Sometimes I Like to Watch September 11, 2008
Posted by kimayars Uncategorized
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I had a lesson scheduled with Paige today, and it was a gorgeous day to boot. Sherene went first, and I was to follow. I tacked up Tigger, popping back and forth to watch excerpts of her lesson. She was doing ground work with Shazam, and things were looking good. While I was putting on Tig’s boots, I heard the thundering of hooves and muffled swearing. Never a good sign.
Shazam is super quick, as most Arabs are. But Shazam seems quicker than most. He can reverse directions at a canter so fast that you can’t even begin to think about how to correct it. Shazam did just that…with Paige. You never want to do that with Paige.
When I came to the arena to check out what had happened, Shazam was getting a lesson on “whoa”. He wasn’t really enjoying it at all. After he came around to Paige, Sherene stepped in and schooled the same thing. It’s about this time that my lesson would have started, but Sherene still had work to do with Shazam. I went back, grabbed Tigger, and brought him to the arena to eat some grass while I watched. Paige told me to go ahead and put the bridle on him and start warming up. Instead, I suggested they continue their work. With much hesitation, they did. Sherene knows that I love lessons from Paige, and have really loved riding my horse (lately). But more importantly I wanted Sherene to finish what she started.
So I soaked up some sun, hung out with my horse happily munching grass beside me (and occasionally snuffling me for treats), and watched Sherene’s work continue with ground handling. To be honest, I had a really great time. Besides, someone has to be the peanut gallery. 
I did take away quite a few things that I need to apply to Tigger:
- I need to be more consistent in my ground-handling with him. I need to make sure he’s out of my space, but still within my aids. It’s not fair to him to have the rules engage some days, but not others. He needs the consistency.
- I should use my voice and body more when doing ground work. Paige mentioned that horses key in on your body language first. Paige also suggested doing it with style, but I don’t think I’m ready for that. She did remind me that my voice can be a half-halt. Given Tigger’s reluctanct to take contact forward, using my voice as a half-halt would be much easier on him than using the line.
- Eyes on me. Or at least an ear. He can not blow me off. End of story.
- Control the shoulder and you have the keys to the kingdom. On the ground, it’s appears to be a very key component to establishing a bend. Since I SUCK at getting a bend while lunging, I will definitely have to work on this.
So overall I had a great day even though I didn’t get on Tigger. It reinforces my theory that just spending time with him is good for both of us.
The weekend is supposed to be fabulous weather. Hopefully I can get some extra Tigger time in!
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