Ahhh… Pretty Pony… July 31, 2008
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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Sherene and I had a little “mojito party” last night and watched Borat (which is a ridiculously gross movie). In the midst of our fete, we totally forgot to figure out how to work our lessons with Paige. With Sherene leaving on vacation this afternoon, I decided not to put any more stress on her and see if Paige could do training rides on each of the ponies. Paige said it was fine, so a plan was made.
I lunged Shazam under Sherene’s eye the day before, so I kind of knew what to expect. He’s been a tad on edge lately, so he gets lunged before every ride. I tacked him up and brought him into the arena expecting a “manjestic” beast to start tearing around the arena. I love how when you expect fire you rarely get even a little sizzle. Yes, Mr. Firey Steed was very happy just to plod along.
Truth be told, it’s a good sign. It means he’s somewhat relaxed. When Paige showed up he was pretty mellow in both directions. My goal was achieved.
I next grabbed my horse while Paige worked Shazam. I was a little nervous: I really value Paige’s opinion, but I also think pretty darn highly of Tigger. Would she like him? Would she think he was a pain to ride? Would she enjoy working with him? It’s funny what goes through your head sometimes.
She finished with Shazam and we exchanged ponies. She got on and I walked Shazam out (who got his little butt worked) while she got acquainted with Tigger. After it was clear that both Paige and Tigger wouldn’t be bounding out of the arena unintentionally, I brought Shazam in to do his after care.
After turning Shazam back out I went to the arena to watch Paige. All I could think was, “Ahhh… Pretty Pony…” I don’t see him getting worked very often, so watching him from the ground is a treat. I think my boy is pretty handsome. Is he the most handsome horse in the world? Absolutely not. But I not only see the physical, but his goofy personaility and his willingness to please. These two traits can make even the ugliest horse something special in someone’s heart.
Anyway, it took a lot of focus to watch Paige and how she was working with him. I kept drifting to him instead of watching her. What I did retain from her ride with him is that lots of small releases are good for him. She was constantly encouraging him to fill the outside rein but stay soft on the inside. If he resisted, she met his resistence but softened the instant he did. It didn’t take him long to figure that one out. I also noticed that she really did look like she was encouraging him, not “telling” him with her leg. She was active, but subtle. I need to work on that subtle part.
I also breathed a little sigh of release when she said at the end, “Well, that was a fun little ride.” Obviously it wasn’t the horrifying experience I thought she might have. 
I’m excited to get on him again this weekend and apply my experiences from this week. I can’t believe how much fun I’m having from riding him. I’m beginning to think it’s too good to be true…
And in the true spirit of not being able to do two things at once, I have my 10k this Saturday. Nope, haven’t run all week. There’s nothing like being totally ill-prepared for a run. The race starts at 9am, and they close the course at 10:30. I hope I can run it in under 90 minutes!
Comments
kim,
i’ve never tried tea bags although i might try it if i get time today.
i usually have to deal more with preventing infection. i’ve got some weird susecptibility to infections so i’ve ended up in the hospital for stuff that others wouldn’t even bother to band-aid.
even after 23 years of rowing if i take even the shortest break my hands get ripped up. apparently i’m quite delicate. glad to see you’re riding a lot. i bet it makes tigger very happy.
looking forward to reading about your 10k experience!
Shazam sounds like a very special horse, indeed. I enjoyed reading about your admiration for him and your plans for improving your horsemanship skills with your ‘pretty pony’
Whoops. I reread your post again and realized you were talking about Tigger.
So my above comment is directed towards Tigger, then! haha
But how lucky you are to be able to work with such wonderful horses.