http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/My journey with my beautiful Haflinger x Quarter Horse - Giuditta (Giddy); she is by the very handsome stallion Glyn Eryr Nelson (GB31) and her quarter horse mum is called Puzzled.Giddy is a left brain, short, extrovert with a sense of humour, (pretty typical Haflinger really!) A dedicated natural horsemanship student, I have been studying the Parelli method for about 3.5 years. We live in Cornwall, very close to the Devon borderen-EUMokoFeed10http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/9f/f3367181eff9acbc25680475e2b6c5_160x200.jpghttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/11/day-ummmm-8-i-think-5020300/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-11-11:/2008/11/11/day-ummmm-8-i-think-5020300/Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:57:27 +0100 <p>my plan to give giddy two days to take it all in, ended up being three as the weather here was unbelievable, torrential rain, high speed winds, not a day for riding</p> <p>today was hugely interesting, left rein canter online was actually better which is odd, got a great bit of footage of what i am sure is the perfect demonstration of this task on this rein</p> <p>going to the right, at one point she slipped, and then went a tad right brained, did a circuit and came in and was blowing and puffing really hard, proving to me that all the blowing she has been doing (but not in the last few sessions) is related to emotions and not fitness</p> <p>my ridden work was not so hot today, didnt really have a clear plan, and boy does it make a difference to the results </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/11/day-ummmm-8-i-think-5020300/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/11/day-ummmm-8-i-think-5020300/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/day-5000497/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-11-07:/2008/11/07/day-5000497/Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:23:19 +0100 <p>I knew it would happen... today giddy didnt want to go on the trailer, she wasnt particularly obstreperous about it, just stood on the ramp looking at me, shame really as she has been going on with total perfection for some time now; but she has of course cottoned on that it means she is off to work</p> <p>I tried explaining to her that we all have to go to work ;0))</p> <p>anyway, didnt take long, and on she went, but I am mindful that i need to somehow make this programme at least marginally entertaining for her!</p> <p>amazing how changes can happen so quickly, today she is offering that rocking horse canter on both reins on the 22ft, got two circuits both ways, often she is dropping to trot then back up without being asked, or with just a light lift of the rein; remarkable results in such a short time just from having a plan and a programme, being consistent, making some changes in myself, and being on a good surface</p> <p>she is such a smart little mare, I think she has basically realised that the "dont change gait" principle does actually apply in canter too; so now she has accepted this, she has found herself a little canter that uses a lot less energy than life up and lots of bucks, slides etc, although that can be fun to be around when shes like that, but for sure it's not going to get that task passed!</p> <p>now, I know at some point I am going to need more life, but its easier to get more energy from here, than to gain respect when she is going full blast; and I know Ali is right in what she says, she has to be able to canter with me in neutral for one or more laps if we are going to get the ridden canter</p> <p>worked on ridden sideways today, and thats going a lot better</p> <p>and as yesterday, worked on those millions of transitions</p> <p>according to the weigh tape, she has lost a grand total of 12 kilos in the past 7 days, very, very nearly two stone! Amazing</p> <p>giddy bless her heart is going to have a day off tomorrow </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/day-5000497/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/day-5000497/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/06/day-4994540/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-11-06:/2008/11/06/day-4994540/Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:20:38 +0100 <p>more improvements today</p> <p>had a lovely section of canter on the right rein, not leaning on the halter, and looked really balanced; again, that very slow rocking horese canter we had yesterday; she did a full circuit straight from the send, and me not moving an inch (left rein not so hot, but better than it was yesterday)</p> <p>I have totally underestimated the power of neutral I think, so really working on this, so if she's cantering, I am forcing myself to be really, really still and being prepared to move and tag her the instant she drops, this I think is a big part of the puzzle, so if shes cantering, I figure whatever sort of canter it is, it will do!</p> <p>and then..........</p> <p>walked some cloverleafs, trotted some cloverleafs, did stacks of transitions both reins.....</p> <p>asked for a faster trot up the long side, and I felt her rock back and she cantered ;0)))) </p> <p>she only held a stride, but it was calm and balanced and she just offered it up; it wasn't even from one of those really manic trots she can do, just asked for a little energy, and she just did it</p> <p>I got off at this point as it felt like a really big try on her part and I wasn't even looking for it</p> <p>happy days ;0)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/06/day-4994540/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/06/day-4994540/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/day-1-and-4990084/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-11-05:/2008/11/05/day-1-and-4990084/Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:09:59 +0100 <p>of my 7 day and 8 week programme</p> <p>so tantalisingly close to being officially level 2 now, but then so far, the only way its going to happen is to get a serious programme in place, because time is running out until its all change on the 1st January; I like deadlines, so the motivation is on the rise!</p> <p>left to assess: just the mounting task, as she needs to put herself in place more, ridden sideways, needs to move off leg more, the online canter task, and the dreaded ridden drop to trots</p> <p>soooooooo, 8 weeks in which to get it done; so the first part of the plan is now in place, the sand school up the road is now mine to use unlimited between 12 and 3 during the week, they did me a fab deal of £25 per week, its hassle loading up every day, but its only 5 minutes away</p> <p>it's just not fair on Giddy to expect her to do the canter task at home on the slippy grass, so this is making life so much easier</p> <p>2 days in and she is being brilliant, not once has she got in a tizz, gone all bracey or dropped into that resistant mode</p> <p>ali has set us a 7 day programme - set out for 10 laps of canter on the 22ft, doesnt matter if she canters, but she has to do 10 laps, and I am looking for as much canter as possible; sadly the footage of the canter task wasnt good enough, as although she was life up, I wasnt in neutral, and the other footage where I am, she doesnt maintain gait</p> <p>genuinely, she is unfit, and she does get puffed, but I am now reading this as emotional, she will gallop full pelt in the field, up hills, at length, and not be as out of breath as 10 laps on a 22ft! but I am seeing some improvements; today, she was offering a really, really slow, rocking horse canter on one rein, dropping to trot, then next stride lifting herself back into canter; it is difficult to know if this is really enough of a try, but then again, I dont want to lose a canter that looks rideable, and looks like she could collect up from this position; certainly looks nicer than the flat out mad canter that she does for a lap before sliding to a stop!</p> <p>so, here it is, my 8 week plan</p> <p>5 days a week in the sand school, one or two hacks on a weekend / play day etc</p> <p>get giddy <u>and</u> me fitter</p> <p>I WILL return to my yoga and pilates to help with my position, which subsequently should help our ridden canter</p> <p>perhaps a couple of lessons at the riding school to help my position in canter transitions on a horse thats not going to buck ;0)</p> <p>there it is, in writing, no going back, official level 2 here we come, I am putting the view of "if Eddy Modde cant get her to canter, then neither will I be able to", firmly behind me, and its a brand new motivated me that believes we CAN do this! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/day-1-and-4990084/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/day-1-and-4990084/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/title-4370490/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-06-27:/2008/06/27/title-4370490/Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:29:19 +0200 <p>Well, what a week it has been, new to the Family is The Englishman, also known as Soots, a 16.3 TBxID - a little different to a Haffie and a mini ;0). I am very lucky to have been offered him on loan, and hes here for a trial to make sure we are all happy</p> <p>Picture here of their first meeting...</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/343/2621343_c1de30c3d0_l.jpg" alt="null" title="null"></p> <p>giddy of course is well in charge ;0), there was no squealing from her at all which i was most surprised at; she asserted herself in a very cool calm fashion and after they had all greeted, she led the herd down the field and the two boys followed her meekly</p> <p>Lightning and soots however did a fair bit of squealing on the first night, and by day two, my two were bullying the great big horse something chronic. I took my stick and string down in the end and tried to support him in the herd by driving Lightning away who was the worse of the two; they have settled a little now, but it has been quite difficult watching soots discover the boundaries of his new herd. </p> <p>Soots finally began to stand his ground on day 4, I suppose he just needed to build some confidence in his new surroundings, and get used to the equivalent of a terrier coming at him with the violence of a rotweiler; pretty strange to see a mini chasing a 16.3!</p> <p>It has been very interesting to watch in terms of why Giddy is such a handful, she is incredibly dominant, but did very little to assert herself apart from a couple of double barrels, but then just made it clear she was in charge in a very passive way. Lightning is more defensive and attacking, and I think there is an element of him defending his mare</p> <p>I have done very little with Soot so far, I figured a week was a good time to settle to ensure he was comfortable; I havent been able to resist however a few little touches on some games. I was a litle wary of him to start, he's so very big, and I know with absolute accuracy how Giddy reacts and responds, but Soots is an unknown quantity at the moment, and although I had lots of feedback on what a good boy is, I of course have to discover this for myself; so I was a little wary, and him a little reserved to start for a couple of days, but now am feeling much more connected with him</p> <p>Already I can feel that difference between a horse that wants to try to connect and one that is constantly challenging for leadership; Giddy tests me every single moment I am with her, and I have to be totally on form to keep the connection, the minute I am out of place, or rush, or my phases or not gentle enough, then the relationship can break down rapidly and she takes control</p> <p>With this very gentle old chap, I feel that he wants to connect and play even though its early days, just whilst getting to know him in the field, have tried things like backing him up a little at liberty, and its straight and soft, and sooooooooo different to the challenging little haffie</p> <p>So interesting days ahead, I think maybe this horse has come to me for a reason as part of my parelli journey, and am hopeful he can also help me with Giddy on many levels. I certainly look forward to some riding that is not a battle of wills, negotiation and levels of patience that I dont always have. I dont suppose my leg muscles are looking forward to getting up there! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/title-4370490/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/27/title-4370490/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/24/recommended-dvd-made-by-a-local-parelli--4357403/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-06-24:/2008/06/24/recommended-dvd-made-by-a-local-parelli--4357403/Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:53:57 +0200 <p>A DVD for every horse owner - it teaches a 10 minute weekly stretch programme for horses - to improve performance, prevent stiffness and help you notice problems before they become disasters. </p> <p>Devised and presented by Celia Cohen, ACPAT (A), a human and veterinary physiotherapist. Celia works alongside equine vets to treat all kinds of horses from family ponies to top racehorses and eventers. She believes that if everyone stretched their horses once or more a week, half her clients would not have a problem in the first place; and the other half would notice much sooner! That is why she devised this programme. On this DVD she shows how the stretches look on an experienced horse and how to teach them to a new horse. She explains what you are looking for and when you need help from your vet or physio. There is also a handy plastic pocket reminder card to take with you when you stretch your horse. This is 10 minutes a week that your horse will thank you for every day!</p> <p>TO BUY Send a cheque for £18.65 (inc VAT and postage) to: Outpost Productions Ltd, PO Box 6500, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 9BQ Or buy online using a credit card or paypal account at: <a href="http://www.outpostproductions.co.uk">www.outpostproductions.co.uk</a> n.b. ACPAT (A) members are fully qualified Chartered Human Physiotherapists (MSCP’s) who have also trained in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals. Celia works part-time within the NHS on her human patients and the remainder of the week with horses by referral from equine veterinary practices (or by direct client bookings) in the South West of England </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/24/recommended-dvd-made-by-a-local-parelli--4357403/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/06/24/recommended-dvd-made-by-a-local-parelli--4357403/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/28/hmmmmmmmm-4237614/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-05-28:/2008/05/28/hmmmmmmmm-4237614/Wed, 28 May 2008 11:20:13 +0200 <p>well after a good start coming back into work, we have gone downhill a little, and she looks pretty stiff, seems that the more we do, the arthritis looks worse, but this is odd as it should be the other way around, maybe its a haflinger thing</p> <p>despite this, gonna have a go at getting my Level 2 down on film, we cant currenty do the ridden canter task, but all else is OK (at least it is until the camera is turned on!)</p> <p>on a good note, the weigh tape tells me she has lost 4 stone! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/28/hmmmmmmmm-4237614/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/28/hmmmmmmmm-4237614/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/7th-may-4144734/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-05-07:/2008/05/07/7th-may-4144734/Wed, 07 May 2008 20:04:52 +0200 <p>Three days, and some good progress ;0) Giddy looks to be moving much freerer than she was earlier in the year, whether the break, or the glucosamine is finally kicking in, I dont know, but I am over the moon to see her moving a little better; still not 100%, but she is happy to go on both reins, and looks pretty good</p> <p>I set up a little game based around some hill therapy and the circling game, this certainly seems to have piqued her interest, and is doing her the world of good; took the car down and marked a nice track around my 22ft line tied to a cone, nice and flat now and easier for her to move on. Put cones in four places, equally around the circle, with poles on the inside of these, resting on the cone, and those little poly pod things on the inside, about 4 inches i suppose</p> <p>Interestingly, she didnt want to walk them at first, prefering to trot (!), I am unsure if this is because she has to strech her back less in trot? So that kept us entertained, and have moved this on to thing's like can you go over all 4 without running around the outside, or coming inside, can you do all four with enthusiasm, can you walk to one, trot to the next, walk, trot, then canter; over three days she hasnt got bored with this, and has been happy to go, even offering jumps over the cones, and they are big ones, so i suppose 2.5ft!!</p> <p>Today I also put her out on the 45ft line for some bigger circles, and got a full circle in canter both sides</p> <p>Have also ridden three days in the row, with all going well, just doing a little and being careful not to do too much (both mentally and physically). I have been reading about the parelli cradle bridle, and the tongue relief makes sense to me, especially as shes so big in the jaw with a massive tongue ;0) Funds tight at the mo, so have been looking at second hand mylers on ebay; popped in the tack shop today and had a long chat with them; they suggested i try a straight bar, flexible rubber bit, and she actually seems to quite like this, and it certainly looks a better fit for her than the confidence snaffle, she offered some nice soft feel and was pretty still in the mouth; will see how we goes</p> <p>we did have a bit of a battle yesterday when she got a little tired and didnt want to go forward on the left rein, and was just offering bacwards; I got a little frustrated; but today got on with a lot more purpose, and was working on getting some snappier sideways movement off my leg; have been reading some more traditional riding / training manuals of late, and finding that i am now able to put these in context of my parelli studies, and found it all really helped today</p> <p>I know for sure I am way too "soft" when it comes to the riding with her in the quest to be natural and not to force her, but there is a need for absolute clarity and being firm when needed, keeping this in mind today, had some lovely results</p> <p>I have ordered The Complete Training of Horse and Rider by Alois Podhajsky and The Art of Horsemanship by Xenophon, hopefully they will be here tomorrow </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/7th-may-4144734/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/7th-may-4144734/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/may-2008-laminitis-scare-4144647/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-05-07:/2008/05/07/may-2008-laminitis-scare-4144647/Wed, 07 May 2008 19:51:27 +0200 <p>Well, as per normal, have fallen behind with this!</p> <p>Anyway, after some good days, I fel inspired to do an update</p> <p>We had a very tiny brush with laminitis, but it was very fleeting, pulse was up, and a tiny bit footy, pulled them both off the grass, had some bute, so as an emergency measure, used this and upped the magnesium, next day she looked completely fine, but pulse was going up and down for a few days, until, bingo, cant believe have never tried it before, but gave her some <a href="http://www.seventhwavesupplements.com/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=105&idproduct=82">Zeolite</a> after coming across this on the web from an american company; thankfully it's available here from Seventh Wave. Makes total sense really as it removes toxins, and within 12 hours her pulse was gone ;0))</p> <p>so that was some time ago, since then, she is now on 100% soaked hay, and I am going the full hog and soaking for 12 - 24 hours; she seems more than happy to eat it thankfully, no suprise being a haffie i suppose; and for three days, we have been back into work, and they are going out for a few hours late at night. So far so good, both looking good, and Giddy has lost a massive 20 kilos (3 stone), well, thats according to the weigh tape anyway! She certainly looks really good, beautiful shiny coat and very happy in herself, so all being well, we can stay laminitis free for good now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/may-2008-laminitis-scare-4144647/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/05/07/may-2008-laminitis-scare-4144647/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/02/22/22_feb~3765196/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-02-22:/2008/02/22/22_feb~3765196/Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:38:51 +0100 <p>I have sadly injured my back very badly, so poor old giddy is being neglected terribly... </p> <p>as a mare who tests me every day, this protracted period of not playing with her has meant that the respect levels have really dropped as I have been unable to do anything with her</p> <p>for sure the rapport / respect ladder is not in a good place right now</p> <p>:0((</p> <p>hopefully I will be back on track soon </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/02/22/22_feb~3765196/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/02/22/22_feb~3765196/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/26/26th_jan~3635431/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-01-26:/2008/01/26/26th_jan~3635431/Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:18:39 +0100 <p>Beautiful day, so absolutely no excuse not to get back in the saddle!</p> <p>Sadly it was all a bit depressing really</p> <p>Walked out in hand on the roads for 15 mins, she was sound on her feet and happy to go</p> <p>Got back, and checked her out on the ground; she realy, really doesnt want to go on a circle on the left rein, happy to maintain gait on the right, but just kept stopping on the left</p> <p>It's so difficult, I can see that genuinely the arthritis is bothering her, and as much as the vets say to get her moving, she is clearly telling me she is uncomfortable</p> <p>So didnt do much, and hopped on, just walking in a straight line on the left rein, she is not wanting to go, and it's not that obstinate not wanting to go, but she just doesnt feel right, turn her the other way and shes much happier</p> <p>I had hoped that the supplements and injections would have made more difference, and I know i need to fitten her up, but so very hard when she doesnt want to use her body</p> <p>Got to get the physio out again, but today it's all feeling like a real uphill climb again </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/26/26th_jan~3635431/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/26/26th_jan~3635431/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/anthropomorphising_maybe_or_maybe_not_22~3616395/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-01-22:/2008/01/22/anthropomorphising_maybe_or_maybe_not_22~3616395/Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:48:46 +0100 <p>Anthropomorphising? Maybe or maybe not </p> <p>Interesting revelations...</p> <p>finally had a break in the weather today, so took Giddy out for a short walk in hand down the road. We were only out for 10mins or so; played with mirroring each other's speed at walk, slow, really slow, medium and fast and mixed it up; she was pretty interested in this little game</p> <p>Brought them up this evening from the field, and for the first time in literally weeks, she walked up nicely; it has been a pretty dicey experience of late sloshing around in deep mud through a fairly narrow gap with the two of them, Giddy has seemed to think it great fun to try and squash me between her and lightning, and there is very little room to try and block her</p> <p>It has given me great cause for thought that such a small amount of interaction made such a HUGE difference. It shows that it's not just about respect - a dominant left brain mare she may be, but clearly she does like, and respond to even just a little bit of focused bonding and relationship building. More than anything, I think its about doing things <u>with</u> her, rather than to her, or making her go through the motions of the seven games; especially when i fall into the trap of being over demanding and critical, which with her being short, left brain and very dominant is literally the worst way to be</p> <p>I have to admit that life has been so demanding of late, that i tend to fly around the stables, muck out, feed, chuck them in the field, put them back in stables, pick feet out etc, but my mind is generally elsewhere and churning over work</p> <p>Today though, i was totally with her, in the moment, and focused on doing something together, and the change in the way she came up from the field was dramatic</p> <p>It does inspire me a little, as have lost some motivation with my parelli journey of late with the arthritis seeming to make it all such a massive mountain, but the principles of the programme, and what i love about it have really hit home today</p> <p><strong>Note to self, </strong> must spend more time with my horse and throw work out the window for at least a short period every day, otherwise really whats the point!!!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/anthropomorphising_maybe_or_maybe_not_22~3616395/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/anthropomorphising_maybe_or_maybe_not_22~3616395/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/21/21st_january~3611837/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2008-01-21:/2008/01/21/21st_january~3611837/Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:39:56 +0100 <p>As per normal, life is far too hectic, and no updates for quite some time</p> <p>The weather here in cornwall is literally dreadful it feels like it has been raining forever</p> <p>The horses are in at the moment overnight, and out during the day, not ideal, but the land is so wet, and I have so little of it there is no other options. Mind you, it is so bad, that most days they are more than happy to come back inside</p> <p>Although starting off with enthusiasm at the start of the year, we have done very little, Giddys respect level for me has wavered a fair bit, and once again, she is managing to push her weight around. It is just so hard when its sheet rain and blowing a gale, but i am trying to work on little things like haltering with more feel when i turn her out etc</p> <p>It's hard to tell how the arthritic hock is really, but must get her back into work asap</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/21/21st_january~3611837/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2008/01/21/21st_january~3611837/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/12/03/3rd_december~3390265/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-12-03:/2007/12/03/3rd_december~3390265/Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:58:38 +0100 <p>Good grief, cant believe this has been neglected since August, life has been manic</p> <p>After making such good progress, I am absolutely gutted to say that Giddy has been diagnosed with Arthritis in her left hock. She has not been right since September, the vet saw her a couple of times and eventually suggested taking her over for nerve blocks as she looked lame in two feet.</p> <p>On the day, it was clearly the hock and we went straight to x-ray which showed the clear signs of joint degeneration. I cried on and off for 2 days</p> <p>While I realise it can be managed, just so sad for a 10 year old, and being a very short, left brain horse, she doesnt need any excuses not to use her body properly</p> <p>So, she has had a series of catrophen injections, is on glucosamine, chondroitin and msm and we will see how she goes. am now building her up from 10mins a day of riding</p> <p>She has also had a physio treatment today, and she was also very sore and tight in her back, right (opposite) hock and left shoulder. So she has clearly been compensating for being uncomfortable in her hock</p> <p>So, just a case of plodding on really </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/12/03/3rd_december~3390265/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/12/03/3rd_december~3390265/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/17th_august~2822948/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-08-17:/2007/08/17/17th_august~2822948/Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:36:39 +0200 <p>We are haivng a great week. three times this week, Giddy has been through the electric fencing to get to the strictly off limits lush grass. three times I have brought her out with no halter, just a hand on the neck and asking her to come with me.... this would have been unthinkable in the past; a massive change in our relationship and a great feeling</p> <p>Have ridden every day this week and she is definitely getting lighter, more respectful and the impulsion is better</p> <p>Frank was here and cantered her last week, I was extrememly impressed, she was I think suprised, but she cantered both reins, and only one tiny hint of a buck. Afterwards, I have never heard her blow so much! I am a little wary of trying and not being firm enough, or able to maintain my position if she does throw in bucks or stops, so i think i will leave that til it is a little more established</p> <p>Great stuff tho at the moment ;0) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/17th_august~2822948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/17th_august~2822948/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/07/7th_august~2771342/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-08-07:/2007/08/07/7th_august~2771342/Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:12:58 +0200 <p>Crikes, havent had time to update this for ages</p> <p>Well, we just got back from the Parelli conference at the NEC, what a fantastic weekend!</p> <p>There were 48 of us from Devon, cornwall, Somerset and Dorset all sat right at the front, great seats and great fun! 5,000 people there in total - absolutely brilliant </p> <p>I am inspired to get back on track with Giddy again, have had terrible back trouble, so until last week had done very little, but am now riding again, and so far so good at bringing her back into work</p> <p>more soon! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/07/7th_august~2771342/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/08/07/7th_august~2771342/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/30/30th_may~2363406/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-30:/2007/05/30/30th_may~2363406/Wed, 30 May 2007 20:23:43 +0200 <p>Finally felt up to a session with Giddy after the fall, bruising now much better and less painful!</p> <p>Couldnt resist trying again, and went for another flying change, it wasn't a fluke!! Got a nice change although she bucked after she changed. Gave her a long dwell time, then had the confidence to try again as it seems sort of solid, got it again, although she dropped to trot when she reached the apex of the circle.</p> <p>Tried the other side, no can do! Tried a change just at trot, and discovered that I seem to have lost my draw on the right rein, hmmmmmm. Played with this for a while, and it was pretty stuck, came together a lot better when I really broke it down, and moved with her before drawing. Called the groundwork a day when i finally got a nice one; I can see this one being an "issue" when it comes to mine and Kim's videoing session on Sunday!</p> <p>Saddled up, bridled with hackamore from knees as havent checked this out for a while.</p> <p>Went to get on, and found I was really quite tight; I am so very disapointed; I had turned such a huge corner with my confidence, it is so very frustrating to have it knocked. Giddy was stepping back a fair bit, clearly picking up on me being a bit tense.</p> <p>Anyway, got on, checked out our flexion, tested out some turns and she is so much softer to turn now just with eyes, legs and far less rein needed. Had a walk around and a couple of short trots, felt OK, but felt a little bit bothered over by the hedge where the pheasant got us last time! I know this is silly, there is no reason to be worried, that unusual spook has absolutely no bearing on today!!</p> <p>It then absolutely poured with rain so called it a day, all things considered, a good session </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/30/30th_may~2363406/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/30/30th_may~2363406/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/25th_may~2333704/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-25:/2007/05/25/25th_may~2333704/Fri, 25 May 2007 18:33:28 +0200 <p>It's funny how horses have a way of bringing you down to earth</p> <p>Giddy was life up today, and wanted to play the catching game, for weeks now she has wanted to hook up, and hasnt taken off across the field, seemed more like she was playing rather than escaping, and then just came to me ears pricked</p> <p>checked out our new improved send, and she was having fun with the canter, so much so, after a couple of trot changes of direction, I thought i would try it at a canter...bingo!!! I was so very pleased, I was tempted to try again, but instead made a point of dwelling for ages</p> <p>I think she sort of stopped in the middle, but only for a fraction of a second and then went on the other leg, it was really pretty nice</p> <p>so saddled up, checked everything out, got on, had a thought about falling off, which i never normally do.....</p> <p>walked about 40 seconds, big bird flew out of hedge, and she turned 180 degrees and galloped, saddle slipped and off i flew</p> <p>very unlike her, normally her spooks are small and easy to sit, so very strange that I had a pre-emptive thought about it!</p> <p>got back on for a couple of mins just to ensure the fear doesnt kick in next time i ride, but pretty painful, didnt feel nervy about it tho, so thats a great indication that my confidence levels really have improved</p> <p>landed on pelvis, about 3 inches from spine, bloody hurts, especially when walking, but pleased not to have landed on my lower spine itself cuz that would have not been nice</p> <p>so, a great, and not so great day all rolled into one </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/25th_may~2333704/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/25th_may~2333704/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/24th_may~2333643/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-25:/2007/05/25/24th_may~2333643/Fri, 25 May 2007 18:23:43 +0200 <p>Have had some great sessions these week. I have reached a new level of understanding of putting feel into a rope and controlling energy and it has paid great dividends. </p> <p>My send is so much improved and lighter, and its amazing how much Giddy is now picking up on the difference between asking for a walk / trot / canter depart, and that if you dont drop your life quick enough, how easy it is to get the wrong one. Makes me wonder what conflicting signals we send all the time, but also provides a new level of insight into how to really fine tune things</p> <p>riding still going well, she is still showing willing to trot pretty nicely round the field, and i am so very pleased with the difference in my confidence, her lack of fighting me, and the difference all this makes</p> <p>Totally lost my lateral flexion one day which was strange</p> <p>Also got the 45ft line out one day, first time in a while, she finds it so much easier with a bit more space, I have no idea how people manage to get so proficient with so much rope!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/24th_may~2333643/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/25/24th_may~2333643/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/21st_may~2310566/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-21:/2007/05/21/21st_may~2310566/Mon, 21 May 2007 20:27:25 +0200 <p>A bit of parelli magic dust seems to have rubbed off ;0) My send seems better than it has ever been today, the short session with ali on feel has really paid dividends</p> <p>Didnt do much on the ground today, but hopped on, and rode for I think longer than I have done at home for about 18 months!!</p> <p>Yesterday I drove the 4x4 around my riding area for half an hour or so to smooth out all of the bumps and put in a bit of a track, this certainly makes life a lot easier for us both. Anyway, she was so good today, trotted both directions, impulsion was ok, and she kept going. I have to be mindful that just because shes going forward more, not to keep her on mindless circles for too long, otherwise, I know I will run the risk of going backwards again.</p> <p>So, mixed it up with walk, trot, circles around cones, trot the path, back ups, trot yo-yos, walk, then sideways, trot, then bend to a stop, and she stayed with me and seemed happy to play</p> <p>A good day! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/21st_may~2310566/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/21st_may~2310566/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/19th_may~2308756/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-21:/2007/05/21/19th_may~2308756/Mon, 21 May 2007 15:44:06 +0200 <p>Crikes, haven't had time to post for a couple of weeks! We have had some good sessions and the riding has been really coming along, progress finally!</p> <p>Today, had a fab session with Ali Jones at Cholwell. Played with the first three games in all five zones, and marked ourselves out of 10 on each one. This was interesting, and very revealing, in particular, found that giddy really pushes into pressure on a porcupine on the hind legs asking her to back up, she was really kicking out which is unusual to get such a reaction, we worked through this after a bit of time</p> <p>Ali did a great demo of feel of me, feel for me, loooooooong phase 1 with giddy, it was utterly fascinating. She was looking for the tiniest of signals of giddy following a feel on the rope to send her on a circle; gve her way more time to respond than I ever have, this was followed up with a 2/3/4 to ask for different gaits as she left, keeping her life up - "I am still here" was a signal for Giddy to leave and maintain a trot, dropping her energy the minute she started to go was a signal for a walk etc. I learned a huge amount in this session that I will continue to apply</p> <p>we all used this new feel under saddle too asking for flexion from halt and different gaits</p> <p>the ridden session was a total breakthrough, rode in the hackamore of course, as we first set off, she immediately threw that brace against the right rein at me, but I bumped her hard three times and off we went and I asked for a trot. Feeling confident that we have broken that pattern, we went on to do some really nice trots, and it was the best session EVER with other horses around. she was trotting properly and not dragging along like she often does, and perhaps just as importantly, not once did she brace against me, take me into a wall / other horses!!! HAPPY, HAPPY DAYS ;0))</p> <p>so the impulsion being tied to leadership continues to open up new doors for us, and I am really looking forward to riding over the next few weeks to see how far we can go</p> <p>Have arranged to go to Kims in two weeks so we can try taping our level 2!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/19th_may~2308756/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/21/19th_may~2308756/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/5th_may~2231830/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-08:/2007/05/08/5th_may~2231830/Tue, 08 May 2007 11:38:26 +0200 <p>Frank did some long reining with Giddy to help her with the forward movement, very interesting, in the end, he had about 10 plastic bags tied to a carrot stick to encourage her forwards - I dread to think what some horses would do if you did that! </p> <p>He talked a lot about her owning all the space around her, including behind, a good exercise for under saddle</p> <p>I have spent a lot of time desensitising Giddy to these things, but of course she needs to learn that energy from behind means GO</p> <p>she was confident in herself, BUT he was talking to me about them having confidence being out in front being extremely important, I of course said I dont think that's an issue with her, but he emphasised that it probably is more of an issue than i think, then when i think back to her spooking in the field when i was a bit tight, and I suspect that he could be on to something, just because by nature she is LB confident, doesnt mean that she has self confidence to step out, so I think it's a really good exercise for her and I will continue to play around with this</p> <p>also, to start, she was backing up into the reins / carrot stick, another example of how pushing INTO pressure is the answer for everything, I suspect that when I break this down on the ground, everything under saddle will start to come together even more </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/5th_may~2231830/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/5th_may~2231830/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/4th_may~2231790/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-05-08:/2007/05/08/4th_may~2231790/Tue, 08 May 2007 11:33:22 +0200 <p>for the first time in more time than i care to remember, I took Giddy into one of the big fields with the intention of riding, 12 acres or so I spose</p> <p>walked round in hand for a bit, then just tried to keep breathing and hopped on</p> <p>now bearing in mind I am strip grazing really tight at the mo and feeding hay to keep their guts going, this was a BIG test....</p> <p>really lush field, unspoilt, and green, green, green</p> <p>and, for the first time EVER in a situation getting close to this, she didn't even try to eat ;0)))))))))))) </p> <p>AND we didn't get into a fight with her getting right brain and out of control </p> <p>I was really quite tight, and she spooked really badly and turned and ran at some sheep feeders we had walked past a few minutes before, (shows she is looking for more leadership than I imagine sometimes) but i sat it, stayed on, and carried on, not so long ago, I would have been off in a shot, but we went back to them, looked at them for a while, gave her a rub then went on</p> <p>now, we only walked round, I didn't dare trot as her energy was quite up, but we made it, and I was so very pleased with her and me</p> <p>I am over the moon that the changes in the past 2 weeks are starting to pay off, and that getting past the bracing, resistance and bloody mindedness of the dastardly haflinger has an impact across everything that we do</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/4th_may~2231790/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/05/08/4th_may~2231790/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/24th_april~2156077/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-04-24:/2007/04/25/24th_april~2156077/Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:04:08 +0200 <p>i am struggling to write this at the moment due to work pressures, but here I am at nearly midnight doing an update! Have had some really good days with Giddy, and it has been very interesting. Have ridden quite a few times in the Dually halter now, and things are consistently easier, and am finding that we are not having big discussions about everything, after all this time, this just makes me beam with joy. </p> <p>She is still trying to push through and break off to the left, but just a direct rein and hold, and she is releasing to this... very interestingly, her impulsion seems to be improving all the time, so it seems that Pat's old adage of respect / impulsion / flexion is really kicking in! the fewer times she wins the game, the happier she is to give me a more... it seems that i am finally managing to establish some leadership under saddle, in the past this never seemed to transfer no matter how good our groundwork sessions were</p> <p>Today, we even managed to trot four times round the field on the good rein, I dont think this has ever happened!!</p> <p>Frank has made some very interesting observations; she thinks she owns the space all around her, and this is related to the bracing and resistance to going forward. the way she just knocks into things is relevant, I have never paid any attention to the fact that she will knock a gate as she walks through, or a car wing mirror, or knocks cones over all the time when you walk / ride past them, but I can see that this may well be significant!! </p> <p>I am observing more that when she does lock up and won't follow a feel (on the ground), she is less inclined to want to be touched in zone 1... when she is light and comes off a feel, she is... another example of that dominance in zone 1</p> <p>when Frank rode her at the weekend, she gave a bit of canter... she has never done this under saddle at home when asked... she played all sorts of games beforehand, and it emphasised why I have so many problems... after carting off across field, cantering and coming to a dead holt all in one stride, buks, eventually she went!!!</p> <p>I think she is beginning to see that going forward under saddle is really not so bad!</p> <p>anyway, we do seem to have turned a corner, and finally I am feeling keen to ride, when it has all been a bit of a struggle for so long it seems!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/24th_april~2156077/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/24th_april~2156077/#commentshttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/15/15th_april~2096536/tag:natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk,2007-04-15:/2007/04/15/15th_april~2096536/Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:22:54 +0200 <p>Well, we have had a major breakthrough, in no small part thanks to my barefoot trimmer and, I would never believe it... a Monty Roberts Dually Halter!!!</p> <p>Yesterday, Frank rode Giddy for me which was extremely interesting to watch, she is no easy ride, but he certainly got her moving more than I am able to. He rode in the Dually halter with parelli reins clipped on... initially I didnt really think it would help with the large flat surfaces, but it is the additional noseband that really does the work; he seemed to get through the bracing / drifting left fairly quickly (after a bit of a discussion ;0) The halter was left here by mistake, so I thought I would try riding in it for myself just to see. What a difference, really, I am staggered!! She threw several braces at me as per normal, but when i held a firm, but fair direct rein, she released really quickly, no pushing back, ignorning me, resistance etc, but rather a quick release to the direction I was asking. Amazing, it brings to mind all the stuff I have read about the usefulness of bosals for horses that have learned to push through a rope hackamore / halter.</p> <p>I think looking back, that over the years, as I have lacked focus, firm phase 4s, leadership etc etc, she has simply learned that pushing through the halter is no big deal, and it has become a pattern, it follows that she also does this in a bit; the change in pressure and different application, for now seems to be a breakthrough, so much so, I may need to buy one!! The consequence of her finally following a feel on zone 1, instantly gave me more confidence, crazy I know, but it has always affected my confidence when she just completely ignores me, even tho she doesnt really do anything "scary" but it's just so utterly resistant that it just leaves me feeling incompetent, and that's a difficult place from which to find confidence. Frank is back on thursday, so i will try the halter a few more times to see what happens</p> <p>In respect of the groundwork, I feel I have also had a breakthrough, well, not so much the groundwork, but a more general sense of being her leader in every single moment I am with her; the grass eating has always been a problem, and although 90% improved, it still rears it's head, and I realise I have not been as particular as I need to be, mainly because I don't want to be constantly saying no! However, I did introduce a cue for eating, but can now see that if she hasnt been cued, I must be absolutely particular every single time she does that dive. Interestingly today, I took her for a walk in hand, normally when opening the gate, she will eat a bit of grass by the gate, and I always let her, and then ask her to walk on, today, I was firm, and insisted she didnt... and blow me down if she didnt walk up the road with far more enthusiasm than normal!! </p> <p>Whilst I have always known she likes to "have the last word", I can see I am not dealing with this appropriately each and every time, being the leader in every single moment is really very hard work; but I am sure this is a big part of our relationship. I need to tune in with her utterly in each and every moment, and then perhaps all these little challenges that mount up will become less and less frequent, and she will come to have more trust in my leadership.</p> <p>All in all the past 2 days have been a great period of learning, and hope we can make some real progress from her </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/15/15th_april~2096536/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>leadershipbracingphase-4zone-1bosalhttp://natural-haflinger.blog.co.uk/2007/04/15/15th_april~2096536/#comments