No, Mick did not get his chance at this -yet. Besides who would want to shame themselves next to this big handsome boy! But...that is my excuse for having been too busy to write this blog and sadly, be away from my own , dear horses. Oh, I saw them and cared for them everyday but training has been nil as I helped my son and another amazing Pony Clubber get ready for a regional Pony Club rally. I also coached the "D's" in their preparation for Dressage Rally and will be there arena side for them on Saturday. "Here we come, Buckeye Horsepark"! If all goes well, it will then be "Here we come Kentucky Horsepark"!
A remark was made that the two oldest riders were currently riding horses that look very much alike and wouldn't it be nice if they rode a Pas de Deux?
Oh my!
I had attended a seminar at Ohio Equine Affaire a couple of years ago in which Stefen Peters introduced the concept behind musical freestyle . Also, I studied Anky's approach to the same . Putting the Pas de Deux together became MY PROJECT! Everyone loved the idea except my son who is one of those two oldest riders. One should never coach ones child -especially if it is a boy and especially if it is a musical freestyle.
Oh my!
I selected Gene Kelly's "Singin In the Rain". The tempo was correct for their trot and it was the proper length.
I took to timing the horses doing certain moves (Training Level only) and piecing together choreography. Easier said than done. With the help of free music editing software I was able to download I was able to mix in the sound of rain and thunder. Their final salute will time just perfectly with a thunder clap! I have never done anything remotely like this and their were plenty of aggravating moments. In the end, it has been fun and I hope they can have fun when they do their final ride. The best thing about it is as long as they can "fake it" no one will ever know. Along with this I have coached them in their mandatory rides. I could have used another week of COOPERATION but I suppose that is the nature of the beast!
At about 1530 on Saturday June 25th they will head down centerline with yellow polo wraps, yellow saddle pads, yellow polo shirts and the most delightful yellow fisherman rain hats!
Fingers crossed!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Better Weather Bringing Better training
Ok-so it is not so hot. For about ten days it was unseasonably hot. Mick and his pals came running to the barn when I got home from work in the morning."Let us In"! it seems that Percherons and Haflingers hate the sun and most of all the huge amount of flies that have been enjoying a hot, wet spring.
Finally, Sunday we got to have a lunge. Mick is so much more forward than his Haflinger pals. Very sensitive and attentive but not nosy and unfocused like the Arab. I lunge him in a rope halter. Yep. It really works well. They don't make Cavessons in his size (HUGE). having used all of the above, I feel I am equally as effective with this, properly positioned as I would be with the finest European made cavesson. My biggest problem is that the only flat spot I have is fairly small. It is fine for walk trot but to push a big horse into a canter, I really need more space.
I had a round pen up last year (which I really need to canter him) but my family would not let me put it anywhere but in the pasture. It was a rough spot (the ground)and the horses were rubbing against the gates and tearing it up so down it came :-(((( ! OH...for an indoor!!!
So sad when genius is suppressed!
Mick and I do th ebest we can. Since I cannot risk riding him (too tall) at this time. We do ground work and perhaps we can learn to do some fancy stuff. Horsemanship is not just about riding.
At least that is what Mick and I think!
Finally, Sunday we got to have a lunge. Mick is so much more forward than his Haflinger pals. Very sensitive and attentive but not nosy and unfocused like the Arab. I lunge him in a rope halter. Yep. It really works well. They don't make Cavessons in his size (HUGE). having used all of the above, I feel I am equally as effective with this, properly positioned as I would be with the finest European made cavesson. My biggest problem is that the only flat spot I have is fairly small. It is fine for walk trot but to push a big horse into a canter, I really need more space.
I had a round pen up last year (which I really need to canter him) but my family would not let me put it anywhere but in the pasture. It was a rough spot (the ground)and the horses were rubbing against the gates and tearing it up so down it came :-(((( ! OH...for an indoor!!!
So sad when genius is suppressed!
Mick and I do th ebest we can. Since I cannot risk riding him (too tall) at this time. We do ground work and perhaps we can learn to do some fancy stuff. Horsemanship is not just about riding.
At least that is what Mick and I think!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle
Hello everyone!
I am so sorry I have been "away". A late winter, VERY wet conditions and now sudden above 90degree F heat has really put a damper on our equine activities. Mick was spared the bad feet but my time was consumed with other horses that had a variety of hoof ailments. We went from abscess, Thrush, mild strains and sprains. It was awful Now we have flies the size of prehistoric birds.
I would like to take a few minutes to talk about Mick and bits. As big as he is, he is a big baby. he really panics when a bit is applied.
First , let me point out that I do not believe a horse should be stopped by pulling on their mouth. Use your balance, your seat. Please. That being said, the plan does not work when one is DRIVING the horse. By accident I found that a good rope halter meant something to Mick. Nose pressure sent a message that he could understand without being fearful or resistant. So, Clinton Anderson's rope halter-draft size-became our friend. I honestly feel that this serves us as well as the best cavesson (providing they came in his size) for ground work.
With this in mind, I went on an internet pilgrimage and found information on bitless bridles. I found I could by them on Ebay. Stupid me went with the less expensive on. Wrong. The design is not the same ans does not work the same way a Dr. Cooks does. So there was a waste of money. Let me save you some. Finally, I had some spare cash and I happened to be at the Ohio Equine Affaire where I stopped at the Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle Booth (say that real fast). Without hesitation, I bought Mick the "BB".
I could hardly wait to get it home and try it. I had to wait two days but we then had our first lunge lesson and ground driving. he was right on! he was able to concentrate and connect. I was very pleased with the outcome. I bought another for my smaller horses and they do well with it as well. I am going to try it on a friends horse that is always dropping her head and banging herself in the mouth.
There is a lot of good literature on www.bitlessbridle.com. You will really wonder why you use a bit! Unfortunately, You cannot ride every show, every discipline with a BB due to governing rules. Check out the rules for your discipline before you show up at a show with only a BB. Go ahead and school with it though! You and your horse will be happier!
As a side noteEnglish Leather Headstall-Bitless Bridle
, I had to get the biothane for Mick as that was the only material the draft bridles are made of. I was a little concerned but I really like it. Very pliable and durable, So easy to clean and maintain. I like it so much, the smaller one was purchased in biothane.
Mick and I, another milestone!
I am so sorry I have been "away". A late winter, VERY wet conditions and now sudden above 90degree F heat has really put a damper on our equine activities. Mick was spared the bad feet but my time was consumed with other horses that had a variety of hoof ailments. We went from abscess, Thrush, mild strains and sprains. It was awful Now we have flies the size of prehistoric birds.
I would like to take a few minutes to talk about Mick and bits. As big as he is, he is a big baby. he really panics when a bit is applied.
First , let me point out that I do not believe a horse should be stopped by pulling on their mouth. Use your balance, your seat. Please. That being said, the plan does not work when one is DRIVING the horse. By accident I found that a good rope halter meant something to Mick. Nose pressure sent a message that he could understand without being fearful or resistant. So, Clinton Anderson's rope halter-draft size-became our friend. I honestly feel that this serves us as well as the best cavesson (providing they came in his size) for ground work.
With this in mind, I went on an internet pilgrimage and found information on bitless bridles. I found I could by them on Ebay. Stupid me went with the less expensive on. Wrong. The design is not the same ans does not work the same way a Dr. Cooks does. So there was a waste of money. Let me save you some. Finally, I had some spare cash and I happened to be at the Ohio Equine Affaire where I stopped at the Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle Booth (say that real fast). Without hesitation, I bought Mick the "BB".
I could hardly wait to get it home and try it. I had to wait two days but we then had our first lunge lesson and ground driving. he was right on! he was able to concentrate and connect. I was very pleased with the outcome. I bought another for my smaller horses and they do well with it as well. I am going to try it on a friends horse that is always dropping her head and banging herself in the mouth.
There is a lot of good literature on www.bitlessbridle.com. You will really wonder why you use a bit! Unfortunately, You cannot ride every show, every discipline with a BB due to governing rules. Check out the rules for your discipline before you show up at a show with only a BB. Go ahead and school with it though! You and your horse will be happier!
As a side noteEnglish Leather Headstall-Bitless Bridle
, I had to get the biothane for Mick as that was the only material the draft bridles are made of. I was a little concerned but I really like it. Very pliable and durable, So easy to clean and maintain. I like it so much, the smaller one was purchased in biothane.Mick and I, another milestone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)