Just got back in from ponying Xandra behind Star. Xandra did really well for most of the little over a mile ride. However, Xandra has one nasty little habit she learned before she came to live with me, concerning being tied to a fence with a leather halter, which snapped when she planted her feet and then went backwards, and that is, that if she really doesn't want to go somewhere or do something, all she has to do is plant her feet and then start heading backwards. With Xandra now being taller than Star and probably close to her weight, being attached to the saddle horn, I honestly thought Xandra was going to pull us over on the three separate incidents when Xandra decided she didn't feel like continuing. Fortunately Star is sturdy and handy on her feet, got us balanced and kept going forward until Xandra finally realized resistance was futile. The incidents were over a small stream (which Xandra has crossed many a time in hand), passing through a grassy area where Xandra wanted to stop and eat, and then passing by the paddock housing Rhys, where she wanted to stop for a visit, which I am not willing to have happen now. Anyway, it was all in all a pretty good ride. We did some walk, trot and whoa. Xandra really wasn't too thrilled about any of it although not terribly unreasonable either. I am hoping that once we do this some more Xandra will forget about even trying to halt and back up as an option and just realize that when I say walk, it means walk until I tell you to do something else.
Lessons for the future, pony much sooner, as in when they are little tiny foals who are easily much lighter and smaller than their dams. Pony from the back of a larger horse than the one being ponied when they are just learning how to do the whole thing. Wish someone had been home with a camera, the site was quite nice when Xandra was going nicely. Will see about catching the image and sharing next time.
So, how to log today? Ground work? Ride time? A little of both? Not sure.
Hope everyone else is having a wonderful day!!
The RAC began in 2007 and continued until 2015. It was created to unite all curly horse owners to encourage and motivate each other and to promoting the breed. Participating riders earn points to win amazing prizes. This blog was created to share with others their personal journey with each other and the public. *This blog is not a training blog and any techniques or methods shown here are not necessarily enforced by the RAC. Consult your trainer for advice. http://curlyhorsecountry.com
How cute! I bet next time she will be great. ;-)
ReplyDeleteRegarding your time, think of this way: WHERE were you? Not what you horse was doing. IF you are in the saddle, then you count that as riding time. You can not double count your time. If you did some prep work on the ground with her before you mounted Star then count that part as ground training and the riding as part of the core division. Make sense?
That's what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure, sounds right, Thanks for clarifying!!
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