October 18, 2009

Leg yielding is beginning to work!

Tonight we schooled at the walk and the trot. I had set up four cones, and four logs. We would go through the cones with me pushing her right, then left, then right, then left with my leg. Moving forward, but sideways at the same time. I'm sure there is a term for what this is, but I don't know what it is. I had her do this both directions first at the walk, and then at the trot. As we picked up the trot we went over logs that were laying in an "S" pattern so she has to bend left, and then right. Next I push her out towards the fence with my inside leg and inside rein, which makes her flow sideways until we are up to the fence, and then trot down the fence, halt, and back up. I'm very encouraged with how she is picking this up. We are also able to plant her hind legs (pivot), and step around on the front using leg and rein at this point.

Phebes being her sweet little mare self had a minor rebellion this evening. A horse drawn buggy and a group of riders came by while we were trotting the log pattern, and she squealed and decided to pitch a fit. Staying on was a wee bit challenging, but I managed, and put her right back to work.

I'm still cleaning and organizing out in my trailer. Purchased two more totes with snap on lids. One for first aid supplies, and a small one for nothing but batteries. Cleaned out an old tote just for keeping everything related to booting including boots, screws, rubber mallet, splint boots, screwdrivers, cotter pins, easyfoam, and pliers.

Have some ideas for making my dressing room more user friendly in the future. Nothing so drastic as finishing it out, but just making it neater, cleaner, and comfortable. Back to work tomorrow. ~E.G.

5 comments:

  1. I just got caught up on your blog. Are you going to Spook Run? Daunna is, as long as it's not raining. Not sure which day. I was planning on it but now I have a long time riding buddy from my home town who is riding at Brown county that weekend and invited me to ride with her. So I'm thinking I will just travel over there saturday. It's hard to miss the ride though. But at least Cave Country Canter is only a couple more weeks away.

    Michelle Detmer

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  2. Michelle,

    I'm thinking about it. Packed my trailer up yesterday except for a few things. If we go the aim is a turtle finish or "just another training experience." More than anything I want to keep her from getting caught up in the chase. Another newbie will be riding along with me. This will be her first LD, and also has a "slow" mentality. Maybe I can track Daunna down and meet and greet. ~E.G.

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  3. Hey I wanted to ask you about Brown County but can't find your email address. Is it rocky, hilly? What's the terrain like? I've never ridden there before. My friend's parents have made reservations to camp there Friday saturday and sunday. I've heard it is really busy this time of year. Will I be able to pull my trailer in and park at her campground site? I'm not staying over night. I'm just wondering if I'm going to have to park in a day parking area or if I can go into the campground. I've been warned by others around here that I would need a reservation and that they are sure it's booked. Emily's parents are hauling her horse for her and she is driving in Friday night to ride Saturday then is driving her car back home saturday night.

    Thanks,
    Michelle Detmer

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  4. Michelle,

    You will have to park in Dayparking, but then you can ride your horse on down to them as it is on the same roadway. Make sure you have your park pass VISIBLE on your horse as they are really sticky about that at B.C.

    The terrain is hilly, with a lot of crushed gravel, some dirt trail on the single tracks. I've done it barefoot, but each time "wished" I'd have booted so I could have moved out on those gravel service roads which are AWESOME for cantering.

    Have a good time. It is a nice (but busy) park.

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  5. FYI:
    Daunna's daughter just emailed me this morning. They are going to ride the LD at Spook Run on saturday. They have a couple horses that need to go real slow (their first LD) and then one that wants to go faster. She (her daughter) was wondering if she could ride fast with me, ha! But I don't think I'm going. Not unless my friend doesn't go to Brown County.

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