I got a quick ride on Jetta in the outdoor arena this afternoon. I worked with her on the ground first, asking her to soften and bend and follow a feel. She is getting quite a bit more supple; I can definitely see progress since I first brought her home. I also worked her on the longer lunge line, but she got a little silly and acted up at the canter, trying to stop and change directions near Keno who was wandering loose. She behaved much better once I tied her distraction up!
I saddled up and rode first at the walk, working on a circle and changing direction often. Then we worked at the trot. Gotta say it---I love her trot! I can't wait till we're cruising down the trail together! It will be even nicer when we actually have some consistent softness and get her off the bit. It's coming, but I guess old habits are hard to break. She is used to leaning into the bit for race training (or perhaps because they used a running martingale incorrectly on her.) She did give me some nice moments, though. We also did a little transition work, mostly to start getting a real halt in there. I called it good when she was soft and gave me a nice halt and a few good rein back steps.
I trailered home and turned the horses out. Then it was off to the pony farm to trim feet. Tomorrow I'll take Flyboy out for a trail ride in the canyon. I haven't sold him yet, and I'm glad because he'll enjoy the Ponderosa Trail more than Keno would! It will be a couple of weeks before I feel comfortable taking Jetta out on trail, but she'll be fun up in the canyon!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Dog Valley in the Sunshine
Common sense prevailed in the end. I will not go out alone for my first trail ride on Jetta, tempting though it was. So before going home I stopped at the fairgrounds again. I rode Jetta again, working on keeping her soft and round. Some of my early lessons on Flyboy started coming back to me: don't collapse my ribcage, keep my legs long, lift the inside rein until she softens, etc. Jetta was very good and seemed better than yesterday. We worked on halts, too. As soon as I feel like I have a reliable stop in place, I will take her out on trail. The arena is a good place to start, even though I was tempted out there today. I probably would have been fine, but since there is no hurry I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Finally!
We trailered down to our county fairgrounds. The entire place is chock full of horse trailers due to a big high school rodeo competition. I knew they had the whole fairgrounds reserved for this event, but no one was in the freshly groomed indoor arena. Knowing it would be a terrible shame to have all that nice soft dirt going to waste, I turned Jetta and Keno loose to run. Jetta was a little unsure of herself at first; she's only been in the indoor once before. They ran and bucked and played for a while, then I saddled both horses. Jetta stood quietly tied at the rail, while I rode Keno for a few minutes. (No fidgeting or pawing in sight!) (See the grin on my face?) Then it was her turn.
We spent almost 45 minutes working at the walk. The trainer got her started with giving and softening to the bit, but Jetta's got a long way to go to solidify the concept. That's what we worked on the whole time. Lots of circles and figure eights. I tried to stay really relaxed and soft on her back and really give her a release when she softened nicely. She isn't really supple, but eventually she will be. She was a very good girl and we had a few nice moments. She seems responsive and sensitive. I didn't really feel like I had any brakes to speak of, but when we got a few really nice halts, I praised her and made a big deal of it. I know it's going to take time to educate her, but I am excited because I love her temperament and personality. She's going to a fun project!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Jetta On The Trail
Wow. You should have seen this girl on the trail. She was great! Forward, but willing to walk also, very happy to trot out though. She led the whole time; Keno was working to keep up! We rode a loop of the Grizzly Gulch trail. She crossed the river after a moment of quiet consideration. No shenanigans or upsetting behavior. She crossed some big logs, climbed up and down some steep trails, trotted between boulders, and deftly maneuvered through the rocks. I have a trail horse here! She had a small spook when we came around a corner and suddenly faced a snow bank, but no big deal. We met up with three loose dogs which caused her to take a look, but again she handled it. She's a smart girl and a thinker. Check out these photos:
Ruth was really pleased and thought she did great. She didn't think Jetta had done much in the way of mountain terrain since she was a little unsure of herself on the downhill slopes, but she handled herself well even so. Ruth doesn't care for Jetta's canter--says it's bouncy and short. I think it will eventually improve. It could be that she harbors track memories that create tension. Who knows? I'm not worried. Jetta is going to be a regular trail horse for a few months, along with getting a lot of dressage schooling. Once I feel she's pretty solid in those departments we'll be ready to up the ante and start conditioning for some distance work.
Jetta and Keno got a well-deserved bath once we got home again--two hot and sweaty horses! 80 degrees in April!
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| Check out the shine! |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Round Pen Again But Trail Tomorrow!
Jetta was back in the round pen again today working on softening, straightness, and bending. She has made good progress, and I am pleased with Ruth's work. When Jetta gets confused or thinks something is too hard she wants to quit and she tries something else. But if that something else doesn't work, she doesn't fall to pieces, she tries yet another something. This shows she is thinking and trying, even if it's in a round-about way. Ruth has asked a lot of her--kind of like jumping into an advanced yoga class without having done the beginner class! It's been good, though, to see how she can handle things that are new or hard. She's done great.
Here's a short clip from her ride today:
Tomorrow is going to be fun; Keno, Jetta, and I will pick Ruth up in the afternoon and head out on a trail ride! Jetta will probably be grateful for a respite from the round pen. I will be excited to see how she handles the hills and trail terrain. Depending on how things go, I may or may not need to have Ruth ride her anymore. I will at least start riding her in the arena this week, hopefully getting Marlene down to give me a lesson. It will no doubt take a little time for me to get to know her, but I should be comfortable getting her out on trail in the next couple of weeks. Exciting times!
Here's a short clip from her ride today:
Tomorrow is going to be fun; Keno, Jetta, and I will pick Ruth up in the afternoon and head out on a trail ride! Jetta will probably be grateful for a respite from the round pen. I will be excited to see how she handles the hills and trail terrain. Depending on how things go, I may or may not need to have Ruth ride her anymore. I will at least start riding her in the arena this week, hopefully getting Marlene down to give me a lesson. It will no doubt take a little time for me to get to know her, but I should be comfortable getting her out on trail in the next couple of weeks. Exciting times!
Friday, April 20, 2012
School Day #3
Well, it was back to Ruth's again today for more walk/trot work in the round pen. Jetta was great; really seems to remember what she's learning. She had one small tizzy-fit but it was nothing too major. I mean, Ruth is really asking a lot, patiently and nicely, but it's challenging for Jetta physically and mentally. I was actually glad to see her have a negative reaction to something so I can see how she acts when she's frustrated. Not too dramatic, and she got over it quickly. Ruth was pleased. Jetta is going to be great.
Next week she'll do one more ride in the round pen and then I'll bring Keno along so Ruth can ride Jetta out on trail. I will be interested to see how she handles herself in the hills. Fun things are in store for this girl!
Next week she'll do one more ride in the round pen and then I'll bring Keno along so Ruth can ride Jetta out on trail. I will be interested to see how she handles herself in the hills. Fun things are in store for this girl!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
School Days, School Days.......
Jetta was back in Ruth's round pen today for a lesson in bending and softening. She is really quite stiff in the rib cage and needs to do lots of bending exercises. She is progressing though; I saw lots to be happy about as Ruth was working with her! Check out the video and the wicked blowing shredded tarp! No big deal to Jetta at all! She didn't care about the milk jugs under foot either. Pretty amazing. Best of all was seeing the progress during the lesson. We're going back again tomorrow.
The BEST news is that she is now officially mine! I received her papers today! Yay!
The video link is below---enjoy!
The BEST news is that she is now officially mine! I received her papers today! Yay!
The video link is below---enjoy!
Once I left the trainer's place I headed home, but stopped at the arena on the way. I let Jetta check out the indoor arena which she had not seen. I got a huge "in-place" spook from her when I pushed the button to open the huge electric garage-type door. Poor baby! She's been so good about everything I just figured she'd seen a big noisy door opening, too. She handled it well even though she was freaking out; she didn't really move her feet--just crouched and trembled like she was terrified. Sorry, girl! I also took her to the outdoor arena and took this video:
Jetta is looking and feeling so much better. I've had her five weeks now. Compare the horse in the video to my first glimpse of her below. Such a difference, thank goodness!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Trail Time
So the weather didn't look great this morning, but hey, I had the day off and I was going riding. I called my friend Gail and asked her if she wanted to meet us at the trailhead. She agreed, so I loaded Keno and Jetta. I planned to pony Jetta out on the roller coaster hills.
We arrived at 9:30; Keno was already booted in his Easyboot Gloves, so I quickly saddled up. Just as Gail arrived it started to drizzle. It was a little windy, too, so I thought the rain would blow over. Gail was a good sport so off we headed.
Keno was beside himself with excitement! It's not often he goes out with two lovely mares! (I'm sure the cold wind and rain added to the adventure in his mind, too.) So I had the reins in my left hand to control the jigging/bouncing super-stud Keno and lead rope in my right hand to guide Jetta, who seemed sure this was the post parade on race day. Actually, I must say Jetta was extremely well-behaved. Yes, she jigged a bit, and trotted some, too, but she didn't rush ahead or hang back or get mare-ish. She didn't pull on me at all and was very pleasant to Keno.
We were on a dirt (quickly turning to mud) road to start with and at one point we headed into the sagebrush to get out of the way of a dump truck. (The power line workers were out in force and probably thought we were nuts for riding in the steady rain.) An old metal gas can was laying in the sagebrush; Keno walked right over it of course, but Jetta stopped to take a look. That was the only hesitation she offered, and it was only for a moment--she followed right along past the can. It was hard ponying through the sagebrush since there was no trail, but we dodged the bushes and managed fine. Eventually we came to the top of the trail where Keno wanted to drink from the cattle tank. I wondered if Jetta would have issues approaching the big round metal tank since a lot of horses do, but she was fine. She even took a little drink from it! Not much fazes this girl.
Gail and I were getting pretty soggy! Keno had settled by now, and although Jetta was still trotting and walking, she never pulled on me at all. We rode through a couple of big puddles; Gail's horse, Star, just about sank in one. We passed a couple of pickup trucks--no problems there. We climbed up the first roller coaster hill and headed down the other side. In the interest of time (and sogginess!) we soon turned onto a road to head back to the trailers. Right by the trailers was a semi unloading a big noisy piece of road equipment. Keno was suspicious but I told him not to look at it, so nobody spooked or fretted. We unsaddled, loaded up and headed home to dry off.
I am so pleased with how Jetta takes everything in stride. Wow. I hope she is always so easygoing and calm. It is relaxing and fun. I'll be glad when I can ride her out on trail. The girth itch is healing pretty well, and the trainer is working with her for a few weeks, but then I hope it will be me and her out there together!
We arrived at 9:30; Keno was already booted in his Easyboot Gloves, so I quickly saddled up. Just as Gail arrived it started to drizzle. It was a little windy, too, so I thought the rain would blow over. Gail was a good sport so off we headed.
Keno was beside himself with excitement! It's not often he goes out with two lovely mares! (I'm sure the cold wind and rain added to the adventure in his mind, too.) So I had the reins in my left hand to control the jigging/bouncing super-stud Keno and lead rope in my right hand to guide Jetta, who seemed sure this was the post parade on race day. Actually, I must say Jetta was extremely well-behaved. Yes, she jigged a bit, and trotted some, too, but she didn't rush ahead or hang back or get mare-ish. She didn't pull on me at all and was very pleasant to Keno.
We were on a dirt (quickly turning to mud) road to start with and at one point we headed into the sagebrush to get out of the way of a dump truck. (The power line workers were out in force and probably thought we were nuts for riding in the steady rain.) An old metal gas can was laying in the sagebrush; Keno walked right over it of course, but Jetta stopped to take a look. That was the only hesitation she offered, and it was only for a moment--she followed right along past the can. It was hard ponying through the sagebrush since there was no trail, but we dodged the bushes and managed fine. Eventually we came to the top of the trail where Keno wanted to drink from the cattle tank. I wondered if Jetta would have issues approaching the big round metal tank since a lot of horses do, but she was fine. She even took a little drink from it! Not much fazes this girl.
Gail and I were getting pretty soggy! Keno had settled by now, and although Jetta was still trotting and walking, she never pulled on me at all. We rode through a couple of big puddles; Gail's horse, Star, just about sank in one. We passed a couple of pickup trucks--no problems there. We climbed up the first roller coaster hill and headed down the other side. In the interest of time (and sogginess!) we soon turned onto a road to head back to the trailers. Right by the trailers was a semi unloading a big noisy piece of road equipment. Keno was suspicious but I told him not to look at it, so nobody spooked or fretted. We unsaddled, loaded up and headed home to dry off.
I am so pleased with how Jetta takes everything in stride. Wow. I hope she is always so easygoing and calm. It is relaxing and fun. I'll be glad when I can ride her out on trail. The girth itch is healing pretty well, and the trainer is working with her for a few weeks, but then I hope it will be me and her out there together!
Monday, April 16, 2012
First Day Of School
Jetta had her first real training day with Ruth. She was mostly very calm and relaxed about it all. Yay! Ruth had her trotting in the round pen wearing what she called a "rhythm collector." Jetta didn't fight against it and quickly figured out that she could lower her head and relax her back. She has learned to brace against the bit and lean into the bridle with the running martingale she was originally trained with. She has a bulky muscle under her neck and not much on top. We are trying to show her a better way of going. I don't usually like gadget-type shortcuts, but this seemed pretty benign since she didn't fight against it and it was quite loose. Within 5 minutes Jetta had figured it out.
The round pen was full of old tarps, milk jugs, orange cones, etc. Ruth's two dogs trotted around and around the outside of the round pen keeping up with Jetta. Ruth spread the tarps out near the rail and Jetta worked easily over them. Then Ruth hung them on the fence, the breeze blew them around, but Jetta stayed relaxed and kept working. She was amazingly unflappable for a four-year-old arab! She did work up a good sweat, but no hard breathing and she recovered almost immediately when asked to stop. All good signs! I am smiling here, people, can't you tell? See the video:
The round pen was full of old tarps, milk jugs, orange cones, etc. Ruth's two dogs trotted around and around the outside of the round pen keeping up with Jetta. Ruth spread the tarps out near the rail and Jetta worked easily over them. Then Ruth hung them on the fence, the breeze blew them around, but Jetta stayed relaxed and kept working. She was amazingly unflappable for a four-year-old arab! She did work up a good sweat, but no hard breathing and she recovered almost immediately when asked to stop. All good signs! I am smiling here, people, can't you tell? See the video:
Friday, April 13, 2012
Homework Day
Today was a homework day. I did groundwork with Jetta here at home: yielding, bending, softening, and lunging. I even lunged her over trot poles, which she seemed to like. She is very smart and is very quick to catch on. She also mirrors me sometimes which I find very interesting.
She stood quietly at the rail while I did a quick touch-up trim on Keno's feet. I booted him thinking we could head out for a trail ride and pony Jetta along with us, but the sky kept changing and was looking threatening. I decided we'd better not go too far so we headed to the arena instead. Surprisingly the outdoor arena wasn't too muddy. I turned the horses loose to run. Ah, poor Keno. Yet another girl to bruise his tender ego. Poor guy. But he seems to accept the fact that this little girl is going to run his socks off. After a few minutes he quit trying to keep up with her. She can really turn it on when she wants to! Watch this short video to see her easy lope:
I saddled Keno and ponied Jetta around the fairgrounds. It was a quiet day, and she was easygoing and followed along past the rodeo arena, indoor barn, and other outbuildings. She's fun and easy to be around. Keno seems to get along with her also, so we'll be doing lots of ponying out on trail and even in town, eventually!
She stood quietly at the rail while I did a quick touch-up trim on Keno's feet. I booted him thinking we could head out for a trail ride and pony Jetta along with us, but the sky kept changing and was looking threatening. I decided we'd better not go too far so we headed to the arena instead. Surprisingly the outdoor arena wasn't too muddy. I turned the horses loose to run. Ah, poor Keno. Yet another girl to bruise his tender ego. Poor guy. But he seems to accept the fact that this little girl is going to run his socks off. After a few minutes he quit trying to keep up with her. She can really turn it on when she wants to! Watch this short video to see her easy lope:
Test Ride Day!
What an interesting day! I trailered over to the arena to meet my friend, Ruth, who is a colt starter and trainer. She was late, so Jetta and I hung out and played around for an hour. I let her run loose in the arena for a few minutes, then saddled her. I lunged her, led her around, and let her graze outside. We watched a barrel racer working her horses. And we just hung out and relaxed. This horse knows how to chill. No pawing, no fidgeting, and no impatience. I love it.
Ruth showed up and got right up. Jetta was tight and anxious, but she was also forward and sensible. Meaning no bucking or real fighting. Ruth rode her at the walk, trot, and canter. She thinks Jetta has a great trot and walk, and a decent canter. But she knows nothing about seat, leg, yielding, softening, etc.. She is defensive, but didn't seem upset or aggressive. Ruth compared her to a colt that has been under saddle for three days. Sigh. Still, she's cute, tractable, and has great potential, and I like her.
So she needs training. I expected that, and I have a plan. I will trailer her over to Ruth three times a week for training sessions. On the days I don't take her I will work with her here at home: ground work and ponying her out on trail with Keno. I think (hope!) she will progress quickly and I will be able to take over and continue her training within a few weeks. I know I will pay a lot driving her back and forth, but it will be worth it to keep her here at home where I can manage her care and feeding.
I am so excited! I know I've said it before, but I really like this girl and I think we are going to be a great team. Jetta is going to mature into a really nice horse and she has the potential to excel in endurance. Lookout trails, here we come!
Ruth showed up and got right up. Jetta was tight and anxious, but she was also forward and sensible. Meaning no bucking or real fighting. Ruth rode her at the walk, trot, and canter. She thinks Jetta has a great trot and walk, and a decent canter. But she knows nothing about seat, leg, yielding, softening, etc.. She is defensive, but didn't seem upset or aggressive. Ruth compared her to a colt that has been under saddle for three days. Sigh. Still, she's cute, tractable, and has great potential, and I like her.
Do you?
So she needs training. I expected that, and I have a plan. I will trailer her over to Ruth three times a week for training sessions. On the days I don't take her I will work with her here at home: ground work and ponying her out on trail with Keno. I think (hope!) she will progress quickly and I will be able to take over and continue her training within a few weeks. I know I will pay a lot driving her back and forth, but it will be worth it to keep her here at home where I can manage her care and feeding.
I am so excited! I know I've said it before, but I really like this girl and I think we are going to be a great team. Jetta is going to mature into a really nice horse and she has the potential to excel in endurance. Lookout trails, here we come!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Ready To See The Real Thing
Jetta is ready for a test ride at last! She had her teeth done last week. She saw the chiropractor today (no problems to address!) And her girth itch is nearly cleared up. So. Tomorrow is a big day for us; I am trailering her over to a trainer for a real test ride. My fingers will be crossed!
Ruth starts colts and trains horses for a living and she is extremely good at what she does. I am having her ride Jetta to do an assessment of what she knows or more likely doesn't know. I am hoping that she is broke enough for me to safely carry on her training. That will be the best case scenario. If it turns out that Jetta is too green then I will pay Ruth to train her. I don't mind green horses, but I want them far enough along that I can at least be relatively safe. From what I have seen this past month, Jetta really wants to please and is very smart. She may have a little attitude in there somewhere, too, but basically she seems willing, respectful, and kind. She is quiet to handle on the ground, great with her feet, can be touched anywhere, and is easy to bathe, haul, and catch. I mean, seriously, what's not to like?
This morning I hauled both horses out to my friend's ranch where we had scheduled the equine dentist. Jetta's teeth have been taken care of, but Keno had an appointment. After he was done, I left him in a pen to hang out while I took Jetta and Gail's horse, Annie, up to see the equine chiropractor. It was a 30 minute drive. We unloaded at the very busy, under construction fairgrounds to meet the vet. Traffic, construction trucks, tractors, etc. passed by, continually bombarding us with noise and commotion. Jetta stood quietly through it all. The chiropractor checked her out thoroughly and declared her sound. She got a little anxious when Annie trotted away during her exam, but Jetta didn't do anything but whinny.
So with all physical checks in place, we should see a pretty clear picture of her training tomorrow. I hope it goes well, and she is as good under saddle as she is the rest of the time. What a fun project she would be! I plan to take lessons, do dressage, and trail ride for a year or so before stepping into the endurance arena with her. She needs to finish growing up and learn to have fun and relax with me. It could be a fun year!
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| Baby girl.... |
Ruth starts colts and trains horses for a living and she is extremely good at what she does. I am having her ride Jetta to do an assessment of what she knows or more likely doesn't know. I am hoping that she is broke enough for me to safely carry on her training. That will be the best case scenario. If it turns out that Jetta is too green then I will pay Ruth to train her. I don't mind green horses, but I want them far enough along that I can at least be relatively safe. From what I have seen this past month, Jetta really wants to please and is very smart. She may have a little attitude in there somewhere, too, but basically she seems willing, respectful, and kind. She is quiet to handle on the ground, great with her feet, can be touched anywhere, and is easy to bathe, haul, and catch. I mean, seriously, what's not to like?
This morning I hauled both horses out to my friend's ranch where we had scheduled the equine dentist. Jetta's teeth have been taken care of, but Keno had an appointment. After he was done, I left him in a pen to hang out while I took Jetta and Gail's horse, Annie, up to see the equine chiropractor. It was a 30 minute drive. We unloaded at the very busy, under construction fairgrounds to meet the vet. Traffic, construction trucks, tractors, etc. passed by, continually bombarding us with noise and commotion. Jetta stood quietly through it all. The chiropractor checked her out thoroughly and declared her sound. She got a little anxious when Annie trotted away during her exam, but Jetta didn't do anything but whinny.
So with all physical checks in place, we should see a pretty clear picture of her training tomorrow. I hope it goes well, and she is as good under saddle as she is the rest of the time. What a fun project she would be! I plan to take lessons, do dressage, and trail ride for a year or so before stepping into the endurance arena with her. She needs to finish growing up and learn to have fun and relax with me. It could be a fun year!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Pony Farm Field Trip
This afternoon I headed up to a pony farm an hour away to trim feet and took Jetta along for the ride. I figured two hours work and I'd have time to play with her in the arena. I trimmed for three plus hours-all very overgrown hooves, so I only had a few minutes to walk her around and let her check out their arena and facility.
After we arrived, I unloaded Jetta and tied her to the trailer with a hay net for company. I went in the barn to work and she just camped out for the next three hours. I heard her whinny a couple of times, but no real fussing or other undesirable behavior. At one point the farm owner fired up a small tractor and drove out of the barn and down the driveway passing just three or four feet away from her. I know a few horses that would have come unglued about that! Not Jetta. She just stood still and watched him pass. I am really liking this girl!
When I had finished trimming, I took her around back to the indoor arena. She was looking at things for sure, but no spooks or acting out. No skittering sideways or jumping around. Inside there were four or five ponies--some being lunged and some doing groundwork. I walked her around and lunged her for a couple of minutes. She was super good--a little unsure of herself but still with me, if you know what I mean. Like I said, I really like this girl!
I can't wait till her girth itch is completely healed. I really want to see what she's like under saddle. I am still using the M-T-G, and it is working. I figure a few more days and she should be OK to ride. If she's as good under saddle as she is on the ground I will be amazed! And jumping-for-joy grateful. And head-over-heels in love, too!
After we arrived, I unloaded Jetta and tied her to the trailer with a hay net for company. I went in the barn to work and she just camped out for the next three hours. I heard her whinny a couple of times, but no real fussing or other undesirable behavior. At one point the farm owner fired up a small tractor and drove out of the barn and down the driveway passing just three or four feet away from her. I know a few horses that would have come unglued about that! Not Jetta. She just stood still and watched him pass. I am really liking this girl!
When I had finished trimming, I took her around back to the indoor arena. She was looking at things for sure, but no spooks or acting out. No skittering sideways or jumping around. Inside there were four or five ponies--some being lunged and some doing groundwork. I walked her around and lunged her for a couple of minutes. She was super good--a little unsure of herself but still with me, if you know what I mean. Like I said, I really like this girl!
I can't wait till her girth itch is completely healed. I really want to see what she's like under saddle. I am still using the M-T-G, and it is working. I figure a few more days and she should be OK to ride. If she's as good under saddle as she is on the ground I will be amazed! And jumping-for-joy grateful. And head-over-heels in love, too!
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