Today was a rough day at work., I was in desperate need of some equine therapy after work. My job is stressful enough without having to do other people's work while they sit around doing nothing. And on top of that, the things I heard today made me want to vomit in my mouth. Gross. Okay, enough work rant. I am so very much looking forward to a little break for Christmas and New Year.
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| Sometime, you just need to hug a horse |
Shyloh did her job very well today as an equine therapist. She got my mind off of everything stressful. I took my time grooming her then put her harness on.
Yesterday, we had a great day! I worked on line driving Shy at the trot and I was very pleased with the results. Usually Shy won't keep the trot up, but yesterday she had a beautiful slow jog and was gee'ing and haw'ing like a pro! She was going so well, that even though I felt like I was going to pass out from all that running behind her, I kept it up as long as I could. Good pony.
The line driving is doing Shy a lot of good. It is getting her comfortable with me behind her and she is listening very well. Today we worked in the paddock with all the trees. We did lots of sharp turns, then I decided to try something new. I wanted to back her through two trees. After she finally backed through, I did not work her very much longer. Short successful sessions are best, plus my head was not in the right place.
Now for the fun stuff!
It's cute to watch Shy figure out her legs. She always starts with them too close for her big head. I did notice a couple times when I should have clicked (I was trying to click when she went on the toe of her right leg). But I had a hard time seeing around that giant noggin!
After my therapy session with Shy, I have headed home for a quiet evening on the couch to not think about anything work related until Monday. I hope to book a weekend full of horse therapy. I need it! Anyone else have any grand horse plans?
I just want to say that I am really enjoying reading all your posts about teaching Shy to drive. It's totally foreign to me, and I like seeing what you're doing and how it's working.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on riding both days now that Connor is clipped to where I can actually do work with him again! Pony boot camp, here we come!
Thanks! Conner looks very cute in his new clip! Shy's hair is just like his, with all the layers and length!
DeleteI hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. It is time to de-stress!
ReplyDeleteMy weekend plans are .... hoping it doesn't rain. Boo, hiss, raaaain, go away! Tomorrow it's Cashcall Futurity Day at BHP and Zenyatta's lil sis is running for a second time, so I can't miss that one. Sunday plans ... remain to be seen.
ReplyDeleteI did notice when you were asking her to back up, you released pressure a few times without her moving. I'll look around and see if I can find a few links about making a horse come off pressure, but the general idea is, keep holding (not pulling) until she moves and then release. By releasing before she moves her feet, she's learning "Oh, you want me to just stand here? OK." It's hard, I know, your hands get tired, you get bored and it's sometimes kind of frustrating, but she is getting it, slowly.
Fun weekend plans!
DeleteI know I need to work on when to release pressure. I am so worried that I am hurting her, but I guess if that was the case she would have moved, right?
Your post resonated A LOT! It's been one of those weeks here too, sending you my sympathies, I know just how you feel. Equines are such great therapy! I have plans to hug my mini mule a ridiculous amount, ride the big mule and just gaze adoringly at Roller the mini shetland, I will also take part in my favourite activity of sniffing under Roller's mane - the most comforting smell in the world - eau de pony :-)
ReplyDeleteGive those three a big hug from me, too!!
DeleteAfter a rough work day (or week), I could not agree more! What do people do who do not have horses in their lives?
ReplyDeleteI don't know! But I am glad to have a horse :)
DeleteAfter yesterdays tragic shootings I have a feeling lots of horses had extra hugs!
ReplyDeleteLOVE what your doing with Shy in the driving. You're both doing so awesome. All that ground work is going to pay off big come spring.
She's really trying sooo hard in the bowing. Loved watching it.
It was terrible what happened yesterday. What is wrong with people?
DeleteShe does try so hard! I love that she tries to get her head through her legs, but they are too close. It is fun to watch her figure stuff out.
I understand the feeling of needing to hug a horse. I need it so often that I really have to have my horses in my backyard ;)
ReplyDeleteShy is looking amazing with the driving and I love watching how they figure out how to bow, adorable!
She does seem to get pretty comfortable. I just really need a second person so she can get that comfy dragging something!
DeleteThe driving seems to be coming along real nice. I am very pleased to see Shyloh and yourself gelling so well, mind you running behind a trotting horse doesnt do the brething to good!!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better after some rest!
Thanks!
DeleteThank goodness for horse therapy. Hope you are feeling better. It's been quite the weekend. I didn't do much with the horses this weekend as I was busy picking myself up another dog! Hope your week goes less stressful for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beatiful photo you have there! I really enjoyed reading this article and watching those videos. I couldn't stop watching the video, it's so cute!
ReplyDelete-EquineNaturalMovement.com
This post is exactly why I have horses. I am high strung and get myself all in a tizzy about work/life/whatever. As soon as I get out of the car and see those big brown eyes it all goes away. I know horses are why I have kept my sanity over the years. Shy is such a good girl.
ReplyDeleteShe is. And when I am with her, she pretty much forces me to spend all my energy on her and forgetting everything else. It's a good thing.
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