>>> So - today was the day. I was right. He was not tuned in. He had some good moments, no great moments, but we ended up with him relaxed and his eyes soft. I really know it helps him, but sometimes I fall into a pattern of just getting on and riding him.
I think that's too easy for all of us to do. Isn't it just the coolest thing when you see one change from tense and not tuned in to having "soft eyes"? >>>He is capable of working off lead in a way that brings tears to my eyes. Today, he stayed with me for one turn of the arena and then just sort of wandered off. It's not always easy to keep them interested. I know we can bore the horses with "games"...or with trail riding, or with on-the-rail (or on-the-track) arena work, or anything that's too repetitive, or by doing anything with a rote attitude. Sina was a good horse for me to start the seven games with - very young, just barely stared, the best student, totally gifted in her ability to learn, but also prone to boredom. She loves to trail ride, but she will also get a little pissy if I take her out on the same trails, for several days in a row...just as she will get pissy if I over-drill her in the "seven games." She needs a challenge - maybe some gait work one day, some groundwork but in a varied, interesting way on another day or as a warm up to riding, and some relaxed trail riding. If she doesn't go on the trail for a few weeks, you can really see her perk up, ready and willing to get out and see the world, but that can be boring for her too. Angie also has a good brain, but since she was left pretty much alone until she was 11, it will be interesting to see how different she will be. So far, she's blowing my socks off with her interest and willingness to learn. I took her with the assumption that she'd likely never be a riding horse, but now I'm not convinced of that. She's been here only three weeks, with only the normal daily handling, with a few short one-on-one sessions on the weekends. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 12/21/2007 1:17 PM
