The Joy of Riding. Found.

Just checked to see that the preceding post was actually the last post written.  Have been riding consistently but not writing it up.  Not that there's anything to write about.  We've been riding the hills, discovering new tracks or making old tracks rideable again ( have the bruises to prove it, earned by breaking through lantana bushes). 

Looked through the collection of Parelli CDs mailed to me and realized I haven't looked at about 5 of them.  Yes, the gloss has gone off the Parelli method.  Nothing wrong with it but lack of motivation from me.  I'm riding again and enjoying the riding,  Part of that enjoyment is because we're not training.  I became so focussed on improving whatever we were working on whether it was getting fit for endurance, being on the bit for dressage  or finally the Parelli method that it wasn't fun anymore.

Having a goal is nice but when I rode as a kid it was the joy of riding that satisfied.  Just being on a horse's back, being carried by these magnificent creatures was enough.  Somehow I lost that with adulthood.  I shed tears of frustration,  fought back anger and beat myself up all for the sake of training, all for the *love* of horses. 

Something is dreadfully wrong with that picture.  Now I ride and if Balthazar gets a bit above himself, I bail.  I have a few tools in my toolbox and 40 years of riding to help overcome problems but not being in training has solved the problems.  In fact there is no problem.  I'm laughing again when I ride.  Singing too (Balthazar doesn't mind).  It's fun again and it hasn't been fun for years.  I look forward to riding rather than dreading yet another confrontation and/or failed session. 

That's important enough to repeat.  I look forward to riding again.  It's not a slog, it's not a lesson, it's not something to be got through, it's not a clash of personalities, it's not an illustration of how much a failure I am as a human being, much less a horseperson.  I don't care if he tracks straight or not.  I don't care if he's bent like a banana to the left (hollow left, stiff right), I don't care if he doesn't always pick up the correct  lead.  I do care that he stops and goes when asked.  I do care that he doesn't run away when he sees me coming with the halter.  I do care that he has the fitness to roam these hills comfortably.  I do care that he, despite being a thoroughbred, has enough nimbleness of foot to be surefooted on rocky trails.  I do care that stopping while he has a pick and I soak up Nature is a common and happy occurrence. 

I'm grateful to Parelli (and Peter) for getting me riding again but I don't think I'll renew my membership.  I have no desire to get to level 4 (or level 2 for that matter!), to ride bareback and bridleless or to get Balthazar working at liberty.  It'd be nice to have that result but I'd rather just hang out with him.  And isn't that what the love of horses is all about?  I lost it and now I've found it again. 

Yesterday rode for 25 minutes in the arena.  Worked on keeping him relaxed at the same time as requesting timely departs and halts. 

I am feeling my way.  Haven't yet looked at a Linda post about getting a connection with your horse.  Did read that despite a horse doing the 7 games well it's more a going through the motions.  The horse could still be focussed on the other horses or submitting because we've trained them to submit but without a connection.  That's been my *problem* all along.  Horses are smart.  They'll do what needs to be done to get you to leave them alone - but is that what I want from our relationship?  Balthazar submitting with no joy. 

I occasionally get Balthazar from the paddock and take him for pick only, no work.  But it's not every other day or anything like that.  He must know when I'm coming to get him it means work.  Still, like this morning, he usually gives a bit of a nicker (only for the carrot probably) and takes a step toward me.  That's fine by me.  Better than bolting in the opposite direction.

Today we went up Joe's Mountain.  I dismounted and walked up so I wouldn't collect the huge spiders which make their web across the track.  It's such a steep track with *jumps* of rock it wouldn't be fair, mid jump so to speak, to ask Balthazar to halt while I try and avoid one of those huge webs.  Once we cleared the top I mounted up and we explored the newly bulldozed tracks.  Much more relaxed about things.  Me, I mean.  I'm much more relaxed.  So he wants to smell some manure or lick some reddish clay (wonder what trace mineral he's getting from that?  Freya used to have a penchant for licking red clay too, so much so that she looked as though she was wearing badly applied lipstick), I don't have a problem with that - as long as he doesn't do it all the time.  If I feel he's taking liberties I push him on.  He breaks into a trot, that's okay as long as he comes back when asked. 

One of the tracks not cleared by the bulldozer follows the fenceline halfway up the mountain.  It girdles the mountain like a belt around a fat man's belly.   It's can be challenging as the path is very narrow, only a goat track and on the eastern side it falls away sharply so that one misstep could bring us tumbling down. 

It was so overgrown with lantana that I got off and broke branches to clear the way.  Balthazar was a star.  He waited patiently or walked forward when asked without crowding - and it was a tight squeeze for him.  I was very proud of him and proud to call him friend.  That quiet acceptance of being out with me, not fretting for the others, fretting to do something other than be where he was.

On the way down that steep track, again dismounted, I asked him to walk behind me.  There are places where he could walk beside me which he tried to do but if he did that then I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the spiders because I'd be trying to guide him down the safest track.  So I asked, just once, for him to follow rather than walk beside.  And he did.

It was such a lovely quiet uneventful ride.  Felt more like two friends out enjoying a Sunday stroll.  Despite the strolling he is getting a bit fitter, losing some grass belly, not that he had much, and coping better with the up and down geography of the terrain. 

Hardly worth writing here as I'm doing no Parelli stuff at all, only riding.  I waver between being inspired and working with the exercises and not giving a stuff and just getting out there and enjoying the riding.  Have ridden most of my life without benefit of Parelli  so it's not as though I'm lost without it.  Anyway. 

Today we finally went up Wayne's Mountain.  The land has been sold so wanted to explore it before it changed hands.  The new owners (have met them) will probably allow me to ride their land but it's never the same - like tromping through someone's living room at will. 

At any rate, I dismounted and walked beside him.  It was a  long steep climb and as Balthazar isn't fit (and he was already puffing) it didn't seem fair to ask him to slog up this never ending hill with me on his back. 

It was brigalow country.  We followed the outside curve of the mountain then tacked into trees and rocks and no grasses.  Long inviting views on a level with other mountains.  Felt very far away from civilization.  Nice time with Balthazar.   Don't know whether he appreciated me walking with him rather than riding him. 

Rode along a fenceline on an animal track.  No cattle are in this paddock so it was more a wallaby track we followed.  As it narrowed and the bush closed in we had no choice but to turn around.  Dismounted for the descent.  That was the only time my treeless saddle has been less than perfect.  Could've used a crupper as it started to slide over his withers.  Because the track was slippery with loose gravel it was easier to walk down beside him.  As it was, even on this cold day, he was completely soaked with sweat.  Gave him a hose and a flake of lucerne.  Will give him tomorrow off.  Was a pretty big day for him.

Didn't ride for 10 days as I *did* my back.  Rode yesterday and today.  Easing both of us back into it.  Now that he's shod want to get us fit.  Yesterday rode partly up Wayne's Mountain.  Balthazar, poor boy, had that foamy sweat afterwards.  Today, as we've had some rain and the road has a tiny bit of 'give' in it, we walked/trotted to Jackson's Yards and back.  More rain today so more road work tomorrow.  As this rain is unusual for this time of year it won't be long before any trot or canter work can only be done in the arena so while there is the opportunity I intend to take advantage of it.  Otherwise the road is too hard and too concussive.

Saw Peter the other day.  He's going to work with Rebel, hopefully ride him and get him fit too.  Peter has great but somewhat arduous tracks around his property.  Would be lovely to explore them but unfair to do so on unfit horses.  Would like to have Balthazar fit enough to float him over to Spinach Creek and  ride up and meet Peter, do the exploratory ride then return to the float and home.  I've got the tracks here to accomplish that level of fitness. 

Also just need consistent bum time in saddle.  He's alternately antsy (he had a huge spook and spin at some twittery birds in the bushes today) or lazy.  Know from my endurance training days that alot of what's perceived as *wrong* with a horse stems from not spending enough time riding them.  As they get used to being out and about, and none of that out and about time is a big deal, they settle down and become terrific companions. 

Have ridden 4 or 5 times without writing.  Had a really terrible session.  One of the worst feelings to have is shame and after that session I was ashamed of myself.  I lost my temper.  I became hard and predatory and mean.  All because Balthazar would not full pass, under saddle, from left to right, over a witches hat.  Online he would do it, under saddle he'd go backwards or into my left leg instead of yielding away from it.  I got up him in a big way.  He did it finally but he was stressed and afraid.  The very worst elements of me had control.  Me, the part of me I try and cultivate and live by, was subsumed by this impatient, hard and vengeful monster.  Awful awful day.

I waited a day and then had another go.  The humbling thing about horses is that although they remember they always forgive.  Balthazar didn't trust me and why should he?  I had proven myself untrustworthy but it didn't take long before we were back where we had been.  I was very careful, very quiet, very patient and very humbled by him.  Under saddle when he wanted to go backwards I let him.  I even encouraged him (but not in a mean way - the residue of shame, so acidic and painful was still with me).  It worked however.  Balthazar went backwards 10 or 12 steps quite willingly the first time, not so willingly the second time and with head tossing the third time even though he backed with impulsion.  I'd figured him out.  He gave up and went over the witches hat quite readily and has done so a couple of times since. 

Got him shod on Monday and took him out yesterday.  We did the loop through Leroy's, down a portion of Beutel's Rd and back through the paddock.  Unfortunately the track along the fence in the paddock was blocked by a fallen tree.  There was no way to continue, if I didn't want to retrace our steps, but to bush bash through mats of lantana, much of it higher than my head, up a steep hill with Balthazar in tow. 

What a horse.  I had to stop on these steep slopes and break branches so we could get through.  He didn't panic at the close confines (a cougar could've been lurking in the bush, how was he to know?) and didn't climb on top of me either.  We made it through and home without incident.  I was very proud of him even though he was really up on his toes because of the new route.  Will have to do it often enough to a) make it old hat so that he can be relaxed and b) make a good path through the lantana. 

I made him walk the whole way because he was so up and excitable.  Didn't have to fight him to restrain him, just ask and keep my butt and breathing relaxed.  It wouldn't have taken much for him to go over the top which was why I wanted him to stay calm.  The interesting thing I noticed with all this slow hill work was the accentuation of the muscles behind the saddle.  Very impressive.  Now that he's shod I intend to get him much fitter - not endurance fit but enough that we can do some longer rides through the bush which around here means hills.

Did the 6km ride again but with more grazing and/or walking breaks.  He wasn't physically stressed this time (still unsure whether he was previously).  Dead wallaby on the side of the road, starting to bloat.  Balthazar unnverved at the sight of it.  Dismounted (wanted to check whether it had a joey but it was male).   Balthazar was ready to bolt anyway so it was just easier to bail, check the wallaby and then lead him past it.  

Balthazar is not a spooky horse but the wallaby affected him so that he was frightened of two young bulls that live loose on the road and he was even aquiver at the sight of half a dozen wrens having a meeting on the gravel.  Took him a good 20 minutes to regain his composure.  What helped, of course, was grazing.

I'm attempting to do something with him most days.  Yesterday I got him out of the paddock at the usual time but instead of riding him I just took him for pick.  Haven't devoted a day to groundwork.  I keep losing enthusiasm for it.  I don't like the look in his eye when I am making him do things.   I'm pushing him around without hitting him but it's still a dominance thing.  I've read of relationships between horse and man (or woman) that doesn't depend upon dominance.  I want Balthazar to respect me but not sure that pushing him here and pushing him there ....

Balthazar has always nipped when having his chest touched.  Not biting, usually he doesn't even make contact but the threat is there, ears pinned, the quick dart of the head. Even having my hands in that area without touching him can elicit the same response.  The other day I had a damp towel that I was using to wipe the sweat away rather than hose him (water too cold now).  I suspect he aimed badly because he actually made contact.  My reaction was instinctive and instanteous, I swatted him with the towel - not hard, didn't even make a sound even so a sizeable yellow thing streaked toward his upper neck.  Balthazar ducked to avoid it.  I think we were both ashamed.  And it made me think.

I am determined that we will be buddies, that we will trust one another.  Since the above episode when handling the buckle on the front of his rug I go so slowly, break it down into long seconds so that he has no reason to object.  And I talk to him while I'm doing it.  He's so much better about getting saddled that I'm sure we can overcome this.  I can rub his chest when he is grazing or when we are away from the saddling up area so it's only an unpleasant association not the sensation itself.  

Transition day in arena.   Just not sure how well this is working.  Sometimes it seems as though he's relaxing and stretching out but more often it seems as though he's sucking back.  Certainly he is responsive and his back comes up beneath me, he is rounder and more collected, even without contact, but is he more relaxed about it all?  I think not.  Tried to transition up if he was losing energy and slacking off and transition down if he appeared to be getting tense.  Again he ground his teeth when we stopped but it wasn't as much or as prolonged as the time before.  Perhaps he recognises that we've done this before and nothing untoward happened. 

In any case, all these quiet transitions, the circling (large circles) and bending through the corners (I do touch the reins and ask him to bend through the corners otherwise he's moving through like an 18 wheeler with no bend whatsoever), has to be good for his overall suppleness. 

One thing I do notice is that whenever I ask him to back he has to toss his head once before complying.  I'm not pulling on the reins or being harsh in any way yet we still have this quick but emphatic resistance. 

Must admit when he becomes very light and senstive to requests and his back rounds up beneath me it is a lovely feeling - despite his Pretty Pony silhouette.  Was hoping that we'd have the sensitivity and the roundness allied with relaxation.  Maybe next time it will be better.  It's not hurting him or stressing him more by these exercises so we'll carry on.  Took him out for pick afterward.  The water is too cold to hose him so I let him dry in the sun and brush all the sweat marks out.  He's very shiny.

Cool autumn morning yesterday.  Decided to get serious about Balthazar's fitness.  Would like to do this 6 hour ride through the bush in conjunction with a local resort.  Not even sure they still offer this option - horses for guests and day trippers who can bring their own.  Know someone who did this ride.  They loved it.  In order to do this comfortably however, my unfit thoroughbred needs to get some miles under his girth. So we trotted 3 km to the end of the road.  It's not obvious but it is a long slow uphill gradient.   Thought he had a stone in his boot as he was walking somewhat reluctantly so got off to have a look.  My poor boy!  He was puffing and sweating as though he'd run a race.  Even suspect he tied up a wee bit hence the reluctance in going forward.  His hindquarter muscles were possibly a bit hard.

Walked him all the way home, interspersed with spots of grazing in lush grassy areas.  Asked for a trot just before dismounting and he moved out freely so perhaps it was my imagination.  At least he didn't whinny for his buddies while we were out nor did he have to fight the temptation to break into a jog.

This morning I'm going to get him out of the paddock but instead of work I'll take him for pick.  Just to keep him guessing.

A few days ago took Balthazar up around the paddocks.  When we returned and I removed his boots I decided I'd had enough.  Next time the farrier comes I'm getting him shod.  Tried to do the natural thing and I am certain it is better for him rather than having rigid plates of steel nailed to his feet but the boots are a pain in the proverbial.  I've purchased 9 boots in all, sold 4 and still have 5.  And they don't really do the job.  The hind ones slipped around (again).  One of them is starting to tear through the fabric (have already superglued the inside of another boot) and I'm sick of it.  I want to hop on my horse and go for a ride without having to stop and check that the boots haven't slipped 90  or 180 degrees.  Nor do I want to come home and have to clean them with the power nozzle to remove seeds and grasses.  And last but not least, Balthazar doesn't like them much either. 

Today while I was grooming him and tacking up Balthazar started the same old routine of ear pinning (although he isn't nearly as ferocious as before and no longer tries to nip me so we've made alot of progress).  Thought I'd change things up by asking for some sideways and back in between putting the saddle on and tightening the girth.  I had a whole new horse!  I think sometimes he does things because he's always done things not because he's bothered by something. 

As that was so successful decided to mount up in the yard and ride out to the arena (no boots needed!) rather than lead him out and mount there. 

All we worked on today was staying calm and lots and lots and lots of transitions.  For 25 minutes.  He was quite distracted at the beginning because his buddies were 'over there!' and he was 'over here!' and how could he possibly concentrate?  Nevertheless we just kept going.  Balthazar being Balthazar he wasn't naughty he just wasn't *there*.  By the end he was better.  He was listening more and a bit looser in his body.  We cantered and trotted and walked and halted and backed.  Sometimes he was in Pretty Pony mode (and we'd change gait).  Sometimes he was slllloooooowwww (and we'd change gait).  Sometimes he was tense (and we'd change gait). 

When I dismounted he was okay but noticed that he was quietly grinding his teeth on the way back to the yards.  No bit in his mouth but he still had to show how tense he was.  How can I gain his confidence?  Routine shuts him down, lack of routine makes him nervous.   All in all, I was pleased.  It was good to have him respond so quickly and quietly to requests.  He was more supple in his his body on a circle after I'd asked him to actually bend (and then let him alone.  I am MUCH more mindful about asking and then releasing rather than niggling, in other words having one audible request rather than a wall of white noise).  So it's worth doing again. 

I am, however, looking forward to getting him shod and riding out on a whim rather than with a big pre-production production.

Arena again today.  Had planned to trail ride but wind was blowing great bullets across the land, shaking the trees and making even me spooky.    Groundwork good.  Balthazar spooked when Richard came down to the arena but I ignored it and just kept asking that he continue to circle.  Was interesting to watch him give up the spook and carry on.  Then we worked on full passes over the witches hat.  Placed the witches hat beneath him.  He wasn't worried.  He was awkward but he did full pass over it from both directions.
   Mounted up, warmed up at the walk and trot making use of the full arena, also incorporated some 20m circles and a little bit of figure 8s and weaving.  Didn't do much of the latter however because I wanted him thinking forward, thinking big expansive patterns rather than getting worried and sucked back - we had plenty of that later.
     So then we returned to asking for full passes over the witches hat.  He was quite good from right to left but completely refused from left to right.  Again he was reversing when asked to go forward or going against my leg rather than yielding to pressure.  Took him around in big trots and or canters then returned to the witches hat.  Same thing.  This wasn't getting us anywhere except for imprinting upon him that this was a Bad Thing.  If I persisted we would have a fight and I didn't want that.  The third time I dismounted.  He nickered.  Thought, great, we've finished for the day and I've been rewarded for refusing.
    Not!
    Instead I got him to full pass over the witches hat from the gound at least half a dozen times.  We did it until it wasn't a big deal and THEN we quit.
   Took him out for pick.  Again.  Still worried that we won't be buddies just because I ask him to work and to do things he doesn't want to do.  Does he sense my divided self?  I'm sure he does. 

In the arena today.  Ground work first on the 22' line.  Worked on yo yo, which he actually did pretty well although we need more regularity in the steps, and circling.  In the circling he was also better at staying out on the line.  Then asked him to full pass over the 20L drum from either direction.  Again he was reluctant but he did do it. 
     Riding was a different story.  He was fine with all the things he knows so well (was he asleep?) but as soon as I asked him to full pass over the drum he became tense.  Walked through the bridle or moving into rather than away from my leg.  Worse when asked to step forward he went backward.  Hmmmm.  Decided I would make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy.  Decided to be quiet with my aids when he was standing alongside the drum and noisy when he was against my aids.  Noisy did not mean harsh or hard, just niggles with my legs, niggles with the reins (in my bitless crossover bridle).  Even so it upset him.  I thought he was getting the idea for when he did stand beside the drum I sat stone quiet on his back.  I'd wait for awhile, 30 seconds?  a minute?  then ask him to take one step over toward the drum (full pass).  Then it was on again, against my hand, against my leg, me niggling until he was in position and all would be quiet.  The third time Balthazar had had enough, before I knew it he'd launched himself stiff-legged into the air just as I've seen him do in the paddock when he's playing.  In a way I don't blame him.  Whatever he did (except for the correct thing) didn't shut up the 'noise'.  He couldn't go backward or forward or sideways (away from the drum), the only direction left was UP. 
     Dismounted and went through it all again from the ground.  Again he was successful on the ground.  Got back on and the same thing happened.  I didn't want him to learn that the way to escape something he didn't want to do was to go up (would the next thing be rearing?  Sure don't want that!) so when he went backward when asked to go forward I got him to go forward in big energetic trots around the arena interspersed with changes of direction and 20m circles.  Would return to the drum and ask again.  Again, if he went against my leg off we'd go, big BIG trots (didn't know he had it in him - are we finally tapping into that forward impulsion he's kept under wraps? I have known for a long time that even while he's apparently going forward quite happily he's sucked back.   Not allowing that energy out and having it available is really the source of the going UP rather than forward or sideways).  Anyway, we did that a few times until finally he realized that standing quietly next to the drum (or witches hat) and listening to my asking leg - and I wouldn't ask much, being happy with one step in the direction asked for) resulted in success.  He full passed over the witches hat.  Dismounted and made a big fuss of him.  Unfortunately he was grinding his teeth, something he hasn't done for a long time.  But do I give up just because it stressed him?  I don't think so.  I never punished him, was never harsh, just asked that he either listen to my leg or go forward.  The stress resulted in that he had to try, had to, in the end, do it.  I didn't give up, just quietly persisted. 
     Took him out for pick afterwards. 

Nightmare ride yesterday.  Decided tor explore Wayne's Mountain.  Ground was dry, beautiful morning, still cool although humid.  Started up the steep part and Balthazar started leaping.  Not a problem except he wasn't fit enough to leap to the very top, the path was very narrow with a steep drop off on one side and a wall of rock strewn vegetation on the other.  In other words, again I got us into a dead end situation.  Couldn't turn around, had to keep going.  Then I heard a funny sound.  Looked down and saw the right hind trail boot flapping the ground.  It had come off his hoof and was only attached by the velcro fastener around the pastern.  Pulled him up, still on the steep scrabble and jumped off.
     Balthazar was really blowing.  Not fit enough for this.  Blowing but animated.  Couldn't get him to stand while I tried to reattach the boot.  Gave up and decided he could go barefoot until we got to level ground. 
     Sometimes I had to walk on the sides of my feet to keep from pitching forward.  It was that steep.  Why do I get us into these situations?  Loose rock rolled underneath both of us.  Kept Balthazar to one side so that if he lost balance he wouldn't come down on top of me. 
     Finally got to the bottom.  The boot was ripped and so full of sad and dirt and seed that it wouldn't attach properly.  Oddly enough the front two boots hadn't budged.  Had only put the pads back in that morning.  Walked him all the way home.  Rode a little way but saw I had to reattach the boot yet again so it was just easier to walk. 
     Happily he's fine.  He galloped over this morning when I let the other two out (he's allowed out all night but the two fatties have to be confined).  He's not sore.  He's going to have the day off anyway.  Might take him out for pick this afternoon. 
     Am determined to explore Wayne's Mountain but instead of riding up I'll lead him.

Only 15 minutes ridden in the arena.  Very hot, very humid.  Too much.  BUT!  We had a productive 15 minutes.  Poor Balthazar is used to our routine - ZZZZZZ to our routine.  So today we changed things.  Quick few games on the ground (already feeling my brain being fried by the sun) and then dropped my bum into the saddle, which sizzled -  black leather, very hot!  Gritting my teeth against the pain we started off.  Rode him straight to the short end of the arena and asked him to step over the log.  You'd think I was asking him to step off a cliff.  But we NEVER go over the log.  We do today.  So we wobbled and wavered and finally stepped over the log.  Then a few weaves at the trot, backing through the gap at A, asked him to full pass over the end of a log - too much.  He was as resistant under saddle as he was on the ground.  Had to be satisfied with him standing next to the log.  Which was really quite a big deal.  He was walking forward away, ignoring my leg or moving into my leg or backing up.  Standing quietly in position as if we were going to full pass over the log was quite an accomplishment.  We did full halts, figure 8's, changes of gait and walks or trots on the outside of the arena.  Noticed he either sucked back when he felt overwhelmed or became very forward.  Not in a scary way, just really pounding along.  At the end asked him to full pass over a witches hat.  He didn't but he did get half a step over it.  Told him how wonderful he was and jumped off.  Balthazar nickered (he talks alot actually). 

Same as last time.  Weather coming so out first thing this morning.  No games, just get on and go. I forget I can do this and sabotage my love of riding by feeling guilty if I don't 'Parelli' first.    Balthazar is a horse you can just get on and go.  One of the most telling lessons I've learned working with horses is bum time in saddle equals a better behaved horse.  Riding has to become part of their routine.  Not a big deal.  Don't make it a battle, just go out and do some stuff.
     Today I did some half passes on the road (from one clump of edible grass to another), unexpected halts, a couple of trot departs from the halt and a canter depart from the walk.  Just to keep things interesting.  Was going to take him up Wayne's Hill but found prospective buyers had driven as far as they could in their 4 WD and had parked on the same narrow path I was going to explore.  Took a path to the right which didn't go far (but now I know) then returned to the road and went to the end.  He didn't yell on the way home and wasn't even very excited about turning for home so count the ride as an enjoyable success.

Took him up the road.  No 7 game warmup, just saddled and went (if it was only that quick, there's grooming, spraying flies, picking and stiff bristling out hoofs for wearing of easy boots).   Started with a bang as Dakota galloped over, double barrelled, farted and took off.  Balthazar understandably had a little leap as well but didn't carry on.  He really is a level headed boy. He was good but again whinnying his separation anxiety.  Even broke stride a few times.  Not a big deal.  Only needs more time out and about.  It's been too sporadic.  But a beautiful crystal clear day to ride.  The creek is running so there are 3 minor creek crossings for Balthazar's entertainment.  He's fine, sniffs and walks through.  Was nice just to amble down the road.  Did some trotting too, not a lot.  He feels the rocks even through the boots.  Besides, I want to get him fit not wear him out.  It should be a pleasure for him too, not a feat of endurance.

Motivated and informed by immersion in Parelli 'Resources', Balthazar and I had a very interesting session today.  Realized I've been  unclear in what I'm asking.  Our full pass down the fenceline was magic.  He knew how to do it all along but why should he exert himself when my energy is so low and wimpy?  He did a brilliant job.  I was walking toward him at a normal walking pace, not asking for one leg shift and then stopping as a reward.  His job was to get out of my way as I came toward him with a big bubble of energy around me.  And he did.  We were less successful getting him to full pass over a 20L container.  He wanted to walk forward and then sneak his hind legs through but not over.  Two things made a difference to success.  The first was putting the drum beneath him to show him it was okay for it to be there.  He wasn't scared of it but just didn't want it beneath him I guess.  Perhaps he didn't trust himself to be able to move over it without getting tangled up in it or something.  The second thing was being very clear that he wasn't to move forward.  The energy was bleeding out forward and he was coming nearly on top of me to avoid side passing over the drum. 
      It's something we'll have to keep working on.  Also did a bit of work on the 22' line.  Very humid and hot today.  Blinded by sweat in my eyes.  Balthazar was soaked - and neither of us were working that hard although suppose his stress level contributed.  Despite the heat I did ask him to trot around me and change directions when asked, or jump the arena logs or, more importantly, to keep going when I walked down the middle of the arena.  He tended to stop so had to be reminded to keep going. 
     Also worked on him mirroring me; walking forward when I did, halting when I did, walking backward when I did.  Not too bad but needs improvement. 
     Bit of a shock for both of us today.  Shocked him because I've been so low key that I suspect I've been unclear.  I was trying to train him as though we were still clicker training but using a cessation of asking as the reward.  It wasn't getting us anywhere and confused the situation.  Shock for me because he did so well!

Balthazar shone today.  He had every reason to misbehave yet he held it together.  Decided to take him out for a ride rather than have yet another session in the arena.  It was overcast and the wind was blowing hard enough to make tree tops flip back and forth like models in a shampoo commercial.   Thought it pretty risky but decided to go ahead.  I get sick of arena work.  So off we went.  At least the wind blew the buffalo fly elsewhere.  It doesn't take long for the repellant to wear off.  Did a very fast run through of a few of the 7 games, taking no more than 2 minutes tops.  He was fine.  Besides I'd already made up my mind so even if he'd started doing donuts, laying rubber from his easy boots,  we would've gone.
   He was a bit erratic at first.  Didn't want to leave so tended to weave rather than walk a straight line.  Went to Wayne's and decided to go through into the tank paddock.  It was very overgrown.  I knew it was strewn with boulders so we picked our way carefully to the fence line.  From there saw the track we were supposed to take.  Went back to the road and in through the other paddock.  Climbed halfway up the hill.   He isn't fit and we'd already been out for half an hour.  Turned for home.  Unlike our trip out he travelled like an arrow - dead straight - with a very forward walk.  Then he started whinnying, poor baby.  Separation anxiety big time - yet he never broke stride.  Very proud.  Dismounted half a kilometre from home and walked/grazed the rest of the way.  Did the trick.  He was calm and happy to be with me rather than home with his buddies. 

Trying again.  Had another brief but intense hot spell and just couldn't rouse myself to ride.  Went as a fence sitter to a Parelli clinic (only one day) at Cambooya.  Wanted to be inspired, to learn something.
  Sprayed him liberally with repellant and started some groundwork.  Five minutes into it and we had to trot back to the tackroom for more repellant.  The flies are Fierce!  We did a pretty good run through, especially pleased with his yielding on a circle.  His hindquarters have to yield faster and further than his forequarters if he's going to turn around me like an hour hand on a clock.  Not a bad job.  Also worked on the weave.  That definitely needs a tune up.  He doesn't really understand it yet - I'm working too hard to get him to weave.  Want to suggest rather than tell.
     Took the 22' line out but hadn't thought things through as to what we'd do with it so just did some circles with him.  It was enough that he stayed more or less at the end of the line rather than cutting in.
     Than I rode him.  Not for long.  He's a little tenderfooted from the trim yesterday so only a small amount of trotting.  Mostly walking, getting him to leg yield back to the wall when he cuts in.  Trying to stay out of his way so that he takes responsibility..   Tomorrow hope to put his booties on and go for a bit of a trail ride, just to get us both out and about.  Lots and lots of pick about so he should enjoy it too.  Want to get us both riding fit.  Now that we have the booties sorted out we can start to build fitness.  Want to go up Wayne's mountain before the place is sold and unavailable.

Rode for the first time in 3 months today.  Only about 20 minutes as he has to get used to the saddle on his back  (know they don't get callouses per se but believe they do have to build up some kind of protection).  At any rate, did a truncated 7 games.  We're in a race with the flies - to see if we can get anything done before the repellant wears off and they attack in earnest.  As it was he was distracted with them but we presevered.

He was a little antsy as he was removed from his buddies but pretty obedient all the same.  He did suck back, as he does, when I overfaced him with requests.  He is so sensitive that almost any request save for moving briskly forward (at the walk, trot or canter) around the arena, is a reason for him to adopt his 'pretty pony pose' and suck back inside himself.  We'll just have to keep plugging away at it.  Do try and allow him to 'let down' after we've done something that requires a bit of mental effort so that the ride, our lengthy 20 minute ride, is not too stressful for him. 

Have 5 cones set up so did the weave using exaggerated body movement (he's not focussed on me enough yet, still experiencing separation anxiety) and then with the reins.  Also figure 8 around two cones - he really sucked back with that but we got an excellent canter depart (the only one we did as it's still too slick and boggy in the arena) because the figure 8 had got him collected and underneath himself.  Lovely feeling.

Took him out for a pick and a good bush afterwards and then threw a rug on him to give him some relief from the flies. 

Lovely to be riding again. 

Back again - almost

It's been two months since my last confession - at least that's what it feels like.  We've had so much rain that despite Balthazar being sound we've been unable to do anything in the muck and mess.  Then yesterday thought it's dry enough to have a play and see where we're at.  Great idea but poor in its execution.  Through no fault of Balthazar's or mine for that matter.  The fault lay with the zillion flies.  Since the floods the flies have decided to breed all at once, hatch all at once, descend on the horses all at once - and there's no let up in sight.  Sprayed him liberally with fly repellant which worked just long enough to give him a quick groom (and a long mane de-tangling) but by the time we squelched out to the arena the repellent stopped repelling.

Balthazar was actually quite good.  I am continually amazed that time off seems to enhance their learning.  Between biting at the flies he porcupined and drove and yo-yo'ed and half passed and circled and yielded front and back, changed direction and was a thoroughly good boy.  But it was just cruel to ask him to continue. 

We don't use poisons in the house or on the land so I loathe spraying (and having Balthazar and I inhaling) poisons to keep the flies at bay.  All the horses wear fly veils and between their tails and their muzzles (or standing head to tail) they can take care of themselves.  Once a halter is introduced, however, it inhibits their ability to keep themselves comfortable. 

At least it's March and autumn approaches.  The fly plague has to start abating soon.  This morning it was 15 degrees.  The flies thought it too cold to go to work so if I want to do anything I will have to be extremely organized, get the birds fed, us coffee'd and fed and be on Balthazar's back before the day warms.  The problem with that is timing.  The horses are locked in the yards overnight.    Because there is so much food around they, especially Dakota, are at risk of  grass founder.  Selfish as a description, would hardly cover it if I asked Balthazar to go to work without a proper breakfast. 

So we'll just play it by ear.  At least he's sound again and willing to participate.  Played the 'hide the carrot' game with him.  That too was much more of a success.  He knew instantly what we were about and enthusiastically played until it started to rain and he wussed out and hid in a stall. 

What else is there to say?

Feeling a bit seedy today (lack of sleep) so only 10 minutes groundwork.  But good groundwork.  Why not quit when he's done a good job anyway.  Best Weave yet.  He is starting to understand the pattern for the pattern's sake.  It's not just me drawing him in or sending him out.  It's because we're doing a *pattern*.  So he's started weaving with little help from me.  Got some more energy into it today, asked him to go ahead of me and walk confidently through the drums.  Circled him at the trot.  Still lame but discernibly less.  Oh joy, oh happiness.  Haven't ridden in a month and miss it.  Full pass starting to come together, rather he's putting the pieces together and starting to do it with less interference from me.  No, he's not doing it himself but I'm not having to use such BIG moves to get him moving.  Back/front, back/front.  Trying to get a rhythm going so that we can move sideways with subtlety.  Not there yet but something to aim for.  He is better at being driven from a distance.  Not at the end of the 12' line yet but another thing, a concrete goal, to work for.

So our 10 minutes were productive without drilling, had a 10 minute pick at the end and a big carrot.  All horses locked in the yards during the day because they are too fat, even Balthazar who is looking decidedly broodmarish without the exercise of being ridden.

Lame? Maybe Not

The second day of strictly groundwork.  Only 15 minutes but a productive 15 minutes.  This lameness could be a blessing in disguise.  (Note:  Once a week we give ourselves a day off and feed the horses hay rather than a mixede feed.  They do not mind.  Rather they are enthusiastic, so much so Balthazar galloped up pig rooting sideways and cavorting like a foal.  Not one sign of lameness.  Will test him again tomorrow.  Anyway, today worked especially on a quick back up and return as well as sideways.  Because I'm not 'going through the motions' so that I can get on and ride, the groundwork naturally improves.  Our back up and return was snappier, quicker.  Our sideways was, if not to die for, at least good enough to faint for.  Very pleased.  15 minutes work and 20 minutes green pick grazing.  What horse wouldn't be pleased?  Left him loose and called him as I walked back towards the driveway entrance (was grazing him on the road verge).  At first he was quite good and followed on ... until he spied a particularly tempting bit of green pick across the road.  I was completely snubbed in favour of some ripe Rhodes grass.  Had to retrieve him.  He did redeem himself somewhat by searching out the carrots with great enthusiasm that I hid in the Great Carrot Hunt - like an Easter Egg Hunt.  Haven't done that in awhile but he was much more attentive to body language and hand signals in finding the carrots.  I like how horses, once they have time to mull things over, are much more switched on about conundrums placed before them.

Still lame. Bugger. Late morning and already stinkin' hot when I finally took him out to check. Spent a good 30 minutes scrubbing off dried sweat from yesterday's scorcher (we could save it, use it for seasoning. The sweat dries in salty white granular patches that have to be scrubbed off with the curry comb and my fingernail). Underneath the grime and salt was my shiny horse). So took him out, did a few quick exercises then trotted him around. Bob bob bob went his head. Have to rethink things now. It's been nearly a month Guess it is going to take quite a bit more time. (Talked to a woman at a party recently, her horse has been out 5 months with a shoulder injury).

Don't want everything to come to a halt while he's lame. If it takes months for him to heal, we can work on ground work at the walk. We can try to improve our connection on a 12' and a 22' line. We can incorporate some of C. Resnick's work. We can do alot of grooming and grazing. We can keep going just at a slower pace.