"Teamwork"

Teamwork

Seventh place, dead last,
sixth, fourth, two thirds,
smile upon her face, unforced;

perseverance, a beautiful canter,
a winning smile,
and their first blue ribbon.

Matches the one
she carries in her heart.

Margaret Bednar, May 6, 2013

Linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday".

Haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy at the barn.  My daughter's have been working hard preparing for a few open shows.   Oberon has been "adjusting" to a tighter rein.  He's not as thrilled as the girls are, but he's been a good boy.   I will share some lessons with you in the next few posts...

Julie Goodnight YouTube Video on Transitions

Transitions with Julie Goodnight.  I really like this.  My daughter was in her first show recently and we realize Oberon's transitions need to be worked on as we have spoiled him a bit.  James & Kate Cooler will be working with us on this, and I think this is what they have been talking to us about... it's all in the seat.  We will see next week as we have lessons scheduled.

What do you think of this video?

My daughter showed Oberon for the first time at an Open Show which was held at our "home" barn.  I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but I moved to a place called "Flintrock Farm".   They have a number of fun events planned on their calendar HERE and we are looking forward to May's "Horsefriend's" Open Fun Show Horse... specifically the games "Egg & Spoon" and "Ride a Buck" to name a few.

She entered in a walk/trot class and she did very well.  Two fifths and a sixth.  Not bad for JUST LEARNING what a diagonal was and holding leather reins in her hands for the first time (she likes her rope reins).  Oberon has been a tad bit spoiled and his transitions have gotten sloppy.  Believe me, my daughter is already on it!!  He could also be a bit more collected in his head carriage, but we will work on the issue of smooth, quick transitions first.  And Emma is just learning how to ride two handed.

Doesn't he look handsome in his English garb?

Hopes & Dreams

Hopes & Dreams

Simplicity

I grasp

as day

gives way

to evening

shade,

hopes

and dreams

illuminated

and shared

as my pony

nickers

and nods

encouragement.

by Margaret Bednar

Linked with the poetry site "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Open Link Monday"

My son, the youngest Horse Whisperer?

My son, possibly the YOUNGEST Horse Whisperer ever?!  Maybe he can help James Cooler with his three year old colt, Duece ... for Road to the Horse 2014!?  He is also on Facebook under Cooler Horsemanship.

Road to The Horse 2013

James Cooler was selected as one of eight qualifiers for the Wild Card entry for Road to the Horse 2014.  HERE is a description of the eight finalists.  They pick up their three year old colts March 17.

HERE are some of the horse people attending this year's celebration of the 10th Road to the Horse Competition.  I also heard Buck Branneman was going to be there... but I don't see his name on the website.  HERE is the weekend's agenda.

What is really fun for me is that the horse I used to own, Sebastian (above) was the colt used for the application video.   James Cooler is now starting a year's journal highlighting his one year journey with a 3 year old QH colt he will select and come home with from this year's Road to the Horse held in Lexington, KY, at the Kentucky Horse Park.  You can find it and updates on Cooler Horsemanship on Facebook HERE.

He will train the colt for a year and return next year (2014) and compete for "best hand" with the other eight for a wildcard entry into Road to the Horse 2014.

My blog friend and barn friend, Mary, explains it exceptionally well here at "Galloping Mind".  Not only is this post well done, but all her posts are informative and entertaining.  Please, check it out - you will be happy you did.  

Mustang - a Poem

Mustang

My loyal and true heart
is a cowboy's desire,

but his soothing words
and gentle hands

make promises
I know he won't keep.

I'm not so easily swayed
as are the ladies,

for my eyes will always yearn
for what he can't give me.

Perhaps that's my appeal;
we both long for the same thing.

by Margaret Bednar, January 30, 2013

This is for Poetry Jam "The Beast in You" and Friday Flash 55 (will link up with Thursday after 8pm) - 55 words, no more, no less.

I have been BUSY lately.  I moved yet again to a new barn... I will be updating here about that soon.

How to handle Fear

I recently audited a Joe Wolter Colt Starting & Horsemanship clinic at Sullivan Farm Hanoverians.  I love observing clinics and often leave with far more knowledge than I can possibly absorb.  I feel if I can apply three - five new things from each clinic, I am lucky.

My observations and notes are my own, and it is entirely possible I have misconstrued some of Joe Wolter's teachings.  I suggest going to his website and attending a clinic if he is ever in your area.

One thing I am off to buy right now is a small blue tarp.  Now, I know Oberon has no fear of walking on one, in fact he seems to enjoy "killing" it.  I have also walked by a huge barn door with one flapping sky high in the wind, having come loose from the bricks on the ground.  I thought I was in for all sorts of "crazy", but Oberon didn't even blink an eye.

I have never rubbed one all over his body, nor have I had him drag one behind us with a rope.

But what IF he was afraid?  How does one approach fear with a horse.  We MUST remember to do it the horses way as it is about building the horses confidence.

Make sure it is a learning process NOT a forcing process.

1) Find the line in the sand where your horse is comfortable, a place that allows him to be comfortably curious.  Let a horse be curious - DON'T hold them there.  Curiosity comes AFTER fright.

2) Back up or turn the horse away from the line.  Don't push him over.  Retreat and face.  The "line" will eventually get closer to the object. Take the horse away before he takes you away.

3) Redirect the energy.  Trot away, walk toward the object, respect the new line drawn in the sand.  If the horse tenses up, send off - we are battling self-preservation.  So do something when the horses life (fear) comes up.  Go back to # 2 as many times as necessary.

4) Repeat, stay calm.  It may take days.  Be patient, trust the horse.  Make sure you don't tense up.    Loosen reins so he can lower head and sniff.  Again, any tensing by the horse, go back to #2 & #3.

I have seen riders force a horse to take on an object they are scared of.  I confess, I have not always taken the appropriate time and respected the "safety line" but nudged Oberon closer instead of turning away when I could feel he didn't truly want to take forward steps.  The worst thing I can do in a fear situation is not give him enough time.

I'll let you know how Oberon does being rubbed by and dragging the tarp.  (I will have to be sure I have the arena to myself as I'm sure there are many boarders who would not appreciate this. :)