Sunday, October 7, 2007

Another trek to the southwest. Hoping someone will be around to go on a trail ride and there is P. She had to give pony rides so I saddled Josie up and had her stand around. Then I learned it would be a half hour so I put the pups in the kennel and took Josie up to the upper arena. I must say shoes have really made a difference.

Had some major excitement. I had Josie tied up to the hitching post. We have been working on her just standing there. Well gosh darn it, she put her head down came up and all hell broke lose. She had the lead rope over her head. I couldn't get the emergency knot undone, the halter was too tight even when the buckle was undone. Couldn't unsnap the bull snap as it was too tight - she wouldn't lower her head. After the initial struggle to free herself she just stood. No one had a knife handy. I had a knife in the truck (now it is in my tack bag. It is my apple knife and very dull. She just stood there waiting for me to cut through. Needless to say I will no longer use that type of lead rope. Also, the lead rope I bought from Down Under has a emergency release pin which would have been very helpful and would have brought her immediate relief. Got her halter back on and the new lead rope. Tied her up, she pulled back a bit and then stopped and just stood. In my own defense, I did have the rope short to begin with. I think the material it is made out of also made it lengthen as she would pull on it to try to graze around the hitching post. I do like her attitude even a little grain high.

We checked out the footing and found our circle area. I decided to ask for canter early to change the routine and darn it she got fast again. I let her go at the canter for a bit got her to trot and then uh oh NO BRAKES! I had to use a one rein stop a couple of times. I then though okay lets trot, halt, walk, trot - she thought not. I am not liking where we are at yet. So after a successful stop we went to see if P was ready - still pony rides. I ride down to the red barn to get the dogs and ride back to the big barn.

I spend a lot of time working on my training issues in my head after my reads. Oh I should have done this or wonder if this would work. I wish I could just ride and ride. I plan on lunging to start when the footing is good in the round pen and then practice walk, trot, walk with full halts scattered in between.

I am seriously considering a lesson soon to get help with this before it gets worse.