REVIEW SESSION
SATUDAY
The ability for the horse to retain
information and to perform adequately after some time off is really important
to us. This ability speaks to how the horse learns and can be trained in the
future. Some horses hold on to past lessons and some do not. So, after three
(days) off it was time to test Toimpressivetonotice and see what
she as retained!
We also use the term “leadership
walk” because frankly we don’t know what else to call it. What a “leadership
walk” is in our program is groundwork on the line done outside the round pen/
arena over terrain and obstacles. We work on the same exercises learned in the
round pen/arena but now there is a “reason” to do them and a great opportunity
to build confidence is the human’s leadership and the horse’s abilities while
conditioning occurs at the same time. These are fun to do when you want to
change it up a bit but still work on refinement of learned skills.
We did a short leadership walk to
start. Ground School Circles to get going, then the Cowboy Curtain, a
serpentine walk, some backing, pool noodle “tunnel”, narrow trail, rock
outcroppings, hills/grade, dead fall box and a low jump. Our gal did really
well. Then it was the round pen to see what has been retained. Consistency in gait, direction, changes of
direction to the inside and getting “two eyes” all showed some improvement. She
was less reactive and seemed to be thinking more. This is a win! Then we
saddled up, popped the bridle on her head (no fuss at all) and did more work in
the round pen and out on the trail/obstacle course. She did really well. We
introduced two new exercises today. Both will have real impact on her
performance and confidence. She took to them pretty well. On the emotional side
she seems to be “coming to center” faster. Yes, this has only been a week but
it seems like she is less inclined to stay revved up when faced with an
increase pace or energy. She escalates and then quickly comes down. Her biggest
challenges are her focus (it is short at times) and the habit of walking
forward and almost into you periodically. The focus will sharpen and strengthen
with time, training and practice. The “space invader” habit is going to require
a firmer correction for a while. One that sticks in the mind. Still we are a
week and six sessions into the program. She is improving and beginning to
connect. She has not fully warmed up to the gentle touch concept (this says
something about her personality and her history) but it is MUCH better than
this time last week.
Feeling pretty positive! More of the same tomorrow. Monday
we saddle up! It will be a two session kind of day!
Playing in the round pen.
Trotting.
More trotting.
Vrrrooom! Loping!
Looking sharp in the bridle!
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