Sandy's Parelli Journey

2010-04-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

If my counting down is correct, my course begins in 5 weeks!
It's always hard to keep a consistant program going when the weather constantly flip-flops...but I'll also admit to being terrible about sticking to my own schedual.
Tucker is taking a break from lessons these days, and it's made it nice to be able to pick up where we left off when I pull him from the pasture. Our last few rides this past week have been short, but very sweet. As our trip approaches I'd like to increase our ride time, mostly for physical fitness, but above all keep playing fun and interesting instead of a chore.
Number one priority from here on out is extreme friendly with the horse trailer. Tuck has been nervus about it since he's been here...maybe partially because I'm nervus about it?? I never think it's fair when people have horses that just load up and go. I constantly have Pat running through my head though saying, "DON'T wait until you're late for the show!!". Prior and proper preparation, I am counting on to help us out.

7 weeks!

2010-04-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

I leave 7 weeks from today!
My trailer has been all dolled up, the vet has been out, and the farrier is getting the pony's feet ready to go!
I got a new vet & farrier all in the same week, and couldn't be more stoked about them both. The vet had very very nice manners toward my horses, and was very helpful in getting me set up to enter and leave Colorado.
My new farrier is also totally fabulous. I have a 24 year old arthritic mare, who I felt has been going down hill. My last farrier was very quiet, and I didn't feel understood what I was wanting for my horses. New guy was very very helpful in helping me understand how to help my horses feet, and really took his time to do it all right and help the horse feel good. I also told him that Tucker tends to pick up his back legs really high at random times as if he's stretching them, and he said he probably has some arthritis in his hips. But he moves soundly, and I think with a good farrier he'll be even better.
I've put about 5 rides on Rascal now, and he's just fabulous. I don't know how far someone should be after 5 rides, but for Rascal we are just swell. We've mostly done pushing passenger, and he's catching onto the "go" part. I'll worry about the steering later.
So that's pretty much what I'm up to. I'll just be enjoying the journey, and working on my relationship with Tuck before we start traveling!

2010-03-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm having a great time with Tuck in level 3 online and liberty. Yesterday we played at liberty outside the round pen. It was perfect! He was very attentive even in the lush green grass we were playing in.
He has also been loading and unloading like a pro. Now we both just have to get comfortable with closing the divider and heading off down the road!
I feel like my ground skills far exceed my riding skills, and my freestyle still feels so sloppy. Tucker is bored with the round pen, but it's where I keep going to, to learn and teach whatever we're having difficulty with. It will be nice to have 4 weeks of guidance in this area. I guess I'll just continue to chip away at it until then. I have to remind myself that I spent over a year just on the ground...so it's no wonder I feel more comfortable and competent there.
I am still keeping up with Rascal and even Pepper as well. Pepper is weird, and just sort of checked out yesterday in the middle of the round pen. So I let him chill there while I played with Tucker.
I've ridden Rascal about 4 times now, and he's starting to understand the concept of "go" but I'm not pushing him. That plucky little guy sure is comfy though!

How many days? I think it's something like 64...

2010-03-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

This time of the year is always so unpredictable as far as weather goes.

In the last week we've had 2 downpours of hail and slush, with bouts of rain and sometimes a brief sunshine. Yesterday I pulled Tuck out to give him some grain, I thought it would be nice to let him eat his calories in the warm sun while I ran in and did a few things in the house and we would play that afternoon...I was shocked when 15 minutes later we were in a downpour! I had to go rescue Tuck and let him into his shelter in the pasture. So much for my glorious plans!!

Tucker and I are well on our way through level 3 I watched all the new material yesterday, and really enjoyed what I watched, and feel good about where I was filling in the blanks about what I wasn't sure about. I could use a little refining on just about everything, but especially the yo-yo game.
We had a nice little session today with change of direction, sideways, stick to me, and advancing porcupine. He did lead by the leg(front and back), by the ears, and by the girth SOOOOO well that I just laughed and gave him a treat. I'm finding that once you've established your leadership with Tuck he offers you the world. It's making things fun as our relationship grows.

I have now ridden Rascal 3 times, and he it's like I have done it 100 times. I usually wait until we've played on the ground enough that he starts to yawn before asking if I can get on. He doesn't get very worried, and looks back at me with questions all the time. Our last ride, I started asking him to take a step or 2 forward. It took few tries, but he caught on!

For now we are getting my trailer in tip-top shape for our long journey...which means no more trailer loading until it gets back from getting cleaned up. I'll have to be patient and hope that I also have a few sunny days to take it for a spin with Tucker. So lots of study and practice time!

2010-02-18T22:38:00.001-08:00

So many plans are being finalized, that the reality of going to Colorado is setting in.
I now have a place to stay, and a loooooooong to-do list until then.

We've had a lovely few days of sunshine here(though I hear more rain is on it's way as I type). I pulled Tuck out and we worked more on online transitions and change of direction. His transition into the canter is getting much better. I think I finally took a hint in change of direction too -- waiting for him to give me 2 eyes made things much more fluid.
Things were feeling well this afternoon......and then it hit me, "justonemore" syndrome kicked in. "Just one more change of direction..." I thought. As I asked him out onto the circle, something sprang up in TuckerBoy and a RBE slowly emerged. I felt like a kid hanging onto a kitestring on an over-blustery day! I abandoned the line(or course...what else does a damsel in distress do?) and watched Tuck zip around the property with my rope trailing behind him.
Just then my sister came out with the phone saying someone wanted to talk to me. What a time for a phonecall! Wondering just where Tucker would stop I took the phone, and much to my relief saw him stop by the house a few seconds later. I sat on my porch letting Tuck catch his breath as I listened to my unknowing friend chat on, not knowing the fiasco I just caused.
After getting to hang up we headed over to the roundpen. I finished the pattern we were working on before the gunfire, and asked poor Tuck to come in for a loooooong rest and a scratch. It was nice to have that bit of bonding time with him. He stayed with my for a long time yawning, licking his lips, and wanting to roll...but not with the dogs around.

Tomarrow I'm hoping we can chill a bit more, and not have such a demanding(not to mention highly physical!) play time!

2010-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a day yesterday was!

I spent awhile with Tuck working on transitions and change of direction online. I have a hard time being a pansy about letting horses crowd my space. So I tried to be a little more assertive about asking him to swing out and around me when we change direction.

After that I headed out with Rascal. He has just transformed into a different horse. I just want to remind you that Rascal came to me a year ago in December. I was in between levels horses, and one of my friends said she had a pony who had a bad past, and she just didn't have time for. I asked if I could help get him able to have his feet handled to he could be trimmed and ready for sale. That was not to be. he was afraid of everything! And I loved him! I couldn't sneeze without him leaving the planet! Eventually he figured out that the noise of candy wrappers opening was a good noise, and maybe I was worth looking into...
Yesterday we played with circling a squeeze games. I sent him over logs and through ditches, and played with his feet and swung the rope over his back. I parked him next to a log and started playing more over his back. I would jump and flop on my belly so my arms dangled on one side, and my feet on the other. I rubbed his belly and waved my feet around. He handled it sooo well that I decided to slip a leg over! He handled it great! I did it 3 times, and then we went for a little walk! It was like I had done it everyday for the last year! He kept his head low, and even yawned and licked his lips. I'm so excited about the things we'll be able to do together! And the things he'll be able to do together with Tuck! We'll all have such fun!

2010-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Trailer loading is going soooo well. Tuck is way confident getting in, but could use a smidgen more for backing out. We'll continue to work on it, and hopefully get our wheels out on the road a bit.
We've been busy planning out our route, places to stay, things to get and things to bring. I love it all. So exciting, and everyone has to listen to me chatter non-stop about it.
The weather took a break from beating on us, and let the sunshine through the last couple days. It's been nice to soak in the sunlight.
Anyways, that's all the current news!! 108 days until we leave?? Or something like that...

Trailer Loading

2010-01-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

WooHoo!! It is going fabulous. I spent yesterday and today working on it, and really taking the time it takes to show Tuck how to safely get in and back out of the trailer. He's been real worried about stepping backwards off the step, but finally put it together today.
Yesterday he offered to put in one hind leg with the very tippy toe resting. I was stoked with that, and called it quits. Today he did that twice, and then I'd retreat, and on the 3rd time he got in! So he got all the way in and out 3 more times(stopping inside for a snack of course) and then I put him away. I can't wait to see how he progresses with that now that he knows what to do!
I really enjoy working on trailer loading. It tells a lot about the horse and you can really see the puzzle solving come into action(not to mention in the human too!). I'm still learning a lot about it, and am constantly having to re-assess the situation trying to decide, 'left brain or right brain? approach or retreat?'. It's a learning experience, and such a relief when those 4 hooves calmly step onto the rattling rubber floor-mats.

120 and counting!

2010-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

One hundred and twenty days until our road trip!

I cannot wait to just be there. Not so much looking forward to the drive, but what can ya do.
I have much to do before then, and my mind is twirling with things I need to accomplish. Yesterday we picked up a hitch for the truck(have no idea where the other one went. weird huh?), so now I can safely practice my trailer loading. Also a big bag of grain for skinny ole Tucker boy.

We had a great ride yesterday. We worked on our transitions using my seat. He picks up things pretty quick, and likes a good puzzle.......as long as I know what I'm doing! Horses vote for their leaders every day! I'm planning on ordering the new level 3, and look forward to having the new material.

These are my biggest goals, and I think I'll have fun working on them. Let the games begin!

2010-01-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to wonder if I should build a boat. I'm not used to getting so much rain all in one shot! We need it here so bad though, so I'm trying not to complain about it too much. Instead I'll complain about wanting an indoor arena! haha, just kiddin.

Though it has put a pretty serious stop on my progress with the ponies. In the house I'm trying to get in some studying. The savvyclub vault is filled with dozens of information/inspirational videos I haven't seen yet to progress my levels journey.

We had a snowday with the church over the weekend, and it was of course a blast for everyone. That night was a study night for our college group, which we spent in a cabin in the snow without power. What could possibly be more fun? I love the fellowship and always come away with something hardy to lick and chew on.

We came home far too early, in my opinion, but I'm happy to sit in my house watching the rain fall and studying all that I can before I take full advantage of good weather...whenever we get it. I'm already dreading the heat of summer, so a few more wet days with a cup of tea is fine by me.

2010-01-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

This week I'm pretty sure the ponies have taken flight several times. The wind here makes it hard to stay ancored down!

I've caught up on some videos in the savvy club vault, and just wanted to get down some thoughts about what I've watched there. I watched a video of Amy and Prince, and she worked on using her seat to communicate to her horse. I loved seeing her use a real phase 1 and quickly get down to a phase 4 when nessacary with the string around Prince's neck, and 2 sticks. She also worked on her weave pattern, she would circle around one pole, and Pat would tell her to really look back at it, and use her stick when needed. She would circlecirclecircle, then move on to the next and do the same thing. I can't wait to try this.
Then I just finished a video of Susan and Dusty(mentioning names for those of you in the savvy club, or for back reference for myself). She was online and worked on the S pattern and the falling leaf. I learned that the S pattern is when you walk backward and ask for a change of direction, and it helps with confidence. The falling leaf is walking forward, and asking for a change of direction and build respect. I need to remember to have better rhythum with my stick. Doing the S patten you can get a nice beat going playing with the change of direction, "1-2. 1-2." It was great and really improved their figure 8.

I'm cold and wet and have a new cookie recipe to try. Snickerdoodles! The ones I've been making taste like egg to me. So hope this one is better!

2010-01-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

The last couple weeks have felt like gogogo, and they are gone gone gone! The last week or so has been great with Tuck. We've done some carrot stick riding, and better with follow the rail. Our level 3 freestyle is coming slow. But we are progressing if just a little at a time.
I had a lesson on Sunday and Tuck decided he wouldn't be a part of it. He sauntered off and played with Rascal. Hmm, how interesting...said something about our relationship! But we played a lot that day, and played a lot yesterday, and had some undemanding time today. He's really enjoyed all that...and treats too of course :)

Rascal was automatically included in our undemanding time, but he demanded ALL the attention! I was extremely proud and soaked up the love that he was offering in his partnership. Today was absolutely the most left brain he has ever been with me in the year that he's been here. He played with me just like he does with the other horses! We even played catch me at the trot! It was spectacular and I loved every minute of it. He has taken to licking new guests that venture close enough to his fence, and chasing dogs that wander into his domain. Do you smell a LBE?

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

December always seems to fly by doesn't it?

I spent most of the month baking. Which I have to admit I've come to love. I don't care much for cooking, but I love to bake. I've gotten a little over-loaded with the simple chocolate chip cookie, and have ventured in to other varieties. Russian tea cakes, chocolate crinkles(my personal fav these days), and snickerdoodles over-threw my kitchen! And it was delicious.

I've mapped out my level 3 online and freestyle and think I can get through them in the next couple months if I use my time wisely. Our online is going spectacularly and I think we'll breeze through it. We're almost through with loping on the figure 8 and touch it. Freestyle is a little harder for me. I've had a couple years of practicing being a good leader on then ground, but am having a harder time transferring that leadership to the saddle. I remember going through the same frustrations when I first began Parelli, not being able to remember what to do with my equipment, and hands, and body language, and feeling outright sloppy. So, more studying to be done there.

I've unfortunately lost the hitch to the truck for hooking up the trailer. I think it may have fallen out on the road some time back :( So we'll continue to advance our yoyo game until we get another and load safely in the trailer.

Reading back through my old posts I noticed my descriptions of Rascal are a little vague. So here's what we're working on - he is much more unconfident with me on his right side than his left. At every opportunity he'll offer me the left eye instead of the right. Having things tossed over his back is still difficult for him, but not at all like it used to be. But still, I'd like him overly comfortable with me tossing a rope over his back before I toss my leg over! Those are the current main issues. He's doing well with the 7 games! Except of course the things on the right side tend to be a little more difficult. But he's much more self confident, and easier to teach things to these days because he snaps out of introvertness almost instantly on the occation that he goes there. We all love to watch him run in his pasture! And the last couple weeks he'll sometimes trot up to the gate at feeding time! TWARDS me! hehe, makes me smile.

I've been avoiding getting wet, or frozen, and try to head out when the warmer weather does too. Lot's to do in 2010!

2009-12-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Weather and season hasn't provided for much play time. We got down to a chilly 17 degrees for nearly a week!! Much colder than us Californians are ever prepared for!

I'm progressing one checkmark at a time on my level 3 chart. This is where loping come into play a lot more. Not so easy with a LBI!! So we began steps twards a figure 8 with a bit of loping. Hoy, what a task. Much easier said than done. We spent about 4 days improving drive and draw at the trot....and then that freezing cold hit!
Yesterday I went out to the pasture and just play with my horse. He was slightly unmotivated, but got more and more silly as time went on. LBI's can REALLY trot! They will trot for days if it means they don't have to lope! As I asked for the dreaded gate of a lope, he leaped in the air and took off jumping and bucking. I quickly took a hold of zone 1, and everything came to a stop. Tucker looked at me so innocently like he was awaiting my next que. To keep things interesting for him, I asked him to go the other direction. He quickly picked up the trot, then lope again. As soon as he offered, I brought him back in. A try was all I was looking for. Now the other direction, picked up the lope right away(a little rambunctiously, but still). Half circles...that's almost a figure 8. After a few change of directions he had beautiful departures, drive, and draw. All the ingredients I was looking for! I called it quits there.

The ground right now is pretty much either slick or slop, but I'll continue to try to make the best of it. I'd rather have rain than heat!

Dec. 09

2009-12-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Like my posting, my horsemanship has been spastic. Except...maybe not quite as scattered! ha.

All the ponies are doing well. Tucker hurt his leg, but it didn't seem to effect him much. He had a couple of days off, and is healing nicely. He has been backing great up and down hills, over logs, and even off the back porch(don't worry, not as dangerous of a situation as it sounds)! I think he'll load quite comfortably soon. We also began backing by the tail! Such a swell guy who puts in his whole heart when you put in yours.

Rascal is also plugging along. We can always find something new and scary, but the basics are coming easier for him to deal with. I run over them in and extremely friendly way until it's normal, like: dropping brushes while grooming, picking up all feet from one side, lateral flexion from the ground(both ways from one side while leaning over his back), cinching simulations, yoyo, circling, and squeeze. Feels good to make a list, really reminds me how he arrived almost a year ago, a snorting prancing deer I could hardly catch!

Looks like a Parelli tour stop is scheduled for Aug. of next year! Yippee Skippy! I'm stoked. Until next time, I'm out riding and playing to my little hearts content and a little more! ha, Savvy On.

2009-11-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

After having been sick for a couple weeks, and really just not feeling up to par, I didn't spend much time with the horses. I pulled Tuck out yesterday, and boy did we have fun. He started off looking exactly how I felt, dragging his feet(and head) everywhere. I didn't ask for much, and was very slow but deliberate in whatever I did ask. Awhile later I asked for the circling game...and he certainly gave it to me!! He leaped in the air, and took off like a rocket! It was fabulous to see such exuberant energy! When I he was settled down, I asked him back in, and it hardly took a half of a breath before he came right to me. I loved it, and can't wait to get out there today.
A better a horse goes backwards and sideways, the better he does everything else. And I've been working on those a lot this last week, in hopes to improve our trailer loading...didn't think about how it might improve everything else as well! awesome.

I've been spending lots of time with Rascal too, and that little horse just makes me smile. I love seeing his true colors come out, and can't wait to continue developing his confidence. He's got a heart of gold.

This weeks thought -- Horses have a brain the size of a walnut, and a heart the size of a watermelon. To effect his heart would create greater results than anything else. We've all heard of horses who've run faster and jumped higher out of heart and desire.

2009-11-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

I finished the book Raise Your Hand if You Love Horses. It was so inspiring!! I absolutely loved it. It was great to see how people in your life shape who you are, and that divine appointments with each of them falls in perfect timing with our creators plan. Pat also mentioned at the end of the book something about sunday school, and how he remembered a verse about performing for kings and queens. The verse he was talking about turned out to be in Proverbs -- "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings, He will not stand before unknown men". I liked that. I don't need to perform for royalty, but if you take care of your horsemanship, it'll take care of you.

I particularly liked this segment, and thought it really wrapped things up:
"Principles purpose and time are the ingredients in the learning formula and regardless of how effective and efficient you are with horses, as long as you put principles first, the goal second and allow timelines to come naturally, you'll get where you want to go with a horse."

2009-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

I'm reading one of Pats books called, "Raise Your Hand if You Love Horses". It's a fabulous story of how Mr.Parelli got to where he is today. It's wonderful to hear about all the many many people who have influenced who and what he is, and that he wasn't always a master.
It's hard for me to remember that it's okay to try something and fail. Trying is better than not trying at all.

I have a drive to work with Pepper again. He's been sort of in and out of my journey for awhile now, but I would really love him to be rideable someday, or at least an online/liberty superstar. He's capable of a lot, but he can't put that brain to good use if I don't help him.
Things are continuing to progress with Tuck...he's slooowly getting more confident with zones 4&5 as I direct to and backwards from obstacles, lead by the tail, and drive from zone 5. This week has felt a little more laid back than usual, but I really need to step things up and get in shape(myself and Tucker).

I'm brushing up on the basics, and remembering to do them with excellence.
"Whatever you do, do it with Excellence. Do it with class."

2009-10-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, yet again, since we have last spoken. So here's what's up!

I am now officially enrolled for my Fast Track course next year!! This specific course is newly out from Parelli as of this year, aimed to teach those with an interest of becoming a professional. It will basically be 4 weeks of getting myself to an expert level of horsemanship with my own horse. I know the days will be long, and totally packed of lessons to learn, and things I'll change in myself, but I'm excited about what arrows I'll be putting in my quiver.
Until then, I believe I've mentioned several times before, I have a LOT to learn! I know that the more I know before I go, the more I can learn while I'm there. So there is a lot I just have to DO and get done before then as far as my horsemanship journey goes.

A few weeks ago I finally looked into what healthy-stride is. I had heard of it, but never really explored in depth. Boy did that change when I found the website! Jim Crew will be doing a series of clincs in Orland, I believe starting in Dec. I'm looking forward to that, and learning how changing my horses feet will effect his overall posture and balance.

I'm learning about loving to learn, as the thing the comes along with never ending self improvement(strange sentence, feel free to re-read it). If you're always willing to under-go self improvement, you have to be open to change, critique, FRUSTRATION, and creativity. I emphasize frustration because it seems to go along with deep learning. One of my teachers used to smile, and say that it was good when I would get frustrated because it meant I was about too learn something really good. It's not easy to be creative while you're trying to change! Like one of those puzzle games...it's hard to find a different solution when what you've already tried hasn't worked. But persistance, changing what you're doing, and being creative about it, gets the ring off that mess of triangles and chains! But boy is it frustrating...

2009-10-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

As lovely fall weather sets in, Tuck and I are gaining leaps and bounds in freestyle! It's fantastic. Loping is going great. His strides are so long I hardly feel like we're moving.
We're ALMOST out of level 2 freestyle. I know I've been saying that for months. But I took my time to really go through the patterns, and we really are almost done know. I am soooo ready to tie that blue sting to my belt loop.
Yesterday we were trying out the question box pattern. I didn't spend a ton of time on it, because I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. So I'll watch that pattern today. He felt so in tune, that I took the hackamore off, and went for a short bridless ride. It was fantastic, and got me to do way less micromanaging with my reins.
Now, the task will be keeping all this up without drilling him! I've had running through my head this last week, "we've all heard of horses who've run faster and jumped higher out of heart and desire".
Oh yeah! We also sent in my CO application for next summer! So I'll be awaiting a phone call about that! YAHOO!

Horses and Highways

2009-09-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

I turned 20 on Saturday, and have had a great week. It really was more like a birthday week than anything. But Sat some friends came over and we indulged in worship, study, games, fellowship, and great food of course! It was a spectacular day, and know I am so blessed to have such people with beautiful hearts.
Sunday we were desperate for hay, so loaded up in the truck and headed out to pile 20 bales in 103 degree heat. I was exhausted on the drive home, but as we headed down the highway, we saw a couple of ladies trying to manage about 6 horses on the side of the road. We pulled off to see if they needed help. One of their tires blew out, so we jumped into the juggling act of moving around horses. They were actually fantastic with trucks flying by, tools being flung around, and horses beating on the trailer. It was a BFO for me though in that I want Tucker to be that good in new places. So we're now working hard at backing out of the trailer so we can start taking trips around town.
We're working hard on level 2 freestyle, and Lord willing everything go according to schedule, we will be starting level 3 freestyle next week. yay! I think it'll be fun, and think Tuck likes the pace we're learning at. I do too. Short and interesting!
That's all for now, lots to look forward to and work at!

2009-09-24T13:41:00.001-07:00

Concentration is an interesting thing. It's amazing what can be done when you really concentrate. Or what you can't do if you concentrate too hard. For those of you who don't concentrate too often...it's really difficult to smile when you're putting in so much thought. This is particularly hard for me. I don't smile very often when I ride.
This week I have been working on a million transitions. Trying to get our "go" to equal "whoa". Tuck has been doing great, and I decided I would step it up a little. I have dying to lope for awhile now, but have had a threshold that I couldn't get past. But my communication and leadership with Tucker has gotten lots better the last couple weeks, and thought I would give it a shot.
So I practiced trotting then coming back down to a walk. Okay, our downward transitions are top notch! What about asking for more? We got into a high trot Tuck felt weird. I thought he was limping and that I would have to end things early. But I experimented a little, and he really felt okay. So I asked for a faster trot, and then maybe a lope...I want to emphasize the maybe. Tuck really felt that inkling of hesitation and wouldn't make that transition. So...I asked for a trot one more time, let the reins loose, and away we went! We loped down one straight-away, and I called it good! Gave Tucker lots of scratches and an apple for being soooo in tune with me. I couldn't stop smiling! What a great ride. It's all coming together GREAT one step at a time.

zone 4&5

2009-09-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been posting much...life takes me away sometimes!
Our goat died last Friday. After a week and a half of trying to keep him alive, coming to his side through all hours of the night. Poor thing. I think his wound got infected and just killed him. He tryed soooo hard to stay alive, but was suffering so much. I wish we would have put him down sooner, but am at peace that he's no longer having to live in the condition that he was. In a weird way, it makes me feel sooo much better about the decision we made for Avery last year. We made decisions so fast for him, as the colic came on, literally in the blink of an eye. We were faced with the option of trying surgery, but were very aware of what a tough recovery it would have been for him. I am now so happy we never put him through that.
On a lighter note, I have set up a great new way for me to get through my patterns efficiently. I wrote down specifically what I want to accomplish each day, and feel like it has really motivated me to JUST DO IT! Just get it done! If I keep at it I should be in level 3 freestyle next month, and definitely auditioning soon.
Tuck is doing great with Follow the Rail, and halt/walk/trot transitions.
Today we played on the ground backing through things. He doesn't like backing out of the trailer(can't blame him), so I've been working a lot in zones 4&5 trying to help him get more confident. He's doing spectacular, and I look forward to jumping into our routine this week!

get your good better, and your better best!

2009-09-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Sammy goat is doing very well. He is definitely healing. The back of his leg is pretty gross where the wrap can't cover...but he's sounding lots better. My computer is throwing a major fit, so am not able to post pics now =(
So with the goat mauling, my time with the boys has been scattered. My patterns are all over the place!! I started driving from zone 4/5 and we're progressing. I have been using that to practice Follow The Rail. I've also begun asking Tuck to stretch waaaay down to the left or right while I hold up a leg. Hopefully this will lead to a bow and be less work for me, but I'm please with how it's stretching his back muscles. I've been wanting to up his calorie intake again, but suddenly he doesn't like sunflowerseeds!! He LOVED them...and now...sigh.
So today I will re-organize my patterns and set a schedule for myself. I really want to be ready to film my level 3 freestyle by April. I have been wanting to film my level 2 for several months now. Somehow my freestyle is the one savvy I have the hardest time following through on. I need some self discipline. I'm ready for that blue string!

2009-09-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Mr.Parelli always tells us, "if horses could scream the sound would be deafening". And last night I got a little wake up call to listen a little more carefully.
We got home from a wednesday night church service when I realized I forgot to feed the horses before we left. As we headed out back, I realized Tucker was still in his stall pacing back and forth. I have been bringing him in during the day to have some hay to himself. I was irretated because I thought he was upset that he couldn't see the other horses, I thought we had worked past this problem. I even told my mom that I was worried about him being ready to make the trip to CO next year with such high emotion. We wanted to catch him to put him back out with the other geldings, but there was no way I was going in that stall with him. So mom went to grab Twistie so he could see her, and maybe calm down...but she was already in plain sight. But mom headed around the corner to look at her, when she saw our goat was out with his leg dangling. He had been attacked by a dog. We were able to get a vet out and help our pour mangled Sammy Goat.
While we were waiting for the vet, Tucker calmly came over, put his head in the halter, and we walked out to the pasture. He knew something was wrong, and by making a comotion, drew attention to our goat who we probly wouldn't have seen otherwise. I feel so dumb for being so confused about his behavior. But he was pretty great, and I'm amazed by it all this morning.

2009-09-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Just got back in from playing with the boys. Today we just played with "touch it" I pulled out a BIG blue tarp and opened the trailer. I had to keep telling myself, "nose, neck MAYBE the feet". I tend to forget the maybe part. But it was incredible to see what approach and retreat can do in such a small amount of time. Rascal even braved picking up the tarp with his teeth! I was astonished to say the least.
Tucker watched it with skeptical eyes, then crossed it like it was the millionth time. I believe he is uncomfortable with things in zones 4 and 5, hence his worry about backing out of the trailer. So we yoyo'd(is that even a word?) back and forth over the tarp. What a fun toy!! Wonder what else we have in the shop to play with...

2009-08-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I went for a great ride on Tuck today! I think it was a bit of a breakthough for me. Within the first 5 minutes I realised what a slacker of a leader I am in the saddle. On the ground we are progressing, slowly but steadily forward. In the saddle I can't seem to get my brain to function, or to carry over all the Parelli principles I've learned. While I've been playing in Parelli for 2 years now, I just recently started riding, thanks to Tucker Boy. So my ground skills don't quite match my riding.
Having realised that, I was able to do something about it. Since I have a LBI I knew he was playing games with me, and had to figure out how to put that play drive to good use without smashing his dignity(which I had done before with Avery). And I think I've been a little afraid of turning him into a grouch like I did the Averyboy. So I picked a pattern, follow the rail. Anytime he thought of going faster(or slower) I said, "Cool!! Me too!" And went with him. "Cause your idea to become his idea, but understand his idea FIRST!". So I played with his idea of going faster and slower, and started using it to make full circles, half circles, stops and back ups. Eventually I got a nice walk ON the rail! That's where I hopped off and gave him big scratch and a treat. We finally felt in harmony!
It's no joke that you MUST have a sense of humor with this horsenality, because I have no doubts that they like watch you squirm with frustration. However, I've learned that they absolutely love to have somebody to laugh with ;)

2009-08-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Got my Savvy Times today and found a ton of great information in there. I'm sure I'll be reading it over and over for awhile. I was encouraged to find a section titled "How to Succeed with Patterns"! Just what I needed. And my answer was so obvious I could have slapped myself...JUST DO THEM! duhhhh. I even said in my last post that the Patterns are a checklist, meaning they were designed to go in order, left to right, making checkmarks in the little boxes provided, and then move ON! Sooo, I'm on my way to post them up on my wall and start making those check marks! Can't wait to track my progress. That was the BFO I needed!

2009-08-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

I've realized i've been having a hard time with the patterns, not because I don't like them, but because I think I have more wiggle room than I'm used to having! When I used to take lessons with my horses, I felt that I could never even ride my own horse without having the instructor there. I didn't have a full view picture of what we were doing, so was afraid to mess things up.
So it was difficult starting level 1 and not have somebody telling me if what I was doing was correct! But it was a step by step process, and I progressed.
Now the patterns are more of a checklist...which can be step by step. They really are fantastic and have me thinking much more creatively and for myself. But I feel scattered. I need to create for myself a plan each day(isn't that what I try to do for people I teach?) to begin with the end in mind, and be ready to adjust to fit the situation. I know these things, just need to put them to practice.
The boys are doing well. Although I'm getting frustrated about Tuckers weight situation. We started a new hay this week which is supposed to be a weight builder, so we'll see.

2009-08-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a roller coaster of camp, and drama, and cousins, and road trip, and hot hot hot days. It's all been fun...and a bit nerve racking at times. It's definitely stretched my emotional fitness, in a good way. I can be very right brain introvert, but am innately left brain extrovert. So as much as I love getting out and doing stuff, it's hard for me to be in new situations especially with people I don't know very well. So it's been an interesting summer, but I've loved it.
With that being said, it actually hasn't left much time for the ponies. I just started picking things back up again around here, and am happy with how smoothly it's going. Tuck is doing great with our level 2 riding and trailer loading. I am hoping to continue riding through the week, and start filming my level 2 riding potion by next week!
Rascal is thinking MUCH more like a partner and less like a prey animal. With nearly 3 weeks off, he was a little skeptical about heading over to the roundpen, so we stuck around the pasture playing lots of extreme friendly. Quit on a good note and he followed me back over to Tucker licking his lips all the way.
Twistie has been feeling great with her shoes, and even gave a few mini lessons the last couple weeks.
That's pretty much it for now!
Savvy!!

2009-07-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

It has been hot! hot! hot!! So I get out with the boys when I can, but really feel myself, and them dragging when the temps get over 100.
Rascal is just doing wonderfully. His confidence has made leaps and bounds. I was even able to spray his legs with the hose yesterday. He loves water, and I am trying to preserve that play drive. With approach and retreat he eventually let me wet his feet while he tryed to catch the water drops on his lips. He even rolled in the dirt when I turned the hose off. He's getting very clever with his lips, and I'm excited about teaching him to use them for fun things, especially now that he's not worried about objects. I'm really starting to understand what Pat means, "there isn't anything you can't do when the horse becomes a part of you". Now that I have his trust, and have built a relationship, we can do anything!! And I can't wait.

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I was able to watch my Calm Ride and Freestyle Patterns yesterday. I LOVED them. And am so excited to have these new arrows in my quiver. I'll definitely have to watch them again. But today I'll be checking out Finesse and Natural Collection.
All the riding portions, especially in level 3, remind me so much of my first "natural horsemanship" lessons I took several years ago before I found Parelli. Only now that I have filled in the gaps and know the foundation and psychology side of why it all works, it is so much more exciting and makes so much more sense. I think my timing and progress will increase greatly because of it. I'm SOOOO excited to be "re-doing" what I have already done with such a better understanding of why I'm doing it.
I played with Tucker yesterday reminding myself of his low motivation and boredness with the roundpen. So I placed grain in little piles all over the property and sent him from point to point. All of a sudden he was offering a trot with ears forward and looking for what I'm sending him to. I asked for the lope, and though he had a hard time picking up the left lead, he was very round and collected. So I allowed him a few strides before rewarding with a stop. Sometimes he is not very physically coordinated -- I don't know yet if it's his mind or something else, so we'll play with it. I think we'll work in figure 8 today and try to pick up a nice easy lope again.

2009-07-11T09:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I am back after a week away at kids camp as a counselor. It was fun, and I loved being in the area with my church family for a whole week. I was glad to come home to my own shower and bed though.
I also came home to my "riding package" from the savvy sale. It included freestyle and finesse patterns, along with calm ride, and natural collection dvd's. The more I see and learn about dressage the more my fascination and desire to learn increases. I think the excises and ingredients leading up to dressage will be a fantastic way to teach Tucker to use his muscles better.
We had people over on the 4th of July, and Tucker have pony rides to all the kids. He did wonderfully with all of them, and stayed very tuned into me as he packed around his cargo. But I was really able to take notice of how he moves, and it was obvious why his muscling is the way it is. The way he carries himself clearly shows where he lacks, and I can't wait to begin teaching him where to stretch and he can be more comfortable. Little things that seemed so small to me before are suddenly standing out as something he's telling me needs to change. Like mounting, he tosses his head slightly, he doesn't like transitions, and lateral flexion was difficult when he first got here but has gotten much better. Anyways, I'm so excited to be able to help him, and think it will be a fun journey to improve work on. Not to mention that the collection and finesse will first begin in my body, and I'm looking forward to learning how improving my own seat will help Tucker.

2009-07-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Rascal is doing fantastically well. He has so much more confidence. I have been trying to keep his sessions short and sweet. I realized that feeling like you're going to die for 30 minutes isn't as bad as feeling like you're going to die for 2 hours. ha! Not that I'm doing anything to purposely scare him, or hurt him...but as a severely right brain horse, we know he constantly wonders if he's gonna be the next bbq. So we have progressed well into level 2 ground skills. We've begun zone 3 driving instead of me leading him everywhere. Asking his nose to lead the way, instead of mine, will show me lots of thresholds that I would rather find on the ground than on his back.
Tucker is taking a little time off to gain some weight so we can really progress through our levels to be ready for Colorado next year. I really want his health to be good during the fall winter and spring and just not have that be a worry to us at all. Don't get me wrong, he is in good health, but in the past thinner horses tend to catch every illness and ailment that passes through when they're under-weight and cold. But his limp is gone, and is eye is 100% better.
Next week I will be away at kids camp as a councelor, and the week after that I'll be headed to So.California for a little vacation. Disneyland, Le Brea Tar Pits, and the beach are calling my name. So the ponies will have to do without the tall brunette with the orange stick for awhile.

2009-06-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

To start with, I am SOOOOOOOOO incredibly excited about the new courses. I cannot stop thinking about our trip next year.
With Tucker still not feeling "right" I decided to take it realllllly easy for awhile and just build the relationship. He's such a sweetheart. We've been working on lots of little things that will make games and patterns so much easier. It's interesting when you have something you can't do, like riding, how you suddenly can come up with dozens of other possibilities. Our yoyo needed work on the waiting part, and touch it needed help, and so many other things that I didn't take the time to work on beause they seemed so small.
I was able to rub Rascal all over with a plastic bag on my carrotstick. I waved it around, and swished it over his back, and he did wonderfully. He was tense like a RBI for awhile, but was much much more confident within several minutes. I watched a parelli video yesterday when Pat said something that stood out to me that I've heard hudreds of times before. Rythm, relaxation, and retreat. hmm, lick and chew. No need for things to get wild in order to train a horse?? hehe. I like it.

Professional Pathway

2009-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Parelli has released their "pathways" for those interested in becoming a parelli professional. It makes it so easy to see where I'm headed, and what I need to do to get there. I'm excited to have that map! I'll be working this summer to finish my level 2 riding, and head into level 3. I'd like to at LEAST be self assessed online by next spring. But I think I may be able to audition some of it too.
I started thinking that Tuck probably took a good tumble on the hills out there. He came off butte last week and has been looking sore ever since. May take him out and stretch his legs and back today. Can't imagine what the fall must have looked like to get a bloody nose, fractured orbit bone, and achy body. Scares me a little bit.
I've been trying to do extreme friendly with Rascal. I feel it's just his next step. He does well with most of the games, and now that he's not afraid of the halter, carrot stick, string, sneezing, stretching, hand clapping, or brushes...we can start playing with other objects! hahahaha! I've heard people say, "whenever you're with a horse, you're training him". And Rascal has definitely shown me that. We're ALWAYS learning something, and crossing new thresholds. It's so important to me to make sure he gets some sort of contact everyday so people in general are "regular" to have around. He's a load of fun, and teaching me a lot.

2009-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a lot of waiting for Tuckers eye to get better. It still looks...different. And now he's been limping on his front right. I guess he needed some time off. So I've been trying to get him to gain a little weight too.
I started liberty with Rascal. It went fairly well. We just practiced a bit of the first 3 games and catch me. I'm still suprised at how quickly he recovers now after something scares him. It used to be if I was the one who took him by suprise, he would stare at me a moment(like, "I cannot believe you just did that"), then explode. And it would be awhile before we could pick things back up. And he doesn't really explode anymore. He checks in with a quick "am I okay? am I okay?" and we're on to something else. So plunking our way along.
Pepper...still so strange to me. One minute he almost looks rideable, and I consider slipping a leg over. Then next I'm chasing him down the road. No joke. And that unpredictablity is why I'm not riding him yet. Had I never met this horse before I would have gotten on yesterday, but I knew better. Sigh. He's such a cute, clever little horse I would love to ride. Maybe we'll get there someday.

Of Vets and Pain Meds

2009-06-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

I looked out the window yesterday and saw the boys being silly out in the pasture, I went to grab my camera to snap a few shots, when I noticed Tuckers eye seemed weird. As I approached closer to see, I realized not only was his eye nearly swollen shut, but his nose was bleeding!
He had looked like something really clobbered him in the head. I had a good horsey friend come out and have a look, and she recommended a vet if not better in the morning. So I cleaned up his nose, and left him in the roundpen for the night.
This morning his nose was bleeding again, and his eye didn't look any better...so time to start seaching for a vet. What a task! To find someone you feel is trustworthy of poking and pulling your dear four legged friend. We really lucked out when we lived in Cool with an awesome vet whom I trusted with my horses life.
We eventually found someone willing to make an emergency call. He said Tucker may have even fractured the bone that goes over his eye! What the heck happend to my horse!? He said it didn't seem like we needed x-rays, and loaded us up on pain meds, The bleeding was from his sinuses, which should clear up in a couple days.
So Tucker boy will have about a week or two just getting better. Poor guy...
If anything Mr.Vet was impressed with how well he took his shots! hehe

2009-06-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today I got Liberty patterns and a natural hackamore! I loooooooove liberty. It feels great to put in all that hard work, then be able to take off all the ropes, and STILL have your horse asking you all kinds of questions, "What now? Circle? Sideways to that barrel over there? Or just hang out?" I love having a conversation and communication with my horses. I've really noticed how much they appreciate knowing what's expected of them, kind of eliminates the pressure. Both right brain and left brain, in any savvy. And I feel confident knowing what they expect of me, feels like it takes away the direct line thinking.
The hackamore is wonderful. It has such a great feel to it. Tucker hates the snaffle, and while we're working on bridle savvy, it's great to have a little more clear communication down the reins rather than just a halter and lead rope. I see him getting bored in the round pen when we ride. While I've advanced into the levels on the ground, I found I still have some old habits to break in the saddle. My mind draws a blank sometimes, and I need to be more interesting. No more circle circle circle. Break out the toys!
I also started Tuck on a new diet...in reverse. I hope to help him gain weight. So we'll see how it goes. I'm really excited to have found a natural way of adding calories to thin boy's feed!

2009-05-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

I try to get out with the boys early in the morning these days. It's just too hot!

I have been loving the back issues you can now watch on the savvy club website, there is SO much information! I watched one with Pat and his mare Magic giving a segment on bridless riding. It was sooo inspiring and gave me a lot to think about over the next couple days and weeks.
He spoke a lot of the old vaqueros, and how much our horsemanship sports are effected by it...and how far it's changed since the finesse of the vaquero. How you would HAVE to put the relationship first to really be able to have the precision exuberance needed for the sports they played. They rode like they had no reins. And that gave a clear understanding to me what Pat and Linda say when they tell you to bring up or down your energy. I knew it effected your horse, but I had no idea how much you could really use your seat to talk to your horse. How light can you be? And how can that lightness be applied to all savvys?
I really took a lot from the lesson, and look forward to putting it to practice!

2009-05-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

I've felt so buisy lately. I don't know why...I don't think I really am.
Anyways, yesterday was a great day with Rascal. I spent some time sending him around the barrel while I was sitting down. And then we played with the big excersize ball. I didn't think I would get far with it, but with a little approach and retreat I was able to hold it on his back for 7 seconds!! What a brave little horse. I'll have to get pics...or a video.
Getting real comfortable on Tucker. I actually get excited getting on instead of nervus. What a change from where I was last year. Actually this time last year I think I was really coming around to riding Avery, and we had come SO far. But I'm working on follow the rail and tit for tat. Hopefully we'll be ready to assess for level 2 soon! We also have to work on bridling savvy. Tuck really hates the bit in his mouth.
Pep loads in the trailer like a dream...now if only I can get the other two...Tucker is fine with going in, but really nervus on how he's gonna get out. So I think it's just a matter of teaching him he can back out, and step off the ledge.

2009-05-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I was looking forward to my first clinic with Ann Kiser in June. But That was cancelled due to her getting a 3 month trial position in Parelli. I'm stoked for her, and as a future professional always love seeing the program develop.
So what do I do now? I had goals! Well, now I still have goals, but just alone again. I'd love to get Tucker(well, all the boys) loading and traveling well, and at least go a couple places this summer to get used to working off the property. Pep is doing great with the trailer, and loads at liberty. Tuck I think doesn't mind getting in, but is worried about getting out. Can't blame him, he's a big guy!
I've set my eyes on level 3 ground, which is where I should be working having officially passed level 2 ground skills. But I can't seem to make myself believe I've made it that far. Like I still need work in level 2.
Riding is going well. I'm mostly riding bareback these days, and loving it! I can sit the trot now, so am able to work on our L2 riding without a saddle.
Tuckers weight and muscle are very slowly developing. He definitely could use a better topline, and I may experiment with hill therapy.
We'll see!

Cause your idea to become his idea, but understand his idea FIRST

2009-05-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

That phrase has been on my mind today, playing over and over in my head like someone pressed the "repeat" button.
So as I pulled each horse out there it would come up in my mind "Cause your idea to become his idea, but understand his idea FIRST". Understand his idea first. Understand his idea first. Understand his idea first. OKAYYYYYY!!! It was practically a song at that point. I realized that "his" idea is going to be different with every horse. And can be different everyday. So I decided to experiment a little.
I brought THE ball into the roundpen. Just one of those big exercise balls. And I would observe. What was his idea about it? Hmm...how interesting! It was different for each one.

It's so hard to explain what "understanding his idea" means. It's easier for me to feel than to put into words. Expecially having just learned it myself.
So based on horsenality, the LBI(which I think Tucker is mostly) would be more interested in just hanging out, and getting treats. So I don't take him into the roundpen and chase, do jumping-jacks, cartwheels, and ballet. He'd hate me within a week. I groom him, scratch a little, graze on the way to the roundpen, and plan out what we're gonna do. I've been trying to match his energy. So if he's half asleep looking, and pushing into my space, I'll go half asleep looking and send him out on a circle, with a loooooong phase 1, and quick 234. And am very assertive about it. After awhile he got a look like "What now!? sideways to the fence? the ball? YOU? How about cantering two laps then troting in to you??" okay! haha, I LOVE to see that exuberance. And then I make sure he gets rest and treats(his idea) before putting him away.
I've also been working on getting him comfortable in the trailer. He's good at 2 feet, but unconfident with 4. Hmmm, how interesting! So we're taking that a day at a time, and will hopefully be ready for a clinic in June!

2009-05-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love riding. I have missed it so much! I have always wanted to ride bareback and barefoot, I don't know why. Maybe it's some girl thing. So that's what I did! I loved it. Maybe not the safest thing, and I suddenly realized how close we ride to trees, and just how tall my horse is...but I had fun.
It's been a litle bit difficult to me to get on and not get into my old habits of micro-managing. I constantly am reminded that to be a good passanger, and not to drill. Same with the roundpen. I don't have to get in there and run my horses around. I don't even have to circle at all! So now it's really a matter of breaking MY old habbits.
Rascal is adorable. I love just hanging with him. He take my hat, and plays with my hands, and always checks to see whats in my pockets. He's doing great with his feet, and letting me swing the rope and play friendly game all over his back and legs. I'm excited for him. I like seeing horses comfortable and not in fear.
Pepper is doing great with the trailer! He loads at liberty, and I actually have a hard time convincing him to come back out!

2009-05-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been feeling so great the last couple days. But I can't stand just sitting here and not progressing in some way!! So I've been out with my boys while I feel up for it.
I spent about an hour riding Tucker today. Follow the rail really gave me a plan! I LOVE our roundpen!! Tucker isn't so great with turning, and just kinda leans into the pressure. So we started our FTR, and I kept redirecting him until my hands and legs no longer had a meaning to him. Okay...where's my carrot stick!? Took me awhile to remember that I could use that, and be sooooo much softer on his face. So we did walk and trot on the rail until he was moving softly off my hands and feet again. The whole time I had running through my head, "give him the best deal possible", "be as light as possible and as firm as nessacary". It really got me to thinking, HOW could be as light as possible? and HOW could start by giving him the best deal? I loved it. And I loved how light he was by the time I quit.
I also found a coule things for us to work on. One being sideways twards. I really think he'll enjoy learning another task, and I know it'll be cake for him. The other is to lift me onto his back with his neck. He can get his head waaaaaay down, and I don't think would have a problem tossing me up! So we'll take the time we need, and see how it goes.
Also been working with Pep in the roundpen. Can you say FABULOUS at liberty!!!?? What a treat after all our hard work to see his exuberant desire to play. He even loped a little for me yesterday. I'm so proud of how far he's come, and how much he's trying to trust me as I ask for more advanced things.
Sooooo, I'm basically having a blast. Good Boys.

2009-05-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a day today. I was actually not really wanting to get out with the horses today, but am SO glad I did.
First of all, I have a new round corral! It's gorgeous. We built it like the ones the Parelli's have, and I couldn't be more stoked about it. Its 3.5ft high and 50ft across. When I tell normal horse people about it, they kinda raise an eyebrow and after pausing for a moment ask, ".....won't the horse jump out?". I grin with my reply. I have always hated being in a roundpen with a horse. I feel trapped. And no doubt the horse does too. Now if the horse really wants out, he can go. I want to be careful not to push him to that point. Don't I want to encourage the horse to be with me? If he's willing to leap three and a half feet to get away from me, there's something wrong with the relationship. The one thing I put first with my horses.
Anyways, so I convinced myself to try it out with Pepper. He's always been tense in round pens...and I'm sure I didn't help. We started online with the 22' rope. Once I felt he was really with me, and took my ques, we went to liberty. WOO-HOO! He made great circles, had FABULOUS drive and DRAW! My goodness, I have never felt more harmony from this horse. I'm so proud of him, and can't wait to progress our journey!
I have way more hope for him than I ever have before.

2009-04-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

"Sandy,

Thank you for your level 1/2 online audition! We thank you for letting us be a part of your horsemanship journey!

Let me be the first to congratulate you on you level 2+!

You will receive your certificate in 4-8 weeks!

Comments:

You had a great circling game, and had a really nice neutral! in continuing on in your horsemanship journey i'd like to encourage you to work on your sideways and squeeze game! Continue having fun and we look forward to seeing future auditions from you!

Keep It Natural!
Jena Cody
Parelli Auditions Team 2009"

I'm totally stoaked about this! Very true that I need to work more on my sideways and squeeze. I loved getting that feedback. Don't think I can say much more other then EEEEEEKKKKKKK!!! hehe

Dave Ellis & Friends

2009-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today Dave Ellis did a Working Cows Naturally in Cottonwood. I could only stay for half a day, but what great information to chew on.
They started with just a little warm up in the arena, then headed over to the big pen(excuse my lack of cow terminology). 2 riders would go in at a time, with 2 cows. Each would pick one, and follow. Just follow, not chase, or get ahead. When every rider had done that, they would follow, and then ride up next to the cow until it made a change...any change! Change of direction or speed, or anything. It was interesting to see how a rider would try to convince a cow to back up, or stop. When the 2 cows would get next to each other, the riders would follow until they decided to separate. Didn't even know that would ever happen! ha. When the horse would build up some speed, Dave said not to pull to stop, but let the cow stop or slow down the horse. Just keep his nose pointed at that tail! 9 step back up, then shoot the cow, and walk out.
Then the whole group came into the pen(about 12 riders I think) and stood in a circle facing each other, and brought the cattle into the center of that circle. One rider would just circle quietly around the cattle, and easily slip through the middle of the herd, and then take their place back in the circle, and the next rider would go. After that the rider would circle, slip into the center of the herd, stop(to keep the herd split in 2) and then pick 1 cow. And would follow the 1 cow until he was on the outside of the herd(who would move back into a circled clump).
All of this was very calmly done, and really seemed to give the riders time to think about what they were doing, and what to do next. I also think it was a huge confidence builder for the horses who seemed skeptical of the cattle.
Dave told several people to put slack in the rein and slide their hands down when they wanted to turn, instead of keeping short reins. But I really saw the focus of the riders change, and saw their skills come out naturally when they were given a job. It was very cool.
Was a great day, and I just love going to clinics. VERY addicting!!! I can't wait to learn more!

Also Rascal coliced yesterday =( He's okay after hours of walking and a little banamine. But I was worried about the little man. He's an awesome pony and I love learning from him. Glad he's okay, and I hope he has a bright future ahead of him.
But my legs sure hurt after that much walking, and then sitting on those bleachers today!

2009-04-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

I've been riding and riding and playing and riding. And it feels great! Tucker is a special horse, and I know I;'m lucker to be hi human. I've been using the 22' line, and trying to work out puzzles from far distances. We've done a little bit of liberty(no ropes), and I had SOOOO much fun with that! He is very attentive, and watched closely for my ques. With riding I'm just trying to get softer turns and stops.
Pepper is doing good as well. I tryed a bit of liberty with him, and he actually did alright. I just have to remember to ask softly first. Something Tucker reminds me to do.
Rascal!! What a pony. He is doing great with picking up his feet, and I don't let his fidgeting bother me anymore. That alone seemed to settle him. He's been such a blast, and I love watching his lil pony eyes and ears drinking in information.
Dave Ellis, Anne Kaiser, and Don Halladay are in town for the next 3 days. I'm planning to go thursday, and know I'll get SO much information to load into my brain.
A new site is up, shareparelli.com. Looks like a great way to get youself out and meeting people. ha! Still learning the works of the deal.

2009-04-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

My level 1 online is UP!

I guess just copy and paste this until I can figure out links =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkK6gr-O6Ao

2009-03-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's been buisy around here lately, and so much fun.........most of the time.

Rascal -- So I've been learning about handling a green horses feet, and it's not as stressful(for me, ha!) as I thought it was. Rascal is doing great. Today we even tryed out figure 8 with barrels, and sending over a pole. He's a little skeptical as he is with almost everything, but put a lot of effort in.

Pepper -- I filmed my level 1 with Pep last week, and we are heading well into level 2 online! Can't seem to get my video loaded to youtube though. We tryed a little bit of liberty. It was interesting, and I'll be looking forward to trying more.

Tucker -- The first few days he was here was kinda stressful for him. He took to our mare a little too well, and wouldn't let us touch either of them. From what I saw, he was looking for leadership, and no-one was willing to give it to him, so he took over. He's much much calmer now, and has a pasture to himself. I try to play with him everyday, and I think he'll turn out to be a great horse....with a little leadership.

Saturday we went to Atwood Ranch to watch a level 3 clinic. It was so insightful. Very interesting to see that everything they did in the L3 finesse was what I had taken so many lessons on years ago. I can't wait to dive into it with Tucker, plus have all the other savvy's to go along with it. It looked like such fun!
Then afterwards we got a tour of the beautiful ranch, with the rollings hills and wildflowers blooming everywhere. All the horses were so friendly and I had a blast meeting them all and learning how the ranch operates. I think we'll be going back this summer for more clinics.

Tucker

2009-03-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided that with my professional goals that I've set, I really needed to get through the levels, officially audition, and really boost my learning. This is my education after all ;)

I began looking for a horse that can help ME get to a confident point in my seat, my riding, and my learning. With higher confidence and understanding, I can help teach my other horses as well.

"Humans teach horses; Horses teach humans"

So this gelding came up, and we went to meet him. I fell in LOVE with this horse! What a charactor. He has been through Level 3, and I think will really help me so much. We played on the ground, and went for a little test drive. It felt great, and I can't wait to spend more time with him. Such a funny guy, I know we're going to have a blast together.

2009-03-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogging for awhile, and had some time to re-organize my thoughts, and gain some new ideas.

My relationship with Pep is coming along nicely, and it looks like he will take me through my level one audition! We will film and send it out next week if all goes well! He has really been very very left brain, and walks the line of introvert and extrovert. Which I love, it has been fun to try out the online patterns, and we're cruising right in to level 2. He loves to paw at the tarp, and try new things.

Rascal is a new challenge. I believe he is left brain extrovert, but it's hidden waaay down under a right brain horse. When he's thinking, he loves to touch and grab everything with his lips. He feels EVERYTHING! I love that about him. We spend lots of undemanding time, and lots of rubbing. He yawns almost every session! Our eventual goal will be to pick up his feet nicely, and to really build his self confidence. Which should make him a fun horse to have around the barn, as he makes me laugh every day!

2009-01-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

In the months I have spent away from my computer I haven't done much more than improve my savvy. Pepper seems to be fairly introverted these days enjoying endless hours of sun-bathing and cleaning out my garden of all its greens(in preparation of the coming spring plants of course).
So I've acquired a new friend. He goes by the name of Rascal, and is a character inside and out. I'm borrowing him from a friend for awhile, in hopes that we'll benefit from each other.
Observing him in the pasture, he seems to be moderately Left Brain Extrovert; making sure he's met every horse within eye shot, dancing up and down the hills in the pasture, and has taken it upon himself to make sure Pepper is getting his daily exercise.
However, upon my entering the gates of his domain with my ropes and stick he turns Right Brain Introvert. Seems to always expect the worst out of me, but never having reason enough to flee and is slowly letting his extrovertedness seep out before me. When I'm not looking he likes to take things from my pockets, move the ropes around or knock the brushes off the fence. I like him very much, and am learning a lot about timing.

2008-08-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working on trying to be more assertive. I think that's the reason why we're having trouble with things like the circling game. He knows the circling game...I however, don't think I'm that good at it. So we're parcticing it a lot, all at the same time while trying not to bore Pep Boy to death. Sideways is also hard for me. I think I need to slow it down.

So that's all we're up to these days(well ya know, besides moving). And watching lots of videos on the new site :)

2008-08-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to figure out Pepper. He is a different horse everyday! Today he changed horsenalities a few times...when I first came into the pasture he was quite LBI. As we started to play I could see him kinda zone out....RBI. So I waited, and let him relax, and he yawned like crazy! Then deffinately went left brain. He tryed to take my ropes and stick in between yawns. And he stayed pretty LB the rest of the time we played.
Then at feeding time, I went down to the pasture to find a leaping, bounding, dancing, race horse! Even after I fed he trotted a couple laps around his stall before eating. Strange horse. Difficult day. So I didn't do too much, it was hard for me to keep up.

BUT I lovvvvve the changes to the savvyclub website! I feel there are more resources for me, and SOOOO much more for me to learn and gain savvy to help my dear PepBoy! Though it looks daunting and complicated, I really think it'll be easier to track progress, how to improve, and what gaps need to be filled in. So cool. Can't wait to see what other changes they will make.

2008-08-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day. I verrrrry rarely have a bad day with my horses anymore. I think for awhile I stopped enjoying them like I did when I first got Pepper. Everyday I find an "Oh Boy!" moment instead of an "Oh noooo..." moment. I truely have fun with my horse over every(well, pretty much) feat and obstacle. I love not getting frustrated or angry at my horse...what a concept eh? I think a lot of people don't enjoy horses as much as they think they do.

SO, something you should know...when I first got Pepper, sometime within that first year, I discovered quick release leadropes. They are designed so that when you have a "right brain" moment(or when your horse does =P ) you can grab the snap so that it automatically releases. Meant for easily tying your horse without having to tie up your horse.
So I had snapped Pepper to our new gadget, and went to grooming. I did something with his face(can't remember what), as he yanked his head back I instinctively grabbed the rope....the quick release rope! He held his head up and looked at me. Looked at the loose snap dangling from my hand. And I could see him think, "Freedom". I reached for the halter as he swung around and took off like a mailman from a dog. Eventually some cowboy man went down the road on his horse, and brought back my pony(I'm sure he watched our cartoon from a distance, and came over when he could stop gigling at the newbies).
Now you can fully appretiate yesterdays triumph. We were out in the field next to our house, no fences, and ages of yummy grass. I asked Pepper to circle, when I had a clumsy moment. I dropped the leadrope! Having a flashback to the quick release incident, and knowing this time there would be no cowboy to help me, I watched the leadrope drag in front of me. And then around me. I looked up............and Pepper was still circling. He casually made several laps around me, rope dragging in the weeds behind him, before coming back in to see if he could viset. Lots of scratches, and we headed back to the house for some jelly beans.

I'm looking forward to the new format Parelli is coming out with tomarrow. I was a bit worried at first about the change, but am thinking it's going to be pretty neat how everything fits together.

Go Get Your Horse and Mosey

2008-08-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to mosey with Pepper. We really haven't done much moseying(weird word). Maybe we've been moseying through level 1 and 2...but we don't mosey very often. How many times can I use mosey in a sentence!? haha! Anyways, it was a great was to observe his horsenality, and his thresholds. He's actually a fairly confident explorer. He's cautious, but not totally unconfident. Once he realized that moseying to the stack of hay bales wasn't the only place we would go for the day, he enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny with his nose. He closely examined the different types of ground we walked on, and really liked the asphalt on the road. He even tryed to lay down and roll! I didn't think it a good idea to roll in the middle of the road though, so we moved on. Was a good day...and I'm thinking he may actually be mostly LBI(on the ground, with some extrovert tendencies. That is when he's left brain anyways, and I don't think he actually goes RB very often, but I'm always paying attention to make sure I don't lose him in RBI. Cause I know how fast he can go to RBE! He's fun, and always makes me laugh.

2008-08-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Pepper is coming along slowly but surely. When he is LB and thinking, he learns very quickly. We're doing lots of stuff, like trotting next to me(not behind me), lead by the leg(he likes that one), circling, sideways, games 1,2, and 3 all the time, lots of yoyo, and just hanging out. circling needs some work, especially on the 22'. He likes to stay close, and not use the whole 22'. Lot's to learn. Always learning.

On the circling today he had a RBE moment, but a quick phase 4 brought him back, and I was glad of how quickly he came back to left brain attitude.

2008-07-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

I've just been kinda dinkin' around with Pepper.

He's not very confident with the circling game, and on bad days will explode RBE.
But it's been fun to teach him little tricks like how to bow and such. He's very proud, of what he can do for a treat. A little LBI...I think so. A little bit of everything! haha! It's hard to keep up with his extream changes. I always wonder what horse will show up at the gate.

Monday June 16

2008-07-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted again in awhile. Losing my pal Avery to colic has been a hard thing to grasp.

I miss him dearly, and always will. There will be a page just for him under "my partners" where you can learn more about Avery.

Pepper is home now, and I hope to continue my Parelli journey with him to develop and further my savvy.

2008-06-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in awhile. I got kinda caught up in the Horse Expo I think. I volunteered for the Parelli Booth at the Western States Horse Expo last weekend. I think it was great for me. Just small enough for me to be comfortable, but just big enough to get me out of my comfort zone and learning. What cool people. Very fun for me to be around, and would love to volunteer again someday.

Avery is doing GREAT with sideways. He's even doing alright with circling...okay, so we make half circles, but that is WAY more than we were doing. I'm also getting myself more comfortable with working outside the pasture. I don't know why it makes me so nervus. The only difference is the fence, and which side of it we're on. But I'm doing well with "my" thresholds. haha!

2008-06-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

I had to switch gears a little today. I went down to the pasture to find a bouncing bolting playful horse! Not something I see very often. So we went straight into our games. We're doing good leading from zone 3 now, and doing good with putting his nose on something. I started making half circles today(on the same side of the fence), and stopped him and started over every time he started to run me over. He's doing better about having a happy face. As I get more interesting, Avery gets more interested. I see some extrovert qualitites. Not a lot, but enough to look happy and not bored all the time.

2008-05-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day with Avery! I brought in 2 buckets, and placed them about 30ft apart, and set a treat on each of them. I started to lead him from zone 3 to one of the buckets...but it took awhile, as he was dragging his feet not caring about what we were doing. When we got to the first bucket, he picket up the treat with look as if he was surprised to find it there. Drove him to the next one, and ta-DA! Another treat! NOW this was an interesting game! He knocked over the bucket to make sure he got everything. Drove back to the first bucket(and tossed a treat on it before we got there) and he knocked it over too. Did this several times before moving on.
Then we went to a gate(by now he's looking for where a treat might appear if he puts his nose on it), and he shoved the gate making it open. Good boy! I gave him a treat.
Swung around at the hanging jolly ball, got a treat. Opened another gate, and pushed the big exercise ball around.
I think he really gets this game now. I'm hoping it'll help our circling too.

2008-05-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Spent some undemanding time with Avery today. He stood by me the whole time, and didn't go wandering off. He used to leave within minutes. Progress! He wants to chill with me! It's great to see a little bit of trust.
Tryed out sideways with the 22'. It needs work. I realized that I need to work on using all the 22' not just 12. haha!
Other than that, I'm trying to keep a balance of love, language, and leadership. It's hard to make the language clear, and the leadership strong enough. Will continue to work on it though.

2008-05-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

Well...today I touched a little deeper into challenging dominance. I've really only been playing the first 4 games, and advancing them everyday. The circling game, sideways game, and squeeze are very challenging for me. I'm very afraid that when I have to "tag" my horse because he is so unmotivated, that he'll explode. He'll come over the top of me, kick me in the head, then run over me, and then sky will fall suffocating me. I know that's unrealistic, but seems very possible when I'm in the situation.
So, today I got on the other side of the fence. He rampages this way and that until the fence stops him. So I let him for awhile until the adrenaline came down, and he was doing it somewhat more coolly. At one point he just turned away from me, and walked away. I tagged his hindquarters, and he reared! So high, and so close to the fence I thought his front end might come over it. hmm. how interesting -- when the hind end is tagged, the front end comes up. A little bit later he walked away again. I tagged his HQ and pulled his head slightly toward me. THIS time he let out one HUGE kick, and all 4 feet came off the ground. Okay. One more calm lap, and I had to quit. That all got way to close to my theory of the sky falling. Will try again tomorrow. Not much enticement to ride.

2008-05-23T12:57:00.001-07:00

The last few sessions have been kinda similar with a bit of variety. But basically we're working on, sideways, leading from zone 3, and "wipe that snotty look off your face!".
Now that I'm slowly getting my confidence back, I decided to not allow those snotty ears to be pinned anymore. If I can get that straight and sorted out on the ground, I'd be a lot more comfortable with riding. I find myself saying a lot lately "why fix something from the saddle what can be fixed from the ground?"
He checks in a lot, and lets me know when he needs a treat. He pushes the bucket, and the jolly ball when I point to them. I can rub his tounge, and am still working on his feet. He doesn't like to hold up his left front. Wierd horse. But lots of fun!

2008-05-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile, I've just been too lazy to log in my days the last few weeks. We've been pretty much doing the same thing. Just practicing the 7 games with different obstacles. Our sideways game has been waaaaaay slow. What I do is face his side, then "push"(with the carrot stick) his front end, then hind end. Usually he swings his hind end too far, and ends up face to face with me. So today I stepped it up a notch, and asked his front end to go before he could face me again. It was pretty cool, and I could actually see that what we were doing was sideways and not just the driving game bakc and forth.
Started the circling game...but I wasn't very confident about it. So I'll leave that for another day. Also started playing in his mouth, an dwith his legs. LOTS of friendlyness.

Over the weekend we went to Atwood Ranch's open house. It was pretty cool to see Pat and Kalley play with horses. It always is. It was strange though seeing Remmer and Allure happily grazing out in a pasture. And even stranger meeting Linda. It's just wierd to meet someone I have already learned SO much from, and she has no idea who I am. But I had fun. It was a great weekend.

2008-04-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

I played with Avery for just a little bit today. I really want to get my circling game good. He has a dominance issue with it, and I think if I can get myself to push him through it, and tag him at just the right times, it'll help a lot.
He can just explode sometimes though, clearly in a dominant way. Usually my fear gets the better of me, and I abandon the rope, the horse, and all, and hide behind a tree until the explosion settles. That's about how riding goes too. I think I'd feel better to get the circling game good because it is so similar to his antics and fits when riding. Why work in the saddle what I can work on the ground? Shouldn't be a fight.
I also know I have to retreat, and reward at the right times too. I've got a lot to practice. Should be fun though.

2008-04-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I played with Avery today. I've been trying to lead from zone 3 for awhile now(zone 3 is the middle of the horse, between the withers/shoulder, and the hindquarters). It's really an interesting thing to do with your horse instead of lugging him everywhere. You reveal thresholds because they're "leading" and your sort of guiding, just as you would be from the saddle.

Anyways, I've had a really hard time keeping Avery motivated to keep moving forward while i stay in zone 3.

Today I realized that first I need to get him to walk with me. And arrive with me. So...we just walked. I walked very intently, and had an objective to arrive somewhere with a plan. Anywhere. And he stepped up his pace, and I actually saw some energy come up in him, and an interest in what we were doing! After awhile, I was leading from zone 3 with lots of motivation from Avery. It was VERY cool for me.

Avery is a horse that is extreamly difficult to keep motivated to do ANYTHING! I've realized(now...after having done things much differently, and quite unaffectivly) that once you engage his mind in something he will put in all his effort.

I also brought out our excersize ball to play with. We played lots of friendly game(approach and retreat), and then the yoyo game. I would back him up past it, then ask him to come forward in front of it, causing him to "bring" the ball to me. By the end of the day we were playing with the ball at liberty. It was a pretty good day.

2008-04-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Avery is so different from Pepper. He is very left brain, and clever! I had a hard time keeping up with his quick thinking today.
I asked him to circle around and go through 2 trees, a task we have done many times before. Well he decided to just wrap around both trees, and THEN go through them! What a tangled mess my rope was!
He doesn't like the circling game, it's too predictable for him. He knows what's going to happen, and doesn't understand why I keep asking him to circle. So we don't do that long before moving on to the next game.
I had him standing with his front feet up on a pallet, and he was doing well...but when I asked for all 4 feet the pallet broke, his foot fell through the slats, and a few large pieces of wood went shooting out from under him. He perked his ears forward and manuvered his foot out carefully, and casually, as if he had only found a new puzzle to work out.
Such a smart horse, I can't wait to see what kinds of things we'll be able to accomplish.

2008-04-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Just got back from viseting with Pepper. His horsenality changes just about everyday. The day I rode he was inately Left Brain Introvert. Today he was Right Brain Introvert, trying to go extrovert! So I decided it was absolutely best not to ride.
We started with circling game. We did great at the walk, making several laps. He did well with the trot, but was having a hard time staying in a left brain way of thinking. His head came up, his legs got stiff, and he was constantly looking around him as if looking for a way out. I think he was a bit shocked that I didn't push him harder into a lope or gallop.
He had a hard time manuvering through the jumps I directed him twards. In order to go over a jump, ideally, he would be looking where he was going. But since he was traveling with his head up, hollowed back, and stiff legs, it took a few trys to make it over the jump somewhat gracefully.
He was also absolutely not willing to go anywhere near moms white sweater. So I took it and played with it around him. I put it over his neck, but he was so distracted, he didn't even realize it was there for about 5 seconds. When he just about went LBE.
So we played lots of friendly game until he relaxed. Even his lips were persed togather. He did relax though, especially on the way back to the pasture.
It was an intersting day, and I'm curious to see how he'll be next time.
Hard to imagine I had such a good ride on this horse just a few days before.

2008-04-18T19:52:00.001-07:00

Didn't spend too much time today. Just spent some time at liberty with Avery. He's gotten pretty good with porkypine game moving the forequarters, and okay with the hindquarters. Pretty good with driving game, but tends to escape when drving the front end. Backs up great, and comes to great(yoyo)! Gets a sour expression quite a bit, but I expect that from the LBI. Otherwise he seems willing, and puts in some effort!

one step at a time

2008-04-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today I went to go viset with Pepper. He is my horse who was abused when his last owner rode him. So he is such a sweet heart to be around on the ground, but when it comes to riding he is very Right Brain Extrovert(i.e. - impulsive, scared, can only think of how to get away).

So I started in the arena just playing some games on the ground as usuall. Porkypine, here and there, circle, yo-yo, etc.etc. We went through some poles, over jumps, and between barrels. When we were done, I parked him next to the mounting block to practice leaning on him. I have been leaning on him for awhile now, and usually do at the end of every session. I wait until he relaxes, and then rub him, and put him back.
Well today he wasn't tense at all! In fact, he fell asleep! So I slipped a leg over, and sat on him. Not much of a reaction, so I rubbed him. Then he started walking a little, so we walked a circle, and ended up back at the mounting block! I am SO excited, and feel so accomplished! I hope to continue to help Pepper feel secure with a person on his back.

I felt so great about Pepper, that I went home and sat on Avery! haha, He's so crabby sometimes. We played first, adn he trotted 1 circle in the circling game(which is great, by the way)! He broke the pallet and got his foot stuck...but was very calm in figuring out what to do about it. So, I did some leaning with him too, and hopped on! He tossed his head, but I expect that from my grouchy left brain introvert(dull, snotty, clever). We walked a few steps, and he pinned his ears and tossed his head again. Not wanting to get into a fight in a heavily wooded sloping area, I quickly decided it was best to quit there.

I am so excited to have come SO far with these 2 horses. And I know we still have so far to go! I can't wait to continue to learn and make progress!

keep it natural

a bit of an intro

2008-04-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I started with Parelli Natural Horsemanship. With how far I've come, and with what goals I have, I thought it would be fun to start a blog. Maybe it's only fun for me, but I'm more than happy to share with those who are interested in what I'm up to.

I'll start this entry by telling you about what all this is about.

I have 2 horses. One is a real sweetheart, but has been through a lot, and is quite unpredictable when ridden. The other I bought as a 2 year old, and through a matter of events, he is still rather green.

I aquired an extream fear of all horses the last couple years. And it's been very difficult to deal with. When we brought them home for the first time in about a year, I had trouble leading, and managing my horse let alone riding. I was ready to give up horses all togather. It wasn't worth the fear, frustrations, and feeling like a failure, to keep them.
It was then I saw Pat and Linda for the second time at the horse expo, and was fascinated. Not just by them but by their students. I knew if they could do these things with they're horses, then I could too! I decided to be dedicated to the program, and knew I would get results.

I got Level 1 last Setember for my birthday, and have now moved on to Level 2. There are 3 levels to complete at home. After that I can go to the Parelli center in Colorado.We haven't started riding yet, but I look forward to that very soon. But I know I can do anything with my horse, and cause him to WANT to do it, because of understanding the horses psychology!

I've learned about how the horse thinks, and about his body language. It's REALLY cool, and super helpful. I hope someday to be on the Savvy Team, like the students I saw that day, and help people help their horses, and feel GOOD about it!

keep it natural