Another trip to the track

Wow what a gorgeous day it was today. I headed out early before it got too hot - taking advantage of the fine days and the holidays!

We arrived by 9am and were ready to ride by 9.30am. Michelle was there with Flipper and she suggested she pony Maraschino while I rode Garbo around the track.

The track has a great surface on it so it's super for tender feet (they were just trimmed yesterday) and with Garbo collecting abbesses this year - it's a great way to get his fitness up again now they seem to all have finally burst out.

So we spent most of the time walking and trotting. On the first lap Garbo charged out ahead and he went into trot without me asking him so I applied what Linda said at the Clinic in November (which isn't always easy for me) and encouraged him forward. He soon came back to walk :-)

During a trot lap where Flipper and Maraschino were ahead of us, Garbo went into canter and I just allowed it and while I didn't go so far as encouraging it, I didn't do my normal panic and think he was going to run off. Michelle looked around at one point and said "oh you're cantering"! YES.

It actually felt really good.
We cantered a few more times too. His squeaky belly relaxed after about 3 laps.

Tori helped me decide on my new mantra.
Garbo is not the same horse anymore, you can trust him, he won't hurt you. 
I love it.

Level 3 Online Video again

My Humanality/Horsenality report says I am a perfectionist and can spend too much time trying to make everything perfect. YEP - that's me alright. It said Garbo doesn't appreciate that much!

We went to Waimarie to film again - I was able to drive the float in and park it in the arena which was fabulous.
They don't have any barrels there and I couldn't fit them in my car along with the pedastal, so I used some rubbish bins!

Good things in filming;

1. Sideways was good, along rail and not....
2. Float loading was fantabulous on 22ft and from 6ft from ramp
3. He jumped a cavaletti, and walked over it as well
4. he was confident apart from backing zone 5 up to a jump stand
5. change of direction went well
6. he circled quite well
7. pedastal  - fab

Not so good;

1. I forgot to do the 2nd half of the yo yo!!!!!!  Good Grief - I think it's because Garbo is so good at it I have to really concentrate on getting him out on the end of the line and I got a little carried away!
2. I didn't really do a fantabulous squeeze - but we did float load 0 ultimate squeeze right?
3. Didn't canter for a whole lap
4. it was a bit disjointed and all over the show for some of the time
5. I could have moved my feet and my carrot stick less
6. the back up on 45ft was phase two not phase 1

ack... what do you think?????? 

Should I send it in???????

Trip out - much needed

Garbo was getting a little bored at home - to be expected... I have been busier at work this summer and not had much time at all and we have not been to the forest for ages.

So I took him down to Woodhill Sands - which I intend to make good use of this winter, as it's a natural sand trap, so no mud - at worst - wet sand.

I only used the 45ft line so I was pretty happy about that, and first off he wasn't happy about being tied up to the float so he couldn't graze! LOL

Then we walked to the judges box to sign in, and then we went straight into trot and canter on the end of the 45ft - he was pretty interested in checking out the place so I let him drift off the edges and sniff things as his resting spots. I tried a couple of changes of direction too.

Then we had a big walk through the crunchy leaves on the ground - the 45ft making the strangest noise in them - Garbo kept getting a little spooked but not too bad - not enough to spoil his fun.

We used the Dressage arenas as obstacles, no one else was around - it was fab.

Canter one rein

I took Garbo to Jool's today - determined to use some of the great weather we have been having.
I forgot my carrot stick and savvy string so all I had was my lead rope and halter.
So I had no phase three....

So you know what we did - I rode with just the lead rope - not joined up to the halter at the other end so just one rein. And we cantered! I could flick the end of it you see.
I know you were originally supposed to do this at Level 1 - I think - but I never did... gosh it hasn't been long since I was cantering with no contact (loose reins)  - so this was a major breakthrough for me. We managed to stay on the rail too. I am starting to get the hang of using my legs a bit more for direction.

When we arrived Garbo wasn't in a hurry to get off the float which was nice - I don't rush him - I just stand away and let him take his time. It was probably 2 minutes before he got off.

Story in pictures...

Looking at our float through the trees...

Saying hi to everyone around the arena first...

Whats this I wonder...

Out we head on board, from the indoor arena

Now in the grass arena we have some spectators... probably wondering why they can't go and eat the grass in there!

 After a good ride...

 Back home - my cat helping study

The canter - freestyle

It's taken me a long time to get to this point. Before Parelli I would have lessons and we would canter in the arena, but it wasn't pretty and I always needed to carry a whip. Not use it, but carry it. Canter transitions were messy  - I could never remember which leg I was supposed to put back, and most of the time Garbo was pulling me forward anyway.
So then we started with Parelli - I removed the bit and let go of the reins. It took 3 years to build up to having 'loose' reins at canter and it did wonders for my balance. Finally we got that and I was cantering point to point and on corners but we hadn't done follow the rail for a whole lap (steering was still an optional extra at canter). We also had not done transitions to canter at my choosing - it had been more of a joint decision to canter as we approached the corner.

So - my friend suggested cantering on the straight after the corner - and coming back to trot before the corner - and using half halt... slowing Garbo down before the corners so he thought about them and didn't rush round them. He needed to get his balance and straightness.

Well - today we did it. I tied the savvy string to my wrist as my Phase Three and it only took me slapping myself gently around the shoulders (just twice) for Garbo to get the whole pattern. He cantered on the straight - then we went back to trot for the corner - then cantered again on the straight. I did a whole lap like this successfully and then realised it was his difficult side we had started on - even better!!

After a couple of laps like this we changed rein and did the easy side. On the last half of the arena we cantered at the corner too so did a whole 'half' lap of the arena at canter picking it up at the beginning of the long side and ending at the middle of the opposite long side. Garbo was up at the front I could really feel it - it felt amazing - like he was a dressage horse! And he was listening to me and not trying to eat grass - (it's a grass arena) - just incredible.

And you know what I did next?
I got off and hugged him!
Yay.

I knew when we started Parelli it would be a long road to this point - once I saw the videos and realised what I was going to have to re-learn. But it's been so enjoyable and I know there is way more of these moments to come. I am attending the Game Of Contact Course in Sydney (Linda) as an auditor so I really can't wait for that.

Lovely trip out with the big boys

I took Garbo and Maraschino to Jool's place again today. I had in mind riding Garbo and Maraschino was just along for the outing - one of his glands is a bit swollen, and there is an airborne virus going round at the moment. So I think I'll get some echinacea tomorrow.

I got the boys in with the plan on taking them both, then decided to leave Maraschino behind today, and un-haltered him - he didn't budge - the gate was open but he stayed standing next to Garbo - I tried to lead him out but he kept coming back so in the end I thought - Ok - I think he wants to come!

So off we went, leaving Coco Monster behind. He was really good.

Anyway - Michelle came too - she was going to help me brainstorm on how to get Garbo to stay on the rail at canter. I started riding Garbo in the arena and Maraschino was in the paddock alongside.

As soon as we started cantering Jool's dog must have peeked out along the end of where Maraschino was, and gave him a fright so Maraschino started jumping, bucking (while we were cantering) and basically getting a bit right brain.

So Michelle did a bit of work with him online - he over-reacted at first to the downwards transition... as you can see... but soon after that he was trotting around nicely.

I was working on follow the rail and trot/walk/trot/canter transitions with Garbo.

It was very hot and he got tired quite quickly. But he tried hard.

Then Michelle hopped on Maraschino and we had a nice walk round the arena rail together. So Maraschino ended up doing something anyways!

Then Michelle had a ride on Garbo and gave me some ideas for strengthening and straightening his canter the rail - then she cantered him round the outside of the race - the one I am hoping to trot/canter him round soon. He tried to jump over the areas of long grass with his head down so I am kind of pleased it wasn't me for the first time LOL.

After that he was very very hot so it was bath time for both.

They both loaded impeccably!

Faced some emotion today

We set off for Woodhill Sands again this afternoon, and when we arrived there was a horse having some kind of physio treatment in the carparking area and Garbo was very interested in meeting said horse. I let him relax and brushed the rest of the dust off him (it rained 2mm last night and he made the most the the dusty rolling patch having a bit of damp dust on it to roll in)...

They eventually left and we saddled up with the bareback pad, Bronwyn and Critey were there too of course. I loaded up my rope bag onto Garbo's back so he could carry it for me. It fell off a few times...

As we were walking into the arenas Bronwyn said - I feel like just cantering off over there - I said Go On then... so she did... Garbo didn't mind initially but when she didn't turn around and head back he got a bit upset and did a little rear and started circling - I thought - great (I only had the 12ft on at this stage) lets take advantage of this and do some circles. We were right next to the dressage arena so I got him to go on the other side of the poles (that were about 20cm off the ground) and he did, but then tried to cut through one when he was facing Critey's direction and almost knocked the pole off it's blocks, but he stopped, and thought better of it. On the 3rd circle I asked him to stop and he stopped with one front foot over the pole. Then I asked him forward again and then asked him to back into the entry...which he did nicely... still half an eye on Critey. She was probably about 400m away at this stage.

I walked him to the sand arenas and we stopped at the barrel to unload my rope bag and change ropes. Someone had left a pair of spurs on the top and Garbo started chewing on them - it was very funny....

Suddenly a horse and rider rode past about 30ft away I guess but on the other side of the trees so he only saw a glimpse of them suddenly and he jumped, interestingly enough he jumped forward and alongside me, not towards me which was good. I put the 22ft rope on and off we went to utilise some of his energy.

We did some backwards falling leaf - what's that called again? I have forgotten how do to forwards again!! Goodness me. I actually got some nice circles today at walk and trot with Garbo looking at me. At canter he looks out still so what I did was everytime he did that I would ask him back to trot... that seemed to work quite well... plus it was a little bit of reverse psychology - no - don't go too fast.... he was eager to come in for a cuddle but I resisted - think for about 5 whole minutes.

Another rider trotted through the area we were playing in and away somewhere, and Garbo was a little more up - so this is really good stuff...exactly what I need to work on step by step...horses going faster around him, horses cantering away (and towards him) that he doesn't know as well as ones he does. He did a few exuberant leaps on the circle that in the old days would have been a snatch and run on his behalf.... and I'd be left wondering where he'd run off to. So I was quick to bring him in for reassurance.

I guess 30 minutes probably passed and we did a bit more driving from Zone 5 and even did some trotting! He kind of does a few strides then maneuvers himself around to look at me as if to ask What ARE you doing"?

Then I got on.... I know - who would have thought?? He wasn't 100% relaxed, the trees were a little blowy and horses and riders could be glimpsed between the trees on odd occasions but I trusted him. I told Bronwyn I would just get off when required. We walked around the grounds down the paths alongside the trees and investigated some of the cross country jumps.

I got off once when we got to the first cross country jump just to let him smell it, and then used the jump to get back on, and then we walked back alongside the arenas towards more cross country jumps.

So all in all a very successful day - I was very pleased with both of our progresses today. Riding Garbo bareback on a loose rein and halter around Woodhill Sands - I think if you had told me a year ago I would be doing that this week I would not have thought it possible. But one step at a time... it's certainly paying off.

Ok - I got 'em

I actually got my scorecard in a format I could view from a lovely lady in the office called Renee - she is so lovely.

As I have mentioned - or was it just in my head.... when I submitted this video audition I felt when watching it afterwards that it wasn't a good snapshot of where we actually were. I think because the filming had been arranged, plus props (not on our property) there was this invisible imaginary pressure to get it done. Silly me.

So - score wise - interestingly rapport is my highest score, and respect is lower... sideways was the worst (crumbs) - no excuses - it wasn't a good sideways, yo- yo or circle day. And my driving mark was down too - I think that's the key - too much draw and not enough drive... it's been that way all along our journey - he wants to sit in my lap 150% of the time.

Good marks (could be better though) for technical, obedience, draw expression, relationship... (on a positive note)....

But you know - now that I realise his hip was out all along - he tried so hard for me. And only the following week I had a nice soft less than phase 1.

Might work on getting him 100% confident with the plastic bag on the end of the carrot stick over winter and try Emma's idea after her lesson with Linda.... he's a big scaredy cat when it comes to plastic bags on sticks - or green balls above ones head...but if said plastic bag is in my hand with perhaps carrots inside well - different story!

Wintery squally weather today - hoping for some sunshine next week - also waiting to hear is grass arena is ok to use...

Circle game update

Ok - so this is what we have been working on.... staying out, backing up nicely - amazing what a treat at the end of the back up will do - he now offers to back up! AND - he doesn't run back in when I turn to walk back to the end of the rope. Yay.

And - staying out - not really staying in canter for much - but you know - he does half a lap each time... guess he needs to get fit hey. He also still curves his body the wrong way (in) especially on the right rein.

This video really makes me laugh.

Level 3 Online Video

I haven't put this up on You Tube because I don't want to take the music off....

Garbo had fallen over two days previous so his canter was a little stiff and he didn't stay in gait hence the more driving than normal in the Circle game.

Anyway - I have sent it off..

Fingers crossed.

ps our circle game has improved alot since this video.... and our back up - it's back to being nice and polite and subtle. Funny how they yo-yo. Actually I look at this now - only 4 weeks ago and cringe at my 'barking' ! Yikes!

Ok - my critique (4 weeks on)..... too higher phases needed on yo-yo, didn't maintain gait in canter, didn't stay out on canter, sideways could have been straighter..... rest ok - actually the lead by tail and leg very good. :-)

Level 3 Online Audition

Hana and Jane arrived at my place at lunch time and Garbo decided he didn't want to be caught today and ran off chasing the others. I had originally caught Maraschino first with the idea I would play with him first but Garbo followed along badgering him, so I thought - ok your turn first then - and he ran away - what games he plays with me! You could almost hear him giggling. When I walked back to the wash bay he saw we had visitors and the curiosity of course got the better of him!

I had a quick play with Maraschino after they all got a brush since we had one person for each horse... and he was very good. Backed into the yard like a pro.

Garbo loaded fine and off we went with the pedestal and ball in the back.

Arrived at Jools and set up the arena and parked the float next to it. I had a wee trial run and of course Garbo proved me wrong and did the weave perfectly, and everything else, so I said - ok lets film before we lose it.

We started on the pedastal, got all 4 feet on, then he backed off it and back on again (offered that) - actually I think he was saying "errrr you missed it - scuse me I am on the pedastal - where's my carrot??"

... then we went to the ball - he sniffed it - didn't push it - oh well.... sideways along the fence at trot both ways - one way was better than the other....

A couple of half circles from the fence, then trotting along the long side with a transition, to the cones for the weave, he did it perfectly.....

then jumped the barrel, added in some circles somewhere there.... he was a bit sore I think so didn't stay in canter for long (after slipping over the other day), change of direction x 2, then trot to me... yay.

Rest...

We also did sideways over a pole, and backwards squeeze through the barrels.

Oh I forgot - we started with Extreme Friendly - he couldn't have cared less really - added in lead backwards by the tail and the hind legs (both at once)

and then trailer loaded, and a yo yo on the 45 - phew - not quite sure how we fitted all that in to 10 minutes but it was a rap!

He's such a good horse!

Thanks to my two amazing friends Hana and Jane for helping today - your photography and videography skills were amazing - not to mention the ginger cake and just 'being there'. Thanks guys.

Today at Jool's

Critey has been having a mini-break at our place for a couple of days before she heads off to Bronwyn's place for good - finally Bronwyn was able to buy Critey! Yay!

We decided that when Critey left we would go somewhere for a ride and then both of us go to our own places so that he didn't call out for her for hours like he did last time she visited. It worked really well - they were both really settled once at their respective homes. He loaded well both ways too - even with the added stress of him wondering if Critey was coming too.

The ride at Jools was just fab - considering we haven't ridden there since the New Year, and only been to the forest once. He showed me he could even do Change of Direction today too (properly) and transitions down with the carrot stick were marginally better too.

It was really hot but I didn't notice once we were doing stuff.... he went into canter really well with me putting my rail arm back under my bum to get the right lead, and cantering with my other hand. My canter position felt really secure today too.

His back up was finger light - his sideways a bit sticky but we can work on that.

Yay.