Double Fun

I have not blogd for about 10 days due to Big time Spookiness. Whilst we have still been playing, it feels like we have not progressed. But wait maybe we have. Because instead of giving up or doing the same old same old we changed the game.

Whilst waiting for Buzz at the gate Shaun came first. This had happened a couple of times last week and i took him off and played, but this only added the Buzz's distress. So yesterday i took them both into the roundpen. What fun that was sending them both in a circle, it was so funny watching Buzz keep trying to bite Shaun's bum. Usually its the other way round.

We progressed to playing the stick-to-me game with two horses which was so much fun. When we stopped Shaun would get confused and squeeze through like a tube of toothpaste. We manage to get one complete circle, the three of us together.

We also played "piggy in the middle" could i get one horse to be with me while the other horse circled. You have to be so smooth otherwise the horse in the middle gets worried also had to trust that the horse on the circle stays on the circle. Lessons learnt for this game, quick release, how soft can you be and still get what you want. For my horses, its your responsibility to stay with me or if i ask you to circle to stay on the job.

Great fun on an awesome autumn day.

Spooky Sunday

Again today tried to play at Liberty. But something is spooking him not sure if its the fact that Sonshine Ranch is using Rob's paddock, dead chicken or maybe he needs some Toxdify. Cannot do anything about the 1st 2 so which go to the tack shop tomorrow.

All things considered not a total loss but need to really work on Buzz focusing on me. Watched the April DVD and have some strategies to work on. Know now i need to slow way down as he is winning the mental game with me. Used the fig.8 to get him to focus but hard when he is so scared about something.

Happy Horse Thursday

Should have realized when Buzz did not come to the gate that something was not right. But i went anyway. Did you put the relationship before the goal. NO. Buzz not happy. I wonder if he is still sulking because we went out in the float on Monday. Rode twice to the water trough 5/10.
Several times he was telling me to dismount as he would stop at the mounting block. But i always ask for a little more. Why because "my idea should be his idea". I wanted to ride a little longer.

Easter Monday

First day out in the float for ages. Buzz got onto the float but was not in mentally so spent a little time backing him on ad off before closing the door.

Arrived at Jane's and he was a quite unconfident in his new surroundings. Fortunately he could see Cameo, Rafiki and the twins and there was alot of "eyeballing" and tails up. But he took it all in his stride. Once we were sure he was settled, that means a roll in the bark arena, good for the itchey spots on a horse. Jane and I looked at each others L2 Online videos. Jane has done a fantastic job considering she has 4 horses to take care of.

Peter Jackson watch out, i videod Jane Online . I hope she sends it in as it was good. Even though Cameo took her skiing into the float. LOL.

A couple of times i checked on Buzz and he gave me a little nicker when i called his name.

Eventually we went into Jane's arena and played at Liberty. Played very slowly as there is a scarry corner in her arena. Played with point-to-point and fig8 pattern, and a&r to get him closer to the scarry corner. Quit when he fig.8 close to that horse eating corner.

Jane had a play with him too. He is such a cool dude and loves Jane.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Dogging the rain. Played friendly game in the barn while the rain passed. Would you believe Buzz is not afraid of a big green ball but a small rag blowing in the wind gets him a little worried.

Rain passes and off we go to play. Looking for relaxation in the circle game at a trot. Got some nice clearing out of the nasal passages after about 10 or 12 laps. 8/10

Using the 45ft line and making the circles bigger we got some wonderful fig.8s. Rewarded with grazing as forgot to take snacks. Added the ground poles to add interest. Funny bunny kept missing them. As soon as he squeezed over rewarded with some GTime. 5/10

Great liberty play with the big green ball. We love it. 9/10

You must be joking - not me!

Went out to ride Buzz. He had other ideas. But Shaun put his hoof up and said pick me. Big surprise as he was always hard to catch. Its ages since we have played together it hard not to do the "always do what you always did" so played with the ball. Had lots of grazing time. He was not sure but hopefully he enjoyed the g.t.

PS Lads had their worming paste.

Pedicure for the boys

Pedicure time for the boys!

Pre-soaked their feet as it has not rained for a couple of weeks. I think i am getting better at it. Wish my back thought the same.