Well a few weeks have passed now since my return from the MS ride (see the pics below all taken by All Action Photography), and I had many nights to reflect over my plan of attack with Roxy. I was riddled with doubt, but determined to find a path to follow, one that would lead me to the next MS Ride and a more rounded, established horse.
I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to horses and more often than not have relied on instinct. Now with the internet and the wealth of knowledge out there I am inundated with ideas and methods to achieve my goal. It is easy to be swayed by a million well meaning suggestions or methods but there is one thing I know to be true. Every horse is different and while basic principles are the same you must be ready to change your approach and rethink your plans to suit the horse you are riding.
It was with this in mind that I knew that Roxy NEEDED focus and work in the round yard and arena. The trail is brilliant for training but every now and then you need to strip it all back and get into a confined space, then concentrate on the foundations from which everything should extend. It doesn't have to be hours and I like to use the "5" rule...practice each thing five times.
My first goal was to get Roxy rounding and collecting. I began with some coaching from Leah, then I tried it on a dressage arena and had some success. I then decided that my hands were not responsive enough and moved onto a Market Harborough. Once the horse has had time to get used to this piece of equiptment the way in which is works is a god send. Roxy is starting to soften and round up, find her own relief by lowering her head and if feels wonderful! I am even using it on the trail rides now, which I wasnt sure about at first, but is really working for us now. It gives me the chance to ride on a loose rein but to gather up and practice collection when I can.
My second goal is to stop Roxy's evasion with going forward away from other horses and the paddock. I am riding with a lead mare each time I go on the trail and slowly extending the distance when I can. I am starting to focus more on when she starts to build to evade and when I sense this coming she gets pushed forward at a trot and I am assertive and firm with her.
This approach to Roxy's training has been going for two weeks now and the changes in her are thrilling. Every ride sees improvement and although I am not ready to test her in a large group of strange horses she is performing so well within the small familiar group.
I wont be attempting any official ATHRA rides for the remainder of this year but hopefully after one or two test rides with a slightly larger group soon I will know where I stand in regards to the larger groups.
So what next....well I will continue as I am mixing flat work with trail rides. I will try to stretch her comfort zone and the distance between her and the other horses and I will take the time to do it right. I am really enjoying this time with her and the achievements we are making.
I want to thank with the biggest hugs my friends Leah, Lucy, Christine and Rhonda as without these girls and their fantastic horses and advise my job with Roxy would be much more difficult. Lucy and Leah's support and encouragement is something I truly value..thank you...thank you.
SO on another note I am looking forward to next weekend where I will be attending a horsemanship clinic and in a few weeks the Snowy River Festival in Dalgety. I am going to take my cheeky daughter Jade and have a girls weekend camping and getting amongst it in the snowy mountains!
Until the next post...yeee haaaaa!
Love Lorrie
xxx
