Ocean of Nuance <lizzardwomanRMOVE@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Just a few items...
>
> 1. Pete has these bug bites that become large scabs like dirt bumps
> mainly below his knees. He has about 5-6 of these on each lower leg.
> Never saw anything like it before.
>
> 2. He's going to a four week shoeing rotation. Needs it.
I never complain about a horse who can grow a lot of foot!
>
> 3. Man is the rehab over! Tonight, he was cantering HIMSELF around the
> ring just staying under my center. I was just steering him from core
> alone. I was not using rein and he was not running and he kept it
> together from seat alone. My instructor has been doing a bunch of work
> getting him to stay under the rider's center of gravity. Of course this
> works only as well as the rider can provide a "target" for the center.
> She, of course, provides a target all the time. I, of course provide a
> target only some of the time I can do this with him at walk and canter
> for the most part but not consistently at trot though I feel him trying
> to find me at trot. It is the coolest feeling. Mommy's boy. :)
From what you have written about your instructor and what she
is doing with Pete and you, it sounds really, really good. Keep
working at it and when you have time to ride more often, it
will come quickly I bet.
>
> 4. In canter, he still needs to start out in a horizontal, huntery,
> long, large-strided frame but then can round from that. He did that
> with me tonight and my instructor said she lets him do it because she
> feels he needs to start that way (though it isn't a strength thing if I
> understood her). He did come round after a bit with me but I could not
> start him that way. After riding him I understand why she says it isn't
> a strength thing but I don't know what it is then. I saw him canter the
> fence line when I drove up and it was sort of that same large long
canter.
MHO, I think he is giving in to his inner hunter. :-D
Seriously, this is a good canter to develop roundness and
collection from. MHO.
>
> 5. He has developed this thing were he doesn't like to get his feet
> wet. He did it on trail and in the ring. Very strange. I asked my
> instructor to get him out on trails as often as possible and work thoguh
> anything like that.
It would not be Life With The Pancake if he did not develop a
"thing" about something seemingly so mundane.
Really good horses, no great horses often have a little bit
of a quirk. Plus many Tbs seem to have a quirky sense of
humor. Fortunately, the draft ****tion gives him a more
serious side!
>
> 6. I rode without the fly mask tonight and it was fine. Better than
> with the fly mask. I think he was having some difficulty seeing with
> it. And there are plenty of jumps in that ring so maybe he was worried
> about hitting something.
I've found the crocheted "hats" to be pretty effective in keeping
the Bugz away. I like the kind w/o the tassels. They are
available in fun colors and the Pessoa brand has a subtle
line of crystals. I think the Pancake would look stunning in one.
>
> 7. Speaking of jumps, my instructor has started jumping Pete a bit
> because we both think it might do him good. He at first stumbled over
> some cross rails but then did better. His previous owner jumped him a
> bit but I never did. I will continue to let her handle the jumping...
heh.
I'm telling you, it's his inner hunter coming out!
Poles and raised cavaletti are good too and fun for horse and
rider. Working over raised cavaletti at the trot may help with
getting you centered through your core at the trot.
> 8. He's been working very hard and is now getting 3/4 of a cup of
> pellets, up from a half a cup. :)
We really need pictures of Pete's rehabbed, fit, handsome
self.
> 10. Our wonderful saddle fitter guy is out of pocket for the next large
> while. So my instructor and I are on our own with the new saddle
> search. It's an unfortunate thing but my instructor is up to the task.
> I'm still riding in the Albion and it is very easy to ride in but not
> as comfortable as my Forestier and I want a new saddle soon.
Ugh. Welcome to saddle search hell.
I am 90 percent sure that Black Country makes a monoflap. And
you might be able to get a demo to try.
> 11. I was talking to another boarder recently and she made a comment
> about how her horse seems to love our instructor. I told her I have
> been saying the same thing! And she doesn't even use treats to buy
> love! The horses just like her... she is so fair and empathetic and
> perceptive. Pete can have two mommies for now.
That's a very cool thing. You've struck gold.
It was just about a year ago IIRC that you started down
this path and ready fall on your sword. Adversity, as
much as we hate it while going through it, can be a
VERY good teacher.
Enjoy your Pancake!
Sue
svleopold@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
|
