I finally did it, I filmed my Audition. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining, it was actually “warm” (and by warm I mean warm enough that I could wear jeans and a sweater, I got to skip the snow suit!). So Blue and I went out and played for a bit warming up and seeing what side of the corral he woke up on. I was very happy that he woke up on the very LBE side and wanted to do nothing but play and try new things!
So we began filming, I was a little nervous at first, but quickly got over it as Blue was an absolutle super-star! He was perfect! Sure he got a little stick here and there but that was probably him sensing my nerves a little bit. During the audition I got him to stand on some blocks of wood as a pedestal – originally I just wanted him to touch them with his hooves but he eagerly offered to stand on them with his front hooves! I was thrilled!
So after the filming was done I gave Blue a really good scratching and lots and lots of treats before heading inside to get the film ready for sending. I took a deep breath, filled out the forms, loaded the video to YouTube and clicked “Send”. And off it went. Now to try and breathe normally and wait, waiting is going to SUCK!
Here is a link to my Audition Video:
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Confidence Snaffle = Love!!
Yesterday Blue and Tia’s new bits arrived while I was at work so of course today in the morning I had to get up and go try out Blue’s new Confidence Snaffle. We played for a little while but he was trying to shove his face into the bridle that was on my shoulder the whole time so I eventually put it on him, got him to give me a boost onto his back and we began to try out the new bit. Blue LOVES it! He was so responsive and light with it, we were yielding left and right, turning, backing up, and figure 8’s etc all with a feather light touch.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Short Ride - Short Post
Today Anna and I saddled up for a ride, Blue was a bit sticky at first when I asked him move away from the herd, but he eventually got over it. So we worked on some side passing, and yielding of his haunches, backing up, and circles before we went back to the part of the field where all the other horses were. We then worked on ‘cutting’ Lexi, and Blue got into it pretty quick and enjoyed it! So he might make a cutting horse just yet!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ride On Kallie & Blue
While I waited for Ripley and Storm to finish eating and was busy keeping Blue from trying to duck into their feeding stall I decided to try something new with him. So in less than 5 minutes I taught Blue to back up by following the feel with his tail at complete liberty and to back up when I lifted one of his back legs and guided it backwards. He caught on really quickly and there was really no hesitation! I was pretty happy that it took less than 5 minutes to teach my boy some Level ¾ skills!
~*~
Later on that afternoon I decided I wanted to play with Kallie again, we went through our Seven Games and she was much more responsive with backing up today, she wasn’t sticky at all. I even worked on drawing her into me faster by walking/trotting backwards away from her while I reeled in the rope and she quickly caught on and had no issues with trotting towards me. I was also able to play the Friendly Game with carrot stick and savvy string in all 5 Zones. I was very happy that she allowed me to stand in Zone 5 and toss the savvy string around her fore quarters, neck, back, and legs.
After I was certain she passed the pre-ride checks I got on, this time I asked for a bit more from her and would smile with all four cheeks, turn the smile into a squeeze and then smooch if I didn’t get a response. Within no time at all she was moving forward eagerly and easily with just the smile. Yawning, licking and chewing and being a really good girl. We worked on turning, lateral flexion and even did a few Figure 8s around the barrels! She was just perfect! After we road around the paddock a bit, going to new places we hadn’t ridden before I decided to end the wonderful session.
Next it was Blue’s turn again, I got him to give me a boost up with his neck onto his back and I really had no intentions of doing much more then just sitting there but I could tell that he was eager to do something. So I looked at his right hip and poked it gently with my finger and he did a near perfect turn on the forehand. We did this to the left and to the right, he would back up easily and many steps when I just shifted my weight back in the saddle as well as walk forward and whoa with the slightest suggestion. Next I’m going to have to work on some turns on the haunches, but he certainly has his turns on the forehand down pat and can do them very quickly!
Later on that afternoon I decided I wanted to play with Kallie again, we went through our Seven Games and she was much more responsive with backing up today, she wasn’t sticky at all. I even worked on drawing her into me faster by walking/trotting backwards away from her while I reeled in the rope and she quickly caught on and had no issues with trotting towards me. I was also able to play the Friendly Game with carrot stick and savvy string in all 5 Zones. I was very happy that she allowed me to stand in Zone 5 and toss the savvy string around her fore quarters, neck, back, and legs.
After I was certain she passed the pre-ride checks I got on, this time I asked for a bit more from her and would smile with all four cheeks, turn the smile into a squeeze and then smooch if I didn’t get a response. Within no time at all she was moving forward eagerly and easily with just the smile. Yawning, licking and chewing and being a really good girl. We worked on turning, lateral flexion and even did a few Figure 8s around the barrels! She was just perfect! After we road around the paddock a bit, going to new places we hadn’t ridden before I decided to end the wonderful session.
Next it was Blue’s turn again, I got him to give me a boost up with his neck onto his back and I really had no intentions of doing much more then just sitting there but I could tell that he was eager to do something. So I looked at his right hip and poked it gently with my finger and he did a near perfect turn on the forehand. We did this to the left and to the right, he would back up easily and many steps when I just shifted my weight back in the saddle as well as walk forward and whoa with the slightest suggestion. Next I’m going to have to work on some turns on the haunches, but he certainly has his turns on the forehand down pat and can do them very quickly!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Touch It - Touch Everything!
Today I practiced with Blue for my audition that I hope to film this week. We worked on the walk, trot and back up – getting him straighter and not wanting to go past me. We also played all Seven Games and he was Phase 1 for everything, easily yielding away from pressure. We even did some weaving around objects in the field and some Figure 8s around the barrels. Oh course pretty much this whole time Blue and I had a shadow, little Lexi decided that she wanted to be involved in everything that Blue was doing.
Next we played the Touch It Game and walked all around the paddock, getting Blue to put his feet on various objects; the barrels, a board, a log, a stump, feed pan, a pile of manure, a fence post, and even Lexi! She wasn’t too impressed with being pawed at though by Uncle Blue and quickly turned to face me. I was pretty happy with my boy and he really seemed to be enjoying the session! We played around a bit more before I took the halter off and had him follow me around the field while I collected the feed tubs.
Next we played the Touch It Game and walked all around the paddock, getting Blue to put his feet on various objects; the barrels, a board, a log, a stump, feed pan, a pile of manure, a fence post, and even Lexi! She wasn’t too impressed with being pawed at though by Uncle Blue and quickly turned to face me. I was pretty happy with my boy and he really seemed to be enjoying the session! We played around a bit more before I took the halter off and had him follow me around the field while I collected the feed tubs.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
20 Questions
Stole this from the Daily Parelli Blog and decided to fill it out, so here are my answers:
What is your Ultimate Goal with horses? (hint: Write it down; extra-credit hint: write down answers to all of these questions) I would someday like to have an all Natural Boarding, Training and Breeding Facility that I would run with my best friend. Doing everything the Parelli way. I would love to be an offical Parelli Insturctor as well someday but that realisticly won't happen unless I win the lotto
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within ten years? I would like to have a barn (with stalls opening to a large paddock so horses could come and go as they please) and an indoor riding arena. A few clients horses that would be started the Parelli way. And a broodmare band (about 4-6 mares all QH or Paint) and an APHA stallion well on his way in a showing career naturally.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within five years? By this time I would like to have my Parelli Level 4 certification. And purchase a Homozygous Tobiano Paint Stallion with my best friend who would be used in our breeding program.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within two years? It would be wonderful that at this time I could have sand footing in my outdoor arena, more land cleared for more pasture. And be well on my way through the Parelli Level 4 tasks.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within one year? I would like to be ready to send in my Parelli Level 3 Audition.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within six months? Continue to work through my self assesments and be preparing for my Parelli Level 3 tasks. Have a round pen built and a grass arena. At this time I will have my very own foal to work with daily to raise the Parelli way from the start.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within three months? I would like to send in my Parelli Level 2 Audition tape.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within one month? Be well on my way through the tasks required for my Parelli Level 2 Finesse.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within two weeks? I would like to send in my Parelli Level 1 Audition tape.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within one week? Have Blue trotting easily around the barrels in a Figure-8 pattern.
What action could you take toward that goal within three days? Practice, Practice, Practice!
What action could you take toward that goal tomorrow? If it isn't storming go out and work with Blue, if it is storming review my DVDs.
What action could you take toward that goal today? Work with Blue after lunch.
What action could you take toward that goal right now? Re-watch the Parelli Patterns, Online video (putting it in the computer now)
What information could you acquire that would improve your chances of achieving your goal? Well I've already got the L&HB, Success Series, Level 1 Pack, Parelli Patterns Online, Liberty, Freestyle and Finesse. Watch as much as I can through the Savvy Club membership and get down to a Parelli Tour Stop and to a Parelli Conference.
What's stopping you? My lack of confidence.
Really? Yes relaly, I have little to no confidence in what I can do, but am goign to work VERY hard to change that, starting NOW!
Do you see how easy it is to make a plan? A lot easier then I thought for sure! Kind of nice to see everything laid out!
Now, here's the toughest question of all: Once you have a plan...Are you willing to change it if you need to? Heck yes!
Did you count to see if there were actually 20 questions? Yes! This makes question #20.
What is your Ultimate Goal with horses? (hint: Write it down; extra-credit hint: write down answers to all of these questions) I would someday like to have an all Natural Boarding, Training and Breeding Facility that I would run with my best friend. Doing everything the Parelli way. I would love to be an offical Parelli Insturctor as well someday but that realisticly won't happen unless I win the lotto
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within ten years? I would like to have a barn (with stalls opening to a large paddock so horses could come and go as they please) and an indoor riding arena. A few clients horses that would be started the Parelli way. And a broodmare band (about 4-6 mares all QH or Paint) and an APHA stallion well on his way in a showing career naturally.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within five years? By this time I would like to have my Parelli Level 4 certification. And purchase a Homozygous Tobiano Paint Stallion with my best friend who would be used in our breeding program.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within two years? It would be wonderful that at this time I could have sand footing in my outdoor arena, more land cleared for more pasture. And be well on my way through the Parelli Level 4 tasks.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within one year? I would like to be ready to send in my Parelli Level 3 Audition.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within six months? Continue to work through my self assesments and be preparing for my Parelli Level 3 tasks. Have a round pen built and a grass arena. At this time I will have my very own foal to work with daily to raise the Parelli way from the start.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within three months? I would like to send in my Parelli Level 2 Audition tape.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within one month? Be well on my way through the tasks required for my Parelli Level 2 Finesse.
What is a step toward that goal that you could achieve within two weeks? I would like to send in my Parelli Level 1 Audition tape.
What is a step toward that goal or a lesser goal that you could achieve within one week? Have Blue trotting easily around the barrels in a Figure-8 pattern.
What action could you take toward that goal within three days? Practice, Practice, Practice!
What action could you take toward that goal tomorrow? If it isn't storming go out and work with Blue, if it is storming review my DVDs.
What action could you take toward that goal today? Work with Blue after lunch.
What action could you take toward that goal right now? Re-watch the Parelli Patterns, Online video (putting it in the computer now)
What information could you acquire that would improve your chances of achieving your goal? Well I've already got the L&HB, Success Series, Level 1 Pack, Parelli Patterns Online, Liberty, Freestyle and Finesse. Watch as much as I can through the Savvy Club membership and get down to a Parelli Tour Stop and to a Parelli Conference.
What's stopping you? My lack of confidence.
Really? Yes relaly, I have little to no confidence in what I can do, but am goign to work VERY hard to change that, starting NOW!
Do you see how easy it is to make a plan? A lot easier then I thought for sure! Kind of nice to see everything laid out!
Now, here's the toughest question of all: Once you have a plan...Are you willing to change it if you need to? Heck yes!
Did you count to see if there were actually 20 questions? Yes! This makes question #20.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Pedicure Time
I went into work early today so was therefore allowed to leave early and managed to get home in time to have an hour of sunlight! So I get a pocket full of treats, toss some hay to the horses and meander over to Kallie with my trimming gear. She doesn’t try to walk off at all; she is just instantly looking for treats. So of course she got a few treats and I then proceeded to rub her all over and boy was the white hair flying! She is shedding like mad!
Once I knew she was calm and comfortable I squeezed the chestnut on her from left leg, she easily picked up the foot. Her bars looked great; all I really had to do was trim back to the white line a bit and level out her heels. She didn’t try to walk off on my but she was trying to pull away her front foot a fair bit. So I would just wait it out and as soon as she stopped trying to get it away I would let her put it down, turn and smile at her, rub her neck and offer a treat. As I trimmed both front feet the tugging got less and less as I was sure to be passively persistent.
Next it was onto the back feet and I had forgotten that the last time I had to get Anna to help counter balance Kallie as she wanted to shift all of her weight into the foot that I wanted to pick up. But I was confident and patient and eventually got just what I wanted. It was almost as if she was trying to test me, but in the end I won and she followed me around for a bit licking and chewing and looking for treats.
Once I knew she was calm and comfortable I squeezed the chestnut on her from left leg, she easily picked up the foot. Her bars looked great; all I really had to do was trim back to the white line a bit and level out her heels. She didn’t try to walk off on my but she was trying to pull away her front foot a fair bit. So I would just wait it out and as soon as she stopped trying to get it away I would let her put it down, turn and smile at her, rub her neck and offer a treat. As I trimmed both front feet the tugging got less and less as I was sure to be passively persistent.
Next it was onto the back feet and I had forgotten that the last time I had to get Anna to help counter balance Kallie as she wanted to shift all of her weight into the foot that I wanted to pick up. But I was confident and patient and eventually got just what I wanted. It was almost as if she was trying to test me, but in the end I won and she followed me around for a bit licking and chewing and looking for treats.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Second Ride
Today was a bit windy and snow would fall from the sky in short bursts but I was determined to get out and work more with Kallie, the footing in the paddock was perfect and it wasn’t -20°C out so that was certainly a bonus. So off I went, easily haltered Kallie and we began to play our games, she had a bit of go in her at first and wanted to trot towards everything, I let her because she was easily following my direction.
We did some Figure 8’s and Circling, at the trot for awhile, then we played Touch It and tested her Porcupine and Driving Game. She was a bit sticky for the backing up but started to get better as we went along. She passed all of the pre-ride checks, the only thing I didn’t get her to do was jump over a barrel. She even stood quietly and calmly when I swung the rope over her head.
So I got up and stood in the stirrup three times, keeping my eye on her eye, rubbing her all over (well where I could reach anyways) and then eventually sitting in the saddle. She started licking and chewing almost right away. This time I actually asked her to move her feet so I smiled with all four cheeks, didn’t get a response. So then I squeezed with my legs, still nothing. Then I clucked and she too a few steps forward, as soon as she started to move all pressure came off her and I started rubbing her neck. We did this a few times and in a short period of time she was yawning and relaxing even more.
My good girl.
Relaxed
She then began to get curious and wanted to turn her nose to sniff my boot, but you could tell she was a bit worried (she probably got kicked in the nose any other time she had tried to do so). I just sat there relaxed rubbing her and giving her the occasional treat until she was finally comfortable enough to sniff both my boots.
I decided to end it there, she was nice and relaxed and even curious I didn’t want to push things!
Riding off into the sunset.
We did some Figure 8’s and Circling, at the trot for awhile, then we played Touch It and tested her Porcupine and Driving Game. She was a bit sticky for the backing up but started to get better as we went along. She passed all of the pre-ride checks, the only thing I didn’t get her to do was jump over a barrel. She even stood quietly and calmly when I swung the rope over her head.
So I got up and stood in the stirrup three times, keeping my eye on her eye, rubbing her all over (well where I could reach anyways) and then eventually sitting in the saddle. She started licking and chewing almost right away. This time I actually asked her to move her feet so I smiled with all four cheeks, didn’t get a response. So then I squeezed with my legs, still nothing. Then I clucked and she too a few steps forward, as soon as she started to move all pressure came off her and I started rubbing her neck. We did this a few times and in a short period of time she was yawning and relaxing even more.
My good girl.
Relaxed
She then began to get curious and wanted to turn her nose to sniff my boot, but you could tell she was a bit worried (she probably got kicked in the nose any other time she had tried to do so). I just sat there relaxed rubbing her and giving her the occasional treat until she was finally comfortable enough to sniff both my boots.
I decided to end it there, she was nice and relaxed and even curious I didn’t want to push things!
Riding off into the sunset.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday The 13th Was A Good Day
Another good play session with Blue, we started off with some regular Friendly Game and then stepped it up a notch to some Extreme Friendly Game. He was must better then I had anticipated, seeing as when I first got him you couldn’t even walk by his stall with anything that resembled a whip or stick without him leaping to the far corner and cowering. But I guess all my work with the carrot stick and my body language has really paid off. I was able to slap the ground really hard and make a “whipping” noise and then swing the savvy string over his back. I walked around him and did this and he kept his feet still. Very impressed I was!
We then did some Weaving Pattern around the barrels and practiced some more with out Figure-8’s and yet again they were even better then last time. I was even able to get him to trot a few times around. Being very happy with my boy that is where we ended it.
We then did some Weaving Pattern around the barrels and practiced some more with out Figure-8’s and yet again they were even better then last time. I was even able to get him to trot a few times around. Being very happy with my boy that is where we ended it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sabre Toothed Trailer
Today we decided that we should introduce the ponies to the trailer. So after Anna had played with Lexi and gotten her on the trailer for the first time I went to get Blue. I could tell he was a bit nervous as soon as he say the trailer and that is probably for good reason. Pretty much every time he gets into a trailer he is moving to a new home. He isn’t too bad when his friends are coming with him but they were all staying in the field.
We played a lot around the trailer, I wasn’t focusing on it at all, Blue on the other hand was quite focused on it. So eventually I played the Touch it game with him, sent him to it and he eagerly sniffed it and began pawing it right away. Pawing is something Blue does a lot, he does it when he is out in the field playing with the other horses, or he will do it when he comes to the barrel, or the log, or anything that he can get his feet on he is doing it.
I would take him away from the trailer and then send him back, he put his front feet on and then quickly backed off. So I sent him away again, this time when he came up to it he was pawing at it so vigorously (one foot on the ramp the other pawing) that he slipped and bumped his nose on the trailer ramp. Soon I had a horse bleeding from his gums. Poor fella knocked his face on the ramp. He wasn’t too concerned about the blood he was smearing on his lips and allowed me to rub some snow in his mouth to clean him up a bit.
Of course I felt horrible, so just sent him to the trailer one more time, had him put his front feet on it then got him to back away and we went back to the field. I didn’t want him to associate standing on the ramp with getting bumped in the face!
We played a lot around the trailer, I wasn’t focusing on it at all, Blue on the other hand was quite focused on it. So eventually I played the Touch it game with him, sent him to it and he eagerly sniffed it and began pawing it right away. Pawing is something Blue does a lot, he does it when he is out in the field playing with the other horses, or he will do it when he comes to the barrel, or the log, or anything that he can get his feet on he is doing it.
I would take him away from the trailer and then send him back, he put his front feet on and then quickly backed off. So I sent him away again, this time when he came up to it he was pawing at it so vigorously (one foot on the ramp the other pawing) that he slipped and bumped his nose on the trailer ramp. Soon I had a horse bleeding from his gums. Poor fella knocked his face on the ramp. He wasn’t too concerned about the blood he was smearing on his lips and allowed me to rub some snow in his mouth to clean him up a bit.
Of course I felt horrible, so just sent him to the trailer one more time, had him put his front feet on it then got him to back away and we went back to the field. I didn’t want him to associate standing on the ramp with getting bumped in the face!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Truck And Trailer Arrives Home
Very exciting!! The truck and trailer that Anna had purchased arrived home safe and sound! A new truck and new trailer can only mean one thing . . . Anna and I will FINALLY be able to go to shows and clinics this year and not have to rely on unreliable people for trailering! We won’t be restricted anymore!
Tada!!
Tada!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Practice Audition
Today was a very good play session with Blue, we worked on the compulsories for the new Level Auditions for the Level 1-2 Online. A few things were sticky, but over all I think we should be able to film it no problem. Anna took a few videos today just so I could go back and see where I might have been blocking Blue or asking him to do the wrong thing. It was very helpful! Blue was really good overall and easily performed the tasks asked, he did get a bit sticky with the walk to trot then back up part but over all was a good boy. We also got to practice a fair bit on our Figure-8’s it had been awhile since we had done them and he was a bit rusty at first but by the end of the session he was starting to understand.
I went back out later and played with him some more and he was getting the Figure-8 pattern even more. His biggest pitfall is that when he comes to the barrel he wants to paw at it, knock it down, roll it around or try to stand on it! That makes it a wee bit difficult to get him to go AROUND the barrels!!
I went back out later and played with him some more and he was getting the Figure-8 pattern even more. His biggest pitfall is that when he comes to the barrel he wants to paw at it, knock it down, roll it around or try to stand on it! That makes it a wee bit difficult to get him to go AROUND the barrels!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Games With Blue
Nothing too exciting today, we just went through the Seven Games and I tried to challenge myself and Blue with new obstacles and challenges while practicing for out Level 1 Audition/Assessment. We just need to wait for the new information to come out on the 9th!!
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