Check out this adorable pony! š
This guys trailer loading had something left to be desired. While we he would go on- he apparently REFUSED to back into a stall.. to the point of it being considered a tiny bit dangerous. Including an episode a week or two ago.
Over the past few sessions- we have focused on softening the back in ground work. Then when it came trailering time we noticed a gap in his confidence with his hind feet when on the ramp and trailer. Combined with his genuine lack of liking to back- this equaled resistance.
After some exercises to gain some confidence -hereās what we got.
Timing, patience, and understanding are some key principles in horse training- and this guy just needed a moment to figure out HOW and also to WANT to do it.
The cool thing is.. watch until the end to see him offer backing in without even being asked.
We love what we do!
Look at this lovely mare ā¤ļø We had the pleasure of helping break out Miss Devi over a year ago now.. and look how far sheās come. We love getting to work here now and then. Her owner has done such a lovely job ā¤ļø
Itās been a while since weāve posted a CM update.
Hereās a snippet from todayās session- weve been on break for about a week and a half so today was a refresher after having time off.
Can you see the transformation from the beginning of his canter to the end where he collects from seat and leg- where we marked and why?
Always a work of progress ā¤ļø
Transformation Friday..
CMs come a long way the past two months at only two days a week..
This week we continued pushing forward by moving by to the outdoor arena and trying to utilize our new confidence.
Rain, wind, tarps flapping and only a few minutes of groundwork (no lunging).. CM said he was up for the challenge šŖ
Not every horse needs bucked out..some just need a unique approach.
#transformation #horsepower #horsetraining #progressnotperfection
Another update for those who have liked following CMs progression..
This guy never ceases to amaze me at how hard heās willing to try.
Today was a very distracting day with horses being turned out in the outdoor next door- and it was very exciting for him to hear them running and romping. He got pretty excited and honestly I was double checking myself on riding as canter work is already a high energy thing for him to work through.
We redid our connection exercises- and I decided to feel him out.
Not only did he settle back into work, pieces finally started to click together for roundness and frame for the trot with relaxation- we achieved a nice slow canter that we have been working on instead of just racing through the motion.
Obtain the mind- youāll get the physical.
Hereās to keeping progression moving! ā¤ļø
For those that have followed CMs journey through canter work- today he had his loveliest transition and canter to date.
Hereās a small clip- no music just live audio. Not a buck or concern in sight.
We take the small wins! We just keep on progessing slowly but surely. š
Hereās to the ones who started it all for us. 21 years young this year. #horsesofinstagram #horsemanship #horsebackriding #hearthorse #bestfriend #myheart #ride #equestrian
Sometimes you just have to have a little play time to let loose! #horsebackriding #horsesofinstagram #horsetraining #atplay #FunTimes
Today was the day.. CMs first canter with me under saddle. Weāve done lots of prep work to get him ready. We were brought on to help him out of his bucking at the canter.. and while itās a beginning step to a longer road- Iām happy to say we made some big progress today. #horsesofinstagram #horsebackriding #horsemanship #horsetraining #riding #journey
Progress not perfection. Starting to work on the impulsion in the canter and focusing instead of tension. š #horsepower #horsebackriding #horsetraining #progressnotperfection #keepgoing
I feel like the majority of calls, messages and bookings we have had are for āproblemā horses. Bucking, rearing, charging, spookiness, overall lack of attention. More times than not- itās for already trained horses.
One thing to consider- is it really a āproblemā or a lack of connection? And why are we so hesitant to take our time and address that lack of mental connection?
They arenāt motorcycles with engines..we canāt treat them as such.
We werenāt going to record.. but CM offered a small bit of connection so I decided to see what we could capture.
CM has shown signs from the very beginning of constant tension- even during tacking up. And that combined with his ālack of wanting to seek contactā (basically what we call a mental disassociation)- are signs that tell us heās not really for this adventure.
So itās up to us to change the outlook and set the tone. We continue to see tension release and connection in each session with CM.
All good stuff!
From cranky and abrasive to bending and figuring out leg pressure ā¤ļø #horsebackriding #horsesofinstagram #horsesoftiktok #horsetraining #trendingsongs #texasholdem #equestrianlife #patience #ProgressNotPerfection
R+ Mounting exercise at liberty
Different Horses Require Different Approaches..
We donāt normally share a ton of training videos- but I felt the need to share this one. In this snippet of a small portion of our session today, you will see CM working through the mounting block at liberty with the utilization of R+. Weāve taken this approach with him has he is a horse who tends to hold on to anxiety/tension under saddle, on the ground and at the mounting block. You will see how quickly CM chooses to side up just after a minute or so. By taking some time to do this exercise- it continues to build his confidence at the mounting block.
Some horses may not require such a slow meticulous thought process about something as simple as being mounted. But simple exercises like this have helped decrease tension/anxiety under saddle, negative behavioral responses on ground and under saddle, mental disconnection and more.
Thereās nothing wrong with utilizing alternate ways to gain your horses mental connection and boost their confidence while making it a positive experience. Especially when they show signs of negative association.
Just food for thought š
We had to share this quick snip one of our clients!
We adjusted our normal approach to help her find some enjoyment in doing work by starting some liberty. Allowing her the choice to leave if she wished and go at her own pace to complete what was being asked.
Seems like such a simple moment.. but those who participated know what it took for this mental change to take place.
Happy Thursday Friends!
In light of the snow and bad roads- we are staying safe at home today!
So hereās a video of Miss Birdie getting her first ride since fall of last year yesterday!
I had the pleasure of breaking Birdie, a young Rocky Mountain who was 4 at the time, and turning her into a solid equine citizen. Her owner has continued to have me out a time or so a month since last year- just to be sure she is continuing on the right path.
Last fall, Birdie began showing symptoms such as light rearing, tension, and biting. After her owner had us out for an evaluation- we urged to see a vet regarding ulcers. So after 2 months of treatment and another couple months of rest, Birdie was ready to get back into work!
She passed with flying colors. Neck reining like a pro, halted and backed on seat, and had an overall better mentality.
Hard to believe sheās only 5 and broke at 4 š honored to still be able to have my hands on this lovely little mare!
Our boys are all tucked in for the cold snap with lots of hay and a soft bed to rest in.
Stay safe and warm everyone!
I wish Facebook let me upload more than one video at a time.. but I guess this one will do.
I love RELAXED easy going first rides..
Everyone say hi to Montana- a 2.5 year old filly. Sheās almost ready to go home and come back in the spring ā¤ļø reactive to relaxed. Doesnāt get any better!
Itās a mud mess.. but we still work!
Today this lovely mare heads home- but will hopefully be back in the spring for her tune up!
From reactive and occasionally explosive- to a thinking mindset. Itās a beautiful thing! No more explosions when picking up her feet or leaving her buddies for this lady!
30 days isnāt a fix- itās a start. But now she has a better foundation to work with come spring ā¤ļø
To note- this mare couldnāt walk calmly while lunging and change direction to start. In addition she wasnāt a fan of the tarp. Get creative and think outside the box on ways you can work with your horse to earn their trust and leadership! Exercises like this can build those foundation blocks. š
If youāre bored riding and looking for a challenge to try- try working on your seat!
A great exercise is seeing if you can communicate to your horse via just seat and leg. Try seeing if you can stop your horse to a stop by just using your seat.
As riders- we can do better than yanking or pulling on our horses mouths to achieve results. Your bit should serve as your last aide.. cues should come from your seat and leg first.
Happy Thursday!
Letās talk fencing..
Fencing can be such a useful exercise for communication with your horse. Itās excellent for yearlings and older horses alike.
A major pet peeve and struggle of many riders is the mounting block. Many deal with frustration in their horses walking off, swinging their hind quarters out, and not siding up properly. Fencing can help fix that!
Practicing fencing also increases communication between you and your horse- forcing you to move their feet without moving yours as well as gets your yearlings accustomed to having people above them and over them. Horses are prey animals.. most of the time the first ride is barely about the saddle- but more about the weight and feeling of having someone on and attached to their back. This helps build a foundation of trust.
Your horse must first have a concept understanding of yielding the hindquarters and shoulders independently as well as sending out to try this exercise.
Everyone say hello to 2 year old Montana! Sheās been in sessions for two weeks and this is her 3rd time practicing fencing. Which was huge for her as she can be a very reactive horse. By this session- she has finally started feel comfortable with having a human above her and touching her.
Remember- build a foundation of trust and respect with your yearlings and any age horse. First rides donāt have to be a bronc session.. and they shouldnāt be. We can do better by setting our horses up for success. ā¤ļø
