My, oh my!!!

"Susan Coade1*Trainee Instructor said what an inspirational student I had today,calm,persistent,emotionally in control,natural with her equipmment and always putting the relationship first. Cilla you deserve the fantastic results you are acheiving with Breeze, the two of you are a joy to watch x."

This the comment on Parelli Central today from Susan Coade after our lesson. I am blown away by her praise, astonished by how much B and I have progressed in such a short time and so, so amazed by it all.

The weather was rubbish, windy and raining on and off. There were horses loose in the arena but we just got on with it. I didn't expect the breakthrough that we had when the lesson really got going. We eased into circle game but trot elicited sideways from B. This is her default setting, offer sideways. Sometimes it's unconfidence, sometimes it's calculated. Takes a lot of persistence on my part to coach her through it. But we got through it and established a nice even trot on the circle.

B can almost tell when I am going to ask her to canter, even if I am not thinking about it. She knew what was coming when I did ask and we couldn't quite maintain it. But we got it and when I asked B in she was quite sweaty but didn't go introverted. Tried again a little while later after some other games and wow! I tried to give her slack on the 22' to help her feel what it's like to canter. She has been so terrified of cantering. Of course I have no idea why and I won't be wasting any time speculating about this.

I have never really had the chance to see B canter online, not like this. It was hard work keeping up with her, trying to have slack in the rope, look where I was going, where she was going and keep a semblance of a circle. How joyous to see her NOT RB panicking as if she were running for her life! I can't even say how many laps she did! When I asked her in she had the most amazing expression, if horses could smile she was grinning. She looked surprised, pleased and proud all in one. ( I know, anthropomorphism). Usually she would go introverted and have to have a lot of hang time. This time she stood next to me, head down furiously licking and chewing. I got to make a fuss of her and I just could not tell her how clever she was enough times!

The rest of the session was just as amazing if not as exciting. A horse and a Parelli student can only take so much excitement. But we had that magical connection where she has 'that look', soft and focussed on me. We mirrored each other as she weaved the cones, getting exuberant at one end and going over a jump. Brilliant. She almost looks like she thinks she has done something wrong when things like this happen but as I never tell her off the thought entered her head and was gone in a flash. We got sideways from zone 5 and on a diagonal, very nice driving from zone 5 and got reacquainted with back up /lead by the tail.

Susan and I stood talking for a while, going over the lesson and Breeze just stood still, resting. A good way to end it for her, doing nothing.

Breakthrough!

So we have been nibbling away at canter on circle game for a little while now. It feels like longer somehow because it has been illusive...until this evening.

I had plans today to play in the woods and ride home this morning but we all know what happens to best laid plans. Yep, it doesn't happen! I didn't get to the yard until 11 so time was very short. Perhaps B picked up on this although I wasn't worried about it. Anyway, we tried to have a play in the arena but the usual gang of horses were loose in there and it is very distracting for her. Then it began to rain! Call me a lightweight but playing in the rain is not my favourite pastime and I suspect it's not B's either lol. She was bracy on the circle game but our driving game just gets better every time. We didn't stay long in the arena and the rain stopped as soon as we left so we stood by the mounting block and played with asking B to side pass towards me so I could spend time leaning on her back and stroking her. Then we headed back to the courtyard.

B is very unconfident when I am in zone 3/4, even more so if I am higher than the ground. In the courtyard I stood on the highest of the pedestals and we played approach and retreat with an empty shavings bag just for the hell of it. I rubbed her all over with it and she wasn't fazed at all.

Having B stand with me in zones 3/4 is too much for her so we spent a long time with approach and retreat until she could stand still and I could lean on/stroke her back. Interesting how she is ok when she has a saddle on her back?

Now that the clocks have gone forwards an hour we have lots more daylight in the evenings. Nice to play in daylight. Driving game was great as was fig 8 in trot. Again B was bracy on the circle game but I had put the savvy string back on my c/s and B noticed. It meant I could do even less to ask her to move. When she stopped and backed up I kept my ask very light, even less pressure than usual and this worked. Her trot was nice and relaxed and she had her head down. The first time we got 1/4 of a circle in canter after which B exploded so it was rest, then back to walk, then trot.

The second time I asked she got it and didn't explode. It really helps to walk with her as I ask for canter. She seemed quite shocked when she stopped after lovely smooth canter. She stared at me but didn't go introverted at all as I told her what a clever girl she is. I asked her in and she trotted to me. I was so pleased I just kept on telling her how clever she is. I could have jumped up and down with joy. This is such a big thing for Breeze, to be calm after cantering. We stood together while she chewed and chewed and blinked and blinked. We walked around a little to cool off with a little driving game on the way to the gate and ended it there.

Back in her stable B was still thinking hard. I talked to her and stroked her. She seemed to need my company and the stroking turned into the best massage/scratch fest we have had so far. I am beginning to find the best ways to scratch her and she is allowing me to do more. Eventually she was showing me where she wanted to be scratched by positioning her body just right. Up and down her neck, along her back and all around her tail, even underneath it. I vaguely remember some TTouch terms and have found B likes what I call 'tiger paw' like scratches, in fast and light circular movements. When I did this on her poll she half closed her eyes and stretched her head down. Looked like she REALLY liked that.

The yard was quiet and empty of people, I never made a sound as we had our 'scratch fest'. I didn't even notice it had got dark either. Breeze was all scratched out and she let me know it was time she got stuck into her hay nets. I rugged her up, got her breakfast put out and left her for the night, relaxed and happy.

It's all good!

I ended up with five draft blog posts that I never did write, just sorted the photos for them before I posted about my lesson with Claire. I was still wondering how I could get so behind until it hit me as a BFO while I was riding in the woods today.

I used to write about everything I could remember, as each 'thing' was new and a real achievement. Also, if I leave the note taking too long I simply forget what happened when, so much is going on these days! And I think we are doing such a lot that it's becoming too complex and probably might be too boring to read anyway.

Before I had my lesson with Claire I blogged about cantering on the Saturday. We rode again on the Sunday but I didn't canter. Breeze was not as emotionally calm. Tuesday Sandra and I rode again and that was a ride with a lot of trotting.

Which brings me kind of up to date after the lesson. Breeze and I are continuing with circle game and upping the pressure to ask for canter. B can now trot faster without blowing up but canter is still illusive for now.

Breeze is going introverted especially when she does something really good but I have noticed she is doing a lot of licking and chewing too.

I get to stroke her head and face and then I crouch down and wait for her to surface. Usually she comes to stand next to me wondering what I am doing.

It being Sunday we had our usual ride in the woods with Sandra and Bert. We warmed up in the arena but I didn't push for canter on the circle game. As it makes B get RB, today we concentrated on getting a consistent trot. And because we were warming up to ride I focussed on seeing all the games and tested if B was listening to me and how in tune we were and of course, if she is ridable.

We left the arena and got ready to get on in the courtyard which was really quiet, soft and respectful. Actually I got watched by a new family who recently bought a horse already on the yard. I wondered why they were standing watching me but I was so wrapped up in getting on it wasn't till I was up that they asked if it was ok to move. They didn't want to disturb us, bless them.

We spent two hours out in the woods. The horses spent ages eating at first. We did a lot trotting again all the way along the mile and 1/4. This time I was relaxed and moved with Breeze. We went around the old woods twice! Both horses had thresholds when we asked them. Bertie did a lot of circling until he was ready to go back down the straight. B almost turned to but it seems she realised this pattern and waited for Bert to stop turning and carry on. I thought that was great!

The second time we were in the old woods we went 'off piste' which was lovely until we met a bunch of dogs. That scared Bert who bolted with Breeze following very closely. Great fun actually and Sandra and I were laughing. We got back on the bridle path and B had to move her feet still so we trotted off along the winding uphill part. I loved that, leaning side to side to keep up with Breeze as we dodged trees and overhanging branches. Funny how relaxing I find that rather than going in a straight line! Sandra said we were trotting so fast she had to canter to keep up.

Brilliant play, then ride, in fabulous warm sunshine. The clocks went forward today so we get extra daylight in the evenings. I think we will be riding after work pretty soon too.

Lesson with Claire.

My legs are killing me!!! I have walked half way around the world today...or so my legs would have me believe. Very interesting lesson and it seemed like I haven't seen Claire in ages.

Before our lesson B and I went for a long graze in the shade of the woods. She was a darling. Relaxed and happy, she offered to walk past the exit and stayed calm.

I am sorry to say, yet again, I have been told how well we have progressed! Gotcha!! Not just a little, but a lot. So pleased about this. Claire was impressed with our circle game. Today we spent some time asking B to canter and not getting it. But that's ok. I knew it was time to up my game and ask for more, I just didn't know how. Breeze is so unconfident learning new stuff and really needs care that it doesn't shut her down. Now I know what to do and I am sure, given a few days, we will get there.

The other focus in the lesson was driving game from zone 4/5. Me being the way that I am, I read this wrong and tried to go way back in zone 5 which made B lose confidence. It seems I get in a lesson and become someone who just wants to show how much we know lol. And blow it completely!

We did get it and pretty quickly once I remembered to stay close to her and support her. We got walk, trot, stop and back up, through obstacles like cones etc. I missed a couple of unconfident moments for B but she forgave me.

The last two evenings the horse that turned up was a brat! Definite LB I don't want you to touch me! I had to assert my leadership despite B trying to back up with her head in the air. We worked it out in the arena and got 12 laps in trot on the circle game. I did question how I handled it but Breeze was happy to see me the next morning both times and tonight she was happy and cuddly. That was good enough feedback for me!

How Breeze has changed lately from the spooky innate RB to the relaxed LB she is now. I was dragging the remains of the haylage bale, the remnants of a bag of shavings and a sack barrow across the courtyard. Another horse tied up was quite upset but not too worried because I took it slowly. Breeze, munching on haylage outside her stable turned to watch me. I dumped the stuff next to her and she sniffed the black plastic holding the haylage. Then she stuck her nose into the bag and started to eat the remaining haylage. Nice!

Spring and C A N T E R!!!!!

It's been a fabulous spring day today. Perfect for a day off work and a ride in the woods. And what a ride!!

Warmed up in the arena after a really good groom. Breeze is shedding her winter coat in earnest now. There were others in the arena which gave me something to look at when I allowed B to have a rest in between activity. B really appreciates lots of time to think. Circle, sideways, driving,weave cones in walk and trot, fig 8 in walk, trot and walk one way, trot the other. Just as we were leaving Sandra and Bert came in, while they played we got saddled up.

Breeze stood on a pedestal, I asked her to lower her head and took off her halter, replacing it with the hackamore. Nice. She stood still for the saddle and then we just hung out. I stroked her face and she closed her eyes. Bliss. We got on at the mounting block and B was the most calm and happy yet, leaving the yard with absolutely no thresholds or hesitation.

We turned right into the woods and headed for the old woods. B and I so relaxed I didn't use the reins for a long time. The horses stopped to eat and I found reaching my hand back to B's flank and scratching it caused her to move! That's a cool phase 1! Round and down the old woods was heavenly. The sun shone, birds sang and I was smiling. Sandra and I chatted and she suggested we might try some trot and maybe some canter up the straight and back along the old woods again. I was a bit unsure but B seemed very relaxed and I agreed to trot at least. Canter has never been easy for me. Breeze has cantered twice since I got her. The first time she went pretty fast and I had to stop her with some assertiveness! The second time she went totally RB which resulted in her panicking and me having to point her at a tree to stop her!

But our circle game has been improving such a lot and she is getting progressively less emotional in anything above walk I did think I might just see about cantering. I am a little envious of others who have canter sorted! And if we never practice it, we will never get good at it.

We set off in trot up the straight and B quickly took the lead. Two other riders had gone off in front of us a long way ahead, so B had someone to follow. I sat back and off we went into canter! Sandra said B's trot was so fast she and Bert had already started cantering. I could hear B's breath as she cantered along and I struggled to keep my feet in my stirrups! I heard Sandra shout Sit up! Relax! I sat as tall as I could, my feet finding the stirrups, B's breathing coming fast and steady as we pounded up the hill! I found I was gripping the rein short in my right hand but the rest of me was relaxed and B seemed to be cantering steadily and happily so I figured this would have to do for now. But hell, we were cantering!!! Wow! Breeze has a great canter! Smooth and fast, so fast!

All too soon we were at the top, B slowed to a trot and Sandra caught us up. We turned left and walked back along the old woods again. It took B a little while to realise we weren't heading home and she quietly turned around as my focus had drifted. I laughed and asked her to turn around and carry on.

I tried not to grin! Sandra laughed at my joy but praised my courage and the fact that B stayed calm and focussed without going RB at all. We are coming along, eh?

We turned right and down the straight with B getting unconfident and turning back. I stroked her, let her rest and then we followed Sandra and Bert. Unfortunately, it being a Saturday, the woods were full of walkers. We came across a family with two boys who thought it was fun to make stupid noises and shout at us. Shouting usually upsets B and today was no exception. She had to move her feet so we trotted off to get away from them. It unsettled B for quite a while after that and I had to help her focus for most of the next mile or two. We could still hear the kids shouting as they saw glimpses of us through the trees. We stopped and let the horses graze as and when but B never quite settled after that until we got to the mile and 1/4. We took the lead and trotted for the last bit, Sandra and Bert cantering to keep up.

At the exit B was too unconfident to leave the woods so we waited for Sandra and Bert. There was another family in the play area and the kids called to us for a stroke. I suggested they all offer the back of their hands for B to sniff which made the girls giggle. Such a great way to introduce horses to people and vice versa. B gave one of the girls a lick and we said our goodbye's.

Oh no, run out of bits of carrot!

Here we are just coming through the yard gates after crossing the road here. You can see the whole length of the yard, through the arch and to the arena. Home sweet home!

I have been really trying to be balanced and careful when getting off, not dragging my leg on B's butt as I swing my leg over. Today I managed to get off from B's right side after we rode around a while and I asked B to stand on the pedestal. I wonder if getting off on the right made her go a bit introverted. She hung her head and 'switched off' for a while after I got off. We spent some time hanging out. We moseyed to the shed and she walked right inside to get a treat and have her saddle removed.

Then it was back to her stable and I sat on one pedestal. B climbed up next to me and hung her head over me and yawned and yawned. How interesting! I stroked her head and face and she rested her chin on my shoulder.

The sun is still shining, the sky blue as I type this. The moon is at its closest to the earth today since 1993 if I remember correctly and it's a full moon tonight. In two days time it's Ostara or the Spring Equinox.

Spring Blessings everyone!

Trot? Certainly!

Today our play was really, really good. I was able to take a few photos while B was out on the circle, happily maintaining gait and direction. Once or twice she threw what I can only describe as a small tantrum because she decided to be LB and change direction. To deal with this I found I could bump her to a stop and ask again. She will shake her head at me and try not to do as I ask. This makes me laugh and I mirror her by stamping my foot and spanking the ground with my c/s! (Not too much though, just enough rhythmic pressure to put my point across effectively). Off she goes nicely in trot in the direction I asked.

The other day I asked B to canter and we got almost a 1/4 circle before she got too emotional. She used to be like this with trot so I expect canter will happen one day. Taking the time it takes!

I cannot tell you how good driving game is getting! I can direct her from almost the end of the 22' line. Breeze is so light! Closer, we are playing with moving B's front end while her back feet stay still. She's not so good with moving her HQ and keeping her front feet still. Yet.

I am learning to be light too and even holding the line differently. I think it's almost like not having a line at all...I realise now I used to rely on that line and direct B about with it. Great prep too for c/s riding, not to mention the holy grail . . Liberty.

I have begun to treasure the moments when B needs a rest, when she lowers her head and goes slightly introverted. I use this time to rest too and stroke/massage her head and ears. Sometimes it's not the appropriate thing to do but when it is, there's nothing like it. Once in a while she will let me wrap an arm gently around her head and stroke her cheek. The hair under her forelock is soft and fluffy and I get to scratch those lovely ears. It no longer worries me or makes me feel at all sorry for her.

I keep saying it, but it all feels different. Lighter. Better. Get your better best. Never let it rest!

Consciously competent?

Squeeze game/yo yo.

I used to write up my blog posts religiously, until lately. I am trying to think why this is but I haven't a clue! It's probably because the nature of B and my relationship seems to have shifted and our play sessions, in fact all our time together, is different. The play is definitely more intense and more importantly fun! And I seem to spend a lot more time playing which leaves less time for writing.

I was going to ride Tuesday but again I ran out of time. Also I thought it might be a good idea to do something less demanding especially as it seemed to be National Burn your Rubbish Day and the air was full of smoke at the yard, along with two other places along the way as I drove to the yard.

There is something about having lessons that have made one great big difference to my savvy. I 'get it'. I almost want to say, finally, but thats not really true. I have just progressed and I have found myself able to work things out logically. In the past I just did things, the 7 games, without thinking about them very much. Now I am being more particular and I can see what it is I am looking at/for and why. If I really wanted to 'wax lyrical' I could say it feels like I have been walking down a long corridor and finally reached a door that has opened and let me into a world full of sunshine. It's probably just Spring!!

I think this has also given B a lot more confidence and she isn't so RB about things. Consequently we are communicating. Having a real conversation. Driving game and circle game in particular are improving immensely. I am loving it!

After play we went across the road to the woods for 20 minutes of nice spring grass. Breeze was the most relaxed I have seen her yet.