I started playing with spirit the other day, I have learned that he is very unconfident under saddle, or bareback, and is so used to the pattern of people getting on, kicking to go, pulling to stop, etc. I showed him a different pattern. spirit has always had a rearing issue, ever since we got him in 2002? I believe, My mother, Janet, sent him to a trainer for 4 months and the trainer said he was a big challenge...back then we knew nothing of parelli, therefor who knows what abuse spirit went under, the trainer surely didn't solve the rearing issue, rather just the biting issue. anyways I got on spirit and just let him do whatever and then I slowly start guiding him where I wanted to go, and spirit started offering to trot with no rearing and even cantered a few strides, and I asked him to stop and got off and ended the session, like Pat Parelli says "end the session when things are at their best" and that is exactly what I did, spirit was shocked. before, Spirit would bolt off when you would take the halter off, this time he stayed with me and didn't want to leave my side, I believe that it was one of those sessions that you could truly say was it as good for you as it was for me? I think spirit would've said yes it was.
I haven't really started Joy all that much, just sitting on her back and letting her go where ever, she is a very confident horse, it does not scare her one bit with me sitting on her back at all gaits, the reason I haven't really started her is because for a QH she is kinda small and I didn't want to mess up her growing process but now she is almost 3, her Birthday is next month, just as mine. anyways I had a Good little ride on her guiding her around and she did really good.
I also Rode Angel, Angel has been different lately, every time you pick up the reins she sticks her head to the ground trying to avoid what you are asking her to do, when she did this i just played along and let her do it and didn't try to ask her to put her head down, I was starting to think it could be catatonic, but wasn't sure. but once I did that for a little bit she started doing better.
Amour was next, she is such a silly girl, she wanted to chew on the halter for a little bit, but once she was done I hoped up on her and then had a nice ride, I played with "tit for tat" since she had some where she wanted to go and after that we had a nice little canter up the hill, even tho her canter is way to fast! but we'll get that better over time.
Now, My main man Mr. Blaze!
he is just MARVELOUS!!! I've gotten more video since last time I wrote, Yes I have been making allot lately cause the weather and been beyond gorgeous lately, But it was very funny, Blaze is now offering piaffe, Funny thing about this is seems like every time I am determined to learn something, Blaze offers it with no problem when I'm not even asking for it YET...example, about a month or 2 ago I wanted to teach Blaze to lay down just by me tapping the ground, OK, I was telling My dear Friend Frances that I wanted to teach Blaze this so that same day I go to the pasture Not even asking for it and Blaze lays down ....now just today I was watching a video of a horse doing piaffe and I said I want to do that one day! and what do you know Blaze offers it today. seems like Blaze is always 1 step ahead of me, that or he just reads my mind. I've also been doing some jumping and barreal racing, Yes, Blaze was a Barrel racing horse before I got him so he is pretty good.....also our finesse has gradually improved allot since my last post, we only has 1 more thing to do in the finesse assessment list and that is flying lead changes with no log, so I am excited about that but also won't rush it because it just a string and certificate, and the relationship means the world to me! I am truly living my dream I have an amazing bond with my horse and that was my dream. I am just so humbled.
Here is our best video yet!
Blaze's first Piaffe
Bridle less jumping and barrel racing
My Neice Tybee playing with Blaze
now here are some awesome pictures I got of me and Blaze
well that is all for now
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
