Maximus
Well, OK... 1/2 Norse. He's a Quarter Horse/Norwegian Fjord cross.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Well Hell
I have NO idea what is happening but I'm forced to confront an issue that has come up.
I am crazy about this fun-loving, inquisitive beast. I do not want to 'break out of him' what makes him him. I want a willing, eager partner. He's always been sluggish. The lightest tap of a spur will having him forward. If only I could wear spurs every time I ride. Without them, our communication is immediately one-sided. That said, the trot is his happy gait. Once there, I never have to ask for any more. He'll give this gorgeous, yummy, consistent pace until he runs out of steam, which we discovered tonight was at about 30 mins. Then NO amount of asking will get any more give until he's rested up for a bit. But all this makes me chuckle, despite how annoying it can be in the moment.
The real issue that concerns me is his growing aversion to head gear of any kind. I have to wonder if my general impression of his lack of sensitivity in the above activities hasn't caused me to be less empathetic about handling his face. I'm sure it's not a bit issue as he doesn't fuss once tacked up, other than his 3 minute sulk with his nose in the dirt. He's not as bad for haltering, but every time he sees the bridle, Ugly Face appears and evasion begins. I actually have to back him into an obstacle and block him from bouncing his head off mine in his tactics.
I had limited success one time in creating yummy lovey low snuggly time and being super gentle. (I could not create this today.) Once our ride was over, during untacking he tossed the entire bridle 10 feet away in the sand. In fact, Ugly Face reappears once I reach for the buckle on the cheek strap. I even clipped a bridle path, recalling that my mare of once-up-a-time had issues with mane 'bunching' at the top of the bridle.
I'm considering getting him assessed by a chiro. Haven't done it yet and there are other indicators that crease my brow, such as rounded toes on the hinds and frequent urination. These have been present since I got him - I know... shame on me for no vet check. Being a recreational rider, I don't need the most supreme example of conformational perfection. I just need a sound buddy.
I may try the path to his tummy first, as this approach was so successful with trailer loading. Honey on the bit can be messy, but it might be worth it.
I am crazy about this fun-loving, inquisitive beast. I do not want to 'break out of him' what makes him him. I want a willing, eager partner. He's always been sluggish. The lightest tap of a spur will having him forward. If only I could wear spurs every time I ride. Without them, our communication is immediately one-sided. That said, the trot is his happy gait. Once there, I never have to ask for any more. He'll give this gorgeous, yummy, consistent pace until he runs out of steam, which we discovered tonight was at about 30 mins. Then NO amount of asking will get any more give until he's rested up for a bit. But all this makes me chuckle, despite how annoying it can be in the moment.
The real issue that concerns me is his growing aversion to head gear of any kind. I have to wonder if my general impression of his lack of sensitivity in the above activities hasn't caused me to be less empathetic about handling his face. I'm sure it's not a bit issue as he doesn't fuss once tacked up, other than his 3 minute sulk with his nose in the dirt. He's not as bad for haltering, but every time he sees the bridle, Ugly Face appears and evasion begins. I actually have to back him into an obstacle and block him from bouncing his head off mine in his tactics.
I had limited success one time in creating yummy lovey low snuggly time and being super gentle. (I could not create this today.) Once our ride was over, during untacking he tossed the entire bridle 10 feet away in the sand. In fact, Ugly Face reappears once I reach for the buckle on the cheek strap. I even clipped a bridle path, recalling that my mare of once-up-a-time had issues with mane 'bunching' at the top of the bridle.
I'm considering getting him assessed by a chiro. Haven't done it yet and there are other indicators that crease my brow, such as rounded toes on the hinds and frequent urination. These have been present since I got him - I know... shame on me for no vet check. Being a recreational rider, I don't need the most supreme example of conformational perfection. I just need a sound buddy.
I may try the path to his tummy first, as this approach was so successful with trailer loading. Honey on the bit can be messy, but it might be worth it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tete a Tete
Not a whole lot of saddle work this past Wednesday. We focused more on our invisible connection with some follow-me-at-liberty work. Unfortunately, right when I went to collect him from the pasture he made it clear that he did NOT want to play with me. He maintained his grouchy face throughout the day. He was good enough to humour me on the follow-me game, but made it entirely clear he was doing so under extreme duress. ha!
There were two other horses playing the same game with their riders in the arena at the time. I removed the halter and just draped the lead rope around his neck/withers. We went over and around all kinds of obstacles, including around the other horses. The goal was to have his head at my shoulder the entire time, by free will. I had to slip my hand onto his outside cheek quite a bit, especially when his friend May was walking by, but we did not too shabby. If only I could have pried his ears from laying flat on his neck!
The next day, he met me at the gate with his usual playful demeanour. Defintely had an off day. Save those for any day but Wednesdays, buddy!
Oh and I forgot my camera. pffft.
There were two other horses playing the same game with their riders in the arena at the time. I removed the halter and just draped the lead rope around his neck/withers. We went over and around all kinds of obstacles, including around the other horses. The goal was to have his head at my shoulder the entire time, by free will. I had to slip my hand onto his outside cheek quite a bit, especially when his friend May was walking by, but we did not too shabby. If only I could have pried his ears from laying flat on his neck!
The next day, he met me at the gate with his usual playful demeanour. Defintely had an off day. Save those for any day but Wednesdays, buddy!
Oh and I forgot my camera. pffft.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Reinin' in the Freight Train
Had a FABULOUS time last Wednesday. Started out by trying on a new Christmas gift - a sexy black cooler purchased via gift card, compliments of my brother. Whaaa...? The first time EVER a member of my oh-so-non-horsey family has set foot inside a true horsey store. This thing is made of some modern super-wicking material and comes with all the strappings. I chose a no-neck model for my fuzzy "sweater" and I must say he does look like quite the dapper breyer model in his new wardrobe. I'll remember my camera this week, I almost promise.
I got the chance to really try out the new threads, too. Hand-walked him down for 15 minutes or so after our ride with it on. When I pulled it off to let him roll (THE best reward for this guy after a solid ride), he was easily 90% dry. Chillin tied up in the arena during lunch accomplished the rest of the task.
Starting with a modeling session was a great groundwork exercise. Don't know if he'd ever worn such a thing, but he took to it like a good little curious puppy. Next came the hulla hoop. Swung it all around him, put it over his head and lunged him at the trot. Dropped it off every side of him and had him stand in it with every foot (not at once). His first response when I dropped it on the ground in front of him was to pick it up in his mouth and flop it up and down with his lips. Pretty classic Maximus.
Once mounted up we did some steady follow-the-leader at the trot. Max is always up for some of that. Set the pace and just march it out. He's got great rhythm. He has typically been the leader and took some work to maintain as a polite follower. He's got racing brain from our trail rides with Old Man Competative Bill.
Next was some canter work (finally!). I failed to mention that I chose to ride with my glorious little orange crop for the first time. Spurs are difficult to fit to Sorrels and riding without them, I've been very disappointed to see serious regression in his response to leg cues. Rather than repeat our typical 300 foot mad-dash-before-departure, upon my first ask I gave a solid crack to the rump (a loud but harmless startle effect). And we were OFF! And I mean off. Let him get a few strides out before asking him to come back and tried it again and again. Not once did I need to use the orange stick again, in fact. He still runs into it a stride, but I think it's more about confidence. Our very last try was much more elegant and controlled.
...Interesting to note that when I once lost my centre of balance for a moment, he too had to scramble a bit. Have to be more diligent about helping him out! Babies... too cute!
I got the chance to really try out the new threads, too. Hand-walked him down for 15 minutes or so after our ride with it on. When I pulled it off to let him roll (THE best reward for this guy after a solid ride), he was easily 90% dry. Chillin tied up in the arena during lunch accomplished the rest of the task.
Starting with a modeling session was a great groundwork exercise. Don't know if he'd ever worn such a thing, but he took to it like a good little curious puppy. Next came the hulla hoop. Swung it all around him, put it over his head and lunged him at the trot. Dropped it off every side of him and had him stand in it with every foot (not at once). His first response when I dropped it on the ground in front of him was to pick it up in his mouth and flop it up and down with his lips. Pretty classic Maximus.
Once mounted up we did some steady follow-the-leader at the trot. Max is always up for some of that. Set the pace and just march it out. He's got great rhythm. He has typically been the leader and took some work to maintain as a polite follower. He's got racing brain from our trail rides with Old Man Competative Bill.
Next was some canter work (finally!). I failed to mention that I chose to ride with my glorious little orange crop for the first time. Spurs are difficult to fit to Sorrels and riding without them, I've been very disappointed to see serious regression in his response to leg cues. Rather than repeat our typical 300 foot mad-dash-before-departure, upon my first ask I gave a solid crack to the rump (a loud but harmless startle effect). And we were OFF! And I mean off. Let him get a few strides out before asking him to come back and tried it again and again. Not once did I need to use the orange stick again, in fact. He still runs into it a stride, but I think it's more about confidence. Our very last try was much more elegant and controlled.
...Interesting to note that when I once lost my centre of balance for a moment, he too had to scramble a bit. Have to be more diligent about helping him out! Babies... too cute!
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