More Time To Work...

If you're new, click back to the first few posts to see how Max, my first horse, and I came to use Clinton Anderson's methods so I could get control on the ground and re-gain my lost confidence in the saddle after an incident last autumn.

MORE TIME TO WORK...

Yes!  Today we made more progress on the ground and good progress in the saddle.  Our groundwork is coming from Clinton Anderson's Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground-Series 2.  Our work in the saddle is from Riding With Confidence-Series 1.

We had quite a workout on the ground first.  We backed.  We yielded forequarters.  To the right we’re doing great.  To the left…still not so great.   We lunged just a few circles each way.  (We’re still not ready for Lungeing for Respect-Stage 2.)  Then, we sidepassed all the way down the fence, turned around and sidepassed back.  It’s still rocky.  But we’re getting there…slowly.

In the saddle, we backed, trotted and posted and cantered. 

We also yielded hindquarters at the standstill.  I had forgotten to practice this on the ground today, so I really wasn’t expecting much in the way of Max remembering our practice yesterday. 

But he did remember. 

We yielded a couple of steps on both sides.  Good Boy!  This was major for me because, if you remember, I’ve had such an issue with the teaching of it on the ground.  My problem with it was that I was slow to catch on to the movements I needed to do to teach it, which made it confusing for Max.

I guess it just goes to show, when I got over myself and just did it exactly like Clinton Anderson said to do it, it works.  Anyway, now that I have these small results, I’ll be practicing it consistently until we’ve got it down.

We definitely need to get back to more nice, long workouts…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Things To Remember...

Make sure your signals are black and white, no gray areas.  Don’t nag.  Success is usually right around the corner.  The problem is that most people quit right before the turn.  Sometimes things get worse before they get better.  Reward the slightest try.  These are all things Clinton Anderson says when discussing horse training.

These are all concrete instructions to remember as I’m working with Max. 

Today we made new progress in two areas.  First, the touch and rub exercise continues to improve.  We got two steps with Max crossing that hind foot over.  We kept at it for quite some time today and it was worth it.  We’ll try for three steps tomorrow.

We did a lot of backing today.  He’s backing much better in his new halter.  We practiced the four methods of backing, plus we practiced touch and rub on his nose.  He was reluctant at first, but got the hang of it.  He tried tossing his head and lowering it to get rid of my pressure on the halter knots, but I stuck with him, and we were successful.

We also practiced sidepassing on the fence.  This is out of order according to the presentation of the exercises in Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground-Series2, but I wanted him to cross those front feet over in a new exercise.  And he knew both the steps involved in the exercise.  There was no nagging.  No gray areas.  He’s not perfect at it, but we worked our way slowly down the pasture fence line.  Both ways.   The slightest try was rewarded.  And it showed up again that he was not as fond of crossing his feet over to the left.  But we kept it up anyway.

We had a short ride again.  We mainly practiced backing, trotting and posting and cantering.  It went well, just brief.  After practicing touch and rub on the ground, I flat forgot to practice yielding hindquarters in the saddle.

I’m going to work on increasing our riding time little by little.  We both need longer rides…

All of the above…worth remembering…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Progress After Katy...

After the trip to Katy for Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour, I was re-pumped, ready to get home and make progress with my groundwork and riding.

I bought his halter and 14’ rope while I was at the show.  I was thinking that I can really use the extra control that this halter is supposed to give.  It uses stiff rope and four knots across the nose.

I liked the 14’ training rope because it had a nice big clip that’s easy to open.  The one I have been using is a pain in the neck.  It’s the kind of fastener that’s not even a clip.  You have to twist it around to open it.  Most of the time it won’t twist.  I finally had to clip another clip that opens easily to it so I can get it open and off and on the halter quickly.  It made a really heavy, bulky hunk of metal under Max’s chin, and it was hard to manage.  It worked, but it was far from ideal.

I began using my new halter and rope this week.  It works great.  I do think I’m getting better results with the stiffer, knotted halter.  The clip on the rope works easily.

Max and I, again, have taken a step backwards in yielding forequarters to the left.  I know I said I was going to leave it alone for a while, but it’s hard to leave alone.  One thing Clinton said at the tour was, “Sometimes things get worse before they get better.”  He said many people quit when they get worse and don’t work through to the “better”.  So, I’m going to keep working on it.  I’m not leaving it alone…yet… 

We are making good progress with the touch and rub exercise.  We worked on it for a couple of days this past week.  I’m still a little awkward with it every once in a while, but most times I’m giving clear signals and we’re getting it. 

We’ve got one step across pretty consistently.  Now I’m working on more steps.  Max doesn’t like to cross his feet over, so it’s always a challenge.

I had a very short ride today.  I needed to ride though, no matter how briefly, to keep my confidence going.  It was a good ride.  We trotted, backed, cantered a couple of times, practiced the one-rein stop and that was about it.  I need to get some long rides going again to make real progress in the saddle.

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

More Short Sessions...

            If you’re a first time reader, I’m a “beginner all over again.”  After being absent from the horse world for a number of years, I have my first horse ever.  And, because of a  riding incident last November, I’m seeking to gain control on the ground and re-gain confidence in the saddle.  I’m using RFD TV horse trainer, Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship method to train me in handling and riding my first horse, Max.  Look back at the first few posts to see how Max and I got together, and how we came to use Clinton Anderson’s method.

(The following sessions with Max happened right before my trip to Katy.  I should be just about caught up to real time now.)

MORE SHORT SESSIONS…

We reviewed backing, yielding forequarters, changing sides, slap and tap, run up and rub, helicopter and walk and slap.  We lunged just a bit. 

Then, there came a big rain.  So…no ride. 

But… we needed the rain more than I needed the ride.

Next Day:

Good ride.  Steady progress with cantering! 

I remembered to do the touch and rub exercise today, on the ground with the bridle on.  I feel more comfortable doing it with the bridle on.  I’m not sure if that’s the way it’s supposed to be done.  I’ll have to watch that part again.  I’m sloppy at the cues because this exercise it makes me… uneasy. 

              Everything about it makes me uneasy.  Pulling his head around right by me.  (I just remembered I should keep my elbow up.)  Standing more towards the middle of his body instead of up by his shoulder, changing my hands like you’re supposed to do in the exercise isn’t natural to me yet, and keeping up with him on the ground while he’s moving his hindquarters around while I keep his head tilted toward me all need work.  (Whew-) 

I’m just real uncomfortable with it so far.  I’m going to need to get over it and stick with it.

We’ve been doing groundwork right in front of the barn this week.  Clinton Anderson says to work where he wants to be and rest where you want him to be, (or something about like that) and it’s another great idea.  So, we’re working at the barn since we had our disagreement about when to go back to the barn a few days ago.

Next Day:

We had a short evening session.  We’re not really able to have a good teaching session on these short evenings.  We’ve really only had time to practice skills I’ve already introduced.

Next Day:

No ride today-just a short groundwork practice session this evening.

Next Day:

By the time we could practice it was getting to be early evening.  I wanted to make sure I got a ride in so we barely did groundwork.  We just backed and lunged a little to warm up and to remember that I’m the leader.

Then, we had a good ride.  Still cantering – Still need to practice cantering.  It was a short ride but it was excellent.

We’re not progressing as quickly as I’d like through these first couple of discs on Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground-Series 2.  We got kind of stuck reviewing these past couple of weeks.  I gotta step it up.

Hopefully, next week we’ll be able to get back to longer sessions…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Back From Katy...

If you're a first time reader, I'm a first time horse owner using Clinton Anderson's training methods to train me in handling my horse.  After an incident last November I'm seeking to gain control on the ground and re-gain confidence in the saddle using his techniques.  Look back to the first few posts to see how Max and I got to this point...

BACK FROM KATY...

I’m really glad I made the trip to Katy, Texas, and I had a great time Saturday and Sunday at Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour.  I enjoyed two days of horses, horses, horses.  I got a refresher on what it looks like, live, to do the exercises the right way.   Most of all, I got an infusion of inspiration and energy which will keep me enthused about making steady progress both on the ground and in the saddle.  So, my goals for the trip were definitely accomplished.

Clinton used his Downunder Horsemanship techniques to solve different types of problems on local horses.  He did it using direct instruction, clear physical demonstration, and flavored it with lots of humor.  He reached his training goal each time. 

Boo-coos of prizes were given away. 

I enjoyed looking at all the products during the breaks.  (I made a couple of purchases.)  I didn’t experience, or hear, any high-pressured sales going on.  I did experience, and hear, sales people answering questions about products.  They were all knowledgeable about the products, all helpful, all nice.

I observed Mr. Anderson as he talked with the folks during breaks.  He was polite and generous with his time.  He stayed after his show on Saturday and Sunday evenings as long as it took to get to everyone in the long line who wanted to speak with him.

Even I stood in that Sunday afternoon line.  (I’ve never stood in line to talk with a presenter.  But I really wanted him to know how well he was training me.)  He politely listened to my longer-than-short story and smiled and encouraged me to stay with it.   Very nice.

All in all, I’m glad I went...

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

New Post Coming Tomorrow...

               New post about my trip to Katy, Texas, to Clinton Anderson's Walkabout Tour coming tomorrow...

Road Trip...

            I’m taking the trip to see Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour in Katy, Texas, this weekend. 

            I’m hoping to get a good dose of inspiration, to re-visit live what the training looks like when it’s done right and to have a good time being in a situation that’s all about horses.

            I’m going to write about it when I get back...

           

            Have a good ride

            Greenhorn

I'm a Lopin' Lady!

***To read how Max and I came to use RFD TV's horse trainer Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship methods, click back to the first few posts...


I'M A LOPIN' LADY!

               I’m a lopin’ lady!!  We had a terrific ride!  We walked, trotted and cantered all over the arena!  I tried out the cruising exercise a little.  I didn’t really get the exercise going for as long as I should have, but we got a good taste of it. 

He’s getting into the canter right off, and a few times he was on the correct lead.  Now, I know in cruising, Clinton Anderson says you don’t even worry about things like correct leads, and I wasn’t worried about it.  I just happened to notice that a few times he was correct.

I’m really excited about this whole cantering thing.  His canter was noticeably slower and smoother, and I had all kinds of control.

WOO-HOO!  It’s definitely a breakthrough for me. 

I'm a LOPIN' LADY!!

Two Days Later:

Good groundwork –all review and practice -  

Good ride –

We “cruised” at the canter some.  Max’s canter was still nice and relaxed until he decided “riding time” was over.  He was ready to quit and sped up going toward the gate.  I closed it down with a one-rein stop.  

We rode outside the arena, and he was all about quitting and getting back to the barn.

I didn’t let him, and it was a little scary at times.  He was tossing his head and fighting me about which direction to go. 

I made us go back into the arena, ride slowly for just a minute or two, and then I dismounted deep in the middle of the arena, away from the gate.

I’m going to have to increase our riding time slowly each day.  Also, we need to ride outside the arena more.  Clinton Anderson says you really shouldn’t do that until you have control.  I think I have control, but then today, for example, I was having a hard time having him stand still outside the arena when he was ready to quit and go to the barn.   

 I kept pulling him around to a one-rein stop when he took a step that I didn’t ask for.  He didn’t seem to mind and kept taking that step.  I was definitely uneasy. 

Why do I still count it as a good ride?  It was good because I learned from it.  I learned that I clearly do not have the control I need…yet…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Great Day...

            Hi – If you’re a first-time reader, I’m a “beginner all over again” in the horse world.  And I like to watch the horse training shows on RFD TV.  I have a “lost confidence” issue that I’m addressing while using Clinton Anderson’s Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground and Riding With Confidence series.  The first few posts tell how I lost my confidence due to a fall, and came to use Clinton Anderson’s methods.  Feel free to comment.

Great Day…

We had a great session today, on the ground and in the saddle.  We didn’t work a long time at either one, but our time spent was excellent!

On the ground we did backing, yielding forequarters and lungeing at the trot and canter.

He’s still heavy on his front end, when yielding forequarters, but he’s trying.  I think I’m getting a little sloppy with my instruction on yielding forequarters.  We only did each direction a couple of times.  Maybe I’m getting sloppy because we practice it so much. 

I know something needs to change.  Maybe I should back off of yielding forequarters for a few days, then go back to it.  I need to insist on quality yields and maybe I just need a break from it myself.  Then, take it up again with sharp cues and insistence on quality.  I know it will take several days at that intensity level to get yielding forequarters to a B or A grade level.

His backing seemed slow and heavy today, too.

So, how could my session today have been so great with these flaws?

When I got into the saddle, I could tell both of us had made progress.  When I cued Max to canter, he did, and it was definitely slower and smoother.

And…since it was slower and smoother, I was able to stay with it and have control at the same time.  I see “cruising at the canter” from the Riding With Confidence series in our very near future.

I really believe the work we have been doing on the ground at the canter is directly responsible for the progress in the saddle.  His canter seemed more relaxed.  Therefore, I was relaxed. 

My confidence level skyrocketed.  And I just loved it.  I have missed that feeling.

Only one time did he resume that fast-paced, kind of frantic-like, canter.  I shut him down with a one-rein stop. The rest of our canters today were much easier feeling. 

Yep.  It was great…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Short Sessions...

***To read more about mine and Max's progress using RFD TV's Clinton Anderson and his Downunder Horsemanship methods, click back to the first few posts...

SHORT SESSIONS...

I had a short morning with Max, but we were able to do a few rounds of yielding forequarters, backing, changing eyes and lungeing. 

Then, we had a good ride – short – but good.  No flies or bees today.  Very windy, but that felt good. 

I’ve been sloooowly working up to doing more cantering.  His canter seems to be slowing down a little from that big whallopin’ cowboy lope, so I’m getting more confident each time we ride. 

I’m not good at cueing him to get to the canter, though.  I understand what to do, it’s just not always working for me. 

Also, Clinton Anderson cues to the canter by continuing the squeeze, cluck, spank (if necessary) and release when the desired gait is attained method. 

The two instructors I’ve taken lessons from use the squeeze with the outside leg and make a big kiss sound method to get to the canter. 

I’ve tried both with Max lately (not in the same session, but still probably confusing the heck out of him). 

I’d really like to use the Clinton Anderson method, simply because it does make more sense to me, but I have to say that he has been responding more immediately to the big kiss method.  So, I really need to work on my cues. 

Also, Max had an attitude problem today on the ground when changing directions while lungeing.  He wheeled around and galloped off. 

I didn’t provide any resistance, not even a little tug on the line in an attempt to stop him.  I just immediately dropped the rope and let him go.  I didn’t want him to think he could have a tug-o-war with me anytime and pull loose.  I wanted him to think that I just decided to let him go. 

He ran off, turned and looked at me with ears pinned back.  Then he looked at me like, “Uh…What do I do now?” and crept back over to me.  I neither scolded nor soothed.  We continued with no more attitude…

Next Day:

Great ride!  We cantered several times.  I’m almost ready to do cruising at the canter. 

I think we’ve regressed on yielding forequarters…

A Few Days Later:

I got in from out of town this afternoon.  I just worked with Max for a few minutes this evening.  Mainly for exercise…for both of us.  We backed, yielded forequarters, lunged at the trot and a little at the canter.  He seemed to remember most of his lessons.  His canter is definitely slower and smoother.  I’m hoping that will transfer to the saddle. 

But we’re getting sloppy on yielding forequarters.  I need to watch that segment again on the Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground dvd and see what the “ideal” yielding forequarters looks like. 

Clinton Anderson always shows you the way the skill should look with a well-trained horse first.  I need to re-see the “ideal” yielding forequarters.

We haven’t been able to have some good long workouts this week, but we’re hangin’ in there with our short sessions…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Still Practicing...

               If you’re a first-time reader, I’m a life-long horse-lover, first-time horse owner who loves to watch the horse-training shows on RFD TV.  In order to train me in establishing control on the ground and re-gaining confidence in the saddle, I’m using Clinton Anderson’s dvd series.  So far, the directions have been clear and direct. 

 I’m very excited about the progress my horse, Max, and I have made since beginning the training series.  Look back to the first few posts to see how I came to use Clinton Anderson’s approach…

Today was a beautiful day.  For once in quite a while (all summer) it wasn’t scorchingly hot.  It was more like a spring day, oddly enough, seeing as how it is September.  So, I decided that Max and I would review most of our groundwork exercises.   

We hadn’t done much when a big, fat bumblebee appeared and wouldn’t leave Max alone.  Max and I took turns swatting at it, but it was way too persistent for us.  I got the can of bug spray from the barn and directed a stream right at it.  It worked.  I either got it, or it didn’t stick around.  We both relaxed and went back to work.

In a few minutes, when time came to bridle Max, a gigantic fly buzzed around and really tormented Max.  Even though Max had a light coat of fly spray on, this fly would not give up.  Max tossed his head and moved around.  I backed him up.  He did it again.  I backed him up again. 

This time he stood still, put his head down and even opened his mouth for the bridle.  The fly kept coming at him.  I have to hand it to Max for not going totally nuts with this super huge insect constantly harassing him.  This fly looked big enough to bite a hunk out of Max’s hide. 

I silently hoped it didn’t happen while I was on his back… 

Anyway, I shook off that thought, mounted and off we rode.  We were okay for only a few moments.  Our respite from the fly was short lived.  Max soon suffered constant attack by the big bug.  Max held it together fairly well, but both of us were having a hard time concentrating.   We were verrrrrry distracted.  No progress was being made.  

That was it.  Done.

Next Day:

Another pretty day – I gotta admit I was on the lookout for flying insects.  I wasn’t going to be run off by bugs today.

Luckily, the bugs were a no-show.

I didn’t introduce any new skills on the ground today.   We worked on getting good (at least a grade B) at the skills we’d already learned.  The yielding forequarters to the left is really slow-coming. 

I’m back to thinking maybe something hurts in his shoulder or leg or somewhere so that he can’t or doesn’t want to pivot on that back foot and really cross that front foot over time after time until he’s through the 360 turn.  But he has no visible signs of physical trouble, standing still or while moving. 

I think he’s just real heavy on his front end.  So, if it’s just that it’s going to take a long time and a lot of practice on this side, that’s okay with me.  I’m not in a hurry.  I’m looking for quality in executing the exercises.

His lungeing was pretty good.  His canter still seems pretty rough to the right, but I think it’s improving.

We practiced the Changing Eyes exercise again.  It’s on Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground – Series 2.   Clinton Anderson says to do this exercise slowly.  We’re really doing it slowly.  We may be going too slow.  I need to watch that segment of the dvd again to see if we need to speed it up.

We struggled again with him standing still to be bridled.  I think he remembered yesterday and wanted to see if I was still serious about him standing still and dropping  his head.  I was.  I backed him up once.  His feet stopped moving, he dropped his head and opened his mouth.

Our ride was good.  We didn’t make a lot of progress, but we practiced trotting, cantering, yielding hindquarters at the standstill and backing.

I haven’t been nearly diligent enough in doing the touch and rub exercise.  By now, we should have made more progress in the saddle yielding hindquarters at the standstill.  I need to do touch and rub daily for a while right before riding, and then yield hindquarters when we first begin the ride.  I think that will help keep yielding to the steady pressure fresh on his mind.     

Still practicing…

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Practice, Practice, Practice...

***To read more about how Max and I came to use RFD TV's Clinton Anderson and his Downunder Horsemanship methods to train ME in handling my horse, click back to the first few posts and see how we've progressed...


PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE...

         If you’re also using Clinton Anderson’s dvds with your horse, let me know how it’s coming along in the comments section…

        I got out late this morning, and it was already getting HOT.  I wanted to get some riding in so we did a minimum of groundwork.

        In the barn I’ve begun using changing directions when tacking up Max.  We backed, we yielded forequarters.  Both were fine.  Yielding to the left is still coming along. 

        We lunged a few circles right, then left, at the canter.  Cantering to the right still needs improvement, but he does look more comfortable.  He seems to get into the canter more easily than he did before.

        Then, we did Run Up and Rub.  He’s fine with this one.

        The ride was really good.  We trotted all over and we cantered.  I felt like I was really sitting into his canter today.  And a couple of times I know he had a little bit slower canter, and it felt great.

Gone Next Five Days:

First Day Home:

        I worked with Max in the evening.  I only did a quick review of backing, yielding forequarters, lungeing and a little Sending.  He remembered.  Mainly, he needed some exercise.

Next Day:

       We worked on the ground for quite some time.  We reviewed all Clinton Anderson’s Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground Series 1. 

      

       Then, we had a really good ride.  We cantered several times.  I’m feeling more and more confident. 

       

       I still don’t feel like I’m controlling direction, but that’s what cruising is, right?  We didn’t actually cruise at the canter, but we cantered enough times that I think I’m just about ready for it.

Next Day:

        Today I spent time watching the whole Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground Series 2 dvds.  I like to watch the entire series to get the big picture to see what I should be able to do at the end of the series, then go back and watch the individual exercises as many times as I need to to be able to be clear on what I do and what Max is expected to do.

Next Day:

        Today was groundwork intense.  We worked on Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground Series 2 exercises.  We did Run Up and Rub with no problem.  We continued working on yielding forequarters.  We’ll keep working on that daily.  We did Changing Sides.  Max did excellently.  Slap and Tap – also excellent.  Not a flinch when I did the Helicopter exercise. 

       

        He caught on to Touch and Rub on his nose pretty quickly.  He backed up without much protest when pressure was put on his nose, but we’ll add this exercise to our daily routine. 

       

        Max also did very well on Touch and Rub on his poll.  I saw this exercise quite some time ago either on Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship show on RFD TV or on the Problem Solving dvd series.  I don’t remember which.  I’ve watched both of them so often.  I began working on this when I first had trouble bridling Max last fall when I first got him. 

       

        Max actually did the Changing Eyes – Stage One exercise without a lot of struggle.  We need practice.  But wow, he’s getting good!  I think I need more practice on this one than he does.  I’m having a little trouble changing my hands and keeping my body facing the right direction.  He did it, though, even with my less-than-clear clues.

       

        Our ride was okay.  We didn’t canter as much today.  We worked on yielding hindquarters at the standstill, and I still like practicing that Craig Cameron exercise I mentioned in a previous post, entitled “Way Off the Subject.”

        

        We are improving, and we’ve almost completed disc one of Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground Series 2 in this short amount of time.

        We’ll just keep on with practice, practice, practice…

        Have a good ride

        Greenhorn

New Post Coming This Evening...

New Post Coming This Evening...


               For those just landing here, I'm a "beginner all over again" working with my horse, Max, using techniques I'm learning from viewing Clinton Anderson's horse training dvds.  Right now we're working on Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground Series 1 and 2 (We've just recently started Series 2) and Riding With Confidence Series 1 (I'm a little stuck in the saddle on this one.)
               Anyway, it's helping me regain confidence I lost through a "fall" I took last fall. (LOL) Really.
                I like watching all the horse trainers on RFD TV.  Clinton Anderson just happened to be the first one I connected with.  The first few posts tell how Max and I came to use Clinton Anderson's methods.