This is more of a slideshow than anything else..but please enjoy anyway..and let me knwo what you all think!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Work Session!
Today I didn't ride Navajo I just worked with him a bit..First I groomed him:D He was terribly muddy and he got wet then rolled then got wet and then dried again..so the mud was very well ingrained in his coat:D So I had quite the job..He looks way better than he did before:):) Then I put the bridle on and got on board...He didn't want to go forward and I was not in the mood at all to argue so I turned him around got off and led him down the strip (where I wanted to go inthe first place) and I got him to move his hindquarters and forequarters and backing up..Nothing fancy:D but he did great..He is definitely getting better at moving his forequarters..I am proud..Tomorrow we do cookies with my cousins..i am so excited...Hope you all had a great thanksgiving..I did.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday!
Today Navajo was still wet and muddy...So no grooming..HEHE...Oh well..I decided it would be the perfect day to work with him gaining his confidance back about being blocked in his stall..I am doing it just in case he would ever get hurt and need to stay in his stall. I know that with patience, determination and probably a lot of frustration we will get it eventually..What I did today is filled my pockets full of treats and broke them up..I let him know I have them and then went into the stall and he followed willingly..I didn't put the block across the door right away..I let him get used to the stall first..Then I put the block across the door..he seemed fine with it for the first bit but then started wanting out..I got him to pay attention to me by using treats..Then I got him to stay in the corner with me by hookin the lead rope to his halter..He seemed fine with it...After a while I decided he did great and I am going to let him go..So I told him to back up and undid the block (which is a board by the way) and then told him to walk out beside me..He did good..I had a couple of treats yet so I whistled to him (I was standing by the door of the stall) and he came..I was so proud of him...So eventually I will get him to stand in his stall I know it will take tons of work though..lol..Have a great thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
New Pictures!
These are some pictures I took today:) He is actually a lot dirty than these pictures portray:D Enjoy!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Christmas
I love this song and think it is so true..here is the youtube for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ
They have great songs..Go to http://www.gofishguys.com/cms/ for more songs by them..so neat!
Christmas With a Capital “C” (featuring Brad Stine)
Written by Jamison J. Statema
Well I went to the coffee shop to get myself a mocha
When the lady at the counter said “Happy Holidays”
I said, “Thanks lady. I am pretty happy
But there’s only one holiday that makes me feel that way and…”
When the lady at the counter said “Happy Holidays”
I said, “Thanks lady. I am pretty happy
But there’s only one holiday that makes me feel that way and…”
It’s called Christmas
What more can I say?
It’s about the birth of Christ
And you can’t take that away
You can call it something else
But that’s not what it will be
It’s called Christmas with a capital C
God’s got a law and we’ve pretty much destroyed it
We’re gonna get judged, there’s no way to avoid it
Jesus came down to take the punishment for me
He did it for you too, so now maybe you can see why…
What more can I say?
It’s about the birth of Christ
And you can’t take that away
You can call it something else
But that’s not what it will be
It’s called Christmas with a capital C
God’s got a law and we’ve pretty much destroyed it
We’re gonna get judged, there’s no way to avoid it
Jesus came down to take the punishment for me
He did it for you too, so now maybe you can see why…
It’s called Christmas
What more can I say?
It’s about the birth of Christ
And you can’t take that away
You can call it something else
But that’s not what it will be
It’s called Christmas with a capital
What more can I say?
It’s about the birth of Christ
And you can’t take that away
You can call it something else
But that’s not what it will be
It’s called Christmas with a capital
Chorus Out
Monday's Ride
Today I rode..This was the first time we rode down the strip since the corn down there is gone..They had done the field behind the barns but not out front..he (our neighbor) now has room so they cut the whole field finished:)
Anyway, last night I was reading the book Cross-training with Dressage by Jane Savioe and it was talking about having your horse in front of your leg..which if I am correct means the horse moves when you ask...let me look:) Yes I was right..Anyway what you are supposed to do is ask the horse to go forward with a light aide (My aide to go forward is a light press with the heels)..and if the horse doesn't do that you are supposed to "punish" them..Not beat them but kick them harder or tap with the whip...I don't want you to think you are supposed to be mean or anything but for a better understanding it would probably be better to read the book..hehe..anyway I tried it with Navajo...I didn't have to punish him he listened immediately:) He was very light this morning:) So that is a good start on the dressage training:)
I did a lot of getting him to listen to my leg this morning and was really pleased..once we got back I got him to move his hindquarters and forequarters and back up from the ground..He did great:):) I also did some flexing..Then I wanted to see if he was straight (means his hind legs follow his front legs and his head is in the middle of his chest)..HE was straight from what I could tell..Now I need ot see it when I am riding..going to get mom or rose mary to take a picture of that.
One thing I like about Jane Savioe is she talks consistantly about how you should not use shortcuts in training and think training as months and years instead of days and weeks...and take the little steps as great accomplishments :) I thought that was great..I like her because she echos a lot of things I think are important in horse training!! Just a though for today:):)
here are two sayings I came across:
You can't change other people
you can only choose whether you will love them or not.
-Unknown
Friends are like stars
They are there you just can't always see them.
-Unknow
I especially like the last one as sometimes I hardly e-mail or talk to some of my friends but they are still my friends:) Everyone have a great rest of the week!!
Anyway, last night I was reading the book Cross-training with Dressage by Jane Savioe and it was talking about having your horse in front of your leg..which if I am correct means the horse moves when you ask...let me look:) Yes I was right..Anyway what you are supposed to do is ask the horse to go forward with a light aide (My aide to go forward is a light press with the heels)..and if the horse doesn't do that you are supposed to "punish" them..Not beat them but kick them harder or tap with the whip...I don't want you to think you are supposed to be mean or anything but for a better understanding it would probably be better to read the book..hehe..anyway I tried it with Navajo...I didn't have to punish him he listened immediately:) He was very light this morning:) So that is a good start on the dressage training:)
I did a lot of getting him to listen to my leg this morning and was really pleased..once we got back I got him to move his hindquarters and forequarters and back up from the ground..He did great:):) I also did some flexing..Then I wanted to see if he was straight (means his hind legs follow his front legs and his head is in the middle of his chest)..HE was straight from what I could tell..Now I need ot see it when I am riding..going to get mom or rose mary to take a picture of that.
One thing I like about Jane Savioe is she talks consistantly about how you should not use shortcuts in training and think training as months and years instead of days and weeks...and take the little steps as great accomplishments :) I thought that was great..I like her because she echos a lot of things I think are important in horse training!! Just a though for today:):)
here are two sayings I came across:
You can't change other people
you can only choose whether you will love them or not.
-Unknown
Friends are like stars
They are there you just can't always see them.
-Unknow
I especially like the last one as sometimes I hardly e-mail or talk to some of my friends but they are still my friends:) Everyone have a great rest of the week!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
More things I am thankful for:
I am thankful for:
Navajo
My family
A good church
Great friends
horsechannel..lol..
thankful for life
All the good influences in life
God
Jesus dying on the cross for my sins
good ministry at church
the talents and abilites God had given me
the ability to train and work and communicate with Navajo and other animals
and the daily things..there are so many things i could list..I had a list earlier but thought this one was more complete..i am so happy to be alive..I know there are many bad things going on in the world but at this moment I am so happy to be alive..I have so many dear friends and family and a great horse:) Thanks to all my dear friends
Navajo
My family
A good church
Great friends
horsechannel..lol..
thankful for life
All the good influences in life
God
Jesus dying on the cross for my sins
good ministry at church
the talents and abilites God had given me
the ability to train and work and communicate with Navajo and other animals
and the daily things..there are so many things i could list..I had a list earlier but thought this one was more complete..i am so happy to be alive..I know there are many bad things going on in the world but at this moment I am so happy to be alive..I have so many dear friends and family and a great horse:) Thanks to all my dear friends
Thanksgiving and and Update
Hello how is everyone? We are great here..NO riding today but I hope to this week..We will have to see as two of the days I will not be home (thanksgiving at Grandma's and Friday baking cookies at my cousins)..Navajo is great..I must say as Thanksgiving rolls around it reminds me what all I am thankful for..First of all for my family and Friends (navajo included in there only twice..lol..) and then of couse my health and that of my families. Also a good church and good parents..And of couse all the daily things like a nice house warm bed and food:) What are you guys thankful for? Just curious:) Everyone have a great week..
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Grooming Session
This morning instead of riding I treated Navajo and myself to a morning of grooming..He and I both really enjoyed it..It was very relaxing...He looke so handsome afterwards. I also braided his tail just for the fun of it..If anyone has any tips on braiding a horses tail and using tail bags please let me know..I am thinking of using a tail bag this winter to help preserve his tail. Thank you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Last Nights Ride!
Last evening I did ride..We didn't ride in the field as Navajo probably will need shoes so I will see if I can put shoes on in the spring time before they do the fields:)
He did good otherwise though..We did a lot of trotting and he was fine with that..It was a fun ride not a work session:) So today will be a ride but with work mixed in:)
He did good otherwise though..We did a lot of trotting and he was fine with that..It was a fun ride not a work session:) So today will be a ride but with work mixed in:)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
♥ More Pictures of Navajo ♥
Eye pic 556
collage 1
collage 2
eye pic #1
eye pic #2
eye pic #3
eye pic #5
Eye pic # 6Let me know which picture you like the best..personally I like pic 556, collage 1, and pic number 6..it is really hard to pick..hehe.
It is the difficult horses that have the most to give you. - Lendon Gray
Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to buy a horse.
When training young horses "There are many types of bits for many different disciplines, but the severity of ALL bits lies in the hands holding them. - Monte Roberts
Definition: Equitation - The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to crowhop, shy and buck his way around a show ring.
My horse rolls in the mud in order to test my ability to get him clean without getting him wet...
He knows when you are happy, he knows when you are proud, he also knows when you have a carrot.
Your horse probably won't go too far without you if there is some tasty grass around - remember to keep some handy if you anticipate falling off.
One who believes that he has conquered the art of riding, has not yet begun to master the art of dressage.
Like human beings, horses are all individuals with singular personalities, their own virtues and their own faults. We become bound to them for their beauty, their eccentricities, their heart and the love they so often return to us. - Lana Slaton
Horses have as much individuality and character as people. - C.W. Anderson
Your horse's behaviour always seems to depend on the number of people watching you.
I never play horseshoes 'cause Mother taught us not to throw our clothes around. - Mr.Ed
As his ungrateful rider whips and spurs, the horse thinks an important warning, "I can run faster without you!"
Theser are some more sayings:) ENJOY!
Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to buy a horse.
When training young horses "There are many types of bits for many different disciplines, but the severity of ALL bits lies in the hands holding them. - Monte Roberts
Definition: Equitation - The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to crowhop, shy and buck his way around a show ring.
My horse rolls in the mud in order to test my ability to get him clean without getting him wet...
He knows when you are happy, he knows when you are proud, he also knows when you have a carrot.
Your horse probably won't go too far without you if there is some tasty grass around - remember to keep some handy if you anticipate falling off.
One who believes that he has conquered the art of riding, has not yet begun to master the art of dressage.
Like human beings, horses are all individuals with singular personalities, their own virtues and their own faults. We become bound to them for their beauty, their eccentricities, their heart and the love they so often return to us. - Lana Slaton
Horses have as much individuality and character as people. - C.W. Anderson
Your horse's behaviour always seems to depend on the number of people watching you.
I never play horseshoes 'cause Mother taught us not to throw our clothes around. - Mr.Ed
As his ungrateful rider whips and spurs, the horse thinks an important warning, "I can run faster without you!"
Theser are some more sayings:) ENJOY!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday's Work Session
Family Pics
My December Hotm Run Pic
My HOAL poster:DWell I did get to ride tonight although not when or how I had planned..lol..I was editing pictures for my HOTM run and for some of my friends.
Well anyway, I went out and bridled him (no saddle). I rode him around a bit in the enclosed area by his stall and then I opened the gate and walked around in the big yard..We did some trotting..I got him to back up and to listen to my leg and rein cues..i just learned what I do is indirect rein not really neck reining as neck reining is a long loose rein. He did really good. He had a nice trot..I was very happy. When I kinda stiffen my back it means for him to stop. I now need to get a cue/aid for him to slow down..I will think of something:) Toward the end I got off and got him to move his hindquarters and forequarters..HE DID GREAT..and he is getting lighter on his forehand..at one point I had to push very hard to get him to move..now all I need to do is press lightly and he moves:) It is awesome! I got him to back up too. He was ok with that. I also got him to flex and lower his head. Tomorrow I am hoping to ride out in the field and just go for a ride:):) We will see. Everyone have a great weekend.
Well anyway, I went out and bridled him (no saddle). I rode him around a bit in the enclosed area by his stall and then I opened the gate and walked around in the big yard..We did some trotting..I got him to back up and to listen to my leg and rein cues..i just learned what I do is indirect rein not really neck reining as neck reining is a long loose rein. He did really good. He had a nice trot..I was very happy. When I kinda stiffen my back it means for him to stop. I now need to get a cue/aid for him to slow down..I will think of something:) Toward the end I got off and got him to move his hindquarters and forequarters..HE DID GREAT..and he is getting lighter on his forehand..at one point I had to push very hard to get him to move..now all I need to do is press lightly and he moves:) It is awesome! I got him to back up too. He was ok with that. I also got him to flex and lower his head. Tomorrow I am hoping to ride out in the field and just go for a ride:):) We will see. Everyone have a great weekend.
Victory!!!
Good Morning!
Today I have great news!! Last night Navajo ate hay in his stall!!! I told you that I put hay in both places..Well each night I moved it closer to the stall. Last night I put the box of hay in his stall as he was getting braver and braver. I would take him in let him stand for a bit then let him walk out..I don't know how many times I did that but he came willingly..Then the last couple times he ate hay out of the box which was right inside the door that if he wanted to he could stand partways in and partways out..lol..Then the last time HE ATE HAY OUT OF HIS HAY RACK!!! VICTORY! I was very proud of him. So I then let him go and walked out. He ate a couple bites then walked out after me..lol...I was like I am not going to take him in again..I know now he is willing to eat out of the hayrack. So I came in and then when I went out this morning he was standing outside again.. I walked into the barn and HE HAD EATEN HIS HAY OUT OF HIS HAYRACK!! I was so happy..So the problem is taken care of. I am not saying it won't reaccure but now I know what to do thanks to some very great friends:) I have to say thanks to God to because I prayed awfully hard about this. All I can say a lot of prayer and determination and persistance PAYS OFF!! Navajo is turned out in the drizzle happy as any horse can be:) I hope to ride later if it isn't raining. Thanks everyone!
Today I have great news!! Last night Navajo ate hay in his stall!!! I told you that I put hay in both places..Well each night I moved it closer to the stall. Last night I put the box of hay in his stall as he was getting braver and braver. I would take him in let him stand for a bit then let him walk out..I don't know how many times I did that but he came willingly..Then the last couple times he ate hay out of the box which was right inside the door that if he wanted to he could stand partways in and partways out..lol..Then the last time HE ATE HAY OUT OF HIS HAY RACK!!! VICTORY! I was very proud of him. So I then let him go and walked out. He ate a couple bites then walked out after me..lol...I was like I am not going to take him in again..I know now he is willing to eat out of the hayrack. So I came in and then when I went out this morning he was standing outside again.. I walked into the barn and HE HAD EATEN HIS HAY OUT OF HIS HAYRACK!! I was so happy..So the problem is taken care of. I am not saying it won't reaccure but now I know what to do thanks to some very great friends:) I have to say thanks to God to because I prayed awfully hard about this. All I can say a lot of prayer and determination and persistance PAYS OFF!! Navajo is turned out in the drizzle happy as any horse can be:) I hope to ride later if it isn't raining. Thanks everyone!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Video + Website
SO cool...lete me know what you think:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEZojYWbCoo
also check out:
www.connectwithyourhorse.com very cool videos on there to:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEZojYWbCoo
also check out:
www.connectwithyourhorse.com very cool videos on there to:)
♥ Navajo's Fear of his Stall ♥
Navajo is fine...I didn't do much with Navajo actually....because last evening he was ok in his stall...he was relaxed..he ate his food and drank some water in his stall....then he walked out..I put some hay outside so he can choose where he wants to be:) (For those of you who didn't know Navajo acted completely freaked of his stall Tuesday and Wednesday evening and wouldn't even stay inside..I asked a vet and some close friends and they gave me advice..Two friends + the vet said he probably was cast in his stall and it will take a bit for him to get over his fear.) I am proud of him so far!!
I checked around in Navajo's stall and I see no bees ants small animal holes or houses or wasp nests. There are no holes in his stall either. The night that caused this all He had spread his manure around and had blood on his hoof (from a little cut above his knee). Then as I thought back over it I remembered these things that are unusual for him..also he was completely freaked out of his stall...Wouldn't stay inside. He kept running out. So I talked to my friends. I don't know really what happend. Here are my speculations.... the vet said that he might have been a little colicky but i don't believe that either really. He lays down in his stall at night I do know that. I have seen him do it. So this is what i think happened that made him scared of his stall (it happened a week ago)...He layed down in his stall got stuck couldn't get up so it scared him...and when he is scared or upset he paces and that is what spread his manure around..then he tried to get out...i don't know...as i said in the above he is doing better now and i think if i put hay both places for the time being he will eventually go in his stall himself:) So as you can see I don't know what happened to completely freak out...I will probably never know but this is my guess. I am just relieved it is not a medical problem and just a fear of his stall (fixable problem with work). I am confident we can get past it..I know it sets us back a bit in our training but we can and WILL overcome it:)
Today's Work Session Update:
Today I did his work session inside the fenced in area outside of his stall. I had apples in my pocket (which he picked up on right away...lol..) to reward him with when he was in his stall and for standing still when I groomed him. I got him to back up, move his hindquarters, and forequarters..It wasn't a long work session..I gave him a massage also (check out this site for video and
details: http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/equine-massage-video.aspx ). He seemed to really enjoy the cross fiber (explained in video). I groomed him and just loved him up....I also got him to follow me into his stall. He did that on his own free will. He left after he got his apple slice..lol. But I rewarded him for being in his stall for a bit..He seems to do better and I am glad for that..
Just a special thank you to ALL my dear horse friends who helped me when I asked them questions and even if they didn't know what to do it encouraged me to have them behind me..I would never have gotten this far in training Navajo without suggestions and occasional help from my friends....THANK YOU!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
p.s. sorry if this doesn't make sense!! Navajo is doing better and I am so thankful for that!
I checked around in Navajo's stall and I see no bees ants small animal holes or houses or wasp nests. There are no holes in his stall either. The night that caused this all He had spread his manure around and had blood on his hoof (from a little cut above his knee). Then as I thought back over it I remembered these things that are unusual for him..also he was completely freaked out of his stall...Wouldn't stay inside. He kept running out. So I talked to my friends. I don't know really what happend. Here are my speculations.... the vet said that he might have been a little colicky but i don't believe that either really. He lays down in his stall at night I do know that. I have seen him do it. So this is what i think happened that made him scared of his stall (it happened a week ago)...He layed down in his stall got stuck couldn't get up so it scared him...and when he is scared or upset he paces and that is what spread his manure around..then he tried to get out...i don't know...as i said in the above he is doing better now and i think if i put hay both places for the time being he will eventually go in his stall himself:) So as you can see I don't know what happened to completely freak out...I will probably never know but this is my guess. I am just relieved it is not a medical problem and just a fear of his stall (fixable problem with work). I am confident we can get past it..I know it sets us back a bit in our training but we can and WILL overcome it:)
Today's Work Session Update:
Today I did his work session inside the fenced in area outside of his stall. I had apples in my pocket (which he picked up on right away...lol..) to reward him with when he was in his stall and for standing still when I groomed him. I got him to back up, move his hindquarters, and forequarters..It wasn't a long work session..I gave him a massage also (check out this site for video and
details: http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/equine-massage-video.aspx ). He seemed to really enjoy the cross fiber (explained in video). I groomed him and just loved him up....I also got him to follow me into his stall. He did that on his own free will. He left after he got his apple slice..lol. But I rewarded him for being in his stall for a bit..He seems to do better and I am glad for that..
Just a special thank you to ALL my dear horse friends who helped me when I asked them questions and even if they didn't know what to do it encouraged me to have them behind me..I would never have gotten this far in training Navajo without suggestions and occasional help from my friends....THANK YOU!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
p.s. sorry if this doesn't make sense!! Navajo is doing better and I am so thankful for that!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
♥ Wednesday's Work Session ♥
Today I got to work with Navajo..Yesterday I didn't get to as I had to get Rachel ready in the morning (mom was away at an amish wedding they are all day affairs).
Ok he was in last night so I got him bridled and got him to walk after me...he was acting kinda funny for some reason but he listened ok:) I took him down toward the strip with him walking nicely beside me...once he saw where we were going he decided he is going to try to run away..As I has ahold of the reins he didn't get that chance..lol. So we trotted back and forth along the bottom of the yard there. Then I tried it again to go down the strip.
He went ok..We trotted pretty well the whole way down the strip..He kept trying to invade my space so I put my crop up..He usually veered away. He realized that invading my space wasn't a good idea..hehe:) He got freaked out by some trucks but he calmed down:)
Once we were the whole way down I got him to do some backing..We actually did a lot of that..He was ok with that but he kept trying to back and turn...He eventually got it right though. Then we started walking back..I then started to run which is the signal for him to trot...he went right in the trot but then he wanted to go faster..So I made him stop and do some moving the hindquarters..He did really good with that:) Then we headed home..I had my hand on the rein the whole time as we were by the road..He did great and I am really proud of him!! Tomorrow I hope to have another training session if we don't have rain. Have a great evening!
Ok he was in last night so I got him bridled and got him to walk after me...he was acting kinda funny for some reason but he listened ok:) I took him down toward the strip with him walking nicely beside me...once he saw where we were going he decided he is going to try to run away..As I has ahold of the reins he didn't get that chance..lol. So we trotted back and forth along the bottom of the yard there. Then I tried it again to go down the strip.
He went ok..We trotted pretty well the whole way down the strip..He kept trying to invade my space so I put my crop up..He usually veered away. He realized that invading my space wasn't a good idea..hehe:) He got freaked out by some trucks but he calmed down:)
Once we were the whole way down I got him to do some backing..We actually did a lot of that..He was ok with that but he kept trying to back and turn...He eventually got it right though. Then we started walking back..I then started to run which is the signal for him to trot...he went right in the trot but then he wanted to go faster..So I made him stop and do some moving the hindquarters..He did really good with that:) Then we headed home..I had my hand on the rein the whole time as we were by the road..He did great and I am really proud of him!! Tomorrow I hope to have another training session if we don't have rain. Have a great evening!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday's Ride
This morning I was able to ride...I didn't do much with Navajo as it was more of a fun ride than anything else. I rode him down the strip and we walked the whole way down..Once we turned the corner I asked for a trot and he went into the trot right away:) I was really happy with him..Then I turned him around and we headed back at a trot..A big truck went past and he went into a canter. I asked him to slow down and he ignored me. So I did a one rein stop and got him stopped. Then I took him back to the barn and I got him to move his hindquarters and forquarters..Also got him to shake a leg..He did it right on the first time again. I was so pleased. It was a short but pleasant ride! He listened to all my leg aides and was pretty much obediant the whole time!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
♥ Saturday's Ride and Work Session ♥
Good Evening...Well this afternoon I had the greatest work and ride session!!! ♥ Navajo listened to most everything I asked. I was so happy with him.
Well first I went out and got him bridled up...Then I desentized him to the trash bags I wanted to put into the dumpster. He was a little nervous about them but after a bit he was fine with them. So I hopped up on him with trash bags in hand and walked him up to the dumpster...It took two tries because the first time he was scared of the lid but the second time around he stood still and let me open the lid, put the trash bags in and close the lid. I was so PROUD! And happy..I took him and groomed him. Since I groomed him in the pen I let him walk around obvously...Well since I want to teach him to come to me when I call or whistle I did that...It took a bit for him to realize what I wanted but he came...He got praised very much!! I was so happy with him!
I walked out of the pen with him following me...Since he was following me so nicely I was like this is the perfect time to see if he will follow me at a walk and a trot without any prompting..The walking he did great..The trot it took a little prompting to get him to follow after me but he did..We did some trotting with him beside me. I didn't have my hands on the reins it was HIS choice to follow me at a trot..Then I slowed to a walk for a little and I then asked for a trot again!! He listened..not immediately but he did..I was very happy..I got him to stop.
Once I had him stopped I praised him and told him what a good boy he is:) ♥ ♥ After some praising I asked him to shake a knee.. I ONLY ASKED ONE TIME and he did exactly what I wanted..I did that three times..I was amazed..it was our second time doing that and he already knew what I wanted!!! Well since he knew what I wanted him to do when I asked to shake I did a little work with moving his hindquarters and forquarters..He gets better every time!!
Finally I took him to the bucket where I get on him and hopped on...HE STOOD COMPLETELY STILL TILL I ASKED FOR HIM TO MOVE FORWARD!!! That is another area he does really great in!!
So now finally we are riding..hehe:) We rode down the strip and did some trotting and a few canters...We didn't do much at all since I figured he did an awesome job so far in the begining..then we encountered the BIG SCAREY MONSTER THAT EATS HORSES!! Well actually it was the grasshopper lawnmower.lol. Navajo just thought it was a monster:) He kept backing up and didn't calm down so my uncle (who was driving the lawnmower) stopped it and shut it off and let us pass...Navajo was jumpy after that but I was really impressed with him!
So I asked for a canter while heading back (I wasn't heading back because I wanted to see how he would do when I asked him to turn around and head back out again!!). He didn't want to head out again..Well I stood my ground and told him who is boss and who says what and when and where we are going to do stuff..lol.. After many forward and backward steps I got him going where I wanted to go..I was so happy because it has been a while since he has done that!! We cantered out and he did good..then we headed back at a walk..I stopped halfway back and got him to stand still for a while!! He did good..After we that I walked home most of the way..Then I got off and got him to flex and do some moving the hindquarters and forequarters just to add some work at the end of the ride..Once we were home I groomed him and turned him out..He got praised and hugged..I was so impressed and proud of him today:)
p.s. I added this to the goals and accomplishments because I feel this was an accomplishment!
Well first I went out and got him bridled up...Then I desentized him to the trash bags I wanted to put into the dumpster. He was a little nervous about them but after a bit he was fine with them. So I hopped up on him with trash bags in hand and walked him up to the dumpster...It took two tries because the first time he was scared of the lid but the second time around he stood still and let me open the lid, put the trash bags in and close the lid. I was so PROUD! And happy..I took him and groomed him. Since I groomed him in the pen I let him walk around obvously...Well since I want to teach him to come to me when I call or whistle I did that...It took a bit for him to realize what I wanted but he came...He got praised very much!! I was so happy with him!
I walked out of the pen with him following me...Since he was following me so nicely I was like this is the perfect time to see if he will follow me at a walk and a trot without any prompting..The walking he did great..The trot it took a little prompting to get him to follow after me but he did..We did some trotting with him beside me. I didn't have my hands on the reins it was HIS choice to follow me at a trot..Then I slowed to a walk for a little and I then asked for a trot again!! He listened..not immediately but he did..I was very happy..I got him to stop.
Once I had him stopped I praised him and told him what a good boy he is:) ♥ ♥ After some praising I asked him to shake a knee.. I ONLY ASKED ONE TIME and he did exactly what I wanted..I did that three times..I was amazed..it was our second time doing that and he already knew what I wanted!!! Well since he knew what I wanted him to do when I asked to shake I did a little work with moving his hindquarters and forquarters..He gets better every time!!
Finally I took him to the bucket where I get on him and hopped on...HE STOOD COMPLETELY STILL TILL I ASKED FOR HIM TO MOVE FORWARD!!! That is another area he does really great in!!
So now finally we are riding..hehe:) We rode down the strip and did some trotting and a few canters...We didn't do much at all since I figured he did an awesome job so far in the begining..then we encountered the BIG SCAREY MONSTER THAT EATS HORSES!! Well actually it was the grasshopper lawnmower.lol. Navajo just thought it was a monster:) He kept backing up and didn't calm down so my uncle (who was driving the lawnmower) stopped it and shut it off and let us pass...Navajo was jumpy after that but I was really impressed with him!
So I asked for a canter while heading back (I wasn't heading back because I wanted to see how he would do when I asked him to turn around and head back out again!!). He didn't want to head out again..Well I stood my ground and told him who is boss and who says what and when and where we are going to do stuff..lol.. After many forward and backward steps I got him going where I wanted to go..I was so happy because it has been a while since he has done that!! We cantered out and he did good..then we headed back at a walk..I stopped halfway back and got him to stand still for a while!! He did good..After we that I walked home most of the way..Then I got off and got him to flex and do some moving the hindquarters and forequarters just to add some work at the end of the ride..Once we were home I groomed him and turned him out..He got praised and hugged..I was so impressed and proud of him today:)
p.s. I added this to the goals and accomplishments because I feel this was an accomplishment!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday's Work Session!
This Morning I worked with Navajo again..I got him to move his forequarters and he did pretty good again:) Then I got him to back up. I got him to move his hindquarters too..I also did some flexing with just his halter..He did better than yesterday...I really didn't do much in depth because it was windy and he wanted to be turned out! Doesn't give him excuse but I wanted to come in and I didn't have as much time as I usually do..Everyone Have a great weekend.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday's Work Session!!
As some of you can see most of my days right now are focused on work sessions and not riding...Well I figured that if we work on Navajo moving his forequarters every day among other things eventually he will become really light and know what I want him to do...I want him to get really really good at moving both his forequarters and hindquarteres from the ground before I move to the saddle. He did really good today..First before I put the bridle on I got him to flex his neck with just the halter..He didn't like that very well..We are going to try to do that every day. Then I got him to follow me around..He did good too..Stopped when I stopped. He just has to learn the go when I go..hehe:) Then I got him to move his forequarters for me...He is still a bit confused I think because he likes to back up first. But I think in time he will be able to do it very smoothly.
I have decided I am going to see if I can get him to shake a hoof (well actually his knee)..I tap on his knee and I want him to lift up his leg bend it at the knee and shake three times:) He didn't quite understand what I wanted but I showed him today so tomorrow we will try it again. Overall it was a great work session!
I have decided I am going to see if I can get him to shake a hoof (well actually his knee)..I tap on his knee and I want him to lift up his leg bend it at the knee and shake three times:) He didn't quite understand what I wanted but I showed him today so tomorrow we will try it again. Overall it was a great work session!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday's Work Session!
Today I didn't ride Navajo I was instead working with him..I bridled him and took him to the fence. I did some flexing with him and he did good with that...I then asked him to move his forequarters..HE DID VERY GOOD>>that is what we worked on pretty much the whole time...We did some backing to. Other than that we didn't do anything..it was a short work session like 15 minutes but we got a lot accomplished:)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday's Training Session!!
Today I rode Navajo again...I decided to work mainly on making sure he knows what my different leg cues mean so that we can move on to more difficult things. Well He did really goo all except he didn't want to trot when I asked for it...He decided he is going to trot when he wants to trot...Well He found out that wasn't the smartest thing to do...He ended up doing more trotting whenever I told him to and not when he WANTED to. That is going to need some work but eventually he will get it..hehe. Then I decided to see if he knew how to move his forequarters when on him.. He didn't know what I was asking and kept moving his hindquarters...He was gettting frustrated I could tell...So we did some backing and other things...We trotted back and I got off and showed him how to move his forequarters from the ground...He still needs a LOT of work with that..He is not light at all in that area..So tomorrow instead of riding we are going to work on that.
Leg cues Navajo knows:
that when I press my calf against either of his sides it means over off of the leg. (am not sure if this one should also be used for the sidepass or not)
that when I press both heels against his side to go faster no matter the gait.
that when I press both calves against his side it means back up.
Leg cues he needs to learn:
that when I move my calf forward out of the home position it means to move his forehand over.
that when I move my calf back out of the home position it means to move his hindquarters.
Now I am trying to figure out a cue for the sidepass...oh I know...when I press either of my heels agains his side it means to sidepass in the that direction (0r off of my heel)..I think that should work.
I think this should work. It is going to need work but I think we will be able to achieve it!!
Leg cues Navajo knows:
that when I press my calf against either of his sides it means over off of the leg. (am not sure if this one should also be used for the sidepass or not)
that when I press both heels against his side to go faster no matter the gait.
that when I press both calves against his side it means back up.
Leg cues he needs to learn:
that when I move my calf forward out of the home position it means to move his forehand over.
that when I move my calf back out of the home position it means to move his hindquarters.
Now I am trying to figure out a cue for the sidepass...oh I know...when I press either of my heels agains his side it means to sidepass in the that direction (0r off of my heel)..I think that should work.
I think this should work. It is going to need work but I think we will be able to achieve it!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday's Ride!!
This morning I got to ride:) I went out and got Navajo and bridled him..I got on him..He didn't walk forward until I asked for it..I was impressed. I decided to do something different and go down the strip..He walked on very nicely and with his head down..very willing. He was being a bit stubborn about listening to my leg cues to move over but he did ok:) We turned the corner and I got him to trot..We did quite a bit of trotting. He didn't want to listen to me when trotting so I got him to back up nicely for me and also flex..The flexing and backing up were to get his attention..Once I did those things he was willing to listen to me again. Over all it was a useful session..More for fun but also to see how he was acting. Once we were back here again I got off and got him to back up....move his hindquarters and flex..he did everything I asked:) I was very pleased. We have revivals this week every evening so I will probably be riding in the morning. Have a great day.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday's Ride!
Tonight I got to ride Navajo again..All except tonight instead of being about an hour of spending time with Navajo was instead about 45 minutes..I first groomed him then took him over to where the dawn till dusk light is..I got him to back up, lower his head, flexing, move his hindquarters and forequarters with his bridle on before I got on him..He did everything very well EVEN his hindquarters and forequarters..I was so impressed.
I then got on Navajo and rode him around..I got him to back up with me pulling on the reins and pressing with my calves..at first he was hesitant but then he got it and did it immediately:) Then I did some circles with just my calves pressing on his side no using the direct rein..HE DID GREAT and did some tight circles:)
I got him to flex his head too when I was on him and he didn't move his body around just his head..I was pleased..He is getting to the point that he can flex his head that his nose touches my feet:) I am so impressed..I was just reflecting on how far we have come:) I am so impressed with him..He is a great horse..He did good tonight and I was especially happy because last evening he was difficult and then I have a great ride..It was awesome!! Everyone Have a great weekend.
I then got on Navajo and rode him around..I got him to back up with me pulling on the reins and pressing with my calves..at first he was hesitant but then he got it and did it immediately:) Then I did some circles with just my calves pressing on his side no using the direct rein..HE DID GREAT and did some tight circles:)
I got him to flex his head too when I was on him and he didn't move his body around just his head..I was pleased..He is getting to the point that he can flex his head that his nose touches my feet:) I am so impressed..I was just reflecting on how far we have come:) I am so impressed with him..He is a great horse..He did good tonight and I was especially happy because last evening he was difficult and then I have a great ride..It was awesome!! Everyone Have a great weekend.
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