High_Stepper
26-08-2008, 02:30 PM
NH clinic last Saturday & Sunday in Ballivor.
Started late, I had to leave from kells, get horse in Slane, then go xcountry to Ballivor and somehow it took forever. Horse firstly wanted to play 'can't catch me' for 5 mins so I ignored him, then decided he would come after all. And another 10 mins to load, which I actually think is great because each time we load it almost halves in time.
First day was all ground work, moving the horse around, making him move himself specifically with body language. backing up, moving fronts, hinds, handling the stroppiness. My work was to make my horse ONLY move the leg I was asking for/move in the one direction, and then to stand still. Then we did an obstacle course by hand to move them around, back them up through ground poles, complete a turn on forehand with ground signals etc, one thing i loved was teaching him to stay by my shoulder when i'd walk and jog and when i'd stop, he'd stop dead. then I'd lift a leg to go back... he'd step back, go forward etc - very responsive (and easy to learn/teach - with no pulling of his head, no leadrope contact, i really liked that).
Day 2 was in the saddle and the ground work really paid off. I actually found it easier in the saddle (so note to self - do it occasionally on the ground too). Neck bending, turning on forehand, hinds etc. Backup. Then - throwing the lead rope reins away - walking a 15 min circle. It was so hard!!! You had to see your curve and twist with all your body for the subtle curve but not touch the horses' head - if he didn't respond you'd instantly walk to the centrepoint (a bucket in my case) and stand (like the bold corner :) ) then back t othe circle line and do it again. if he did if for a 1/4 circle, stop and pat. Then extend it to a half circle etc. this was an amazing exercise in using your body (we all know not to rely on reins but do we try to actually not use them? no!). Horse got the hang of it, and so much distraction in the arena, i was very proud of him. He is learning to listen away to me. the whole time his ears were flicking around.
Then from the bends I worked on riding him into transitions again in the halter on the vertical. He was super, he naturallly took an outline - this NEVER happens and is new to him! If felt lovely.
We cantered and I found him doing an old habit - of counter-bending in corners, so i worked on riding a very small circle in the corner with little contact to make him bend his body, which began to work, but i've a lot more work to do on that.
Then the fun part :) riding no reins with just a stiff rope around his neck - like where we put the jesus strap :)
Really enjoyable overall, i've a lot to work on and its teaching me something that i'd always known in principle but don't ever really crack - really light hands and how to use my body correctly. If you want light hands and not to rely on them for much - just take off the bridle :) you've no choice but to learn then!
BF brought his tb horse who has serious issues. She is so dominant and afraid, she would really go to town on you. If you make any demand on her and push when she's not ready she'll resist and either plant you or nail you. It was most interesting to see the level of patience combined with firmness to work with her.
Oh - on the loading - we had to load after day two. It took just under 10 mins this time. After about 7 seconds the YO declared i'd the patience of a saint and offered to "get the yard brush" and I said NO!! I thought *this is only the beginning* i was mentally imploring the horse not to make an eejit out of me! :blushing: More prancing and dancing and forward and backing on the ramp and then he loaded. it's not perfect but we're getting there...
Started late, I had to leave from kells, get horse in Slane, then go xcountry to Ballivor and somehow it took forever. Horse firstly wanted to play 'can't catch me' for 5 mins so I ignored him, then decided he would come after all. And another 10 mins to load, which I actually think is great because each time we load it almost halves in time.
First day was all ground work, moving the horse around, making him move himself specifically with body language. backing up, moving fronts, hinds, handling the stroppiness. My work was to make my horse ONLY move the leg I was asking for/move in the one direction, and then to stand still. Then we did an obstacle course by hand to move them around, back them up through ground poles, complete a turn on forehand with ground signals etc, one thing i loved was teaching him to stay by my shoulder when i'd walk and jog and when i'd stop, he'd stop dead. then I'd lift a leg to go back... he'd step back, go forward etc - very responsive (and easy to learn/teach - with no pulling of his head, no leadrope contact, i really liked that).
Day 2 was in the saddle and the ground work really paid off. I actually found it easier in the saddle (so note to self - do it occasionally on the ground too). Neck bending, turning on forehand, hinds etc. Backup. Then - throwing the lead rope reins away - walking a 15 min circle. It was so hard!!! You had to see your curve and twist with all your body for the subtle curve but not touch the horses' head - if he didn't respond you'd instantly walk to the centrepoint (a bucket in my case) and stand (like the bold corner :) ) then back t othe circle line and do it again. if he did if for a 1/4 circle, stop and pat. Then extend it to a half circle etc. this was an amazing exercise in using your body (we all know not to rely on reins but do we try to actually not use them? no!). Horse got the hang of it, and so much distraction in the arena, i was very proud of him. He is learning to listen away to me. the whole time his ears were flicking around.
Then from the bends I worked on riding him into transitions again in the halter on the vertical. He was super, he naturallly took an outline - this NEVER happens and is new to him! If felt lovely.
We cantered and I found him doing an old habit - of counter-bending in corners, so i worked on riding a very small circle in the corner with little contact to make him bend his body, which began to work, but i've a lot more work to do on that.
Then the fun part :) riding no reins with just a stiff rope around his neck - like where we put the jesus strap :)
Really enjoyable overall, i've a lot to work on and its teaching me something that i'd always known in principle but don't ever really crack - really light hands and how to use my body correctly. If you want light hands and not to rely on them for much - just take off the bridle :) you've no choice but to learn then!
BF brought his tb horse who has serious issues. She is so dominant and afraid, she would really go to town on you. If you make any demand on her and push when she's not ready she'll resist and either plant you or nail you. It was most interesting to see the level of patience combined with firmness to work with her.
Oh - on the loading - we had to load after day two. It took just under 10 mins this time. After about 7 seconds the YO declared i'd the patience of a saint and offered to "get the yard brush" and I said NO!! I thought *this is only the beginning* i was mentally imploring the horse not to make an eejit out of me! :blushing: More prancing and dancing and forward and backing on the ramp and then he loaded. it's not perfect but we're getting there...