Giddy Up

May 6, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Today when I got to the barn I put my saddle and pad in the arena near where I've been working on teaching Steen to stand, telling myself that whether or not I used them today, he needed to get used to having them around. Then I went out to the pasture to get my horse. He was off on the other side of the field again, but when I looked up from unlatching the gate I saw him and a number of other horses were moving towards me. Then the rest of the herd started in my direction as well, and then one who had almost gotten left behind started trotting after the rest, which made the ones in front start to lope and the next thing I knew the entire herd came stampeding to the gate, Steen among them. So, I'm not sure if Steen initiated the movement or not, but it was nice not to have to go get him.

I put Steen's halter on and led him to the barn. He only paused once in the "probl...

One Step Forward

Robin

May 4, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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Today, I will admit, I didn't entirely feel like going out to the stable. I was a bit groggy this afternoon and more interested in a nap then two 20 minute drives sandwiched around a frustrating session with a poorly behaved horse. But, I know the more time I can spend with Steen right now the better, so I roused myself and headed out.

The horses were in a grassy pasture again. Steen watched me as I approached, but didn't come to the gate for me. I had to go to him. He didn't make any attempt to get away once I reached him, and willingly let me halter him. Then, however, after following me a few steps back towards the barn, he didn't want to go any further.

Well, I've been reading a lot about natural horsemanship lately, and have come to the conclusion that there is a little bit of a paradox involved in the whole philosophy. On the one hand, they stress do...

Patience is a Virtue

Robin

May 4, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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A bit of a rough day with Steen yesterday. I went out to the barn all excited because I had my saddle and I was going to ride. I got Steen out of the pasture with only the usual difficulties - ie, not letting other people's horses out while fetching mine. They were back in the "mud lot" since we've had a lot of rain again and they destroy the pastures when the ground is wet, so naturally as soon as we stepped on the fresh green grass between the mud lot and the barn, Steen really wanted to eat. Of course, I wouldn't let him and in the past, when I don't let him, he gives it up quickly enough. Yesterday, however, when I wouldn't let him eat, he simply wouldn't walk.

So, we took a long time getting to the barn. I moved him ahead with techniques like pushing him backwards until going forwards seemed like a good idea, leading him in circles, wiggling his head back and for...

New Gear

Robin

May 1, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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This morning Steen and I had a very good session. Last night, I made him a rope halter and today when I put it on him I felt like it helped a lot with communication. I felt he was a lot more responsive in the arena and that he focused on me a lot more fully today than he ever has. I tried out a technique using a wall and a longe whip which really helped with the standing issue, and in general he seemed a lot less bored and restive than he has in the past.

But the very exciting news awaited me when I got home from work just after 5. Brian had thoughtfully unpacked and set up on the coffee table my brand new very own endurance saddle and pad. I sat in it (usin...

Ground Work

Robin

May 1, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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Today Steen came to me as I approached again, even though he was in a lush, grassy pasture because the mud is finally drying out. We walked up to the barn and he got a little balky at the sight of the hitching post, but I coaxed him into the barn and let him loose in the indoor arena. He trotted around sniffing at things for a while and discovered he could sniff noses with one of the horses in the stalls by the other door. Then I proceeded to move him around with my hands, touch him all over, lead him around, make him stop, go, go backwards, etc. He is very odd in that he will stand perfectly quietly as long as he's not tied. I can rub him all over with my hands and pretty much anything else I can pick up and move around (today I tested him with his lead rope, a rubber ball, a traffic cone, and a different rope) without evoking so much as a startled glance. Also, if I so much as...

Day Off

Robin

April 29, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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Unfortunately, I had my other stable to tend to today, so will have to wait until tomorrow to hang out with my own horse again.

Baby Steps

Robin

April 29, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

Learn More

Steen came to me from across the pasture when he saw me at the gate today, and has no trouble leaving the other horses, but still gets very agitated if I tie him up for more than a few minutes (unless there is another horse tied next to him, in which case, he is fine). So I think I'm going to have to go back to square one on standing, since just tying him up and letting him wear himself out doesn't seem very humane, and I certainly don't want him to associate my visits with trauma.

When I got home, I did some reading and found some advice on teaching horses to stand while being lead as a precursor to making them stand when tied. So, next time I'm out there I'm going to take him into the indoor arena and walk and trot him around, and intermittently make him hold still for a moment or two before walking out again. He moves away from pressure and leads really well, so adding...

Embark

Robin

April 27, 2008

Novels for Horse-Lovers

The Tipped Z Ranch books feature fictional stories but real horsemanship.

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Today Steen came into my life. The last horse I owned was Blue, a quarterhorse mare we purchased when I was about 12.

Blue and I usually rode with my friend, Dale and her horse, Molly. Dale was an adult, but was kind enough to put up with me for riding partner. We'd go all over the place together, and sometimes find ourselves considering taking a trail neither of us were familiar with. She'd often say, "Where does it go?" My most typical response eventually became our mantra: "Every trail goes somewhere." I've found it is a good thing to keep in mind when working with horses.