jasper
New BB Member
Posts: 23
|
Post by jasper on Mar 21, 2009 21:15:15 GMT -5
She looks to me like a naturally muscular horse, but not a muscled horse if that makes sense. In the picture of her tied to the trailer you can see how weak she is in the topline thru both her neck and loin connection. She looks a whole lot better in these current under saddle videos but my suggestion would be to do lots of transitions, both in and out of the gaits and within the gaits. Also I would post as much of the trot as possible. As she relaxes her jaw and neck and starts to soften and lower her head, it will cause her back to lift and if she is weak on her topline, sitting the trot may be uncomfortable for her which will cause her to hollow her head and neck and thus lower her back away from the rider's weight. I am a strong proponent of lots of circles, direction changes and serpentines, work on making them a consistent size and the changes in direction smooth. As for the canter, I have found on occasion that with a horse who has trouble with the transition picking up the canter after the small end of the arena can create a natural balance point and if you ask for the transition in the same place for a while, she may learn to naturally balance herself and then you can build off that in other areas. Can you get just a little more feel on the outside rein as you ask for the canter transition to help to prepare her and allow her to balance a bit easier? It is easy to armchair QB so these are all suggestions just from the pics and vid, might help, might not.
|
|
|
Post by averyacres on Mar 22, 2009 13:19:47 GMT -5
She's a cute little mover! Excellent job keeping her forward and her rhythm steady, and allowing her to move forward with a steady and kind hand. She'll figure it out. You are doing great with her!
|
|
|
Post by cardicorgi on Mar 23, 2009 13:57:30 GMT -5
THis is so fabulous to see. Thank you for taking her under your wing and putting miles on her! Looks to me like you are giving her exactly what she needs.
|
|
|
Post by monicabee on Mar 23, 2009 22:53:44 GMT -5
Good to see her really working. Remember she can jump too - she used to fly over the log in the pasture at Edensgate whereas Cedar would go around unless she had to and Annie would climb over it.
|
|
|
Post by kdunham on Mar 30, 2009 18:07:01 GMT -5
Whiskey is such a good girl!
I've been on her 4 times since the last video. She is really coming along. She isn't rushing near as much as she was and is picking up the canter in a few steps rather than trotting fast for 20 yards first. Today I set up my high line out in the pasture. Had rear shoes put on her, rode her in the arena, then high lined when we got home. She got to spend about 45 minutes high lined next to my Paint while they ate their mashes and she got the hang of what high lining was all about. This weekend I am taking her horse camping so being comfortable with the high line will come in handy.
Oh, she is getting pretty fit. Looks great.
|
|
|
Post by Sara on Mar 30, 2009 20:13:22 GMT -5
What's high lining?
|
|
|
Post by kdunham on Mar 30, 2009 21:17:35 GMT -5
I can't believe I don't have a picture some place of my horses highlined. Here is a description I copied from MyHorse.com. There is also a link with a picture. "A highline and picket line are two distinct methods of securing your horse on the trail — however; they both require the same type of gear: One-half- to 5/8-inch diameter rope, 40 feet long, made from cotton or nylon Two “tree-savers” to protect the trees from rope rub; you can purchase ready-made products designed for this purpose, or you can improvise with burlap bags, towels, etc. Highline With a highline, you’ll stretch the rope between two trees (or other stable, stationary objects) high enough so that the rope will just clear your horse’s ears. For an average-size horse, the line would be about six to seven feet high. (See below for a butterfly knot to create highline loops on which you can tie multiple horses.) Your horse can walk a complete circle under the highline, so he can move in all directions. If your horse panics (and he’s tied properly), he can’t get away or hurt his neck and spine." www.myhorse.com/on_trail/tips/high_line_or_picket_line.aspx#top
|
|
|
Post by Sara on Mar 30, 2009 22:16:32 GMT -5
She is learning all kinds of cool stuff with you.
|
|
shekaberry
SAFE Volunteer
SAFE Volunteer Coordinator
Posts: 1,521
|
Post by shekaberry on Apr 2, 2009 13:34:51 GMT -5
Can the horses graze while on the lines? Sounds like Whiskey is really taking to the work your giving her, thank you for teaching her so much!
|
|
|
Post by kdunham on Apr 4, 2009 22:20:58 GMT -5
We are back from Whiskeys first overnight camping trip. I decided since I was only riding two days just to take her and leave my others at home. It was a good experience for her. We all had a great time. I was up early to feed and pull her blanket so she could enjoy the fresh spring air (and show everyone how darn pretty she is...) After ride. We were out for about 4 hrs.
|
|
|
Post by trillium on Apr 4, 2009 22:39:53 GMT -5
WOW. What more could anyone ask for in a horse? I have followed Whiskeys story for years and am so happy she landed in such a good place.
|
|
|
Post by winterlakesfarm on Apr 4, 2009 22:46:20 GMT -5
She looks so happy Kathleen! Like she finally has found her niche.
I have a guy friend who lost his mare he had owned for many years last year. He also rides in the backcountry and loves to go on overnight rides. He finally is ready to look for a new partner and I gave him a heads up about her and I am crossing my fingers he follows up! He is a co-worker of my husband and I would love to ride with him and Whiskey in the future......
|
|
|
Post by Sara on Apr 5, 2009 20:24:49 GMT -5
I must say Kathleen- you fit her *perfectly*. She is such a great size for a trail horse. I love that she's slimming down and muscling up. WLF- I hope your friend follows up. I think that's whiskey's sweet spot.
|
|
|
Post by kdunham on Apr 5, 2009 22:39:57 GMT -5
Thanks Sara! If I wasn't maxed out with the 3 horses I have I would keep Whiskey. She would defiantly be able to take me where I like to go and look good getting there.
WLF - I'm going to PM you. If your friend is interested I am HAPPY to have him come see this little lady.
|
|
|
Post by kdunham on Apr 7, 2009 22:48:43 GMT -5
Yesterday I took Whiskey to Enumclaw where Duane Hebert worked her for me and showed me how to get thru her putting her head up and bulldozing thru the bit when she decides she doesn't want to stop, or slow down, or she wants to get going when she has been standing for a while. I really appreciated the advise and 45 minutes he put on her for me. I was able to get on and all of a sudden I had brakes! Duane makes it look so simple. Today I ponied Whiskey with the pack boxes on. She was very good. We started off on a logging road then moved to single track trails where there were plenty of branches, bushes, and trees to bang her boxes into. She did remarkable well. The first thing she hit was a 4 inch wide tree that was rotting, she nailed it so hard it broke off and fell on us! Spooked my horse more than her. Next tight area we were in she paid attention to where her boxes were and maneuvered like an old pro. Next step is putting some weight in the boxes. Here are a few pics. When we got to a little pond she dove right in for a drink and to nibble some grass on the bank. Defiantly not scared of water... :-) Captain wants credit for his part in her training...
|
|