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Today was a good play session despite how cold the snow make the ropes and thusly my hands, ouch! Lily was easier to encourage to catch me than Wednesday but still not 100%, this shows that our relationship has been altered slightly now I am asking more of her. This is not because I am task orientated, quite the contrary, but I am asking her to do more so she can build her confidence in the long run and make life a bit easier for me! It means that temporarily she won't be sure as to how much she can trust me but, with Lily, you could say that'll always be present for quite some time yet because of her baggage.
We started with a bit of moseying and she still wasn't happy with the 22ft line dragging behind her and when asked to stop, she'd stop and move herself round to try and put the line in zone 1. I can only think that the more we play using the 22ft line, the easier that'll get. She was especially reluctant to move over it so I played Friendly Game on the move in zone 4 and as she moved round, she had to step over it, by the end of it she barely noticed it was on the ground because I was putting her mind on something else. The Friendly Game is zone 4 is still iffy and zone 5 even more so, I didn't attempt any FGs for long in her zone 5 because the more confident she gets in zone 4, zone 5 will become easier. We made most progress with FG in zone 4 when at a stand still, each time her face softened and her head lowered, I retreated and she understood pretty quickly. Then the little 'issue' was that she'd startle each time I lifted the Carrot-stick to play the FG so I stuck with that for a while until she was more comfortable/confident when I raised it. Our Friendly Game still isn't great but its getting better all the time and will always be a work-in-progress, it all comes down to the FG.
After that we then moved onto driving in zone 4 and Arran's homework was for me to hold the 22ft line so there was a bit of slack in the outside hand and I brought the rest of the 22ft line over her wither and around her hindquarters and hold it in place gently with my inside hand. I didn't decide to go the whole hog and try to put the line all the way around her HQ because that would've surely set me up for failure. Instead I made a loop and only held it this far down her back:
 (Sorry for the poor quality of the pic and I apologise to Lily because she doesn't have a sheath as depicted here!)
At first, she wasn't overly sure, was a bit quick on her feet and was worried backing up but after about 5 minutes on both sides; she was great! Next session I will place the rope there again but put it further back as she gets used to it more. I doubt I'll have it around the bum in time for next lesson (17th) but at least I'll have made progress.
On that positive note, I spent 10 minutes UDT then a further 5 at liberty. I sometimes do the extra 5 at liberty when I'm curious as to her feedback, if the session has been too much for her, she'll walk right off. Today she stood by me the whole time and followed me as I went out the field, just little things such as leaving before she does when she's loose will improve my draw and catching for tomorrow. If she left before me, she would be seen as alpha and be scoring points and I can guarantee that catching her the next time will be tough. Never a dull moment with ponies! :) |
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(I apologise to Lily because she doesn't have a sheath as depicted here!)
rofl!!
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My name is Lucy Middleton, I'm 17 years old and from the United Kingdom.
I started Parelli in January 2008 and it has been an incredible journey so far.
Pre-Parelli I did the best with what I knew but now I know better; I want to do better!
This is my blog to document my progress as a natural horseman.
Want to 'follow' my blog, fellow blogspotters? Add my url to your list on your dashboard to stay upto date!
View my profile
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I am owned by this gorgeous piebald cob mare, Lily. She's an interesting character, fun to play with and is a great teacher.
There's more about her on her own page.
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It's not about disposable horses; it's about relationships for life.
It's not about quick fixes and artificial aids, it's about savvy; true understanding and expertise.
It's not about winning and others losing; It's about win-win: you and the horse need to feel good.
It's not about me me me; It's about changing the world for horses, becoming a person of knowledge and influence, and sharing what you know.
It's not about fear and doubt; It's about unconditional love and trust.
Love for the empowerment of others and trust that you'll never ask the horse to do something that would hurt or diminish his dignity.
Reveal your horse. Discover your potential. Live your dream.
-Parelli
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Profile designed, made and coded by Lucy Parelli Student.
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posted by Lucy at 
(I apologise to Lily because she doesn't have a sheath as depicted here!)
rofl!!