BFO!

We haven't used the round pen much lately. I think Breeze finds it too claustrophobic so today I set up a squeeze game with two panels of it. I asked her to come with me as I set the panels up which meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing with B having to yield her HQ. I figured if I have to do it she may as well come along too lol. I think she quite likes it and offers 'put your nose on this' every time I got a bit set up. Plus we get to play back up when I open a panel out.

When it was set up we played yo yo game a few times with a treat when she came to me. The idea I have is to reward the draw so she learns not to pull on the line.

Speaking of backing up . . . . . having had time to lick and chew and read all I can about RBI again in the Savvy Club vaults and on the forum I tried to be more assertive today. I asked for some falling leaf and fig 8 which went ok. We had a little circle game but soon enough B refused and wanted to pull on the rope and go backwards. So with a blinding flash of the obvious I had Linda's voice in my head saying 'Backwards? Cool let me help you and see how fast and far we can go backwards!' Breeze went back wards the whole length of the school!

Whenever she gave me sideways I said thanks but I would like backwards and quickly please! Halfway down the short side of the school I asked her to circle and we got it! Beautiful trot, a little ragged at first with some head tossing, then she dropped her head and went around and around. I left her to do as many laps as she wanted which turned out to be at least 10 before she looked at me and asked to come in. I gave her a treat and let her rest and watched as she licked and chewed after munching the carrot. When I asked for change of direction she tried to back up again so I said 'let me help you!' This time B didn't go far and we had circle in walk then trot and some more cod then after a while she came in. Cool.

We played a bit more, sideways at the end of the 22' line with stops for blackberries which she picked herself, fig 8 around the cones, extreme friendly game, over a jump turn and face, then I asked B to come with me to put the panels away. Again she liked the game but realised there were lots of blackberries behind where I was stacking the panels so I left her ground tied to eat while I put the rest away.

I let her rest outside her stable and eat some hay while I mucked out then saddled up, which was really good again and headed for the woods.

Breeze went introverted again a couple of times so I waited and played friendly game until she was ready to carry on. We saw cockerel feathers along the way. I guess the foxes got the chicken last night. B went in and out if the 'log trailer' happily and we made our way to the top of the old woods.

It took a while for B to get into position and once I was up she really could not stand still for me to organise ropes and stirrups! It was pretty windy today and the occasional gust spooked her a little. It wasn't a very comfy ride to begin with. B did her choppy walk and trot. I was in two minds about getting on but I felt safe and calm and I don't want to start thinking I can only ride when conditions are' perfect'. We went straight home with a few transitions up and down and B was pretty calm. I could feel she was alert and she snorted a few times at dangers in the bushes. At the exit she turned and went back a little way when I asked so she got a lot of praise. Then into the car park where we did some circles and follow the rail.

I recognised someone who came to chat.. she used to ride Lizzie side saddle years ago and reminded me of the time when Lizzie dumped her out hunting. This lady is sure it was premeditated on Lizzie's part, which I am sure it was lol. That was Lizzie, the scheming, clever dominant LBI. She taught me such a lot, which is really helping me with Breeze. I hold her memory close to my heart. Remembering her still makes my eyes fill with tears and I miss her badly. My love for her hasn't diminished. Now I have love for and from two horses!

Breeze got a lot of praise and strokes and stood still for ages while we chatted. I was so proud of her and myself for our achievements and the relationship we have got in just three short months. She was happy to turn away from the yard and go to the back of the car park while the lady and I exchanged phone numbers. Then it was across the very busy road today and to the courtyard. It has taken a while for B to understand about standing still when I get off lol. She did have trouble staying balanced while I dismounted to begin with but she waits patiently now.

We walked together to the field and I smiled at how soft and gentle and polite we are with each other. Having Breeze in my life makes me feel very honoured. I watched her join the herd and marveled that such a beautiful creature could be mine. Then I got pestered for scratches by Patch and then Toby at the gate which I was more than happy to give.

Sunday lunch!

We took the horses into the woods again and B was in an eating mood! We had warmed up with a play in the school and B was resistant about circle game again. I try to get our play to flow with one game progressing into another. She is ok with all of it except for circle. We end up playing yo yo so that she won't pull back on the rope but it is still something she cannot move on from. She gave me a few laps in walk and change of direction once or twice. Looks like it will take more time so I need to be patient. We weren't alone in the school but I don't know if that made a difference in B's mind.

Today B was much less introverted and didn't go much except for once in the school. She looked like she was going to go intro once or twice but she came out quickly. She cut her back leg on the log trailer, instead of looking where she was going she was too busy stuffing her face with leaves lol. I did all the pre-flight checks and got in our usual place. B seemed quite unhappy once we set of away from home to begin with and tried to go home. We didn't fight but I was persistent in where we were going. B wanted to bite Bert a lot which I read as unconfidence. I wonder why she gets like this. Perhaps I should have got off but I wanted to see if we could deal with this in the saddle.

We had a nice walk down the straight with Sandra and Bert trotting up ahead and onto the viaduct where Bert grazed. B didn't want to. She needed to move her feet so we circled a little then a squirrel made Bert spook and then I knew B needed to go home. B and I set off next to Bert and Sandra to begin with but I could feel B needed a faster pace. Agreeing to wait at the top for Sandra we trotted up the straight. Funny how B is focused and her trot even and smooth when we are going homeward lol. We walked as we passed a couple of riders going past us then trotted again to the top.

And then the fun started. B didn't want to stop and wait for Bert and Sandra. She wanted to go home, in trot. We turned into the old woods and for a split second she was ok about it. Then she realised we weren't going home and stopped and wanted to turn. We circled a little but that just wound her up more lol. Back to the top of the straight and I just stopped riding and stroked her. She tried to be calm, bless her but it was almost too much for her. We had a little bit of napping but I persisted and focused on thinking calm and still and against B's better nature she managed to wait. Bless her.

Because Sandra and Bert were walking they were too slow for B so we weaved in and out of the trees. B was ok with that except if we did full circles around the trees because that was going away from home. There's a wide part of the bridle path where we can fig 8 and B got resistant about it, I asked her to go right and half circle the tree but at the last minute she decided not and went left. . . . but it was too late and she head butted the tree! She backed up a few steps and we went right around the tree and carried on!

There was a cockerel in the woods! B doesn't think they belong in the woods and it unsettled her a little. So from the 'log trailer' on to the exit she was very alert and listening. We had a little mooch around the yard when we got back. I had intended to go in the school but there were too many people around. B and I don't need an audience.

Introvertion.

Breeze was very interesting today. We saddled up after some play and a groom and Sandra put Berts boots on and walked him online. Bert is off 'Bute' now and feeling much better. Looks like his feet are hardening up much to Sandra's and my relief!

Breeze wasn't scared by the blackberry bushes today. In fact we all spent a long time eating blackberries and chilling. Today Bert seemed to have more go than B and she was the most consistently introverted I have seen her. She would be ok one minute and we would play sideways or weave and then she would drop her head to sniff some leaf or poop and then stand staring at nothing for ages. Sometimes I stroked her, sometimes I just sat or stood and waited, then asked her to move on when I felt she was ready. We did this all the way to the top of the old woods when she began to be more alert and with me.

Breeze lined up in one easy move, accepted the rope being thrown over her head and stood still while I got on and did my ropes up. We set off following Sandra and Bert.

We had a great ride. I was totally relaxed and mostly left the reins on B's withers. We did a lot of 'off piste' and a lot of laughing as I ducked the low branches. We got as far as the other side of the viaduct and turned around. B was happy to lead then lol. But she reached a huge threshold as we neared the bridge and I felt her get tense then spin and try to run away. I one rein stopped her and we turned around and tucked behind Bert for safety.

We walked up the straight and Sandra played with Bert and did some driving from zone 5. Nice. Breeze and I ambled along, then did some weaving and circling and on to the exit. Breeze hesitated slightly before carrying on along the first part of the mile and 1/4 where I asked her if she wanted to graze for a while, which she did. Then it was back to the yard where we realised we had been out for two hours!

This evening I put on my ipod and grazed B around the yard for an hour, playing stop and eat here then move on please. Happy days!

Another solo ride.

We had the easiest saddling up today and B seemed very quiet and happy. We did a little more practice of NOT pulling back on the rope. B is getting much less resistant now and spends a lot less time with her head up, rolling her eyes at me. Our 'Mexican stand off' is getting shorter and shorter too. Cool.

Today I focused on her thresholds as we went for a walk in the woods, noticing where they were and giving her the time it takes to move on. She went quite introverted a couple of times until we got near the top of the old woods. I let her rest longer both times and she didn't want to be stroked so I just waited. We were passed by someone I know from Liz' old yard who always says she thinks I am crazy to ride a horse in a rope halter, as her horse jigs and cannot stand still while she hangs on for dear life. I tell her she is the crazy one and we laugh and go our separate ways.

Here's a photo of B going introverted by the side of a tree. She doesn't stay like it for long or go really inside herself anymore. After that we didn't find too many thresholds.

When we got to the logs at the top of the old woods she seemed relaxed enough to ride and we did some more pre-flight checks and I noticed the girth did up one hole tighter than usual. While I stood on the log and asked B to line up she needed to move a bit. She went round me a few times stepping over the log again and again which made me laugh. She was less eager to move today when I got on, I am surprised at how LB she is when we ride. I notice it more and more and am grateful that she doesn't need to move fast all the time.

Breeze didn't want to go down into the old woods but she did want to go down the straight which was fine with me. We sauntered along and I pedaled my feet and moved my arms in time with her too. It helps me relax and helps her keep her momentum going. I really enjoyed her company. I am so pleased we can ride alone, just the two of us. She didn't want to go as far as the Viaduct either so we turned to go up the old woods.

Along the way we saw a cat. B spooked, jumped in the air and spread her front legs, head down and snorting. It was quite funny really. I always laugh when she finds things scary, it helps me stay calm and means I can concentrate on helping her by stroking her neck/withers and talking to her. We did this most of the way along until she had calmed down and relaxed then I asked her to trot. She couldn't maintain gait so we did a lot of transitions lol.

Then it was weave around the trees and fig 8's and we stopped by the wood yard. I picked some blackberries and fed them to her which was fun but we both got in a bit of a mess. Then around to the 'parking place' where we got sideways for the first time! Both ways! I haven't done this before while riding and I was very pleased although it takes a bit of getting used to. Can't wait to get used to it!

Again B found a threshold at the same place she was really frightened the other day but it's not as extreme now. I stroked her and talked to her. She really likes it when I tell her what a clever/good/beautiful girl she is. It doesn't matter what I say really, she just likes the sound of my voice and the feel of my hands I guess. She relaxed and we carried on to the exit and home.

This evening she was waiting at the gate to come in. I have to smile to myself when I can ask her to squeeze through the small gap I make with the gate so none of the other horses waiting can get through. Safe for all of us. Breeze let me brush her all over too and pick out all four feet in her stable. Funny how as soon as I mention how things are, they change.

Connections.

Bertie has been checked over by the vet and put on 'bute' for a week or so. Sandra cut out some carpet tile and lined his boots. He seems a lot more comfortable and more himself. So Sandra took him for a walk and I saddled B and went along too.

It took B a long time to relax. At one point right by the tree stump she got very scared by something. I haven't seen her this frightened before so we spent lots of time playing approach and retreat until she was calm enough to walk past whatever was in the vicinity that was scaring her.

After that B needed to move her feet and she gave me some amazing side ways in trot, without a fence too and . . . fanfare here please . . . tadaaaaaaaa!! Sideways towards me!!!! I thought it was a fluke first time but she did it a second time too lol. Then she dropped her head and stood blinking for a while but not as introverted as she has been sometimes. I gave her lots of time and stroked her head then it was heads up and go and eat. Cool!

Bertie was being an unmotivated LBI and really testing Sandra. So I reminded her about phases and that she would know if Bertie was listening when he gave her both eyes. We had a discussion about it as we walked along around the old woods and it was lovely to see her smile and notice Bert giving her all his attention from then on.

Breeze had relaxed and blown out a few times and looked rideable so as we reached a huge fallen log near the top of the old woods I hopped on and rode B the rest of the way home. We had a lot to do today. Other groups of riders which B wanted to follow. Slowing down by circling to wait for Bertie and Sandra. A lot of weaving and circling. What a joy to feel so connected with my lovely horse and do all the stuff politely. Again she was listening, I stayed calm and we were perfect partners. I felt totally empowered! I have not had a lot of practice riding freestyle and never progressed as far as I wanted with Lizzie. We did the basics, Lizzie and I and had a wonderful time. I guess I am saying I want more and happily Breeze is responding really well and we are both progressing fast.

She was frightened again in the same spot on the way home so she let Bert lead as I stroked and soothed her.

Bolstered by our fabulous ride, back on the yard we went into the school and I did a tiny bit of ppl and then we did . . . . . NOTHING!!! Hahahahahaha! Lots and lots of nothing! Breeze was totally relaxed and I gave her treats and chatted to Sandra until I felt it was enough and we left. Back to the courtyard where I got off and groomed her as she followed me around with a really soft look in her eyes. Brilliant.

P.s. Breeze likes blackberries. We found some huge ripe ones on our walk and I hand fed her some. The berries coloured her tongue bright red lol.

I took Sandra and a barrel to a quiet spot on the yard and had her hit the barrel with the C/S, great fun. I think she fully understands phases now.

Playing in the woods

Breeze and I ignored the rain and went for a short play in the woods this morning before I went to work. Here is yo yo backwards . . .

. . . and forwards . . .

. . . and sideways.

We even trotted together with my arm resting on her back, usually she doesn't like me being in zone 3 and that close lol.

Lately B has become a bit dominant in her stable. I am putting it down to hormones because the other day she bared her teeth with her ears back when I went to scratch her back legs. She has always been funny about me going near them anyway and is very resistant to having her back feet picked out in the stable so we do that outside now. But it did scare me for a second. It brought up worries from when Lizzie first showed signs of damaged stifles. I really had to push those emotions to the back of my mind quickly and not project them onto Breeze.

I asked for some circle game by the wood yard and she gave me some lovely calm walk and C.O.D before another horse and rider showed up and she went into pull on the rope mode. I had asked her forward to move out of their way and it was just too much pressure, I guess. I will have to work on that. I am so conditioned into wanting to out be out of other people's way, lol. I can almost feel my own thoughts whizzing around as I think 'quick, move B out of the way, quick!' it must feel like a lot of sudden pressure to Breeze. Especially if the other horse is anxious and pacing, reined in by their riders as they often are.

It was a different horse that came out of her stable in the evening. We had a graze around the yard and B was quite jumpy, listening to every sound and once almost running into me. I was ready to block her even though she was behind me. I felt her in my space without even having to look! We played a lot of go and eat here and here and here and she soon calmed.

She inspected the empty space where recently the muck heap monster had grown to unmanageable proportions. The smell must be very overpowering for her lol. Then it was back to her stable where I skipped out and remembered to untie her from outside before putting in the refilled hay net! Not making that mistake ever again. Phew!

Just being a horse

Breeze has been living out for the last few days. It's been lovely going to see her and be greeted with this sight in the evenings lol. I am becoming less worried about her being out and enjoying having lie-in's and not spending time mucking out.

There has been a shift in the herd dynamics and we now have a new herd within the herd. Brown Bertie and his harem, which includes Breeze and three other mares of different shapes and sizes.

Here's Breeze, Brown Bertie and the smallest of the harem.

And Breeze doing what comes naturally.....she has had the hots for Brown Bertie since he came to the yard a little while ago.

Its been interesting to spend time with B in the field. She comes over to me repeatedly to lick my hands, then go back to the harem. Unless I sit on the ground, when she will come over and graze around me. Actually a lot of the horses are interested in me if I sit down. Even Brown Bertie came and investigated me at one point. I have missed her a little though, but there will be lots of time to enjoy her company when turn out becomes limited when winter sets in.