WEEKEND SESSIONS:
Session #1-Nike had two days off. It has been raining quite a bit so our
training area at home is just a buddy mess. So, off we go to the local covered
arena. Good times. Ronan got his shoe replaced so he was on board. Argent is
still sore so more time off for him. Laurie and tag teamed the groundwork part
of the session and we both worked with each horse. Today we worked on Lunge for
Respect 2, Backing, Sending, Circle Driving, Changing Eyes/ Sides (form of
Yielding the FQ from the Intermediate level, Lateral and Vertical Flexion and
lots of desensitizing using the plastic bag on a stick and Throw to a Stop. We
got a nice “yes, sir” attitude and some nice ground skills overall. Really
proud of Nike’s progress. During the Sending exercise Nike is very aware of the
stick and that if she does not get her hind end out of the way with some energy
that she gets “bit” by the stick. She does the exercise and then presents an
attitude towards the stick…not at the human but the stick. It is kind of funny.
Thinking that we can move to just the body language and the rope next session.
Stay tuned!
Under
saddle with Nike we worked on her steering wheel, with a focus on the human
being clear with seat, leg and hands and expecting a softness and willingness
to move by the horse. We got some really improved handling today. Her gas pedal
is getting unstuck and we got some decent (for Nike) walk-trot-lope
transitions. No need for the incentive of the riding crop today. Squeeze, Cluck
and off we go. She was more willing to do the lope and we loped longer
distances today. We mixed One-Rein Stops into the mix which kept her thinking
and rating the human’s seat. Lateral and Vertical Flexion under saddle was
worked on and Vertical Flexion at the Walk was introduced. Mentally and
physically it was a good workout.
We purchased
a nicer and smaller cinch and got a real saddle blanket which when used with
her normal saddle pad helps our saddles to fit nicely. She can FEEL the seat
cues much more clearly which makes communication easier. Laurie and I agree
that she is getting a little taller and that she is getting some muscle tone.
She is always going to be a lean girl but as we progress with her training and
conditioning we know she will be lots of fun to ride long term! Looking forward
to tomorrow’s session!
Here are some images of Nike as of Day 43.
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