Leadership

I think it's possible that Scottie's previous refusals to move on the trail were behavioral in the way that I was not spending enough time with him, therefore he didn't really view me as leader.  When we went out with another horse that he did not know, he could not be sure they could lead either.  I've been spending more time with him plus he likes and respects Gem, so taking him out with her encouraged him. Fun ride with an awesome student.  em had a grand time splashing in the water, right near the edge as it was very swelled from all the rain.







Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Updates on Apollo

Ah, there is so much to say!  Not just about Apollo, although there is a whole lot on that category alone!


He is a really great pony and I will be forever grateful to my friend Katie for letting me know about him.  He is not only beautiful to look at, but fun to ride with a canter everyone LOVES!  


He and Gem are in love.  Yes, it was love at first site and it grows stronger every day. :O)


Apollo has been on 5 trail rides in the 5 weeks he's been here.  He is getting more and more comfortable and seems to truly enjoy them.  I rode him on the last 2, just yesterday and Friday.  He was very good.  Went walked over many logs, with some hesitation, but given his past, that is to be expected.  A couple of large logs he popped over, but that was ok too.  I just want him to be comfortable with me, trust me, and enjoy his job.  He has walked past large tractor trailers, dogs running out and barking at him, bikes coming up from behind him, a jogger and other horses.  In fact, that all happened in ONE ride!  I was very proud of him for not getting unglued.


Yesterday was his first ride out with his herd mate, Piero.  Piero is a great trail pony and a wonderful lead trail horse.  We took turns with Apollo being in front and he did an excellent job.  It was very interesting because after about 15 minutes, he got a little tense, lifted his head and started listening and blowing air.  When I allowed Piero in front, it all stopped.  I took that to mean that he had had his fill of being the leader, it was just too much work and he was not comfortable with it anymore.  I anticipate that as he gets to know and trust me he will be fine leading, but if not, that's ok too.


We were able to go into the river and Piero promptly went for a drink.  He began to splash and play, splashing with his hooves and his head.  It was a lot of fun watching his joy.  I had no idea what Apollo would do or if he'd ever even seen the river before.  Well, when Piero came out he went right for it, doing the same things.  He took a drink, put his head in, splashed with his head and then rather violently pawed and splash with each front leg taking turns.  He really wanted to go in deep and I was a little concerned.  He was not responding to my gently trying to coax him out.  For a moment I thought I would have to get down in the river to hand lead him out!  I am fairly certain he will swim when given the opportunity.  


He walked very calmly over at least 10 logs, no popping or jumping over them today.  We came across a really small branch a few inches off the ground while trotting, and he quietly trotted over it.  It was an improvement over the day before, so he clearly is learning!


And it gets even better......he did a flying lead change!  All she did was shift her weight and he did it automatically!







Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Trail Training

When you’re out on the trail, don’t just put your horse on auto-pilot and gab away with friends; use the opportunity to train him. Practice softening and suppling his five body parts by bending him around bushes, practicing serpentines in and out of trees, etc. The more you make the horse move his feet forwards, backwards, left and right, the more he’ll concentrate on you instead of finding something to spook at on the trail.

Loretta
 the natural horseman

 clear communication/visible results

Trail Training

Training Tip of the Week: Prepare for a safe trail ride Monday December 20, 2010

Practicing groundwork with your horse like Lunging for Respect Stage Two before heading out on the trail will ensure that he is using the thinking side of his brain and is ready to listen to you. Remember, the more you make your horse’s feet move forwards, backwards, left and right and reward the slightest try, the more he’ll respect you and the better he’ll listen to you.

from www.downunderhorsemanship.com




Loretta

 the natural horseman

 clear communication/visible results

Listening to my horse

I took Scottie on a trail ride today.  We started with our usual routine of grooming, then ground work.  I got on him in my ring/front pasture. We walked around a bit and then headed out for the trail.  


I opted to take a well known favorite that would take about an hour with time to stop at the river.


After about 20 minutes he stopped.  Simply didn't move forward any more.  Now, he has done this before.  One time he actually cocked a leg. It was as if he was saying, hey, I just need a breather (and we were with a friend then.)  Being alone today, and he hasn't done much since my foot was broken all summer, I assumed it was a 'I really want my friends' kind of stop.  He did not try to turn, spin, or in any way attempt to head back. Those are all things a herd bound horse would do.  So, it did strike me as odd, but I was pretty sure that was the answer.  Onward I pushed, literally, and he gave nothing.   


Eventually we had a chat.  I explained to him that I would kick him if he wouldn't go and that I really did not want to do that.  So, I kicked.  And pushed.  And kicked.  Nothing.  So, I got down.  I figured I would walk him forward a bit, get back on, and once he realized that he had to move forward anyway, he'd be fine.


I found an appropriate sized log to stand on (he's 17.3h) and up I went.  Ok, here we go.  Nope.  He still wasn't moving.  While being hand walked he seemed fine.  Never stopped or even pulled or tugged on me.  Just willingly following me.  Hmmmm.....  I grabbed a stick and whacked him.  He moved about 3 steps and stopped.  I was stumped.  I was not going to haul with all my might on my sensitive friend.  I have a brain and know that is not a good idea.  So, I told him we'd just hang out there together for a while and think about this.  I told him I wanted to know what was going on and that I wanted to have fun with him.  We stood there for about 10 minutes.  Not once did he try to turn around.  All of a sudden a thought popped into my head. (This is typically how my intuition works.)  My thought sounded like Scottie and he was saying, " You said you wanted more warning  if something is wrong.  If you'd stop trying to make me move forward and pay attention and listen, you would know I am trying to tell you something. "  


I took a deep breath, asked him to turn around, and we walked home.  Quietly.  It was not a 'yeah she's letting me go home' walk like Shadow would've done.  It was just Scottie walking. 


For those of you reading this that do not know, about 1 1/2 years ago I was on a trail ride with Scottie and a friend when he suddenly, without any warning (or so it seemed) bucked and flung me into the air.  I was catapulted up and over, landing head first. Broke my ankle, which I am so grateful for because landing on my head scared the crap out of me.  After that we had many conversations about how and why this happened.  Turned out his back was very sore from a previous spill he took on a trail.  I asked him to make sure and tell me 'louder' next time he had a problem.  I asked him to make sure I understood so this never happened again.


I felt ashamed as we walked home.  Why did it take so long for me to figure out?  My first thoughts were of a negative nature.  That he was doing something wrong and I could not let him win by turning around.  I had tears in my eyes as I apologized to him.  I think at that moment he was feeling that humans are a bit slow.  I am sure there are many horsey folk who would say I did the wrong thing.  You know, I don't care.  I am safe.  He is too.  I'll get the chiropractor back out, and we'll go from there.  I'd rather be alive and wrong than dead or injured and right.



Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Getting to know Gemstone

Wow.  That really sums it up.  Just WOW.  Gemmy is so much more than I ever hoped for her to be.  I don't even know where begin.  Here goes:


She is sweet and polite.  Not like any other mare I have known.  She comes to you when she sees you to say hello.  


She stands to be groomed and for the farrier, very still, sometimes we don't even tie her.  She loves being groomed and usually falls asleep!  


She is a safe mount for beginners to learn on.  In fact, I would have to say I trust her explicitly.  Perhaps more than any of my other horses.  (Scottie does not read my blog-usually.)  In fact, a student of mine is turning 7.  She rides Piero, but as a little birthday treat I let her ride Gemmy.  Advanced students and riders can have fun with her.  She is learning about our ground work and has a lovely canter.  She remembers her dressage training when at the end of the lesson she heads to the center of the ring, tucks her head in and halts. :)


Now, here's where I'll ramble on forever.  The TRAILS.  She's been out 4 times.  The 1st time we went out with Gus and she was great.  She led the ride and didn't question anything.  She crossed a new bridge that I had never been across.  Honestly, I didn't quite know what to expect.  After all, she'd been in a pasture and not really used at all for a year or more.  She is 17 and has had 5 babies.  There was a good chance she'd be a little sour, just wanting to stay on permanent vacation.


Ok, back to the trails.  The ONLY thing she did 'wrong' was when asked to stand still she gets very antsy, and then, dare I say it, she reared.  Oh well, I'll nip that in the bud-everything else is near perfect as can be.


The next two times I took her out alone.  She kept looking back toward home, a very normal reaction when a horse is by herself.  Again, she displayed exemplary skill and trust.  She crossed creeks, went up hill, carried her weight behind going down hill (yeah!) and even galloped on the path toward home.  The second day was a repeat, so as we trotted up to a small log I said, "Ok, Gemmy, now's the time to show me how you feel about jumping."  I got in 2 point ahead of the jump, (not knowing what she would offer me), and she jumped over it beautifully.  Now, it was small enough to trot over, but she jumped it.  Not a big over jumping to the moon, just a nice little jump.  I think the smile on my face went clear into the next day!


Yesterday we went out again, this time with Austin.  We took a path that I don't go on often, too many low branches and debris for Scottie to fit around, under and through.  She did not hesitate the least.  Just went where I asked like she'd been there a million times.  Several logs on the path to jump and when she'd spot them, I could feel her excitemenet and she was saying, oh, please can we jump that one?   Now if that weren't enough, here's the best part.  There is a nasty revine type ditch/creek.  Steep slope down and then back up the other side.  I was hesitant.  I tried it once before and hated it.  I said what the heck, let's go for it.  So, as I was reminding myself (outloud) to keep my EYES and HEAD up and looking straight ahead, Gem proceeded down.  We were sliding, it had just rained.  Not the best time for this, but, what a great, great test of not only her ability, but her willingness, her intelligence on what to do with her feet, her trust in me, I could just go on.  My dear friend was so happy too.  She said, "Wow Gem!  I have a new respect for you girlfriend!"


She is happily teaching some beginner adults how to ride.  She is also working with a couple of ladies that are interested in learning ground work, and having that really special, spiritual type of connection.  Gem seems to really enjoy that.


I can not thank Rebecca and her mom enough for entrusting this sweet lady with me.  I am honored to have her in my life, and so is everyone she meets.  I tell her hello for you guys all the time and give her hugs, kisses, and of course, peppermints!
















Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Riding on wet trails

As the snow melts away please avoid riding on wet trails. Riding on wet trails can damage them. The hoof prints left behind collect water accelerate erosion. While we all can't wait for better weather and the chance to ride the trails again, a little consideration now will be appreciated by your fellow trail riders, hikers and the parks who work to maintain the trails. --Brian

Right now - even though the temps have been climbing into a comfortable range - there is snow pack - below the snow is ice (usually) and below the ice is mud....while the horses are totally capable of walking through this type of terrain, and the weather is tempting - please stay off the trails until the conditions improve - your fellow riders will thank you - as will those precious tendons on the bottom of your horses legs!

Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Piero's training

I can not say enough about this little guy. Don't let his size fool you, he is the COMPLETE package!

He takes the beginner children around on the lead rope, then makes them feel really great when I take them off the lead. He simply follows me everywhere I go. They all get a kick out of that. The older, more experienced riders really enjoy how easily maneuverable he is. Just turn your head and look where you want to go, and he's off. Just a push with your seat and he walks on. Simply stop riding, and he halts. The students that are trotting are also having a blast with him. He is extremely reliable and hard working. He just loves his job!

He's been out on the trails now several times. I took him out for a long trail ride myself and was very impressed, as were my trail riding buddies. He crossed every creek, drank from the river, went in the water, carried himself downhill wonderfully, and seems to pick his footing very carefully and wisely.

My 12 yr old daughter has ridden him a few times out on the trails now, and I led a student (for the first time) on a short trail loop.

Let me know if you are interested in learning how to trail ride and we can set up a time to get you out there!




Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Piero's first trail ride!

I've only ridden twice since my fall in April. Both were very short rides on Astro. So, I'm feeling better and decided Piero needed work and this was as good a time as any. Then, to add to that I figured, what the heck, I might as well go for it. I'm feelig pretty good and I eventually need to see what he is like wiht a real rider not in a ring setting.

I mounted him outside of my ring and preceeded to the front yard. I was nervous and he knew it. I was taking very deep breaths and sitting very deeply. I could sense that he was excited, and feeling my nervousness. Several times I sensed him thinking about bucking. Now I actually mean thinking about it. He did not kick out. He did not stop moving forward. I just felt him, well, think about it. I wonder if it's my intuition at play, or if it's some sense I've gained as a rider within my seat. Perhaps it is both. I guess it doesn't matter what IT is, as long as I pay attention to IT, and IT is correct! LOL

I pretended as if I had a ring there and rode around for several minutes like this. A horse and neighbor, Susan & Mo, rode by and invited us to come along for a short walk down the road.

Piero was EXCEPTIONAL. He just looked ahead and walked forward. Please note, this pony has never been on this road before. Never walked down this path, never into these trails. None, nada, nilch. Didn't even turn his head looking out of each eye, side to side. Susan could see his eyes moving, but his head was dead pointing straight ahead.

We took a short loop, in and out. We led and Piero kept a very forward, steady pace. Even walking faster than his new friend, and Irish Sport Horse. Oh, Piero is only 12.2 hands, all a registered Dartmoor can be.

We came home safe and sound which was the plan. And very happy I might add. Now I know I have a great little show pony who is also a great little trail pony, not to mention he is as CUTE as can be.


Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

My Introduction to True Natural Horsemanship Part 2

In part one I told you about purchasing Scottie, and how great everything was in the beginning. Until one day it seemed, that everything just fell apart. There I was in my field, watching my horse run around with his custom made bridle dragging beneath him. Of course that scared the pants off of him. In an effort to 'get away' from the evil reins that were trying to eat him, he thought it would be a good idea to jump over the fence into the neighbor's pasture. That didn't go so well for him. He had not ever jumped 4.5 feet, and proceeded to crash through the fence, my neighbor's fence. Oh boy. Now I was really freaking out.

Scottie came out of that with only a scrape on his inner thigh. Thank God.




When I finally stopped crying, I realized I desperately needed help. So my quest for a trainer began. We went through a few trainers before we found the right match for us. All were some sort of natural horsemanship trainer, but we found that a few styles were too harsh, and there were also a few that were just not enough. We ended up working with Page Turner, a certified Frank Bell trainer. Page seemed to think that a series of events caused Scottie's mental meltdown. It probably began with the fact that he had never left home, or his mother before. He was rarely used, and now here I was riding him 3-4 days every week. Add to that the fact his previous owner had him in a rope halter, and I did not.

Apparently another big mistake I was making was letting him decide what gate to be in on the trails. Initially I couldn't understand why that was a big deal. If it was safe and my previous horse picked up a trot, well then, we trotted. No biggee, right? Wrong. At least for Scottie. Over time, to him, this meant he had control. After all, he was making decisions. These seemingly little subtleties had completely changed my new horse.

Page and I decided to start from the beginning. We pretended as if he had never been broken. I will tell you the next part of the story tomorrow.

Loretta

p.s. Interested in Scottie's version of this story? Watch for it in future posts!

Clear Communication
Visible Results

Astro learns to pass scary trail exit

Yesterday, my friend Sean and I had a quite a nice ride. Very sunny, blue sky day in Northern VA. I rode my 4 yr old pony, Astro. (When I find my camera cable I will post pics of him.)

There is a trailhead that has large amounts of sticks lining the sides. In addition there are several boulders, and the passage through them is quite narrow. There is also a yellow gate where county vehicles pass. Astro has always shied away from this area. I kept meaning to hand walk him down there, but hadn't yet gotten around to it. Yesterday, Astro walked right through it like he'd done it hundreds of times. YEAH!

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