LAST MINUTE SHOWING:
About 3:00pm todaywe got a call from someone who wanted to meet Annie today! So we
rushed around and got thigs together for a 5:00pm meeting! No pressure!
Our approach to showing a horse to a potential family is
pretty straightforward. We do some warm-up exercises and then basic groundwork
where we demonstrate lateral flexion, backing, suppling, hindquarter yields, forequarter
yields, impulsion and backing. Then we have the potential family do these with
us guiding them through it. It is VERY surprising how many people do not do any
real groundwork and have no idea of what feel, position and timing really is.
Once they get to see what the horse can do on the ground we tack up and ride.
We demonstrate how best to cue/communicate with the horse under saddle via our
aides and then perform several maneuvers. Then it is their turn.
Today we did all of that. Annie worked with an experienced
rider, a twelve year old girl and an eleven year old girl! There was even a
bareback ride! Once again Annie ROCKED it. She was doing her best to adjust to
the MUCH lighter tack and weight of the riders. Their cues had to feel different!
Still Annie gave 100% and did a great job! Result was another family being so
amazed with how well she behaved compared to the other horses they have seen.
This weekend has been a crucible of sorts for Annie. We have
shown her four times and (not counting Michael) she has had eight different
humans on her back. All had different cues and energy. The ranged from pretty
experienced to complete novice. Annie took it all in stride. It is something to
be very proud of. The work that has been done has resulted in the creation of a
solid equine citizen. Looking back on the entries in this journal from the
first few days or our journey together and this entry it is amazing to see the
difference in Annie. Just shows what love, time, focus and consistency can do.
Very proud of Annie! Pretty proud of us too!
Annie: Bareback
Annie: Bareback
Annie: Novice #1
Annie: Novice #2
No comments:
Post a Comment