shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Dec 13, 2009 21:46:16 GMT -5
The trot picture is from before I listened to Andrea and just gave Annie her release. I have issues trusting her under saddle because she is such a freak on the ground so I tend to hold onto her mouth, alebit it lightly, but still holding just in case she does something. Which she never has. In yesterday's lesson with Andrea, she convinced me (it took some cajoling on Andrea's part to get me to do this) to push her forward from behind and throw the reins away. Literally, just bagging, no contact at all. OMG if that horse didn't give me the best trot I have ever had on her. She went into a beautiful frame, pushing from her hind, rounding her back and picking up contact all on her own. It was a breakthrough moment for me and super exciting. Andrea said that this is what it is all about, teaching a horse to travel in a frame is about getting them forward and giving them their head. They will go onto the bit all on their own. That girl knows her stuff Today, Annie ventured to Bridle Trails for the Poker Ride. She was very amped, and I wasn't comfortable riding the Amped Annie, so thankfully Kathleen ponied her up the trail. Kathleen reported that Annie did super after she settled down. Thank you Kathleen, you are an AMAZING horsewoman!! After Annie came back, we untacked/fed/watered and went to visit everyone. Annie greatly enjoyed the attention from her many fans and was very well behaved, graciously accepting the pets and scritches from strangers. A very far cry from the timid, fear-aggressive mare from so long ago.
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Dec 31, 2009 14:28:30 GMT -5
I rode Annie again yesterday and she was good. She is still a handful on the ground but resonds very well to verbal corrections.
She continues to go well under-saddle, tho she still needs work in the canter. She has a tendancy to cross-canter but that should go away with fitness and balance. Annie steers mostly off weight, she is very soft in the bridle and moves forward off the leg easily. I do like her and wish I could ride her more because she does need it and I know she will only get better with more consistency.
She is a special girl but definitely not for a novice or timid rider/handler.
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Post by kdunham on Dec 31, 2009 17:09:10 GMT -5
I was just thinking about little Annie. My daughter and I were looking thru a wild animal book and saw a Giraffe, and I thought; I wonder how Annie is? What is it about her that is difficult on the ground?
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Dec 31, 2009 19:09:40 GMT -5
She has always been a handful on the ground, as of late it is more TB-ADD type behavior; not standing still, wanting to chew on the cross-ties, shaking her head around, things like that.
She is a bit of a bully. She will test you to see what she will get away with. When she first came to SAFE, she had fear-agression issues. When she got intimidated or scared of something she would lash out at it by biting or rearing. Early on she learned that she could intimidate her handler by biting and rearing, so when you first meet her she will do those things to test you out. I had handled her a few times before she did it to me, but she has done it right off the bat with new people too. I don't know why she does it, just her personality I guess. When she starts getting nippy I growl at her and she quits. Some days are worse than others tho. *shrugs*
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Post by kdunham on Jan 2, 2010 18:15:53 GMT -5
I'm trying to get up to the Monroe area to check out some trails I haven't been on in the next couple weeks. I would be happy to ride Annie on them as I'm sure she could use the exposure. Is that OK? Anyone interested in joining me?
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rodeo51
Full BB Member
Katey
Posts: 203
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Post by rodeo51 on Jan 2, 2010 23:26:52 GMT -5
I am interested, but don't have a trailer. Sounds like fun. Any idea what the trails are like?
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Post by fanaberia on Jan 3, 2010 2:05:49 GMT -5
What a great opportunity for Annie! I'm sure Kathleen would be as good for her as she was for Whiskey:-)
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Post by mswan on Jan 3, 2010 18:41:20 GMT -5
Kathleen What trails are you going to in Monroe?
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Jan 3, 2010 21:44:40 GMT -5
I would love to tag along (but would have to borrow a horse 'cause I don't want to ride Annie), were you thinking of goig on a weekend or weekday?
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Post by kdunham on Jan 3, 2010 21:47:55 GMT -5
You would have a great time on Fancy! I have Sun, Mon, & Tuesdays off. I'm flexible. Maybe the tree farm or a couple other places that I've been told about but can't remember the names of. Would have to pick someplace not rocky seeing how I'm pretty sure Annie is barefoot.
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Post by kdunham on Jan 3, 2010 22:38:08 GMT -5
PK, If we could work it out you and I could haul together. Lets keep the group smallish with our best behaved horses. We want to set a good example for little Annie. And of course, we still need to know if the idea is OK with SAFE. I've got a friend coming with me for sure + you, Allison, and maybe rodeo51?
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Post by schwung on Jan 3, 2010 23:19:06 GMT -5
I think it sounds like a great idea! If we can do it on a Sunday, I'd love to come and I can haul her as well.
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Post by fanaberia on Jan 4, 2010 17:41:53 GMT -5
Good Afternoon everyone-
Kathleen's ride is at noon this Sunday. We will be parking on the branch off of Grandview Rd in Arlington.
I am leading this ride, as I've ridden (A LOT) up there along with places in Monroe.
We are happy to have anyone join us, but please keep in mind that we will be trotting and cantering on the trail, and that your horse will likely not be in the lead. There are also several water crossings and areas of mud. We are planning to do a good distance, but we will be respectful to Annie's condition.
If this doesn't bother you, then noon on Sunday is the ride-out time.
This trail system is VERY conducive to barefoot horses which is why it got chosen against any (more convenient) Monroe rides. So if you are going shoeless, you will be okay.
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Post by kdunham on Jan 4, 2010 19:21:27 GMT -5
Thank you for offering to lead the ride. I always get nervous when I don't know the trails and have other people with me. (Makes it that much more embarrassing when I get lost!) So, lets do this thing! Allison, let me know if you are in for sure and want me to bring a horse tack and all for you. Jamie, it would be great if you could haul Annie but if you can't just let me know so I can come pick her up. Yay! Hopefully it doesnt rain too much!
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shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
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Post by shekaberry on Jan 4, 2010 21:42:52 GMT -5
This would be sooo fun and I would be honored to ride Fancy! Lookin forward to it!
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