DAY 40: We
visited a new place today! Fellow Nor-Cal Downunder Brumbies members (Gale
& Kim) invited us over to the ranch (Cedar Springs Arena and Livery) in Shingle Springs, California,
for a nice afternoon with the horses. Gale was working through some of the
Fundamental exercises and was looking for a second pair of eyes. We were happy
to help! The first part of the day was focused on communication and leadership.
We played rotating human and everyone got to work with different horses. It
really took our ability and confidence to a new level. Roscoe was a gentleman
and was willing to work with everyone. Then we tacked up and did some work in
the covered arena. Since our focus was “gas pedal, brakes and steering” we kept
it simple. Roscoe moved out better today and responded quicker to “squeeze” and
needed less “spank” to get going. His response to the leg/seat cue for turns
was a little better. He listens well to the seat cue for stop! Never quite got
a full one rein stop completed before he stopped and flexed. Some of the folks
took a mini trail ride around the property and worked on exercises outside the
arena. Not yet trusting the “handle” on Roscoe, we dismounted and did
groundwork outside. We ended up back in the arena and played Follow the Leader
and some other basic exercises before calling it a day. Roscoe was getting
tired as it was his longest workout to date. Lots of rubs, brushing and treats
happened before we loaded up and headed home. It was a great day with great
people and great horses. Tomorrow we’ll be headed over to Somerset for a
morning session. Looking forward to seeing how today lesson is was absorbed.
DAY 41:
Improvements and wins on the ground and under saddle. Roscoe seemed to “get it”
and was less fussy/frustrated than in previous training sessions. We are about
to expand his repertoire of ground work exercises. His took the bit without
issue today which was so nice. Even dropped his head for m with light
pressure/touch between his ears (we have been working on that). Those little
wins mean SO much in the process! It is hard to put into words the feelings of
victory, of pride and of connection to “non-horse people” who often times can’t
relate to the fact that this big, powerful creature and this human just shared
a moment of communication and partnership. Coordination is happening in the use
of the mecate “spanker” and look of a monkey riding a watermelon is fading
fast. Clinton’s
saying “Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult” and “always
reward the slightest try” have be proven to be TRUH of the highest order.
We did Follow the Fence and he rocked it at the walk! Stayed
fairly straight and only needed moderate corrections when he veered off course.
At the trot he tired more quickly so we did short bursts of trotting mixed with
walking. We loped a couple of time (short distances) just to see if we could.
It was a blast. He is getting back into shape. Carrying a 200 pound rider for
30-45 minutes is a workout. We are taking the body building slow.
DAY 42: Fourth day in a row of training. Whew,
everyone is tired. Intuition said "try other training aids" with
Roscoe based on how "where" he reacted to cues on his barrel. We'll
it seems he knows what spurs are. He just had to hear them and he was a
different fellow. Light on the leg cues and when "sticky" happened, a
light touch/roll with the rowel and he was moving laterally. When squeezed he
would move out 90% of the time without a cluck. A couple of times I had to show
him the spanker...just showed it, mind you...and he moved out. His backing was
MUCH better and lighter. He read the seat and refined with the bit. Speaking of
the bit…those issues are gone. He lowered his head and took the bit without
fuss. Lots of wins! It was a shorter ride (after groundwork) than usual because
we kept having win after win and wanted to quit on a positive note. Roscoe
showed us what type of horse he wants to be. It was an emotional session…those
sessions that are the reward for all the hard work, sweat, dirt, sore muscles
and energy expended.
His gaits and transitions are getting smoother as he gets in
better shape. Really like his headset too. Guess the moral of the story is
“stick with the Method, be a leader not a naggy mother and be consistent.”
Tomorrow, everyone gets a break…or a spa day, depending on the weather!
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