This is a blog I have been meaning to write for a while now.
The quote:
"Don't make, or teach assumptions".
Is something that has been though my mind over and over again though out the years. Mainly because my horses "Assume" what I want all to often, Especially Blazey boy.
It's not really a big issue for me, I can handle it, but is it important for everyone to understand that Teaching assumptions can be dangerous.
Why does Blaze assume things? That's easy, trick training. Here is one of the main reasons I am writing this blog: I have questions though emails, messages, all the time with people who are basically beginners wanting to know how to teach a horse to lay down, rear, paw, Spanish walk, bow, etc. And their horses don't even have a solid foundation. (I was one of those who did not, an still don't, have a solid foundation.) It is very frustrating for me when you know how dangerous these tricks can be once they are taught. Truth is, once you teach one of these tricks, and give them a treat every time, you teach an assumption.
I see it all the time, when a horse does one of these tricks, people think "Aww they offered it!" and then they give them a treat, THAT is by far the worst thing possible, you're horse does not need to do any trick UNLESS you ask them.
Because I didn't follow my own advice, I have been in quite a few dangerous situations; Blaze rearing up almost striking me in the face,(wanted a treat.) horses pawing me in the back, legs, etc. Because they was assuming.
I would advise everyone to learn the basics, get more advanced. (if your Parelli, wait till you are at least Level 3 or 4 before attempting to teach any trick). Not only will you have a safer horse to teach, but your horse will be more physically, and mentally ready, and so will you.
So please, PLEASE, learn the basics before specialization. I can not tell you how many times I wish I would have taught the basics before trying to specialize things..
Thanks to my mentors, I'm really starting to see though the eyes of a teacher!
I hope this is helpful!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Developing a new mindset
One thing I have struggled with from the very beginning of my journey is developing a new mindset, or in other words, thinking like a horse during every moment of our play sessions. It is so easy to start thinking like a predator, or start getting ahead of your self, and you're horses abilities. I think it is really important to make sure you're doing things FOR the horse, not for your own personally wants, or to him.
What I just wrote is something I have struggled with myself big time. A few weeks ago, Mirka told me that Blaze shouldn't even be ridden right now, (because he has no back muscle). This was a true test whether I was doing things FOR him, or doing things because I WANTED too. Because I love to ride, and I found myself struggling because I wanted to improve things under saddl such as trot, canter, lead changes). Isn't it amazing how selfish we become when it comes to our wants? And our horses needs? Usually we put our wants before our horses needs, and I've done that allot. And it has really jeopardized my relationship with some of my horses, (in the past.)
So, how do we change this? By developing a new mindset!! Having someone be straight up with you, learning how IMPORTANT the horses needs are before your wants. Learning to TRULY care about how your horse feels about you.
Why is this so difficult?
Because we usually look at horses as some sort of entertainment, a hobby, something fun for us. How many people truly look at a horse as you would a friend? you wouldn't ask you're friend to do something for you if they were sick, or in pain right?
I think the secret is learning how to treat your horse like you would your best friend. And of course, no friendship is perfect, friends fight and have misunderstandings. Just like you will with your horse, but you will learn to work together.
This is something that Mirka has really helped me change about myself, and I'm still working on it. Never ending self improvment right?
Something to lick and chew on!
Naturally
Hannah
What I just wrote is something I have struggled with myself big time. A few weeks ago, Mirka told me that Blaze shouldn't even be ridden right now, (because he has no back muscle). This was a true test whether I was doing things FOR him, or doing things because I WANTED too. Because I love to ride, and I found myself struggling because I wanted to improve things under saddl such as trot, canter, lead changes). Isn't it amazing how selfish we become when it comes to our wants? And our horses needs? Usually we put our wants before our horses needs, and I've done that allot. And it has really jeopardized my relationship with some of my horses, (in the past.)
So, how do we change this? By developing a new mindset!! Having someone be straight up with you, learning how IMPORTANT the horses needs are before your wants. Learning to TRULY care about how your horse feels about you.
Why is this so difficult?
Because we usually look at horses as some sort of entertainment, a hobby, something fun for us. How many people truly look at a horse as you would a friend? you wouldn't ask you're friend to do something for you if they were sick, or in pain right?
I think the secret is learning how to treat your horse like you would your best friend. And of course, no friendship is perfect, friends fight and have misunderstandings. Just like you will with your horse, but you will learn to work together.
This is something that Mirka has really helped me change about myself, and I'm still working on it. Never ending self improvment right?
Something to lick and chew on!
Naturally
Hannah
Sunday, December 5, 2010
What we learned
While I was in FL, Mirka mainly focused on Water hole rituals. So, I have learned all of them and a whole lot more.
The water hole rituals are:
1.Sharing Territory
2.Saying Hello
3.Taking Territory
4.Eye Contact
5.Leading from Behind.
6.Companion Walking
7.Go trot and come up
For now, here are some pictures:
Here is a pictures of Layla
The water hole rituals are:
1.Sharing Territory
2.Saying Hello
3.Taking Territory
4.Eye Contact
5.Leading from Behind.
6.Companion Walking
7.Go trot and come up
For now, here are some pictures:
Here is a pictures of Layla
Saturday, December 4, 2010
I'm back!!
Hey guys, I know it has been aproximaily FOREVER since I have wrote an update.
Well I'm finally back from FL and I must say that I learned more then I ever have in my life, Blaze has totally changed. And I came back with a new FILLY!
Her name is Layla, she is a perlino mare. 7 months old.
Her Reg name will probably be R 'n'R's Smokin Layla.
Her Dad is Alabama Rock n' roll. And her Mom is PR smokin Kitty. Layla has 2 BEAUTIFUL blue eyes. And a star, and a hild stocking. She knows almost all the games, trailer loads herself, will go over poles, tarps, get on pedestals, etc. She's only known natural horsemanship.
Here are some of her first day pictures with her Mom:
I'll have some new pictures of her soon.
Well I'm finally back from FL and I must say that I learned more then I ever have in my life, Blaze has totally changed. And I came back with a new FILLY!
Her name is Layla, she is a perlino mare. 7 months old.
Her Reg name will probably be R 'n'R's Smokin Layla.
Her Dad is Alabama Rock n' roll. And her Mom is PR smokin Kitty. Layla has 2 BEAUTIFUL blue eyes. And a star, and a hild stocking. She knows almost all the games, trailer loads herself, will go over poles, tarps, get on pedestals, etc. She's only known natural horsemanship.
Here are some of her first day pictures with her Mom:
I'll have some new pictures of her soon.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Very humbling
I've been enjoying doing Carolyn Resnick's water hole rituals with all of my horses.
I'm really seeing a huge difference in each of my horses attitude toward me, I feel like I am truly being "accepted" into the heard, instead of the human who just comes to visit.
For over a week I did the first water hole ritual. The first day, nobody would visit me, It was rather sad but true moment, to know they choose the grass over you. But I thought hard about it, and came to the realization that usually the only reason I visit them is to "Ask" something of them. Stepping into their bubble without permission, haltering with no permission, saddling with no permission, riding with no permission. No wonder nobody wanted to come see me. All always wanted something out of them. Sure I would sometimes hang out with them, but not nearly enough.
The second day I waited 30 minutes, just reading a book. And next thing I know everyone comes to visit me, Except for the ones who were not allowed near the dominant horses-Aka Blaze and Fire. But everyone was kinda RB about me sitting their, since I usually don't come up their to hang out. But everyone started nibbling on me and then they started crowding me so I moved about 20 feet away and Blaze came to visit. It was so sweet that he fell asleep next to me, then got a rude awakening by some rude dominant horses. He got ran off and Spirit, Angel, Joie, and Amour came to me wanting some petting. After about 15 minutes everyone went to sleep: Spirit rested his head on my shoulder, Angel rested her head on my lap, Joie rested her head on top of Angel's head, and Amour rested her head on my arm. I felt a huge break though that day.
The next day everyone visited me even quicker, and so on and so forth.
The last day before I moved onto the second ritual I couldn't believe it-- Blaze was the first one to visit me, he was in a rush to get to me. He came to me and allowed me to pet him and then he went behind me and put his face right up against mine, This is very unusual for Blaze, he does not like his face being touched much. then went to sleep. Fire came up to me and kinda stood in front of me and just wanted some petting, and Amour attempted to visit me but fire did something very strange, he started doing this little nicker at her, I still don't know what he was doing but it was almost like he was saying "Get back!!" and she came closer and Fire chased her away and came back. Then before I knew it Fire tried to bite me, and Blaze got very mad and chased Fire away. then came back behind me and rested his face against mine....It actually made me tear up cause Blaze is not that kinda horse, he gets jealous, but he never tries to protect me. And he does not care to stay near me for long..He stayed their an hour, then I had to leave and he followed me.
By the time I moved onto the next water hole ritual all the horses said "hello" to me first, so I was like well...I guess I can move onto the next one. But the only one who needed to next one was Joie, because she'll run you over for food.
But anyways I'll get to the main point.
The other day I decided to play with Blaze online and liberty, (It has been awhile since I have done either). And Blaze was very responsive, I think we kinda lost our 4 canter circles online but honestly I don't care for him to have to do a million circles. If he doesn't like it why do it? he doesn't find no point in it, and neither do I. So we worked on some jumping, and usually Blaze will hit his hoofs up against the barrels a bit and be very lazy and "Blah" about it. This time he jumped almost 2 feet over the barrels with ears up and very enthusiastic about it.
I also played at liberty and he was AMAZING.
The next day I wanted to try to do a cross country course bridle less, and bareback. But I wanted to gradually increase the amount of jumps. So that day I only put 2 jumps, about 60 feet apart. When I first started, Blaze dodged the jumps, so I slowed it down and showed him what I wanted him to do., and then asked again and he galloped to the jump and flew over it and I was going to ask him to stop but he ran right to the other one and jumped it perfectly, he did not touch neither jump. It was incredible
I really think Blaze is starting to jump higher and more enthusiastically though heart and the desire to please me. It is a really incredible feeling when he wants to clear every jump, with ears forward, with so much impulsion. You can just feel the power as he jumps. Very humbling.
He wants me to be his partner--Friend. 50/50 partnership.
"We need to set an example for our horse in the kind of leadership that we would like him to offer us. This way, the horse learns to treat us exactly like we treat him in regards to leadership. This creates a 50/50 partnership, with the exception that we are the ultimate leaders of our horse because we are setting leadership by example. Captivity requires leadership."-Carolyn Resnick
before I truly believe that the only reason we could do great liberty etc, is because he felt like he had to be....Not anymore!
Anyways
And Blaze is not the only one who is making more progress, All of my horses are. And this is all because 1 water hole ritual...Can you imagine what will happen when I do them all? I can't wait.
Sorry for the long post, but I just had to share.
I'm really seeing a huge difference in each of my horses attitude toward me, I feel like I am truly being "accepted" into the heard, instead of the human who just comes to visit.
For over a week I did the first water hole ritual. The first day, nobody would visit me, It was rather sad but true moment, to know they choose the grass over you. But I thought hard about it, and came to the realization that usually the only reason I visit them is to "Ask" something of them. Stepping into their bubble without permission, haltering with no permission, saddling with no permission, riding with no permission. No wonder nobody wanted to come see me. All always wanted something out of them. Sure I would sometimes hang out with them, but not nearly enough.
The second day I waited 30 minutes, just reading a book. And next thing I know everyone comes to visit me, Except for the ones who were not allowed near the dominant horses-Aka Blaze and Fire. But everyone was kinda RB about me sitting their, since I usually don't come up their to hang out. But everyone started nibbling on me and then they started crowding me so I moved about 20 feet away and Blaze came to visit. It was so sweet that he fell asleep next to me, then got a rude awakening by some rude dominant horses. He got ran off and Spirit, Angel, Joie, and Amour came to me wanting some petting. After about 15 minutes everyone went to sleep: Spirit rested his head on my shoulder, Angel rested her head on my lap, Joie rested her head on top of Angel's head, and Amour rested her head on my arm. I felt a huge break though that day.
The next day everyone visited me even quicker, and so on and so forth.
The last day before I moved onto the second ritual I couldn't believe it-- Blaze was the first one to visit me, he was in a rush to get to me. He came to me and allowed me to pet him and then he went behind me and put his face right up against mine, This is very unusual for Blaze, he does not like his face being touched much. then went to sleep. Fire came up to me and kinda stood in front of me and just wanted some petting, and Amour attempted to visit me but fire did something very strange, he started doing this little nicker at her, I still don't know what he was doing but it was almost like he was saying "Get back!!" and she came closer and Fire chased her away and came back. Then before I knew it Fire tried to bite me, and Blaze got very mad and chased Fire away. then came back behind me and rested his face against mine....It actually made me tear up cause Blaze is not that kinda horse, he gets jealous, but he never tries to protect me. And he does not care to stay near me for long..He stayed their an hour, then I had to leave and he followed me.
By the time I moved onto the next water hole ritual all the horses said "hello" to me first, so I was like well...I guess I can move onto the next one. But the only one who needed to next one was Joie, because she'll run you over for food.
But anyways I'll get to the main point.
The other day I decided to play with Blaze online and liberty, (It has been awhile since I have done either). And Blaze was very responsive, I think we kinda lost our 4 canter circles online but honestly I don't care for him to have to do a million circles. If he doesn't like it why do it? he doesn't find no point in it, and neither do I. So we worked on some jumping, and usually Blaze will hit his hoofs up against the barrels a bit and be very lazy and "Blah" about it. This time he jumped almost 2 feet over the barrels with ears up and very enthusiastic about it.
I also played at liberty and he was AMAZING.
The next day I wanted to try to do a cross country course bridle less, and bareback. But I wanted to gradually increase the amount of jumps. So that day I only put 2 jumps, about 60 feet apart. When I first started, Blaze dodged the jumps, so I slowed it down and showed him what I wanted him to do., and then asked again and he galloped to the jump and flew over it and I was going to ask him to stop but he ran right to the other one and jumped it perfectly, he did not touch neither jump. It was incredible
I really think Blaze is starting to jump higher and more enthusiastically though heart and the desire to please me. It is a really incredible feeling when he wants to clear every jump, with ears forward, with so much impulsion. You can just feel the power as he jumps. Very humbling.
He wants me to be his partner--Friend. 50/50 partnership.
"We need to set an example for our horse in the kind of leadership that we would like him to offer us. This way, the horse learns to treat us exactly like we treat him in regards to leadership. This creates a 50/50 partnership, with the exception that we are the ultimate leaders of our horse because we are setting leadership by example. Captivity requires leadership."-Carolyn Resnick
before I truly believe that the only reason we could do great liberty etc, is because he felt like he had to be....Not anymore!
Anyways
And Blaze is not the only one who is making more progress, All of my horses are. And this is all because 1 water hole ritual...Can you imagine what will happen when I do them all? I can't wait.
Sorry for the long post, but I just had to share.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Mirka Pitts
What I love most about Mirta Pitts:
she always shares her knowledge, She's not like many people whom I've met that want to keep most info to their selves because their afraid that people will get "better then them." Instead Mirka loves sharing, she is a sharaholic! she does whatsoever in her power to get you to where you need to be. She helps you be the best you can be regardless of you're learning abilities.
She's very friendly, but she is firm when she needs to be. Her timing is spectacular. She turned me into a Lazy, freestyle western rider, into a dressage rider! (Well I'm getting their, I still have some work to do).
I have found myself making more progress then ever since I've interned for her. In fact, I am going back to her ranch soon to intern with one of my friends. I am looking forward to it!
I consider Mirka one of the best horsewoman in the world. I know I've mentioned Mirka allot, But I will never be able to show exactly how grateful I am for all she has taught me, and for allowing me to come to her place. I don't even think she knows how grateful I am, I only hope to one day repay her.
And I've said it thousands of times before and I could say it again!
THANK YOU MIRKA!!
Visit her website!!
http://www.doublepfarm.com
she always shares her knowledge, She's not like many people whom I've met that want to keep most info to their selves because their afraid that people will get "better then them." Instead Mirka loves sharing, she is a sharaholic! she does whatsoever in her power to get you to where you need to be. She helps you be the best you can be regardless of you're learning abilities.
She's very friendly, but she is firm when she needs to be. Her timing is spectacular. She turned me into a Lazy, freestyle western rider, into a dressage rider! (Well I'm getting their, I still have some work to do).
I have found myself making more progress then ever since I've interned for her. In fact, I am going back to her ranch soon to intern with one of my friends. I am looking forward to it!
I consider Mirka one of the best horsewoman in the world. I know I've mentioned Mirka allot, But I will never be able to show exactly how grateful I am for all she has taught me, and for allowing me to come to her place. I don't even think she knows how grateful I am, I only hope to one day repay her.
And I've said it thousands of times before and I could say it again!
THANK YOU MIRKA!!
Visit her website!!
http://www.doublepfarm.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
Water hole rituals
I've been extremely interested in Carolyn Resnick's method. She is brilliant! also she explains thing so clearly, and truly is the best method I've found so far.
Today I did the first water hole ritual: took me a book, and a chair and sat in the pasture. All of the horses ignored me for about 20 minutes, or so. and then they came to me. Except for Blaze because he was not allowed near the dominant horses. I then moved my chair from the herd, and Blaze came to me and fell asleep next to me, Then the others came: Spirit sat his chin on my shoulder, Angel sat her head on my lap, Joie sat her head on top of Angel's head, And Amour sat her head on my arm. everyone almost fell asleep. It was really sweet!
The herd is getting better! everyone loves coming up to me and being played with, I cannot wait to move onto the next watering hole rituals
This is just a quick update!
Naturally
Hannah
Today I did the first water hole ritual: took me a book, and a chair and sat in the pasture. All of the horses ignored me for about 20 minutes, or so. and then they came to me. Except for Blaze because he was not allowed near the dominant horses. I then moved my chair from the herd, and Blaze came to me and fell asleep next to me, Then the others came: Spirit sat his chin on my shoulder, Angel sat her head on my lap, Joie sat her head on top of Angel's head, And Amour sat her head on my arm. everyone almost fell asleep. It was really sweet!
The herd is getting better! everyone loves coming up to me and being played with, I cannot wait to move onto the next watering hole rituals
This is just a quick update!
Naturally
Hannah
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Learning
Hello everyone, sorry it has been so long since I have wrote! I've been extremely busy lately.
I've been having a wonderful time with my Equine partners, we're both learning so much, and both are very happy. Blaze is doing very well! we've been doing allot of freestyle work, and allot of finesse work. It's been going very well! Blaze is cantering happily without speeding up, which is wonderful, that was something we struggled with for quite some time.
Angel is really coming along, Her reining spins are fantastic! she's really starting to look like a real reining horse. I do have a video of her spinning, on face book.
I'm also getting ready to possibly go visit Mirka for another month, or so. With my friend Emily, if everything works out of course.
After that I am probably going to be traveling around with my friend Amber, She has somethings she's been doing in AL but she lives in TN so she might be bringing her horses back and forth and I get to bring Blaze. And also be teaching her etc.
Anyways just a quick little update! I'll try to keep everyone updated more often.
I've been having a wonderful time with my Equine partners, we're both learning so much, and both are very happy. Blaze is doing very well! we've been doing allot of freestyle work, and allot of finesse work. It's been going very well! Blaze is cantering happily without speeding up, which is wonderful, that was something we struggled with for quite some time.
Angel is really coming along, Her reining spins are fantastic! she's really starting to look like a real reining horse. I do have a video of her spinning, on face book.
I'm also getting ready to possibly go visit Mirka for another month, or so. With my friend Emily, if everything works out of course.
After that I am probably going to be traveling around with my friend Amber, She has somethings she's been doing in AL but she lives in TN so she might be bringing her horses back and forth and I get to bring Blaze. And also be teaching her etc.
Anyways just a quick little update! I'll try to keep everyone updated more often.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Love, Language, and Leadership
LOVE:
Understand the individual horse’s needs. Some horses are extroverts, others introverts. Some are right brain (unconfident/fearful) others are left brain (confident/dominant). Each needs a different approach or difficulties ensue.
Put the relationship and the horse’s needs first-his need for safety, comfort, food play; for bonding, for communication and interaction.
Learn to flex your behavioral style to gain rapport and respect from the horse.
LANGUAGE:
Use equine psychology and an understanding of heard dynamics in terms of bonding and hierarchy.
Learn the language and way of horses, which is primarily body language and playful interaction.
Start on the ground, it is better for horses and for humans. This is the best place to form a relationship, read the horse, communicate and gain understanding.
LEADERSHIP
Become a good leader for your horse, override predatory tendencies (impatience, direct-line thinking, autocracy, tendency to micromanage) understand the horse’s perspective, put principles before goals.
Train your horse without punishment.
Analyze your horse and determine his or her individual Horsenality. This ensures horses are treated according to their needs for calmness trust and motivation rather than all horses being treated the same. You’ll learn when to speed up or slow down, to ask more or ask less, when to focus on confidence and trust, and when to focus on advancement.
Put the relationship first. When a horse truly trusts you, there is no down time. Even after long breaks horses remember everything. It’s like picking up a relationship and conversation between best friends.
Understand the individual horse’s needs. Some horses are extroverts, others introverts. Some are right brain (unconfident/fearful) others are left brain (confident/dominant). Each needs a different approach or difficulties ensue.
Put the relationship and the horse’s needs first-his need for safety, comfort, food play; for bonding, for communication and interaction.
Learn to flex your behavioral style to gain rapport and respect from the horse.
LANGUAGE:
Use equine psychology and an understanding of heard dynamics in terms of bonding and hierarchy.
Learn the language and way of horses, which is primarily body language and playful interaction.
Start on the ground, it is better for horses and for humans. This is the best place to form a relationship, read the horse, communicate and gain understanding.
LEADERSHIP
Become a good leader for your horse, override predatory tendencies (impatience, direct-line thinking, autocracy, tendency to micromanage) understand the horse’s perspective, put principles before goals.
Train your horse without punishment.
Analyze your horse and determine his or her individual Horsenality. This ensures horses are treated according to their needs for calmness trust and motivation rather than all horses being treated the same. You’ll learn when to speed up or slow down, to ask more or ask less, when to focus on confidence and trust, and when to focus on advancement.
Put the relationship first. When a horse truly trusts you, there is no down time. Even after long breaks horses remember everything. It’s like picking up a relationship and conversation between best friends.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Practice
When I was a kid I took piano lessons. Even though my piano lessons were just once a week, my piano teacher gave me the assignment of practicing every day. That way when she came back a week later I could show some improvement from the week before.
Think about how you approach delivering a presentation. Do you think about it as a one time event, or as an opportunity to practice your preparation and delivery skills?
I think one of the most important principles of success is the concept of PRACTICE.
I think most people, myself included, lose value in the simple fundamentals of the game, such as “going out to practice.”
There is no limit to growth. There is no level where you’re “too good to practice.” There’s always another level.
For those that view going out and improving yourself to be “work” or a “chore”, then this might upset you. You will never reach a point where you’re “complete.” This is something you must accept.
Might as well learn to ENJOY the process. ;)
The best in the world continue to PRACTICE .
“Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best.” To this day, I continue to go out and “practice” and look for ways to become more excellent with my horsemanship skills. As should you.
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
Think about how you approach delivering a presentation. Do you think about it as a one time event, or as an opportunity to practice your preparation and delivery skills?
I think one of the most important principles of success is the concept of PRACTICE.
I think most people, myself included, lose value in the simple fundamentals of the game, such as “going out to practice.”
There is no limit to growth. There is no level where you’re “too good to practice.” There’s always another level.
For those that view going out and improving yourself to be “work” or a “chore”, then this might upset you. You will never reach a point where you’re “complete.” This is something you must accept.
Might as well learn to ENJOY the process. ;)
The best in the world continue to PRACTICE .
“Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best.” To this day, I continue to go out and “practice” and look for ways to become more excellent with my horsemanship skills. As should you.
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
Friday, July 23, 2010
Consistency
Consistency and persistence can work wonders in your progress with your horse. Everyday playing can make a huge differnce in your relationship, progress, and everything in between. A few days ago I had a major hassle with Angel, she was literally throwing a hissy fit for no apperent reason. All I was asking her to do is move her FQs over, and I was very gentle about it because she is very sensitive (RBI). anywho I was quite discouraged after that, our session ended well but I just felt like we were never going to make progress if she kept getting fustraded with anything new I was asking of her.
I then remembered what Mirka said to me when I was an intern for her: "Consistancy is one of the keys to my progress, riding your horse 1, 2, 3 times a week just isn't going to cut it. It has to be everyday." I then decided if I truly want angel to be as good as her 3 year olds in 1 year then I am going to have to ride her everyday and even I don't have time to play with her everyday atleast take the time to do some mosey!
Another thing I learned is don't stop doing some thing just because it is hard. All to often I used to say "oh riding is to hard so I'll just play on the ground." this is also the reason why me and blaze's online and liberty are much more advanced then our freestyle and finesse. So now I have made myself do things that are hard and I have learned so much since then.
So I want to encourage each and everyone of you to do the hard things. Don't stop doing something just because it's hard, now I know you don't do this is all situations because you want to make sure that your horse knows what your asking.
That is all for now!
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
I then remembered what Mirka said to me when I was an intern for her: "Consistancy is one of the keys to my progress, riding your horse 1, 2, 3 times a week just isn't going to cut it. It has to be everyday." I then decided if I truly want angel to be as good as her 3 year olds in 1 year then I am going to have to ride her everyday and even I don't have time to play with her everyday atleast take the time to do some mosey!
Another thing I learned is don't stop doing some thing just because it is hard. All to often I used to say "oh riding is to hard so I'll just play on the ground." this is also the reason why me and blaze's online and liberty are much more advanced then our freestyle and finesse. So now I have made myself do things that are hard and I have learned so much since then.
So I want to encourage each and everyone of you to do the hard things. Don't stop doing something just because it's hard, now I know you don't do this is all situations because you want to make sure that your horse knows what your asking.
That is all for now!
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Moved to a new location!
http://heartfelthorsemanship.blogspot.com/
My new blog URL!
PS: Thank you Lea for showing me how to do this!
My new blog URL!
PS: Thank you Lea for showing me how to do this!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Conditioning
Lately my patience has been my best friend. I've been taking my time to watch our herd, and researching on horse physiology.
I have learned that Whether your horse is competing at high levels or just being used for the occasional trail ride, it must have a certain level of fitness to perform well and endure the activity without injury. Asking the horse to do too much, too soon, can spell trouble. This is especially true for those pasture potatoes that have had little in the way of regular exercise, and are then suddenly expected to carry their owner on a two-hour trail ride. Regardless of the discipline the horse is used for, they should be gradually adapted to greater workloads over time.
I guess in other words my horses are about to go though boot camp. Tho they get played with they are still not in shape, Blaze is in pretty good shape but the others not so much.
My training involves a combination of physical conditioning and task-specific schooling (i.e., schooling in the various tasks required of a specific event or competition).
Since I play on competing in the future I am starting them on a fitness program.
success of a conditioning program relies on the body's adaptive response to the stress of exercise. If the horse performs the same amount of exercise every day, a certain level of fitness is attained as the horse adapts to the workload. However, without a further increase in training load (an increase in training duration, intensity, or both), there will be no further increase in fitness. To achieve a conditioning or training effect, the horse must be subjected to gradual increases in workload. Each new level of training is maintained until the body has adapted to the added stress, after which a further increase in training load can be applied. Alternating periods of increasing workload with a period of adaptation is known as progressive loading.
one great exercise is working the horse over hilly terrain, it has the advantage of increasing the heart rate (workload) without increasing speed, thereby sparing the bones, tendons and ligaments from excessive stress. One of the most important principles of conditioning is that of individual differences. Horses vary in their individual response to conditioning. Therefor all of my horses will have a different fitness program.
An adequate level of fitness is necessary for horses to perform to their potential. Proper conditioning also helps prevent injuries that may arise when an unfit horse is pushed beyond its physical capacity.
Really interesting stuff I'm learning!
By the way
My conditioning program will have lots of playing and not dull boring drills.
I will keep everyone updated on their progress.
Hopefully our laptop will be fixed so that I can start uploading pictures.
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
I have learned that Whether your horse is competing at high levels or just being used for the occasional trail ride, it must have a certain level of fitness to perform well and endure the activity without injury. Asking the horse to do too much, too soon, can spell trouble. This is especially true for those pasture potatoes that have had little in the way of regular exercise, and are then suddenly expected to carry their owner on a two-hour trail ride. Regardless of the discipline the horse is used for, they should be gradually adapted to greater workloads over time.
I guess in other words my horses are about to go though boot camp. Tho they get played with they are still not in shape, Blaze is in pretty good shape but the others not so much.
My training involves a combination of physical conditioning and task-specific schooling (i.e., schooling in the various tasks required of a specific event or competition).
Since I play on competing in the future I am starting them on a fitness program.
success of a conditioning program relies on the body's adaptive response to the stress of exercise. If the horse performs the same amount of exercise every day, a certain level of fitness is attained as the horse adapts to the workload. However, without a further increase in training load (an increase in training duration, intensity, or both), there will be no further increase in fitness. To achieve a conditioning or training effect, the horse must be subjected to gradual increases in workload. Each new level of training is maintained until the body has adapted to the added stress, after which a further increase in training load can be applied. Alternating periods of increasing workload with a period of adaptation is known as progressive loading.
one great exercise is working the horse over hilly terrain, it has the advantage of increasing the heart rate (workload) without increasing speed, thereby sparing the bones, tendons and ligaments from excessive stress. One of the most important principles of conditioning is that of individual differences. Horses vary in their individual response to conditioning. Therefor all of my horses will have a different fitness program.
An adequate level of fitness is necessary for horses to perform to their potential. Proper conditioning also helps prevent injuries that may arise when an unfit horse is pushed beyond its physical capacity.
Really interesting stuff I'm learning!
By the way
My conditioning program will have lots of playing and not dull boring drills.
I will keep everyone updated on their progress.
Hopefully our laptop will be fixed so that I can start uploading pictures.
Naturally
Hannah & Blaze
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Working on things
Well as usual I've been over and beyond busy, that seems to be the routine lately. Also the internet has been out.
But anyways
I actually haven't had a whole lot of time to play lately. But I finally found time today and rode Blaze and Angel.
After having a fabulous ride on Mr. Blaze I rode Angel and she was wonderful! I have decided to show her in reining when she has had more training. which her training starts tomorrow, she should be ready to show in a year, or so. I'm considering showing Blaze, and Amour in dressage, Blaze is ready to show, but Amour isn't. I need to buy the suit to be able to show and everything for Blaze of course. I think that Joie would be better in cutting, just needs to be trained. I'm hoping to begin showing when we move to Tennessee, and maybe show a little while we're still her is Georgia.
well just a short little update! hopfully I can keep this updated more often.
Naturally
Hannah & De Alumbrado
But anyways
I actually haven't had a whole lot of time to play lately. But I finally found time today and rode Blaze and Angel.
After having a fabulous ride on Mr. Blaze I rode Angel and she was wonderful! I have decided to show her in reining when she has had more training. which her training starts tomorrow, she should be ready to show in a year, or so. I'm considering showing Blaze, and Amour in dressage, Blaze is ready to show, but Amour isn't. I need to buy the suit to be able to show and everything for Blaze of course. I think that Joie would be better in cutting, just needs to be trained. I'm hoping to begin showing when we move to Tennessee, and maybe show a little while we're still her is Georgia.
well just a short little update! hopfully I can keep this updated more often.
Naturally
Hannah & De Alumbrado
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)