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Barnyard Buddies:  Horse Training  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 17 2010 : 07:14:50 AM
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Oh Ladies!
I have to gush for a moment about my wonderful horse Tala! She is just 3 years old (technically she hasn't reached her birthday yet but all horses get the new age at the New Year) and I have just started doing some basic training to lead up towards saddle training.
I have done a lot of ground work with her and longeing etc, but this week I borrowed an english saddle from the barn manager and have put on her twice. We are working on ground driving and I have even leaned all of my weight into the saddle without getting on.
She hasn't bucked at the saddle, she has just turned to look at it curiously, she doesn't even mind when I let the stirrups down and let them flap (I want her to get used to any and all noises a saddle can make).
She was a bit confused at first with the ground driving and I don't have a helper so we had to work it out ourselves. But she got it really quickly and last night was our second night of ground driving. Now that she understands that I am going to be behind her I am working on getting her to be be a bit more sensitive in turning with the aid of the reins. I know that this is going to be so much easier once I actually am in he saddle as I can give her cues with my heels like she is used to me giving on the ground with ground work.
Anyway for only two days worth of new training she is doing great! Honestly, I could probably get on her tonight and she wouldn't fuss a bit, but I need to wait for that experiment until I have helpers- I don't need to get injured and not have help until the next morning! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2010 : 08:45:23 AM
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That is so cool!! Way to go Alee!! Tala sounds like a wonderful horse!
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 07:43:33 AM
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Thanks Channah- yes she is! She has been amazing since day one! I helped breed her and then didn't get to be around her mom during her pregnancy but got to meet Tala when she was just a little bitty foal- about 2-3 months old. She was amazing! She didn't even freak out when I carried my baby around with me in a carrying pack which some of the other babies did- they couldn't understand what they were looking at! LOL- anyway she just softly sniffed Nora's head as if to say "Oh! Just a baby!"
She is super kind and well mannered- especially if Nora is around. Of course I have to keep a sharp eye out and I don't ever leave them alone together as even the best horse could hurt a small child without meaning to... but I digress...
Last night I worked Tala with some new long lines that I made- and it is so much better than what I was using before! They are super smooth so they glide right through the stirrups that I am using to guide the lines back to my hands. So I am having to use less pressure on the reins. Tala did great. We were able to weave in and out of the cones better. Tala doesn't really like that exercise. I think that is just something we are going to have to work on. She is great at walk/trot/whoa/back and normal turning. Now I am working on fine tuning a bit.
At the end of every ground driving lesson I have her stand by the mounting block and I lean my weight into the saddle. Last night I used one stirrup and basically half mounted her. If I had just slid my other leg over and settled into the saddle I would have been riding her! But I want to take this step slow and steady so that when I actually do fully climb into the saddle, Tala will be so bored of the process that she won't even twitch an ear.
She is doing so awesome! I love this horse!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Chives
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
Washington
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 08:47:28 AM
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| Alee, Its so nice to have a great horse, You can go through life and have horses but there is always that special one. That special bond. Vicki |
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Kerbear
True Blue Farmgirl
261 Posts
Kerry
Middle
Tennessee
USA
261 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 12:18:10 PM
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Alee, what breed is Tala? My horse is an appendix and she is absolutely wonderful too. How did you start out long lining? I have heard of the bucket test but dont really know much about it. Did you do that with Tala? Long lining is something I want to work on in the future. When I was living in Seattle I worked in hippotherapy (a type of therapeutic horseback riding) and there I learned a lot about long lining and how important it is for hippotherapy. I started working with my horse a while back ago but unfortunately it faded, and I really need to get back into it again with her.
Victoria I absolutely agree with you. Women and horses have such as special bond. I do not think any horse could ever replace my Dolly.
~Kerry
Farmgirl Sister #975 |
Edited by - Kerbear on Feb 18 2010 12:22:32 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 12:32:17 PM
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Kerry- well it was a bit touch and go the first time because Tala is such an in-your-pocket type of horse- she is always coming up for snuggles and kisses. She will even free longe around me in an areana because she just doesn't like to "leave".
So what I did was I hooked up the long lines to the bit and threaded them through the stirrups since I am using a saddle instead of a training surcingle. Then I walked next to her a little to get her a bit used to pressure on the bit. Then I told her to whoa and stand which is a command she knows and walked behind her and adjusted the long lines. I made sure I was a good 10 feet back or so and then I gave her the command for walk on and slapped the lines lightly on her flanks as I gave the voice command (I want her to get used to a nudge from my heels). At first she kept trying to turn to look at me and we had lots of adjustments with the reins, but eventually she evened out and I praised the heck out of her. She is very quick to respond to praise.
I made sure to end on a positive note with lots of praise and scratches, and I have been trying to keep the training sessions relatively short- about 30 minutes.
I hope that helps!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Kerbear
True Blue Farmgirl
261 Posts
Kerry
Middle
Tennessee
USA
261 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 12:54:52 PM
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Thanks Alee! You have motivated me to get started on that it again. It would be so good for us!
Thanks Again!
~Kerry
Farmgirl Sister #975 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 6:05:48 PM
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She is a beautiful horse Alee!! She must love you to bits!! Thank you so much for sharing her story with me!! That was very sweet of you!! I wish I could meet her!
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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arabianhorselover
True Blue Farmgirl
422 Posts
Jennifer
Bedias
TX
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2010 : 9:36:09 PM
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Oh my gosh, that picture of Tala looks just like my Infidel geldling! I rode him today and he was such a good boy. Who is her grandsire on the dam side? So glad you are having such good success with her. You are on the right track with her and just think it won't be long before you will be riding her! How fun will that be. To be able to ride your baby. If you are anything like me you will cry. I remember the first time all my babies had their first rides. I cried just like it was my kiddos going to kindergarten. Ha! Keep up the good work!
Jennifer
Breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabians and SportHorses
www.whisperwindsarabians.com
Farmgirl Sister #561
Never squat with your spurs on!!!
www.throughjenslens.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/arabhorselover
www.hillbilliehoneys.blogspot.com
www.kountrybumpkinfarmgirl.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Species
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Jan
CT
29 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2010 : 04:17:50 AM
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| Thanks for posting about Tala. She is really cute! Don't you think that horses teach us patience? It's the building the relationship that takes time and I found the more done on the ground rather than in the saddle, the better the ride. Good luck and enjoy the journey. jan |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2010 : 08:08:20 AM
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I certainly agree Jan! Horses are great about educating people! I find that when I am working with Tala she helps me destress and decompress and at that point I am able to listen better and learn from her. We have been doing really well so far in our training of each other- she has always been a great girl, but she is so much more in tune with me lately.
Fore example- the other day I was round penning her with her bridle on just so she could get used to wearing it without any pressure from reins on the bit and such. It was a new bridle and something about it just wasn't making me happy about it but I couldn't put my finger on it. So when the barn manager (an much more experienced horsewoman) walked by, I asked her to take a look at it for me. While all this was happening, Tala was "feeling her oats" and cantering around the round pen at her own speed (I didn't ask her to canter- that was her decision) When Deb said sure she would look at the Bridle I turned back to Tala and said "Whoa" My sweet beautiful girl didn't take a single step forward- she immediatly rocked back and slid to a stop and stood stock still as I walked up to her and led her by the cavesson to Deb. Deb laughed and said "Show off!" to Tala! It was so funny.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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arabianhorselover
True Blue Farmgirl
422 Posts
Jennifer
Bedias
TX
USA
422 Posts |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2010 : 09:30:47 AM
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What a beauty Jennifer!!
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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Kerbear
True Blue Farmgirl
261 Posts
Kerry
Middle
Tennessee
USA
261 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2010 : 5:40:34 PM
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Jennifer and Alee,
Both of your horses are beautiful, and they look so much alike! Thank you for sharing your pictures! I love the bubbles Jennifer!
~Kerry
Farmgirl Sister #975 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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arabianhorselover
True Blue Farmgirl
422 Posts
Jennifer
Bedias
TX
USA
422 Posts |
Posted - Feb 19 2010 : 8:20:53 PM
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Thank you Kerry. Tala's great grandsire Thee Desperado is my geldings grandsire. I know Alee will have and already has as much fun with her girl as I have had with my boy. I have had him Alee since he was 4 months old and he is now 6. I plan on keeping him and riding him in the Dressage ring. He has been trained up to First Level and was doing 2nd and 3rd level movements. He is much further along than I am. But that is a good thing. This way I can concentrate on my riding while he knows what to do. By the way he is the horse they called Alee at the training barn. :)
Breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabians and SportHorses
www.whisperwindsarabians.com
Farmgirl Sister #561
Never squat with your spurs on!!!
www.throughjenslens.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/arabhorselover
www.hillbilliehoneys.blogspot.com
www.kountrybumpkinfarmgirl.blogspot.com |
Edited by - arabianhorselover on Feb 19 2010 8:22:11 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Species
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Jan
CT
29 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2010 : 1:33:56 PM
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Ok, Alee I've just got to know in the heck you can stand to train your horse in the winter. Maybe I'm a wimp, but the snow and ice here makes for uneven footing for me and my horse, Topper, but most of all I hate being cold (he's kind of a thin skinned guy too). We both can't wait for Spring. We went out for a walk today and saw a blue bird. I guess I'm just a fair weather farmgirl. jan
"Getting old aint for sissies" Bette Davis |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2010 : 5:59:18 PM
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Nora rode Tala today- she feels more comfortable when there is a saddle on :D Tala did great! She is very soft and gentle towards Nora. Tala was out for her daily free time in the large indoor arena when I showed up. She was at the far end of the arena when I walked in. She immediatly saw me and came running full speed to see me. She is such a sweet girl! I bet if we were trail riding and something happened- she wouldn't leave me or if she did it would be to go straight back to get help.
Although I must say she is a bit of a princess at the same time- sometimes I don't think she wants hugs and kisses as much as she expects them as due worship! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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arabianhorselover
True Blue Farmgirl
422 Posts
Jennifer
Bedias
TX
USA
422 Posts |
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child in harmony
True Blue Farmgirl
55 Posts
Marcia
Middleboro
MA
USA
55 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 7:33:55 PM
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Oooh Beautiful horses Alee and Jennifer ! I have two Haflinger mares, 15 h, that will soon be trained under saddle. They are half sisters and I got them when they were weanlings. It has been quite a journey :)
~marcia
www.childinharmony.com "Enriching,nurturing and inspiring Life with nature,animals
and the arts .. for the child and the child within" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 8:21:30 PM
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I can imagine, Marcia! But isn't it so worth it?!
Jennifer- I would love for you to come up to visit! I am planning on going on a horse weekend with my barn manager sometime this spring/summer when it is warm enough to go but not too hot during the day! Maybe in May? Anyway I know it would be a long drive for you but if you want to come we will be riding in the Rocky Mountains and staying at my family's cabin at night. A girl's weekend! It will be so much fun! Let me know if that is at all feasible. We also could probably find you a mount if you didn't mind riding a Tenessee Walker if you just wanted to fly in!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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nanny
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
cyndy
st eugene
ontario
Canada
9 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 05:33:30 AM
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| beautiful horses , I have recently got into parelli ground work , really cool , its worth a look check it out on the web , |
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Barnyard Buddies: Horse Training |
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Horse Training
