Post by Calaminty Jane on Jan 27, 2012 14:29:01 GMT -5
I mentioned somewhere recently that I have tried working Mac off of Jones back a few times. That was quite a while ago. Yesterday, here in CT, it was a balmy 50degrees!!!! My husband and I decided we had to ride. Sadly, we went to the barn and discovered that Jones was the only one still there at the hay feeder. Rustee, Dan’s mount, was already out in the upper field with the rest of the horses. The rain had melted the snow and there was melting ice and water everywhere. When I saw the look on Dans face.......I offered to saddle Jones and see if I could get a rope on Rustee and pony him to the barn. I don't know how to throw a rope, so Dan tied a large knot in the 22ft ring rope so if I was lucky enough to get it on Rustee, I wouldn't choke him if things went south. Rustee wouldn't allow me to approach him on his left so I casually approached his right walking toward him but far enough off to the side so I didn't send him away. I slowly side passed toward him as he ate grass... stopping to keep him settled whenever his head came up. When I was close enough to rub his neck, I slowly slipped the noose over his head. WOW I did it! Now I figured I'd just trot him back to the barn....Wrong! Evidently, he has never be ponied. I kept some pressure as I let the rope slide ..... assuming that he would follow us. I aborted that move as I quickly ran out of rope. Remembering all the times we talked about …….. movement comes from the rear feet.....I circled around and disengaged Rustee and while the feet were moving just lead him off. It took a couple of times for Rustee to realize what I was looking for. He started to travel nicely about 10 ft off to the side at about Jones left hip. Unfortunately, about this time, Mac, who had been watching this unfold, decided to join in.... in between Rustee and Jones. I quickly put a swing in the rope which blocked him long enough so I could reel Rustee a little closer. All got going smoothly once again. With a smug smile on my face, we headed once again to the barn. Just when I relaxed, Rustee suddenly picked up speed. A quick glance back ..... Mac, still wanting to get into the action had offered to help with a couple of nips on Rustees butt. A swing of the tail of my rope drove Mac back to a respectful distance. He continued with us with a rather hurt look on his face. Offended I'm sure that his help wasn't appreciated.
As we approached the barn, Dan opened the gate with a large smile on his face.... happy that his boots .... guaranteed waterproof ....where not tested.
As Dan saddled Rustee, I sat on Jones re-living what he and I just did. It suddenly occurred to me that I had not once given any thought to Jones. He did everything I needed without me even being aware of me asking. I held my reins with a 'bridge' and don't remember ever adjusting them. He did it all off my body and legs. I really think he knew we were doing a job and could read my intent.
The videos we all watch and the clinics we attend are places we get more knowledge. One of the best tools we have is knowledge, but without practice and patience….. the knowledge is wasted. Taking the knowledge to the horse is not always going to be easy. Learning new skills often have a trying learning curve. If it doesn’t work the way you imagined doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing something wrong. For you and for your horse, don’t stop trying. Trust you can always improve. You don’t have to go it alone. There is always a place to get help.
__________________
Carol
As we approached the barn, Dan opened the gate with a large smile on his face.... happy that his boots .... guaranteed waterproof ....where not tested.
As Dan saddled Rustee, I sat on Jones re-living what he and I just did. It suddenly occurred to me that I had not once given any thought to Jones. He did everything I needed without me even being aware of me asking. I held my reins with a 'bridge' and don't remember ever adjusting them. He did it all off my body and legs. I really think he knew we were doing a job and could read my intent.
The videos we all watch and the clinics we attend are places we get more knowledge. One of the best tools we have is knowledge, but without practice and patience….. the knowledge is wasted. Taking the knowledge to the horse is not always going to be easy. Learning new skills often have a trying learning curve. If it doesn’t work the way you imagined doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing something wrong. For you and for your horse, don’t stop trying. Trust you can always improve. You don’t have to go it alone. There is always a place to get help.
__________________
Carol