is very right brained). So I said that was fine and also told her that something wasn't right with my horse......She still made the commit your horse is crazy and I don't want my horse with him. Wow people are hard but it's ok I now know where I stand with her.

He rolled

I'm so excited Chiclet offered to roll when I went to play with him. He hasn't offered this in a long time. He didn't stay down very long but I was just over joyed that he offered it. Online was so much better today he really wanted to move his feet. Played with canter trot tranctions funny thing was he wanted to canter. It's not often that Chiclet wants to move his feet so I make a big deal out of it when it happens.

Got the farrier from work to put Chiclet's shoe back on. Still didn't hear anything from my farrier. I think I will give him until the end of this week and if I don't hear anything from him I'm going to find someone else. He'e left me with no other choice.

Hhmm

Went to the barn yesterday first thing in the morning to put Chiclet out for the day and a very strange thing happened. Opened the stall door and Chiclet ameadly turned his butt to me.....at first i was so insulted and puzzled then I couldn't beleive after all this time I must have done something wrong to him. It bothered me all day I thought about everything I did and didn't do with him the day before and couldn't come up with anything other then I haven't been spending as much time as I should with him. So I spent 3 hours with him Sunday afternoon paying and riding. I had a really tough time getting connected online. I never really felt like I got it totally. When I got on to ride for some reason I was nervous maybe because I didn't really have my horses mind with me. Played the passenger game and just let Chiclet go where he wanted it ended up being a great ride and Chiclet seem to be thinking more. Offered him grass a few times but he was thinking and didn't want to eat. When I got off I realized that Chiclet lost a shoe while I was riding......crap!!.....this turned into a whole new issue for me. Called my farrier Pete who is not just my farrier he's a good friend too. Here is my issue Pete is not good about showing up when he's scheduled to and I've been putting up with this for years and now that I don't have time for waiting it's becoming a real problem for me. I pretty much wasted my day off today waiting for him to come and guess what my poor horse still dosn't have a shoe on. What to do what to do....I know what I have to do just sucks that I have to find a new farrier.

Love the new barn

The first few days at the new barn have been nothing but positive. I love it there. Turn out is great today Chiclet went out with his new friend Levi an older gelding with lots of life. Yesterday rode in the ring it's pretty good the track in hard but the rest of the ring is good. It has a fence around it that's a plus for liberty. Chiclet was a little bit of a punk at first but we got through it. Rode the rail walk trot canter then went out to check out the trails. They are awesome! First time in a long time I've gone out on the trail with just the 2 of us. It was great Chic was up but very good about going out for a walk. I've been watching some eventing videos on YouTube and I'm thinking that might be where we want to go very soon.

Love this

When I Am An Old Horsewoman
I shall wear turquoise and diamonds,
And a straw hat that doesn’t suit me
And I shall spend my social security on
white wine and carrots,
And sit in my alleyway of my barn
And listen to my horses breathe.
I will sneak out in the middle of a summer night
And ride the old bay gelding,
Across the moonstruck meadow
If my old bones will allow
And when people come to call, I will smile and nod
As I walk past the gardens to the barn
and show instead the flowers growing
inside stalls fresh-lined with straw.
I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair
as if it were a jewel
And I will be an embarrassment to ALL
Who will not yet have found the peace in being free
to have a horse as a best friend
A friend who waits at midnight hour
With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For the kind of woman I will be
When I am old.
-Author Unknown

Chiclet

Fun freestyle and finesse.

Chiclet Rolling

Here is my attempt at taping my level 3 online then my camera died and I didn't know it. I even got a flying change it was so perfect. I really need to got myself and the carera going again. Once I move to the new barn I'm going to make it my goal to got it done and not take 4 years like I did taping my level 2.

On the road again

So I moved Chiclet to this new barn a little over 3 weeks ago....Ugh I hate it there. The barn owner is very whimsical and that makes me a little crazy. Chiclet is taking the fence down and getting out all the time. I was hopping that the owner was going to fix some of the fence so this wouldn't be a issue and I could sleep at night not worrying about my horse getting out. Yesterday when I get there the fence was down in his paddock again and he get out and jumped a stone wall to get into the big field turnout. That was it I've had enough I called a stable that is around the corner from where I work and they have a spot open, ran over to chick it out fence is great backed up with electric everything else looked great there. It seemed like a quiet place with lots of room to ride. I'm starting to feel like a gyspy with all the moving around do. Good thing Chiclet settles in where ever we go.

Fun with friends

Today was fun my friend Meghan came to play with Chiclet. The interesting thing about Meghan playing with Chiclet is she takes lessons were I work it's not so natural there. Meghan started the unnatural way so this was going to be very interesting to me to see how my horse that knows nothing but people being horse like around him. She got on to ride and her legs looked really stiff and I was thinking Chiclet isn't really going to care about that and he didn't but he would not really move not even walk at first. Ok so we figured out how to walk then trot got even more interesting Chiclet was like yeah you don't know how I work so I'm going to trot from one grass spot to another. That was ok for a bit and then I saw Chiclet having this look on his face like he just put on him naughty pants. So I thought I would change things up a bit. I gave Meghan a focuse and that helped. The most interesting thing I learned is in unnatural training puzzle salving is not taught. I feel very proud of myself for sticking to what I beleive in and not letting the unnatural world bring me down. Thanks Meghan!!!

Not feeling it

Funny day today....played on line and I felt like Chiclet was not into playing. He did what I asked but there was just something that was a little off. Driving to the grass to eat he stopped but waited until I told him to eat that's not like him at all. I hope he's not feeling stressed about moving to the new barn. Oh I worry to much.

Chiclet's Birthday!

So we moved to the new barn...thank goodness for my husband for helping me that day he's so awesome for his silent help. We moved on Sunday so we have had a few days to settle in. Kate's 2 mares are all right brained and oh my it makes me tired just being around them. They are like a 10 on the scall and thay have no clue about your space. They have figured out pretty quick that when I walk in they best move because I have my carrot stick with me at all times.

Not sure how Chiclet feels about his new place yet. He is turned out in a little paddock next to the 2 girls. I turn him out in the big grass fields when I get there in the afternoon. He loves that because the grass is really good. Played and rode the 2nd day he was kinda punky and his rids were stuck. Tue and wed it rained just did chores and let him graze. Today I let Chiclet graze about a hour and a half then played on line. I just wanted a few nice circles and that's it. After all the grass Chicle was like uuummm no not into it. I had to talk him into it. Sideways backwards then forwards seemed like the better option. Lovely canter both ways. I felt like he was just getting interested then I quit he didn't even want grass he was giving me this look like what are we going to do now....love him love him love him! Oh almost forget Ciclet birthday was the 1st of may can't beleive he's 8.

New Things

So here I go again, I'm moving Chiclet to a new place in Little Compton closer to were I'm going to be working so life will be a little easier. The new barn is just a private farm with 2 mares. The lady (Kate) that owns it is very nice and it's in need of some love and fixing up a bit but it will work until a spot in portsmouth open.


Today played at liberty and it was very interesting. The grass is very green along the ring and it's so tempting for Chiclet. I let him eat for a while then tried to draw him by walking up behind him and tagging him on the butt. That was pretty good he followed me and played stick to me and yo yo from zone 5 that was fun. Then I pushed just a little to much and he said I'm going for the grass. Ok I just went to tag him on the butt again and he put his butt in the corner of the ring and there was no way I could get him. The look on his face was awesome! He backed himself up a good 10 feet to put himself just so I couldn't get him. He is so funny I finally got him back and tried figure 8 no not into that he just wanted to kick the barrel around so I set up a jump and he played the stop and put his foot on the barrel game then he jumped it but he had a punky look and bucked while he jumped it. He makes me laugh!

Life is good!

Had a great day with Chiclet today. It was very warm today 77 so Chiclet was not really into moving his feet. Only spent 10 minutes online got on and walked for a long time did lots of leg yields his hind end was lagging a bit. Trot was ok took forever for the stretch to happen. Canter is something that I need to learn how to ride. Chiclet is very much in front of my leg and I'm not sure how to ride this yet. I did transition in the question box trot to canter going to the left I got this amazing stretch for 3 strides and stopped and gave him almost all the cookies in my pocket. I love that feeling of the back coming up and the whole body relaxed it was only 3 strides but it was awesome. Canter going to the right I felt like he just wants to run I got him to stretch however I didn't get the same feeling as going to the left. I ended with the best grass and a walk around the field across the street. Back at the barn Chiclet got a well needed bubble bath all the winter dirt washed away yay!

Distractions

Today I decided that I rush around to much and get distracted to easy with other things then my time with Chiclet is cut short. Went to the barn today put my headphones on did my chores didn't talk to anyone. Spent a hour and half playing riding grooming iPod blasted even sang to Chicle while we walked around the field.

Worst time ever

Hhhhhmmmm where do I start....well first off went to the Parelli tour stop in PA a few weeks ago. So much fun loved every munite of it. Lots of info all at once was a little hard to take. It was a wonderful show and it was great seeing all the Parelli crew with the new stuff they are playing with.

Have been playing with Chiclet online a lot just testing some of the stuff I saw in PA. I rode yesterday everything was pretty much ok. Today however was the worst ride I've had in I can't even remember when. Grazed Chiclet across the street for a hour before I rode. Tacked up all good put the girth up in the ring and as soon as I let go of the girth he took off squeezing at a full out gallop. Ok sent him even more then he wanted to go. Went the other way same thing. I played on line for a good 45 mins before I felt he was ready. Got on and crap he was just so bracie it took my whole ride just to get him to focus and relaxe. I got a nice trot both ways and just stopped and went for some grass. I felt like what happened to my horse where is he. I hate this feeling and tomorrow is another day and I'm hopping for a better day with Mr Chicle.

Trying new things

Went to Westport for a 2 hours walk along the slocum river on monday so pretty. Chiclet was perfect the whole time. We were with normal people so I was a little worried but they were awesome. They were very understanding that I needed 15 minutes to play online before we went. Such a beautiful ride I'm so lucky that I got the chance to go.


Today played in the ring for the first time in a week or so. Chiclet was very playful got some good squeels and bucks out. Then got on and played with steady rein that was good. Then I took a break and the inner punk came out in Chiclet. he makes me laugh. All the punk comes out in zone 1 every time he is in a mood. So I gave him all the reins and just galloped around the ring both ways until he wanted to stop. To my surprise he wanted to gallop I only asked for it and he kept going. While he still had steam I took and stab at flying change that didn't happen I wasn't so good at moving his ribs over to get the change but I had a nice counter canter.

Do you want a cookie?

Before I moved to the new barn I started to teach Chicle to lay down. For some reason he doesn't like the footing in the ring for laying down. Well, yesterday he liked it and went down to roll I gave him a cookie as soon as he went down. He rolled 3 more times I think just to get a cookie. He's so funny I love him. Played at liberty a little tried falling leaf at the trot I had good success with it.


Today went to the big field to play it was raining so we moved around the field and ate grass here and there. Beautiful canter going to the right stopped at that and just hung out in the rain.

Punk

Great weather the past week. Yesterday played online a bit I was feeling lazy so put the savvy string around Chiclet's neck and rode bareback and bridless fun fun! I get a little bit of a Chiclet attitude after riding around for a while. Funny thing is he gives me attitude but still tries for me. He could so dumped me off at anytime but he just acts like a punk and tries to bite my foot. Today played at liberty. It was amazing I backed him all the way across the long side of the ring in a straight line and then asked him to trot to me. This girl that was riding couldn't believe it.

Day 2

So day 2 of Laura boot camp! Her emotional fitness was put to the test today. Chiclet pretty much went from very introverted to very extroverted in a blink of an eye. Poor Laura didn't know what to do when that happened. She was happily playing with the left brain introvert and I could see the naughty left brain extrovert starting to show it's face. I helped get back to where we are happy partners again. I'm hopping that Laura understands what happened when she played online. It was very interesting to watch how much Chiclet would give to her for free and how much he would make her really think hard about. He really tested her today and I did have to kick her in the butt to ride. Riding went well just took a lot longer then for her to get what she wanted going to the left. Going to the right she got relaxing and stretching really quick and got a good feel for what it's like to have to horse totally supple and with you back up and using his whole body. It looked awesome! I got on for a few minutes after just to show Laura how it looks from the ground. Chiclet was right there for me as soon as I got on, he really is my horse.

Friend for a weekend.

My dearest friend Laura is visiting me from ME for the weekend. Put her to the challenge as soon as we get to the barn. Chiclet was in the top field with the other horses so I sent Laura out to bring him down with just a carrot stick and some horse treats. To my surprise she came running down from the top field with Chicle following her a few mintutes after I sent her out to get him. ..............................Let Laura play with Chiclet. As soon as we get to the ring Chicle had his tricks lined up for when she played with him. Right away he took off on her tack and line flying. I had to step in just to get him thinking in the right direction. Laura played driving game in zone 5 and that was really good in the end. Laura started to understand follow a feel and it was awesome to see how good my horse is. If you ask the correct way he'll do anything for you.........Riding went really well too. Steady rein just to get the feel of stretching and contact. Ok going to the right by the time she went to the left Chiclet was willing to give a little more so she really got the full feel of a realaxed horse. Good stuff and my horse rocks and i've learned way more then I realized and so has my horse. More fun tomorrow can't wait.

Haltering

I had fun today played and rode. Canter was so good I could have cantered all day. Going to the right he was right with me and soft. Left was soft but very forward. Baby half halt her and there seem to help him use his hind a little more but he was still in front of my leg. I love the halt just breath out and he slams on the brakes. ........................................................... I'm not loving how they take the haters off at the new barn. There is no conversation with the horse they just rip the halters off while the horse is going in their stalls or in the paddock. Most of the horses are punks when taking halters off because of this. I'm just happy that Chiclet is interested in talking to me around halter time. One of the ladies there said to me why is it that your horse is interested in you when your haltering unhaltering? I said because I take the time it takes so it takes less time. Thanks Pat Parelli for that quote.

Good Stuff

Here is some interesting info. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2DjH2haPjkEbHNnd1FTazBUYXU0amlhcDRMQlpWZw/edit

The rath of Chiclet

Chiclet was in a mood yesterday. Brought him in to groom and tack up a few minutes after I brought him in I realized that grooming wasn't going to happen until I play. I put him on the 45 and off to the field we went. Once we got there all Chiclet wanted to do was eat grass. I let him eat a bit then off we go with trotting sideways. Driving in zone 5 all the way around the field with lots of stop backup and sideways. 45 minutes later now I have a horse I can groom and tack up. Rode in the ring for a half hour then went for a walk around the field with another one of the girls at the barn. I was thinking while driving home what would Chiclet be like if he ended up with a normal person. Wonder if he would have really hurt some or someone hurt him. I can see where most people wouldn't understand what to do with him when he's in a bad mood.

Play

Lets see where do i start.....I've been playing at liberty a lot lately. Stick to me game is really good I almost think Chiclet likes it a little to much. He tries to take over if I try something else.  The other day I asked for yoyo and he backed up very nicely but when I ask  for the draw back to me he went sideways backwards put his foot on a stick everything but come back to be. I laughed at him and then backed up myself and he trotted to me.

Last week I went to play with Chiclet and he was napping in the top field with all the other horses. So I just sat beside him for a half hour until he was finished napping. I figured we would just play a little liberty and we did and he was great. One of the boarder came out to the field to talk to me so we trotted over to her and started talking. Chiclet kept trying to move us so I just kept backing him up. After 5 minutes or so he started thinking about leaving I just asked him to stay and he did for a few more minutes then he said your not playing with me I'm leaving. I asked him to came back and he turned and looked at me then walked away. The look he gave me was like Nope I gave you a chance to play with me and your still talking so screw you I'm going to find someone else to play with.

Love him

Oh my goodness my horse is Awesome!!!......played at liberty wednesday afternoon. Did I say my horse is awesome?!....oh yeah I did and he is. Stick to me offered canter stick to me holy crap that was the must he's ever offered to me at liberty. Set up a jump he was the best he jumped it and if we even went close to it he jumped it. I felt like he was taking over a bit but he was offering a lot so I just went with it. Still have trouble with circles and can see where I'm not so good online. I feel like driving is perfect and Chiclet feels that way too because he loves driving game. Circles at liberty are all over the place if I just stand in the middle and have him circle me........but if I just turn with him he stays super close and we connected. Not sure how to fix this yet but love him love him love him!?........................... Today played just a few mins online and then rode. Got on ok we are cantering then galloping just went with it till he wanted to stop and asked him to keep galloping....thought this would be a good time to practice posting at the gallop. Fun fun!!......Chiclet moved his feet and now he's ready to start thinking about relaxing and contact. We did pretty good. Figure 8 canter with simple change... Love life down and almost come to a halt...I have to try and bring life down slower and not as stronge. Love that horse!!!!!!

Hope he's happy

I got to the barn today and Chiclet was off by himself. Whistled to him and he came over to say hi. Did my chores then went in the field to see if we could play at liberty. I walked up to him and he moved right in so I walked away he followed me, some of the horses in the field started moving around making faces at us I used my carrot stick to move them away. Chiclet trotted to catch up when he saw me moving the other horses away. I found a nice dry stop in the corner to play. At first Chiclet was a little pushy with zone 3 I just asked his rids to move and then he had the perfect arch around me. Just played stick to me walk trot and then out to the big field across the street for some grass. I love how happy Chiclet is to see me. I hope he's ok with his new place. Kinda feel bad I took him from his buddies.

Interesting things

I moved Chiclet back to where I was before I started working student for Avery. It will be 2 years ago next week that everything changed for me in so many ways. The funny thing is nothing had changed at the barn I was at. It's all the same people plus a few new people with all the same issues. The good news is I don't have to take care of anyone else's chores just mine. I've played and rode everyday this week the footing in the ring was really slippery the first few days because we had so much rain. Chiclet hates it when he slips. He really shut down the first time I went to play in the ring. Today the footing was perfect and so was he. Offered flying change online and squealed when i played with him. Some times the draw is a bit sticky and other time he offers it right away. He's getting a little picked on by some of the horses in turnout. I'm thinking that they don't ha e real leaders with their humans so they are really nasty in turnout. It seems like the herd is really broken up and Chiclet doesn't know where he fits in. He's not big on moving his feet so he's got bites all over his butt. Poor guy. I'm not sure how long I will stay there but it works for now. There is this weird click at the new barn. They all and when I say all I mean every person in the barn all 9 of them have these strange medal hackamores they ride with. I asked what's the deal and some of the girls said that when they ride with bits they can't get there horse to go forward but when they ride with the funny medal thing there horse goes forward.......hhhhhmmmm interesting huh.

Moving on......

Went to visit a place I used to board Chiclet to see if they have a stall open....I had a falling out with Avery and I just don't have it in me to continue to take care of her horses. She has 3 of her horses at the place I board Chiclet and I take care of them. Someday I'll be able to talk about it but for now I really need to be in a place that she's not......The good news is they are making room for us at the new barn. It's a little bit of a drive but the turnout is great and they feed and turnout in the morning. I don't have to take care of anyone's horses but my own. There is 9 other horses there and they have a 7 acre turnout. It's not 24 hour turnout but that's ok for now. Chiclet will do just fine there. It's been way to cold to play or ride and today Chiclet let me know that he is getting bored....yep he was acting like a silly 2 year old on the way in this afternoon. He makes me laugh I love that horse!

Blue String

Finally passed my level 2. It took 4 years for me to get my crap together and send it in. 4 years ago i passed all but one task on the old level 2 then Parelli changed everything with the levels. I just didn't have it in me to start over again.

Level 2 Freestyle Audition


Level 2 Online Audition

Lazy

I spent a long time grooming today. Chiclet was really dirty and I was thinking now that I'm the head groom at a fancy show barn I should have a clean well groomed horse.....it's a funny thought huh!...my horse likes to be dirty and dirty he will be. Zone 1 was pushy today...not anything new just has not shown it's face lately. Sideways sideways sideway is the fix to the pushy zone 1. Rode just a little in the sand ring then went for a walk. My head wasn't totally in it today.

The very 1st day of th new year

It's been 2 weeks since I rode my pony...i've played him just not ridden. I've been very sick the last few days with some weird cold that makes my eyes very swollen....I was feeling a little bitter today and went to the barn thinking I would play then go from there. Once I got there I have to say I thought ugh I should have come later so I didn't have time before dark to play. I did my chores and opened my trailer to see my new blue string hanging there and it gave me a little push to get my but moving. Groomed played online and a few mins of liberty then got o to ride. Chiclet was a little bit of a punk at first but then he was just where I left him 2 weeks ago.