Today we decided it was high time to get back on Laredo. Sure, we still have some ear stuff to work through, but our few intense sessions had a big impact. Lately it almost seems like his reaction to stuff around his head is more of a habit than a real issue. He “forgets” to… Read more »
feel
Hard Work
It was another really hot day out at the barn. We are having an unusually hot streak right now. I guess it makes sense, as I just read a headline somewhere that the past 12 months have been the hottest on record. Still, I’m hopeful for a nicer June. June is my favorite summer month.… Read more »
Hooked on a Feeling
Just like Robin mentioned, really working the soft feel to its full potential is something we have let slide in the past few months. I knew it was happening, but I couldn’t exactly figure out why. I guess week by week I got a little more lax about holding it and using it before a… Read more »
Quick Study
Today it took about three minutes to catch Laredo. It’s getting to the point that it’s really not an issue. He walked away from me for a moment, then turned and stepped towards me and stopped. I walked up to him and started stroking his nose with the halter. He backed up for a little… Read more »
A Pasture Ride
It is one of the strangest truths about horses that they need both consistency and variety to really flourish. While both people and horses are reassured by routine, falling into the habit of doing everything the same way for long periods can lead to dullness. Our barn doesn’t have much of an outdoor arena, and… Read more »
The Horse I Have Today
It is easy to go into a ride with expectations. On the way out to the barn Brian and I were talking about some of the ideas he’s reviewing while rereading True Horsemanship Through Feel by Bill Dorrance. He mentioned how Bill likes to talk about making things into games by setting up little challenges, like can… Read more »
Thinking in Circles
After our excellent ride in the indoor arena, today we had another beautiful day that just begged us to head out and about. We decided to start with some work on the strip and then do some meandering over on the second strip and the three hills. Somehow yesterday Brian and I started discussing circles,… Read more »
Out Enjoying the Weather
Looking out the window, you would never guess it’s only March. All last week our yard was carpeted in crocuses. The grass is up and growing like mad. This whole week was sunny and in the 60’s. Today we continued what we hope becomes our new Sunday tradition, which is to leave the barn behind.… Read more »
To Hackamore, or Not To Hackamore?
A few days ago Robin and I were watching a training video by Mike Bridges. It was not the most exciting of videos, but it did offer a lot of insightful commentary on bits and the variety of heads and mouths on horses. At one point he talked about how horses with thicker lips might… Read more »
When Things Go Wrong, Simplify
These little words of wisdom come from Dan John. Dan is one of my favorite people to read for advice on working out and getting fitter. The reason I love his stuff is because he breaks it down into very digestible chunks and also his advice applies just as directly to life, relationships, and work… Read more »