Mr. Hefty hefty cinch sack has had all together too many evenings like that. Therein, lies the problem! I cannot allow myself to over think this thing and get myself all worked into a fine tizzy. Huh-uh. I refuse to do that to myself, or my horse. We've pretty much been off since last fall. That's a long break from work, or expectations of any kind. I've picked his feet, groomed him, led him in from pasture and fed him for months. It's high time for me and Mr. Eagle to get back into a regular working pattern.
So...I will approach my horse with a relaxed mind and body, no expectations. We will have a short grooming session, I'll tack him up and warm him up in the round pen. We'll work a little on release of his hindquarters, moving out comfortably and flexing well both directions. We'll both strive for relaxation and flowing transitions from walk to trot and reverse. Eagle does not do relaxed canter. Not. At. All...yet. So for now, we'll skip that and do what's familiar. I may even add the barrels for something to turn around and a few poles for him to step over, we'll see. Then, to the mounting block we'll go. My plan will be to have him totally relaxed, I'll do a little rope work all over his body from the mounting block, I'll move him around me and just lean on the saddle seat. If he stands quietly for all that, we'll take a short stroll and call it good for the evening. Dinner and relaxation in his stall awaits...
If not, we'll keep at it until I'm satisfied with his level of "try". That is all I can ask right now. His try is very important. It has everything to do with his trust in me. Everything. I may not even attempt to put a foot in the stirrup tonight. That depends upon Eagle.
I've got all the time in the world. And that is my plan...
Wish us luck, will you?
I will be wearing my lucky cap.
4 comments:
It's just a matter of time and consistency - you'll get there. Just getting to a good place and stopping there with lots of praise will start to make a difference to him, day after day.
Sounds like a good plan. There's no rush. When you're. Both relaxed and comfortable everything will click into place.
Yep, keep on keeping on slow & steady!
Wear a helmet; don't trust luck – OR good riding skills. The older I get, the more I value my head. Didn't used to think it was worth protecting, I guess. Either that, or it didn't occur to me that even a gentle, non-reactive horse can stumble and send me head-first into a fence post or the ground.
Off my soapbox now....
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