DAY 4: A training
day in two parts. First part was a visit to the round pen. Footing was a tiny
bit better than yesterday. We reviewed the lessons from yesterday from
Establishing a Direction (he nailed it), Establishing a Change Of Direction
(better going to the left than to the right), Locking On (he got that part
really well) and basic Desensitizing. He was smoother and more willing now that
he understands the concepts. More round pen sessions will be in his future which
will help him get less sticky about stopping and giving me two eyes when going
to the right. Reviewed the Round pen DVD and I had hoped to be able to speed
him up before I asked for the direction change but the footing was too slippery
for anything more than a trot. Hopefully tomorrow’s adventure to Lockford, California
(and a covered round pen and arena) will allow us to work on this. Flexing was
better on the left side and improved on the right side above yesterday’s
performance. We introduced Backing Method 1 (Tap the Air) yesterday. We
reviewed it today. It was better but he felt confused by the stick moving in
the air. For a goof we tried Steady Pressure (seem he knows that one) which
leads us to believe he was exposed to certain exercises found in the Method but
he was not shown them in the order we follow. No worries. We can fix that. We
ended the round pen session with some successes followed by a brushing, a snack
and 30 minutes on the Tree of Knowledge.
Later in
the afternoon we loaded up the horses and headed over to Pioneer
Park in Somerset, California.
The footing was soggy in the large arena so we worked in the smaller one just
to be safe. We worked on Lunging for Respect Stage 1 and 2, Backing, Yielding
the Hindquarters Stage 1 and Stage 2 and basic Desensitizing. While working on
Tap the Air I dropped the stick. For a goof I just waved the popper at the end
of the rope…and he responded with some energy! So we did that a few times,
moved on to Desensitizing with the Stick/String and then went back to Tap the
Air (with the stick). Concept learned! We were walking around the pen and it
became apparent that some where in his history “Brodie” learned to Lead Beside.
We tried it. It was rusty but it was not bad. It is going to be a unique
process as we progress through the Method as some exercises are brand new and
some are known and need to be refined. Then we saddled up. The Frisbee golf
gang was doing their thing (which fascinated Brodie) and the neighboring horses
in the adjacent property were quite chatty. Laurie took the first ride and it
went well. Nice Cruising lesson at the walk and trot plus some one rein stops.
Then I got on and did more of the same along with Backing and some various rein
cues. It is all about establishing those starting points. Agent and Laurie also
had some fun while getting things refined. All in all, even though it was damp
and cold outside the session was productive and fun. Had some “flashbacks: and
had to cowboy up/get over some confidence issues but Brodie took care of me and
let me know through his willingness to do as I asked that all was well. Seems
we’re working on the trust as well as the respect aspect of the partnership.
Tomorrow morning we’re taking a field trip and meeting up with other Nor Cal
Downunder Brumbie members for a “spur of the moment” gathering. The site has a
covered arena and round pen and there will be a few horses around so…we’ll see
how it goes!
DAY 5: This entry
is a recap and a “thank you note” for making the December “Spur of the Moment”
gathering such a great training experience!
As the morning
fog began to lift and blue skies began to appear through the clouds eleven (11)
horse and humans gathered together in Lockford,
California for a Brumbies “spur
of the moment” session. Experiences ranged from “just getting back into horses”
to “professional trainer! This mix was energizing! The facility was surrounded
by lush vineyards and green cattle pastures. We had Brumbies haul in from as
far away and Benicia
(thank you Valerie)! We got to met some new folks and strengthen old
friendships. It was a very good day. After everyone introduced themselves and
their horses we got started in the (covered) round pen doing a “strengths and
challenges drill” in which the basics of round penning “Clinton style” were
demonstrated by each team and then reviewed for areas of strength and areas
that needed work (challenges). For some of us it was only our second time in
the pen with our horses and for other it was a REALLY long time since these
skills were reviewed. By the end of this portion of the session we had seen
some awesome wins and real improvements. The support and positive feedback got
everyone motivated to improve and refine their communication with their horses.
That motivation showed itself later in the session. After a quick snack break
we were back at it, working our way through many of the Fundamental ground work
exercises from backing to circle driving. For some of our horses these
exercises were new and for others it was a chance to refine their understanding
of them. The changes noted as the horses got into the work and the
refinements/improvements that happened were really something to witness. We
then kicked it up a notch and introduced tarps, plastic bags, large shaving
bags (a different type of horse eating monster) and even water crossings! The
horses did great! We then took a short break to grab drinks and tack up the
horses. We used the entire area –covered round pen, covered arena, the pasture
outside the arena and even the vineyard across the street to work our horses
under saddle. We focused on getting the responses and cooperation we all wanted
and worked on “socializing”: the horses at the same time. Everyone got along
great (horses and humans-grin). We celebrated the MANY wins throughout the day.
Seeing connections established and growth/improvement occurring in real time
set the bar high for us and everyone was up for the challenge.
As the sun
began to set (yes, it was a long day that passed too quickly) the horses were
loaded without issue and folks began to head home. It was to experience days
like today that the Brumbies was formed and why it has persevered through the
growth and challenges it has faced. A BIG “thank you” to Nancy, Shelly and Tom
for hosting our little horse-party and for providing such a lovely setting. We
want to thank everyone who came out and shared the day with us! The weather was
great, the fellowship was fantastic, the stored share were priceless and as
always the horses were inspirational! We look forward to visiting this loving
site again in February! As for "Brody" it is safe to say that is sedentary lifestyle on a small plot of lad is SO over! He seems to like it so far!
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