Thursday, January 23, 2014
Gran Teddy Auto: #198 - I could have closed the float behind Gran t...
Gran Teddy Auto: #198 - I could have closed the float behind Gran t...: She went in voluntarily. I didn't close the doors because I wanted it to be a good experience. In time. We are slowly getting there....
#198 - I could have closed the float behind Gran today!
She went in voluntarily. I didn't close the doors because I wanted it to be a good experience.
In time.
We are slowly getting there.
In time.
We are slowly getting there.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
#197 - well she's back in the float - actually they both are!
Gran went back in the float today of her own accord, albeit in order to score some lucerne hay. She was fine and then Teddy wanted in on the action and tried to get in the float as well but they both couldn't fit. Out she came with her ears pinned to meet Teddy who tried to bite her, even though he had his own food. I broke up the little tantrum and she went back in to finish.
I watched her intently and she wasn't comfortable at first but she seemed fine by the half way point. She finished and wandered off.
At least we are at the same point we were at before the spook session, so that us a relief.
Time to step it up a tad soon.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Gran Teddy Auto: #196 - We did it!
Gran Teddy Auto: #196 - We did it!: After a very difficult start this morning we finally did it! I was on my own and planned to ride Gran this morning so I was out in the pad...
#196 - We did it!
After a very difficult start this morning we finally did it!
I was on my own and planned to ride Gran this morning so I was out in the paddocks first thing. I was feeling well (health wise) but very nervous about getting on, wondering what she was going to do.
Well, after the floating issue yesterday she wouldn't even come! Definitely not a good start. Food wouldn't entice her and as I had no plans of doing both ride and float training on the same day she wasn't to know this wasn't going to be an issue. I didn't have a halter with me as she just follows me most days so I didn't think it would be necessary. I also thought if Teddy came to the food so would she. Well Teddy and Gran must have had words as Teddy wasn't coming for the food either. Both my horses are guts, especially Gran, so this was highly unusual. They would get close but then back off. At one stage they both ran back to the back paddock. I finally went and got a halter and just went up and caught her.
Straight off she started with the snorting. I got her groomed, saddled her up and got everything ready and started just leading her around. She snorted often and just the sight of the float, which she wasn't actually near, had her backing away. I kept her attention and then after some simple ground work I took her to the mounting block. It was Teddy Deja vu! Every time I went to put my foot in the stirrup she would step sideways. Teddy used to do this constantly! She stepped sideways, forward, around the block, snorted a few times and was basically driving me nuts. I was already anxious which wasn't helping but this was making me shake inside. I tried putting my weight on the stirrups, draping myself over the saddle (if I could reach), getting off the block and positioning her, leading her from on top of the block... nothing was working. I was feeling my anxiety turn to anger. I tied her to a post and went and got my crop. When we started again she continued with her antics and I would tap her back into place with the crop. She doesn't like crops either, not that I've ever harmed any animal with one, I do no more than taps, but I didn't even have to touch her most of the time, she would just move as it came towards her side with her head held high. Finally after only a minute or two with the crop and some reassurance from me she stood still and I got on. Challenge one complete.
Next I was hoping she wasn't going to buck me and was talking to myself to relax. I didn't feel as much tension in her back as the day she bucked me off but I could still feel tension. Again, I realise I was probably just as tense so was really trying hard to suck it up. I moved her on and once I got her into a consistent walk I relaxed. It was probably only a minute but it was a very long minute for me. Then I felt calm and things were great! I felt like I was back to normal. Challenge two complete.
We worked on position in a walk, diagonals at a walk and trot, changing diagonals, figure eights and finished with some cantering on either side. We are both out of practice so it was only about a 30 - 40 minute session but we did great. And Teddy only called out to her once! Challenge three complete.
Everything else was normal after that and I was pleased that I faced my fears. I don't think I will be as concerned on Thursday when we try again. I'm amazed at how one minor broken bone has shaken me so much but I'm determined to get past it. Doing it on my own was 75% of the fear that today help enormously.
The only other issue I have is the impact on my SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). This illness tires me out and luckily I'm still on annual leave so can rest when needed. I set out this morning at 8.30am and it is now 2.30pm and I am stuffed! It is going to be a lot of trial and error before I work this one out. It will be worked out regardless.
I was on my own and planned to ride Gran this morning so I was out in the paddocks first thing. I was feeling well (health wise) but very nervous about getting on, wondering what she was going to do.
Well, after the floating issue yesterday she wouldn't even come! Definitely not a good start. Food wouldn't entice her and as I had no plans of doing both ride and float training on the same day she wasn't to know this wasn't going to be an issue. I didn't have a halter with me as she just follows me most days so I didn't think it would be necessary. I also thought if Teddy came to the food so would she. Well Teddy and Gran must have had words as Teddy wasn't coming for the food either. Both my horses are guts, especially Gran, so this was highly unusual. They would get close but then back off. At one stage they both ran back to the back paddock. I finally went and got a halter and just went up and caught her.
Straight off she started with the snorting. I got her groomed, saddled her up and got everything ready and started just leading her around. She snorted often and just the sight of the float, which she wasn't actually near, had her backing away. I kept her attention and then after some simple ground work I took her to the mounting block. It was Teddy Deja vu! Every time I went to put my foot in the stirrup she would step sideways. Teddy used to do this constantly! She stepped sideways, forward, around the block, snorted a few times and was basically driving me nuts. I was already anxious which wasn't helping but this was making me shake inside. I tried putting my weight on the stirrups, draping myself over the saddle (if I could reach), getting off the block and positioning her, leading her from on top of the block... nothing was working. I was feeling my anxiety turn to anger. I tied her to a post and went and got my crop. When we started again she continued with her antics and I would tap her back into place with the crop. She doesn't like crops either, not that I've ever harmed any animal with one, I do no more than taps, but I didn't even have to touch her most of the time, she would just move as it came towards her side with her head held high. Finally after only a minute or two with the crop and some reassurance from me she stood still and I got on. Challenge one complete.
Next I was hoping she wasn't going to buck me and was talking to myself to relax. I didn't feel as much tension in her back as the day she bucked me off but I could still feel tension. Again, I realise I was probably just as tense so was really trying hard to suck it up. I moved her on and once I got her into a consistent walk I relaxed. It was probably only a minute but it was a very long minute for me. Then I felt calm and things were great! I felt like I was back to normal. Challenge two complete.
We worked on position in a walk, diagonals at a walk and trot, changing diagonals, figure eights and finished with some cantering on either side. We are both out of practice so it was only about a 30 - 40 minute session but we did great. And Teddy only called out to her once! Challenge three complete.
Everything else was normal after that and I was pleased that I faced my fears. I don't think I will be as concerned on Thursday when we try again. I'm amazed at how one minor broken bone has shaken me so much but I'm determined to get past it. Doing it on my own was 75% of the fear that today help enormously.
The only other issue I have is the impact on my SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). This illness tires me out and luckily I'm still on annual leave so can rest when needed. I set out this morning at 8.30am and it is now 2.30pm and I am stuffed! It is going to be a lot of trial and error before I work this one out. It will be worked out regardless.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Gran Teddy Auto: #195 - Separation anxiety, Float training and ridi...
Gran Teddy Auto: #195 - Separation anxiety, Float training and ridi...: A quick update on all things horse. Teddy's doing really well with his training to help him with his separation anxiety. He is waiting...
#195 - Separation anxiety, Float training and riding again.
A quick update on all things horse.
Teddy's doing really well with his training to help him with his separation anxiety. He is waiting patiently while I work with Granny. I leave him tied in another area while I take Gran off to work her and he is only calling her once or twice then stands quietly and watches. A massive improvement. I'm very proud of him.
I had a riding lesson with Gran and it went well, then I went to NSW for a few days, came back and we had a week of continual 40+ degree Celsius days so it was too hot to ride. I continued to float train Gran in the mornings though, trying to make the float less scary for her. She has been going well and today was our first set back in the process. I'm not sure what happened but something scared her while in the float and she backed out quick smart and ran away. Maybe it was the strong wind. She wouldn't come back to the float and I really don't have a clue what frightened her, though I've tried to work it out. Hopefully tomorrow I will only get a more cautious response from her as I'll be very unhappy if we are back a square one. This is a true test of patience if I've ever had one.
The heat has subsided and the wind has picked up, so I'm hoping it will have died down by tomorrow as I have planned a few riding exercises to work on our diagonals. We haven't really ridden properly in such a long time so these exercises will see if I can still feel the diagonal (wasn't a strong point for me in the first place.) I've had plenty of time to read and prepare. I'll be on my own tomorrow so I am hoping we will take it slow and easy and I don't get bucked off! Once I get past this fear and it goes well I'll be over my nerves in this area and can move on more quickly.
My health has been, on the whole, better, which is great. I've had a major flare up on Christmas day and yesterday and a few minor flare ups in between. This annual leave is really doing me good. I hope I can maintain it when I return to work.
The other day I let the horses in the dam and took some video, so here it is...
Teddy's doing really well with his training to help him with his separation anxiety. He is waiting patiently while I work with Granny. I leave him tied in another area while I take Gran off to work her and he is only calling her once or twice then stands quietly and watches. A massive improvement. I'm very proud of him.
I had a riding lesson with Gran and it went well, then I went to NSW for a few days, came back and we had a week of continual 40+ degree Celsius days so it was too hot to ride. I continued to float train Gran in the mornings though, trying to make the float less scary for her. She has been going well and today was our first set back in the process. I'm not sure what happened but something scared her while in the float and she backed out quick smart and ran away. Maybe it was the strong wind. She wouldn't come back to the float and I really don't have a clue what frightened her, though I've tried to work it out. Hopefully tomorrow I will only get a more cautious response from her as I'll be very unhappy if we are back a square one. This is a true test of patience if I've ever had one.
The heat has subsided and the wind has picked up, so I'm hoping it will have died down by tomorrow as I have planned a few riding exercises to work on our diagonals. We haven't really ridden properly in such a long time so these exercises will see if I can still feel the diagonal (wasn't a strong point for me in the first place.) I've had plenty of time to read and prepare. I'll be on my own tomorrow so I am hoping we will take it slow and easy and I don't get bucked off! Once I get past this fear and it goes well I'll be over my nerves in this area and can move on more quickly.
My health has been, on the whole, better, which is great. I've had a major flare up on Christmas day and yesterday and a few minor flare ups in between. This annual leave is really doing me good. I hope I can maintain it when I return to work.
The other day I let the horses in the dam and took some video, so here it is...
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Gran Teddy Auto: #194 - I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE!
Gran Teddy Auto: #194 - I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE!: Today, against the odds, I finally got back on Granny and rode! It has been a very long time and I have struggled through my illness to get ...
#194 - I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE!
Today, against the odds, I finally got back on Granny and rode! It has been a very long time and I have struggled through my illness to get here but I was determined to make this happen. At the start of Spring I thought I would give it a go and Granny bucked me off, breaking the middle finger on my left hand (I'm a lefty) and damaging the tendons. The tendons are still a mess.
It wasn't a good start.
Today, I arranged for Kim from Aurum to come to my house to give me a lesson and help with gaining my confidence to get back on. I had to sleep before she came as the Lupus wiped me out at the start of the day, but I was determined this was going to happen today.
I couldn't get Gran to Kim's place as I'm having to retrain her to float - unfortunately I'm back to square one with that. But Kim came and rode Granny first then I got on. I was anxious and I guess Gran could tell and looked a bit anxious herself, but once I was on and had walked around a bit and got back into the feel of things I was HAPPY! So Happy! And relaxed. I took her for a walk, trot and canter and it felt great. I was surprised that I still remembered so much.
Also Teddy was a star! He has come such a long way with the separation anxiety. I have found that if he is tied and asked to wait he will do so patiently. He called out about three times in as many hours so I think he did an amazing job today. He also wasn't charging around so that makes a huge difference.
All in all I'm very happy and confident that I can find ways to make this work. Unfortunately I had to sacrifice going to a BBQ at some friends as I had to get a sleep in beforehand, but this is what I need to do to achieve my goals. I'll make it work.
It wasn't a good start.
Today, I arranged for Kim from Aurum to come to my house to give me a lesson and help with gaining my confidence to get back on. I had to sleep before she came as the Lupus wiped me out at the start of the day, but I was determined this was going to happen today.
I couldn't get Gran to Kim's place as I'm having to retrain her to float - unfortunately I'm back to square one with that. But Kim came and rode Granny first then I got on. I was anxious and I guess Gran could tell and looked a bit anxious herself, but once I was on and had walked around a bit and got back into the feel of things I was HAPPY! So Happy! And relaxed. I took her for a walk, trot and canter and it felt great. I was surprised that I still remembered so much.
Also Teddy was a star! He has come such a long way with the separation anxiety. I have found that if he is tied and asked to wait he will do so patiently. He called out about three times in as many hours so I think he did an amazing job today. He also wasn't charging around so that makes a huge difference.
All in all I'm very happy and confident that I can find ways to make this work. Unfortunately I had to sacrifice going to a BBQ at some friends as I had to get a sleep in beforehand, but this is what I need to do to achieve my goals. I'll make it work.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #193 - Attempt to Fix Separation Anxiety - Part 2
Gran Teddy Auto: #193 - Attempt to Fix Separation Anxiety - Part 2: Well this is going better than I expected. Granted that its early days yet and they aren't out of each others sights but with the way Te...
#193 - Attempt to Fix Separation Anxiety - Part 2
Well this is going better than I expected. Granted that its early days yet and they aren't out of each others sights but with the way Teddy was behaving I'm proud of his progress.
For the last week I have been separating the horses from anywhere between 20 minutes to 45 minutes, any time of day or evening, with either Gran or Teddy lead away (though mainly Gran). They can still see each other clearly but they can not touch each other or interact other than to call out to each other. For the first two day's Teddy called out and he only did so for the first five minutes then he went and ate grass. I note that he didn't wander too far from the fence line. Gran on the other hand would become more alert as she was taken away but then she didn't care much after that.
This week I have started with a larger distance between them - a lane-way and in separate paddocks with a obstacles in between to block the view. Gran has been wandering into Teddy's view and this is the only time he can see her and she will do this to eat grass. She doesn't seem bothered at all. Teddy isn't liking the separation much and has been calling out intermittently for the last 15 minutes. He must feel he's at the start of last week all over again.
I will continue to do this latest distance for the next week and report back on how they are both going.
I think Gran will find this a piece of cake, Teddy on the other hand, well I hope he will become acustom to it. Then I'll increase the pressure. It will take the time it takes and with Teddy that tends to be longer than what most people claim things take with their horses.
I'm going to put them back together now after only 15 - 20 minutes but I think it's better to mix things up. Then I can come in out of the cold!
For the last week I have been separating the horses from anywhere between 20 minutes to 45 minutes, any time of day or evening, with either Gran or Teddy lead away (though mainly Gran). They can still see each other clearly but they can not touch each other or interact other than to call out to each other. For the first two day's Teddy called out and he only did so for the first five minutes then he went and ate grass. I note that he didn't wander too far from the fence line. Gran on the other hand would become more alert as she was taken away but then she didn't care much after that.
This week I have started with a larger distance between them - a lane-way and in separate paddocks with a obstacles in between to block the view. Gran has been wandering into Teddy's view and this is the only time he can see her and she will do this to eat grass. She doesn't seem bothered at all. Teddy isn't liking the separation much and has been calling out intermittently for the last 15 minutes. He must feel he's at the start of last week all over again.
I will continue to do this latest distance for the next week and report back on how they are both going.
I think Gran will find this a piece of cake, Teddy on the other hand, well I hope he will become acustom to it. Then I'll increase the pressure. It will take the time it takes and with Teddy that tends to be longer than what most people claim things take with their horses.
I'm going to put them back together now after only 15 - 20 minutes but I think it's better to mix things up. Then I can come in out of the cold!
Postscript - tonight was harder on Teddy than I realised. He had worked up a little sweat and was even foaming between the back legs. Poor Teddy! A ahh I mean Suck It Up Princess!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #192- Attempt to Fix Horse Separation Anxiety - Pa...
Gran Teddy Auto: #192- Attempt to Fix Horse Separation Anxiety - Pa...: Today was my first attempt at addressing Teddy and Gran's issues about being away from each other. This is stage one of what I'm sur...
#192- Attempt to Fix Horse Separation Anxiety - Part 1
Today was my first attempt at addressing Teddy and Gran's issues about being away from each other. This is stage one of what I'm sure is going to be a lengthy process.
I began by tying them within a few feet of each other while I brushed them etc. They are used to this proximity so they were very comfortable. When I was done I moved them a greater distance apart where they could still see one another very easily but it was a clear and noticeable distance (see photo below). They were just on either side of the cow crush.
To my surprise Teddy called out. At this point it crossed my mind that none of the stuff I had read had mentioned whether I was to reassure the horse while it was getting anxious or not. I decided that as I view them like they are my kids that I wouldn't. I was affectionate and encouraging before and after but not during the anxious moments as it felt like I'd be coddling them and I didn't want to encourage the unwanted behaviour.
Gran responded by pacing a little, then they both settled down. I went away for about 15 minutes and hung some washing etc. From the clothes line I could see both of them and they were quite at ease within minutes.
I returned and then moved then again. This time I took Teddy to about midway around the front paddock and tied him there and I took Gran in the other direction and tied her to a post outside the veggie patch area. I chose these locations as it would seem like they were separated by quite a distance but in reality, if they looked through the trees, they could see each other.
Teddy pitched a fit the moment Gran was out of eye sight and Gran paced about a bit. After a few minutes, although you could see Teddy was anxious he was behaving pretty well, just calling out for Gran. Gran responded only once. I went and did some more chores and left them for about another 15 or 20 minutes. I'd say that minutes 5 to 10 had Teddy calling out every 30 seconds or so then it slowly tapered off. I'd peek to see all was fine and they were both standing there completely ok, then in the last 5 minute they were quiet, no neighs, no anything - just standing.
I collected Teddy first and he was fine, I took him back to the crush to rug him and he was ideal. Gran was watching us and started pawing at the ground but I took my time and then when I was done with Teddy I got Gran.
All in all I think this first time went better than I expected. I was thinking broken halters or lead ropes and tantrums but as you will see from the videos it was pretty tame. I'll do this regularly and hopefully they will become accustom to the time they are apart. then I will increase the times. This is the theory anyway. I''ll give it a good go but if anyone out there has used this technique and has any advise I'd like to hear it.
I began by tying them within a few feet of each other while I brushed them etc. They are used to this proximity so they were very comfortable. When I was done I moved them a greater distance apart where they could still see one another very easily but it was a clear and noticeable distance (see photo below). They were just on either side of the cow crush.
Gran responded by pacing a little, then they both settled down. I went away for about 15 minutes and hung some washing etc. From the clothes line I could see both of them and they were quite at ease within minutes.
I returned and then moved then again. This time I took Teddy to about midway around the front paddock and tied him there and I took Gran in the other direction and tied her to a post outside the veggie patch area. I chose these locations as it would seem like they were separated by quite a distance but in reality, if they looked through the trees, they could see each other.
Teddy pitched a fit the moment Gran was out of eye sight and Gran paced about a bit. After a few minutes, although you could see Teddy was anxious he was behaving pretty well, just calling out for Gran. Gran responded only once. I went and did some more chores and left them for about another 15 or 20 minutes. I'd say that minutes 5 to 10 had Teddy calling out every 30 seconds or so then it slowly tapered off. I'd peek to see all was fine and they were both standing there completely ok, then in the last 5 minute they were quiet, no neighs, no anything - just standing.
I collected Teddy first and he was fine, I took him back to the crush to rug him and he was ideal. Gran was watching us and started pawing at the ground but I took my time and then when I was done with Teddy I got Gran.
All in all I think this first time went better than I expected. I was thinking broken halters or lead ropes and tantrums but as you will see from the videos it was pretty tame. I'll do this regularly and hopefully they will become accustom to the time they are apart. then I will increase the times. This is the theory anyway. I''ll give it a good go but if anyone out there has used this technique and has any advise I'd like to hear it.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #191 - separation anxiety in horses
Gran Teddy Auto: #191 - separation anxiety in horses: I'm slowly feeling less pain and am keen on working with the horses. I know I can't ride just yet so I think my priority should be t...
#191 - separation anxiety in horses
I'm slowly feeling less pain and am keen on working with the horses. I know I can't ride just yet so I think my priority should be to try to address their separation anxiety. Granny is my riding horse now and she doesn't have it as bad as Teddy but I've noticed when i'm just moving them between paddocks that she is displaying separation anxiety to a greater and greater level.
From the beginning when I separated them, as soon as they were out of line of sight Teddy would run around screaming out to her. If I took her a few farms away to ride at a friends place I could hear him carrying on in the background and if I went right away from the property Steve would tell me Teddy was playing up half the time I was gone; literally hours. Gran on the other hand was fine, then she became glancey, now she is running about a bit so I want to do something about it now before it gets worse.
I've read about it and have a few techniques to try, some of which will involve both of them at the same time, others are more one on one ground work, so I wonder who I should start with in those situations. It will probably have to be Teddy.
I'll see how things go and update progress here.
If anyone has any suggestions that they have seen work and doesn't involve buying a third horse, please feel free to share.
Thanks
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #190 - Turned out and waiting pat...
Gran Teddy Auto: Gran Teddy Auto: #190 - Turned out and waiting pat...: Not a lot of change yet but I'm trying to remain optimistic. It been a while since Gran's been in the float and I'll probably ...
Friday, March 29, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #190 - Turned out and waiting patiently
Not a lot of change yet but I'm trying to remain optimistic.
It been a while since Gran's been in the float and I'll probably be back at square one, it's winter now so both Gran and Teddy are virtually turned out in the paddocks, I've just come back from holidays and I'm in constant pain at the moment so there is no telling when things will get back to normal and so they will just have to wait. But I am 100% committed to getting back on my horse and providing both them and me with some consistency.
While I was away for six weeks a friend came to the house to feed the horses and would change their rugs and brush them down on the weekend. I found it funny that when I asked how things went she told me Gran was a darling - what everyone says about her - and that Teddy was cheeky - also what everyone says! Apparently when she took the rug off Teddy he decided he didn't want it back on. When I asked what she did next she told me that she though she would try some natural horsemanship on him to catch him! I grinned to myself anticipating that this wouldn't have gone well unlike with most horses who respond to this, and asked how long did she try for and she said for well over an hour and a half and she got absolutely nowhere! She ended up luring him in with carrots LOL! Teddy wins again.
I didn't think to tell her the many methods I have developed over the years to catch Teddy and the first piece of advise should have been to not even bother trying to take his rug off and on without him tied. That horse loves a nudie run! She told me that there was such a contrast between my horses and you betcha! They are nothing alike, with Gran being an "I Will" type and Teddy a definite "What's in it for me!"
There is an upside to not being able to do a lot with them due to my ill health and that is the time I spend with them has become a treat, not just for me but for the horses too. They see me coming and they are both very happy. They really seem to enjoy my company, and not in a "feed me" way. We are all definitely bonding well. Teddy isn't as bitchy to Gran when I'm around (he's fine with her when I'm not there but he used to pin his ears back at her and chase her off as soon as I walked onto the scene). He's actually sharing feed with her now and they are side by side in my presence and no longer competing for attention. They are a lot more patient now as well, with me and each other. I'm not sure why, maybe its just the passage of time.
I had their brushes with me this morning when I went out to see them and they were just delightful, both seeking a brush behind the ears at the same time. Too cute! I hope this all continues and I'm able to control my pain soon and fulfill my horsey dreams.
It been a while since Gran's been in the float and I'll probably be back at square one, it's winter now so both Gran and Teddy are virtually turned out in the paddocks, I've just come back from holidays and I'm in constant pain at the moment so there is no telling when things will get back to normal and so they will just have to wait. But I am 100% committed to getting back on my horse and providing both them and me with some consistency.
While I was away for six weeks a friend came to the house to feed the horses and would change their rugs and brush them down on the weekend. I found it funny that when I asked how things went she told me Gran was a darling - what everyone says about her - and that Teddy was cheeky - also what everyone says! Apparently when she took the rug off Teddy he decided he didn't want it back on. When I asked what she did next she told me that she though she would try some natural horsemanship on him to catch him! I grinned to myself anticipating that this wouldn't have gone well unlike with most horses who respond to this, and asked how long did she try for and she said for well over an hour and a half and she got absolutely nowhere! She ended up luring him in with carrots LOL! Teddy wins again.
I didn't think to tell her the many methods I have developed over the years to catch Teddy and the first piece of advise should have been to not even bother trying to take his rug off and on without him tied. That horse loves a nudie run! She told me that there was such a contrast between my horses and you betcha! They are nothing alike, with Gran being an "I Will" type and Teddy a definite "What's in it for me!"
There is an upside to not being able to do a lot with them due to my ill health and that is the time I spend with them has become a treat, not just for me but for the horses too. They see me coming and they are both very happy. They really seem to enjoy my company, and not in a "feed me" way. We are all definitely bonding well. Teddy isn't as bitchy to Gran when I'm around (he's fine with her when I'm not there but he used to pin his ears back at her and chase her off as soon as I walked onto the scene). He's actually sharing feed with her now and they are side by side in my presence and no longer competing for attention. They are a lot more patient now as well, with me and each other. I'm not sure why, maybe its just the passage of time.
I had their brushes with me this morning when I went out to see them and they were just delightful, both seeking a brush behind the ears at the same time. Too cute! I hope this all continues and I'm able to control my pain soon and fulfill my horsey dreams.
#189 - Not According to Plan but we have some Pros and Cons to share
Gran's float training was slowly coming along but the night of my last ride, Wednesday week, I was in a lot of pain ( nothing to do with the riding) and ended up in emergency at around 4.30am. Since then I have been in and out of hospital and under strict orders not to do much until my problems resolve. I'm not even allowed to drive until after Easter. This has resulted in Gran being in the paddock at home with Teddy; no float training and definitely no riding. I had booked Norm Glenn to return for a few more hours of float training, which had to be cancelled, and I hoped to do the KDARC rally in April, and two clinics at Aurum. I'm pretty certain I won't get to the KDARC rally and one of the Aurum rallies was today. Unfortunately all I could do was stay home and knit! There is still a possibility that I could do a clinic later in the month so I have my fingers crossed! On top of this my regular weekly rides haven't been happening, but my toes are crossed on that one restarting soon as well.
The up side to all this is I've had a lot more bonding time with my horses and they are just adorable! They really make me smile even when I don't think I have it in me.
The first few days I was home I couldn't really get around much so I'd slowly wander to the front paddock gate and call out to them and they'd look to see if I had something. If I did they'd wander over at a pace I could have lapped them at. They would always come but it was just a bit hoo-hum, probably more on their terms, and being loose in a paddock it was certainly their turf as the two have bonded very closely. But now that I've spent more time with them I don't even have to call, they come over, food or not, and no matter what gate or paddock I'm near they will spot me and wander over to check things out and hang with me. They have almost become my shadow. And now if I have food they don't just come, they come running! But I think that's more a test between themselves on who can get there first.
Each day I'm trying to do more and get outside. The horses currently have access to a front paddock, the lane way that stretches the length of the house, the area that leads to the dam and the dog run, which is more like a paddock you could make four yards out of. It seems no matter where I go I look up or around and there are two massive heads looking at me! Once they were so quiet while I was taking out slates from the compost to let the chooks in that I didn't see them inspecting my work from two feet away, I just looked up to their boof heads! If I grab a chair and sit in the paddock Teddy comes and stands right beside me with his head low, almost sleeping with his head on my shoulder. I can be standing in a paddock looking at something, not even thinking about the horses, and they will often just come stand near me - not eat grass near me, but stand there with me. Gran was even so cheeky the other day that I was in the hay shed and she stuck her whole front half right in the shed to eat the hay! I told her to nick off and she stops eating, looks at me but didn't move, just waits for her next opportunity to sneak a gob full! She was there with me the whole time, so now she can't act like that float is claustrophobic for her cause the space left in the hay shed is not much better!
Don't get me wrong, I always get greeted by them when I come home from work, they play the guessing game, "which shed are they feeding us from today?" and they go wait by the one they think it is each evening, Teddy often neighs when he sees me come down the driveway, if I go out into the paddock they never run off, though Teddy has always had the 'one foot rule' with everyone where he's wary of being caught so will back up. So they have always been pretty good but now something is definitely different. Maybe they know I'm unwell or maybe they see me more as a herd member? I don't know what it is but they are definitely more curious and are happy just to be standing with me. They seek out my company now and I love it!
I look forward to getting back into the swing of things and will do what I can with them until I go away, then when I get back from overseas I'll get stuck right into it and hopefully nothing will stop me. I'll get Norm back as soon as I can consistently reinforce the training, I would like to do some KDARC rallies this year along with my Aurum stuff, and I have plans to give the mounted games a go with Lee at the end of the year.
On one more positive note, I've also lost 6 kilos and hope to loss more as that will definitely benefit my riding. I've got my fingers crossed for that too. Actually I've got so much crossed I'm becoming a contortionist!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Gran Teddy Auto: #188 - A lot to catch up on & a video of the horse...
Gran Teddy Auto: #188 - A lot to catch up on & a video of the horse...: In a nutshell: Gran has been float training and has improved tremendously but still needs work The float has been modified (took two and ...
#188 - A lot to catch up on & a video of the horses playing
In a nutshell:
This is a video of the horses hanging out at our dam, which I've posted to my Facebook page already so sorry for the double up Facebook readers. I put them in the dam area to eat grass but Teddy had other ideas:
- Gran has been float training and has improved tremendously but still needs work
- The float has been modified (it took two and a half weeks to do!) - fixed jockey wheel, breaching doors reconfigured so I can close them without the centre divider, the tailgate spring has been fixed, three old hinges on the tailgate replaced with four new hinges, the roof, sides and floor have been resealed, and a side door holder has been attached so the wind wont blow it shut when Gran looks out during loading
- Teddy and Gran are in love! Teddy has taken to running around neighing for a few minutes when I take Gran away from the property. He also calls out when we come home while following the float down the drive
- Gran got an insect bite on her eye which required a vet visit. I had her checked out and it turns out she also has arthritis in her knee. Before I bought her I was told she had been seen by a chiropractor and a equine massage therapist for soreness as she had "started to pull up sore" after my visits and rides at the property and that she hadn't had this soreness before. Both "professionals" told the previous owner that she had soreness in the poll (a common issue). I believed it of course. My vet has told me that any qualified person, particularly a chiropractor worth their salt would have picked up the arthritis in the knee as the extent of it suggests its been there for a while. Neck - knee? What could it be? ...Unbelievable! Anyway I have been treating her and I believe we can manage it fine. She is showing no signs of soreness or lameness at the moment and she is being worked more than she has been in the past five years; or so I have been told. This week I have ridden every other day and she has no lameness at all.
- Gran got loose (my stupidity) and got out onto the main road (the 80km road most people travel 100km on!) Luckily she didn't get hit by a car thanks to Teddy neighing to her which caused her to run back to him. Also I was lucky that a car towing a caravan coming slowly from one direction and a car towing a boat from the other. I had a minor heart attack and I think I've suffered some permanent trauma as a result! I now vow to get the front gates put on ASAP!
- Dressage with Gran is coming along nicely
This is a video of the horses hanging out at our dam, which I've posted to my Facebook page already so sorry for the double up Facebook readers. I put them in the dam area to eat grass but Teddy had other ideas:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)