Trail Clinic

I will need to do a better job of keeping up with Gizmo's wall! This weekend, he and I attended a local trail clinic. It wasn't a Parelli clinic, but I knew the instructor and he is very kind to his horses. We had a blast and I think the instructor did too! One of the things we worked on that was challenging for me was to lope out in a big field alone away from the others. Gizmo likes to race and it is funny how he has much less go when he is alone. I felt the others pulling us back in, but I kept him out there. Another challenge was to go swimming in a lake. The other horses had to actually swim, but Gizmo was so tall that we just walked around. I loved that challenge and have been wanting to do that for a long time. He had no problem at all with going in the water. The puddle at the beginning of the day was much more challenging. The instructor had the same thing to say about Gizmo and I as my Parelli instructor - Gizmo does not see me as leader in the saddle and argues with me a lot (and that I am not assertive enough). I do see us improving, but it is a snails pace. I'm taking it all in and working on getting my good, better, best! This weekend I will be attending a trail challenge similar to ACTHA. We will be putting our skills to the test, but just for fun. If I think of it as a competition, I will get really nervous and choke up. I will be enjoying myself riding with friends and improving my horsemanship at the same time.

Unconfident in the Trot

I can see so much improvement since Maurice's clinic. It was exactly what I needed at the time. I wish I could have him in my pocket when I'm out there with the horses. I have completely gotten rid of my sissy hands and I try to concentrate on not leaning too far back. My direct turns that have been so wishy-washy are improving so much. Yesterday, his DT at the walk were there for the most part. It is when we do them at the trot that he gets (what feels like to me) unconfident. He goes into a tight circle to the right and it is hard to get him out of it. It is funny that he never did this in the clinic! Anyway, I just hold my position with my eyes, shoulders, belly button, leg, and rein facing to the left and eventually he comes out of it and I release instantly. I think whoever trained him previously must have turned him like this and it has become familiar to him. Not sure, but it is weird. We worked on some turning on haunches against the rail, back up, and sideways. He is very slow with this stuff, but I'm not sure if he completely understands it yet. I'm going slow so that I can be correct in my requests and i think he will get it. I had to resort to the end of my lead rope for the backup a couple of times, Funny how he backs so well when we are going out of the gate, lol. His backup is amazingly effortless and fast. He is such a shit! He is definately a "what's in it for me" horse. I quess I'm just happy he puts up with my inexperience and he doesn't try and buck me off. He is very tolerant of me. I have to give credit when it is due. FTR is improving. Only one and two correction a lap. Got that baseline Maurice! Funny how I never thought about counting my corrections even though I hear it from the savvy club vault regularly. Maurice talked about it a couple of times and I filed it in my brain. I hope I'm able to pull out all that I learned when I'm riding.

Results

Today was the test to see how much I learned from the clinic this past weekend and I passed. I could feel the effort in Gizmo's backing and direct turns. He walked and trotted with little effort on my part and was just more willing. I am so happy. Now I need to bring it on and be progressive. I need to be aware when he is being a punk. I really enjoy playing and riding him even though he isn't mine. He was put in my life for a reason and he is making my dreams come true. He is just not what I want. First of all, he is way too tall, and I don't like paints (at least ones with a lot of white). I love his personality and he is very entertaining. Just trying to figure it all out!!!! What about the other 3 horses that I love so much? I sometimes feel like I am ignoring them although they are probably happy I'm not riding them. What's a girl to do? Too many horses and so little time!

Kelly Sigler's Clinic

Tomorrow is the big day. My friend Nancy and I will be taking off around 9:00 am to Pensacola, FL for Kelly's clinic. My best friend Sandy was supposed to come, but had to cancel at the last minute. We will miss her so much. I will take notes for you don't worry. You will be there in spirit. I cannot begin to express how excited I am. My mom has been working her tail off sewing my name on all of my lead ropes and halters. She has also embroidered some cute little boots on my new towels for my new horse trailer. I will styling and profiling!! Oh, she also put the boots on my pillow cases. It really looks good. Thanks a bunch mom! You always put the icing on the cake for me and appreciate you more than you know.
      I feel like I am at least getting my foot in the door with PNH. I get so frustrated sometimes because my journey is moving so slowly. Lately I have been reading a lot of blogs and I am learning that if you do not attend clinics you will have missing pieces in the program. In some of the blogs I have read, I came across "clinic notes". I have almost the entire set of DVDs and some of this information isn't on them. Why not? I have paid for the goods. I know why info. is left out, but I don't have any Parelli Professionals nearby to have regular clinics with. This is the first one that is fairly close in two years. Anyway, I felt the need to vent on that one. I just want to be in the 'know', ya know!
     We are packing up and bathing the horses today. My poor husband doesn't realize what he has signed up for driving us on a five hour drive. He will be driven mad, I'm sure, by the time we pull up at Forever Sky Ranch. I will hopefully get to meet Mirka Pitts at the clinic. Evidently she trains at the ranch. I have been watching her videos on youtube and she is awesome. I could watch her for hours.
        Okay, my coffee cup is empty, so it is time to get my butt in gear. Lots to do today. Wish me luck!
                                                                                            Savvy Sam