Oh my god! I repeat! OMG! Just sitting down to write this blog made my thighs clench into stones and not release! It's like having a cramp with every movement I make.
This morning my thighs yelled at me to not get on that horse but I did it anyway.
Apart from the obvious pain Teddy was legendary. Seriously that horse has a lot more going on then he's been letting be known. I did my practise of posh reining, all the other stuff about keeping my body in position, as well as the balancing stuff. Probably a 45 minute session. I did it all at a walk so I could really concentrate on getting it right and I was really happy with my progress.
And Teddy just performed like a pro. I would just turn my head and Teddy knew where to go. He was better than the school horse I rode yesterday. He wasn't pushy or forward, he did everything I asked of him and the second half of the practise was done through grass as long as his legs so he had to concentrate on where he was going as well as what I was asking of him. After the first trip up in the grass he was right on the ball and did a great job.
I have to thank you Teddy, you could have tried it on but you didn't. Nothing phased you, not even the heat, and you worked up a little sweat. You wanted to make me happy and you did. You're wonderful!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
#64 - I copped a beating and then I met Elvis!
Little do people realise the strength required and muscles used to ride a horse - particularly when it is done properly. My aching thighs, its unbelievable and I'm doing it all again tomorrow on my own. Yep a glutton for punishment.
I had my second dressage lesson today and I was on the horse for over an hour and easily spent 3/4 of that time out of the seat balancing with my thighs; you're not allowed to use the stirrups, reins etc for support, heels must be down, chest out, arms by sides, knees loose, back straight, pelvic forward, you can't use any of your muscles below the knee, you must have contact with your calves on the horse, shoulders back, grip those reins but don't use them! My instructor wont even let me look at the horse when I'm on him! All this at a trot and not even a rising trot as you only get to go back into the saddle when you cant stay up any longer. Count, count, count for how long you did it successfully then do it again. As you can imagine its a TOTALLY NATURAL state for your body to be in for an hour!
After the ride I watch some others do a trial and then went and visited my friend Justine to meet her adopted foal Elvis.
As Justine puts it, the real Elvis drew people to him in droves and apparently so does this little bloke, hence the name. Also he was born very small and his legs were wonky, he used to shake them to the side like he was doing the Elvis dance! Dare I say it... he was all shook up! God that jokes so bad I'm keeping it!
This poor Elvis is a twin but his mother rejected him and kept his sister. She didn't want the runt I guess. The mare's owners couldn't afford the time to raise a newborn foal so Justine took him on and an excellent job she is doing.
He has gained heaps of weight after r
ound the clock feeds every three hours and his crooked legs have straighten right up. Though he's still a runt wearing the dogs coat!
I think the photos of him are great particularly the one with his little doggy play mate - at least they can share their wardrobe for now. Elvis also has the total run of the house inside and out!
Way to go Elvis!
I had my second dressage lesson today and I was on the horse for over an hour and easily spent 3/4 of that time out of the seat balancing with my thighs; you're not allowed to use the stirrups, reins etc for support, heels must be down, chest out, arms by sides, knees loose, back straight, pelvic forward, you can't use any of your muscles below the knee, you must have contact with your calves on the horse, shoulders back, grip those reins but don't use them! My instructor wont even let me look at the horse when I'm on him! All this at a trot and not even a rising trot as you only get to go back into the saddle when you cant stay up any longer. Count, count, count for how long you did it successfully then do it again. As you can imagine its a TOTALLY NATURAL state for your body to be in for an hour!
After the ride I watch some others do a trial and then went and visited my friend Justine to meet her adopted foal Elvis.
As Justine puts it, the real Elvis drew people to him in droves and apparently so does this little bloke, hence the name. Also he was born very small and his legs were wonky, he used to shake them to the side like he was doing the Elvis dance! Dare I say it... he was all shook up! God that jokes so bad I'm keeping it!
This poor Elvis is a twin but his mother rejected him and kept his sister. She didn't want the runt I guess. The mare's owners couldn't afford the time to raise a newborn foal so Justine took him on and an excellent job she is doing.
He has gained heaps of weight after r
ound the clock feeds every three hours and his crooked legs have straighten right up. Though he's still a runt wearing the dogs coat!I think the photos of him are great particularly the one with his little doggy play mate - at least they can share their wardrobe for now. Elvis also has the total run of the house inside and out!
Way to go Elvis!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
#63 - Took Teddy to the Kyneton riding ground
Today Teddy and I walked down the road to the Kyneton riding ground. He was excellent. After the last episode a few months back he was actually unbelievably good. He was great near the roads, did all that I asked, didn't freak out over anything and apart from being on full alert he took the time to graze etc. In short he trusted me.
I couldn't be happier with his progress. It just goes to show he has turned the corner to feeling safe with me and that the hard work is definitely paying off.
One thing that concerns me is there is a section of the trip that I think is unsafe and I want to find an alternative path. The road is 80km single lane either side, typical country road, but there is a section were there is a storm water flood way that leads directly to the road. Before and after this there is a lot of land either side so you can walk a reasonable distance from to roads edge. At this section you cant so you have to cross the road at a diagonal to get past it safely and then cross again to get on my side of the road. Each cross also requires negotiating the embankments. If there is traffic or some yahoo comes down there too fast (I think the average driver is doing 100 km anyway) then it could be disastrous.
I think there is a possible alternative where I can go to our back gate into the neighbours property, through their property's back gate to the bushland resort. Then all I would have to do would be to walk through the resort straight to the riding grounds. The thing is they're the 'weird' neighbours and I'd prefer not to have too much to do with them. I also don't know if there is access at that gate. I'll have to look into this further before asking them if I can access when I want. If they say yes I'd "owe" them which would be a worrying prospect considering the stories I've been told.
I couldn't be happier with his progress. It just goes to show he has turned the corner to feeling safe with me and that the hard work is definitely paying off.
One thing that concerns me is there is a section of the trip that I think is unsafe and I want to find an alternative path. The road is 80km single lane either side, typical country road, but there is a section were there is a storm water flood way that leads directly to the road. Before and after this there is a lot of land either side so you can walk a reasonable distance from to roads edge. At this section you cant so you have to cross the road at a diagonal to get past it safely and then cross again to get on my side of the road. Each cross also requires negotiating the embankments. If there is traffic or some yahoo comes down there too fast (I think the average driver is doing 100 km anyway) then it could be disastrous.
I think there is a possible alternative where I can go to our back gate into the neighbours property, through their property's back gate to the bushland resort. Then all I would have to do would be to walk through the resort straight to the riding grounds. The thing is they're the 'weird' neighbours and I'd prefer not to have too much to do with them. I also don't know if there is access at that gate. I'll have to look into this further before asking them if I can access when I want. If they say yes I'd "owe" them which would be a worrying prospect considering the stories I've been told.
Monday, December 27, 2010
#62 - Another great day with Teddy
Things just seems to be going from strength to strength with Teddy.
Tacked him up this morning and all went very well. He resisted the bridle but I remained very calm and patient and it eventually went on. So I took it off again and we done the whole thing 4 times over. He was quite OK with it by the second go. I also used his regular bridle and there was no indication of a problem with his mouth at all.
He was great and I am wrapped that things are going so well. I do expect to see some issues sooner or later as its inevitable that something will happen but we are definitely mates now and that's what matters.
Tacked him up this morning and all went very well. He resisted the bridle but I remained very calm and patient and it eventually went on. So I took it off again and we done the whole thing 4 times over. He was quite OK with it by the second go. I also used his regular bridle and there was no indication of a problem with his mouth at all.
He was great and I am wrapped that things are going so well. I do expect to see some issues sooner or later as its inevitable that something will happen but we are definitely mates now and that's what matters.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
#61 - Had my first professional riding lesson today
I drove to Bolinda today to have the first riding lesson of my life with Kim. I've been on horses since I was about 11 years old but was never taught and never really accomplished at it. I decided when I got Teddy that I wanted to be a good horse person on the ground and in the saddle. Today was my first step towards the latter. I will be working at it a lot now I am on a holiday break.
Kim from Aurum Equestrian Centre was great, really friendly, down to earth and explained herself well. Luckily I knew a person who put in a good word for me as she doesn't advertise lessons any more and is apparently selective about who she will take on.
I rode a beautiful 16.1 hh palomino gelding named Dick. Stocky as they come. Unfortunately for Dick I called him Teddy more times then not. Ahh well!
I have started at the very beginning as its important to me that I master balance and rhythm. It also appears that I have unknowingly been riding western style. I neck rein, sit deep etc. But these lessons will be based in dressage; though I doubt I will be progressing to traditional dressage work.
I learnt a lot in my first day and was really happy that I'm finally on the path to accomplishing another dream. I will be back in the saddle on Thursday.
Until then I will continue to do ground work with Teddy and prepare him for saddle work as I learn it. Tomorrow I will just tack him up and not ride, just to see how he goes with the bit. If all goes well I will do some ground work with him across the road at the riding centre.
It was like Teddy knew I was going to see another horse this morning. As I left he was neighing out and buying for my attention. He got a quick chat and then I was in the car. When I got home we hung out and I told him all about the new smell on my jumper! He was more interested in tickling my feet though!
Kim from Aurum Equestrian Centre was great, really friendly, down to earth and explained herself well. Luckily I knew a person who put in a good word for me as she doesn't advertise lessons any more and is apparently selective about who she will take on.
I rode a beautiful 16.1 hh palomino gelding named Dick. Stocky as they come. Unfortunately for Dick I called him Teddy more times then not. Ahh well!
I have started at the very beginning as its important to me that I master balance and rhythm. It also appears that I have unknowingly been riding western style. I neck rein, sit deep etc. But these lessons will be based in dressage; though I doubt I will be progressing to traditional dressage work.
I learnt a lot in my first day and was really happy that I'm finally on the path to accomplishing another dream. I will be back in the saddle on Thursday.
Until then I will continue to do ground work with Teddy and prepare him for saddle work as I learn it. Tomorrow I will just tack him up and not ride, just to see how he goes with the bit. If all goes well I will do some ground work with him across the road at the riding centre.
It was like Teddy knew I was going to see another horse this morning. As I left he was neighing out and buying for my attention. He got a quick chat and then I was in the car. When I got home we hung out and I told him all about the new smell on my jumper! He was more interested in tickling my feet though!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
#60 - What an excellent session with Teddy
Wow Teddy was fantastic today, if I didn't know better I'd think that he was a different horse!
We haven't done any ground work in a few weeks so I went out there with everything in hand, halter, lead rope, carrot stick, brush box etc and he came to me. Then when I put the halter on he didn't even turn his head away! Then we reviewed lessons 1 through 5 of Parelli and he did it all like a dream. Then I jogged with him beside me up and down the hallway a few times and, if anything, he was a bit lazy about it but still did it fine.
We are off to a great start to my holiday break. Way to go Teddy Bear!
We haven't done any ground work in a few weeks so I went out there with everything in hand, halter, lead rope, carrot stick, brush box etc and he came to me. Then when I put the halter on he didn't even turn his head away! Then we reviewed lessons 1 through 5 of Parelli and he did it all like a dream. Then I jogged with him beside me up and down the hallway a few times and, if anything, he was a bit lazy about it but still did it fine.
We are off to a great start to my holiday break. Way to go Teddy Bear!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
#59 - Teddy has made contact with aliens!
Yes it is true! My boy Teddy may very well be sending messages to alien visitors and I'm talking the big headed, grey dudes with huge eyes!
How do I know this you ask? Well let me tell you - the first hint was when I noticed all the tracks he has left in the knee high grass of his paddock. Then the tracks became more and more elaborate. If you were looking down at the paddock from a great height these tracks would definitely form some sort of pattern.
I couldn't work out what the images (messages) Teddy was making were at first. So I got him to show me his work. Very extensive imagery let me tell you ... There was a large Y shape, lots of branch offs, a huge square shape and a large round circle. I know the average person might think that the large square is just the track around the boundary of the paddock, and maybe the large circle is where he rolled and perhaps that Y is just tracks he makes from walking either side of the gum trees... but I did start to wonder. Hmmm.
But then today I found FURTHER EVIDENCE of alien activity. Walking around the paddock chatting with Teddy I was stopped in my tracks (and the tracks Teddy has added for the aliens)... there in front of me on the ground was a mutilated duck! Seriously! It had its head removed and its body was all gross! Just like an alien cattle mutilations but this was a duck!
Now I do realise that some people might say there is another explanation, that possibility a fox killed the duck... but seriously what are the odds of that happening?
Together all the evidence clearly spells ALIENS!
I'm keeping a close eye on Teddy just in case they try and beam him up. I'll keep you posted on any further developments. Until then ... keep your eyes on the skies my friends...
How do I know this you ask? Well let me tell you - the first hint was when I noticed all the tracks he has left in the knee high grass of his paddock. Then the tracks became more and more elaborate. If you were looking down at the paddock from a great height these tracks would definitely form some sort of pattern.
I couldn't work out what the images (messages) Teddy was making were at first. So I got him to show me his work. Very extensive imagery let me tell you ... There was a large Y shape, lots of branch offs, a huge square shape and a large round circle. I know the average person might think that the large square is just the track around the boundary of the paddock, and maybe the large circle is where he rolled and perhaps that Y is just tracks he makes from walking either side of the gum trees... but I did start to wonder. Hmmm.
But then today I found FURTHER EVIDENCE of alien activity. Walking around the paddock chatting with Teddy I was stopped in my tracks (and the tracks Teddy has added for the aliens)... there in front of me on the ground was a mutilated duck! Seriously! It had its head removed and its body was all gross! Just like an alien cattle mutilations but this was a duck!
Now I do realise that some people might say there is another explanation, that possibility a fox killed the duck... but seriously what are the odds of that happening?
Together all the evidence clearly spells ALIENS!
I'm keeping a close eye on Teddy just in case they try and beam him up. I'll keep you posted on any further developments. Until then ... keep your eyes on the skies my friends...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
#58 - One of my happiest moments so far!
I know I'm just being a big softy but even though this was a small thing it meant so much to me that it brought tears to my eyes.
I got home from work tonight at around 8.30pm. Teddy is in a front paddock and he saw my car, or me, not sure which, recognised it and came running to the road side. As I drove up the driveway he jumped around and followed the car at a trot all the way to the end of the drive, prancing around and flicking his head about. He then waited at the gate with his head hanging over the side for me to come and see him. As I stepped out of the car he gave a little nicker.
I was just so happy. He was happy to see ME and excited to see ME! He wanted my attention and pats and time and I am just so proud that nearly 6 months on I think he finally and genuinely sees me as an important part of his life. Not feed or water as he has that - just ME!
I got home from work tonight at around 8.30pm. Teddy is in a front paddock and he saw my car, or me, not sure which, recognised it and came running to the road side. As I drove up the driveway he jumped around and followed the car at a trot all the way to the end of the drive, prancing around and flicking his head about. He then waited at the gate with his head hanging over the side for me to come and see him. As I stepped out of the car he gave a little nicker.
I was just so happy. He was happy to see ME and excited to see ME! He wanted my attention and pats and time and I am just so proud that nearly 6 months on I think he finally and genuinely sees me as an important part of his life. Not feed or water as he has that - just ME!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
#57 - Halter off and all systems go!
It's been a flat out time for me at the moments, I think this time of years it's the same for everyone. Work has dominated so the majority of the time I spend with Teddy is bonding time and it has proved to be very beneficial. I'm still with him each day but one day it could be for 5 minutes and the next it could be 45 minutes.
He's either in the riviera or the hallway (name of two of our paddocks) as the top paddock has the 3 cows in it and they are getting to know each other. Teddy has been seeking me out, he plays scratching games, always wants to be with me, he follows me around and knows that if I stop walking he has to stop behind me and not let his neck pass my side. He does this every time now.We spend most of our social time with him loose but every other day its all done on lead and all has been good. He gets attention and neighs out for attention when he sees me. He is even seeking Steve out and Steve is responding with a pat! I actually think Steve is starting to like him!
The other day I took a handful of chaff out to him with some vitamins in it and he loved it (I do this about every third day). I left the little tub I used in the paddock with Teddy. The next day I came home from work and he was at the fence so I walked over and had a chat and pat. Teddy picked up the tub with his teeth and placed it on top of the gate, holding on to it and nodding his head up and down in front of my face. I laughed and he flung it over the gate at my feet! I love that cheeky streak in him.
I still see a tiny bit of negative attitude about the lead rope but he usually just walking a few steps away then he stops and lets me drape it around his neck. I feels that is pretty good progress, at least its a far cry for running a mile.
The halter is now off him (as of today) and I will see what comes next.
He's either in the riviera or the hallway (name of two of our paddocks) as the top paddock has the 3 cows in it and they are getting to know each other. Teddy has been seeking me out, he plays scratching games, always wants to be with me, he follows me around and knows that if I stop walking he has to stop behind me and not let his neck pass my side. He does this every time now.We spend most of our social time with him loose but every other day its all done on lead and all has been good. He gets attention and neighs out for attention when he sees me. He is even seeking Steve out and Steve is responding with a pat! I actually think Steve is starting to like him!
The other day I took a handful of chaff out to him with some vitamins in it and he loved it (I do this about every third day). I left the little tub I used in the paddock with Teddy. The next day I came home from work and he was at the fence so I walked over and had a chat and pat. Teddy picked up the tub with his teeth and placed it on top of the gate, holding on to it and nodding his head up and down in front of my face. I laughed and he flung it over the gate at my feet! I love that cheeky streak in him.
I still see a tiny bit of negative attitude about the lead rope but he usually just walking a few steps away then he stops and lets me drape it around his neck. I feels that is pretty good progress, at least its a far cry for running a mile.
The halter is now off him (as of today) and I will see what comes next.
Friday, December 3, 2010
#56 - Horse question if anyone can help
I have Teddy in the hallway this weekend and I took him out some water and watched him drink, something I don't do regularly. I noticed that he took a drink then when he lifted his head just above the bucket he had a wide yawning expression on this face without the eye fluttering, and he was rolling his tongue around. He took another drink and did the same thing. Then again. I took a good look in his mouth while he was doing it and couldn't see anything, though his tongue block sight of the back of his mouth. Other times I have seen him drink he hasn't done this and I cant recall ever seeing a horse do this. It is usually just slurp, slurp and that's it. After that he just played with the bucket and the grooming box which he has always done.
I might be being paranoid but I will see if I can capture it on tape tomorrow and post it.
I was wondering if it's normal or if it was a sign of anything I should be concerned about. I was thinking of getting a dentist out soon (when I take some time off work shortly) so I can eliminate dentistry issues being related to his sudden bridle (and halter) aversion.
Is this a sign of anything as far as any of you knowledgeable horse people out there know of?
Thanks in advance
I might be being paranoid but I will see if I can capture it on tape tomorrow and post it.
I was wondering if it's normal or if it was a sign of anything I should be concerned about. I was thinking of getting a dentist out soon (when I take some time off work shortly) so I can eliminate dentistry issues being related to his sudden bridle (and halter) aversion.
Is this a sign of anything as far as any of you knowledgeable horse people out there know of?
Thanks in advance
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
#56 - foot and mouth
Finally had the farrier trim Teddy's feet and then when I went to give Teddy some worm paste he reared up. The farrier decided I needed help and was anchoring down on him just making things worse. I just watched then said to the farrier to hand him to me. I let Teddy sniff the worm paste and easily gave it to him.
Interestingly I didn't ask for help in the first place, brute stretch didn't help in this situation and I was please my solution was easier and better.
Interestingly I didn't ask for help in the first place, brute stretch didn't help in this situation and I was please my solution was easier and better.
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