Check out this adorable pony! 👀
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 -here’s 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 ❤️ We had the pleasure of helping break out Miss Devi over a year ago now.. and look how far she’s come. We love getting to work here now and then. Her owner has done such a lovely job ❤️
It’s been a while since we’ve posted a CM update.
Here’s a snippet from today’s 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 ❤️
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 💪
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 he’s 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- you’ll get the physical.
Here’s to keeping progression moving! ❤️
For those that have followed CMs journey through canter work- today he had his loveliest transition and canter to date.
Here’s 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. 👏
Here’s 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. We’ve 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 it’s a beginning step to a longer road- I’m 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. 😊 #horsepower #horsebackriding #horsetraining #progressnotperfection #keepgoing
From cranky and abrasive to bending and figuring out leg pressure ❤️ #horsebackriding #horsesofinstagram #horsesoftiktok #horsetraining #trendingsongs #texasholdem #equestrianlife #patience #ProgressNotPerfection
R+ Mounting exercise at liberty
Different Horses Require Different Approaches..
We don’t 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+. We’ve 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.
There’s 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 💕
