My Mostly-Parelli Log

You know, I've noticed that if I have a not-so-great session, 90% of the time it's because of a RB-I related issue.  Which is why i decided to post again! Between the two of my boys and some SC DVDs, I think I've learned a lot about myself and RB-Is over the last few days.

I won't go through both of my entire sessions, but from the DVD at least what really stuck with me was that Pat didn't go up through his phases with the RB-I.  He found a point where it was bothering the horse and didn't go further- he was firm, but didn't go up up up like he would with a LB horse or a panicky RB-E because it would feel like a smack to the hiding RB-I. For z, that isn't even touching him.  Just his bubble.  Otherwise I've just noted that I need to pay attention and swallow my pride/convictions with these guys.

Current Mood: sick and happy...lol

Jen came over today, and when she got here we went out to play.

She seemed to think that while Z's horsenality can change from moment to moment, he had a lot of RB-I characteristics. She calls him mini-Cal, haha.

Splash was really unenthusiastic at first.  I think he might have been partly unhappy because i was distracted by Jenny. Jealous LB-I! Lol.  I started out really slow, but after some time of him looking grumpy and not thinking, I got a tad irritated and sent him out in a circle- in a you had BETTER move well kind of way. Haha...turns out that was the right response!  He woke up, blew, and got much perkier from there.  Without getting into details, I tried to be creative sans obstacles without asking for too much speed, or making him grumpy.  I must have done pretty well, because we ended with stick2me canter in the field at liberty.  :-)  Yay!

Current Mood: busy

haven't played too much, but when i do i play with pressures (really interesting) and thresholds a lot.  i still have trouble seeing splash zone out, and i really need to get some LBI phsycology learned, but things are good.  Z got a bath yesterday, he has horrible skin...

I wanted to play with Splash at first...or rather, I wanted to make myself play with Splash so that I could start getting a feel for what he needs instead of being an avoid-aholic about it.  He came up to me when I first went out, and I made an effort to follow through better with my driving games.  I didn't realize how much I let that slide!! O_O  When I brought out the halter with the intention to play, Splash left.  Not suprising, given the buzzy energy I probably had.  I shooed him off at a trot, figuring that that would help him think of leaving as more work that it's worth without me trying to trap him.  I ended up just playing some games with his attention, giving him cookies when he came over.  When he came over a third time, I gave him a treat and then just turned and walked away, back to the little pasture.  he followed until we got into the trees, where he passed me.  

I went over to Z, who walked over and I gave him a cookie and itchies.  As I was haltering, Mr. Splashcame up behind me and started itching rather impolitely on my back.  I informed him that he was NOT allowed to be impolite, nor steal me from his brother.  He walked away licking and chewing, and when I got Z haltered I went over to him and he still lifted his head and ears quite happily.  Then Z came over and I gave them both itches before starting off with Z. 

I kept my circling goal in mind and started with yo-yo.  The back was crooked, so I used a lighter P1 and was a little bit more particular to make to back up important. He licked and chewed quickly- he gets his thinking done much faster than Splash does (LB-E) and gave me two ears.  For the next few minutes we worked on backing well just past the 22' mark on the 45' line, then WAITING until I asked him in.  I think that that waiting was very important for him, because it helped him to lick and chew, get his head organized, and think.  

Then we moved on to driving game.  I wasn't exactly sure when he was trying/not understanding and when he was just ignoring, but I tried to watch out for tight lips and keep everything very distict.  I got some licking and chewing, and he got lighter and lighter.  We also worked on extreme friendly games, and of course there was some itching and down time in between all of this.

Then we moved on to circling game!  Now that I know that Z's issues are from lack of confidence, I asked for less and had him wait before he came in.  It went really well! Even if RRC was only 1/1000 of what it should be, he still offered elements of all three, and waiting before he came in helped him relax and lick and chew and give me two ears...a lot!  It was great!  There was definately more progress in 6 laps today than in 60 laps last session. :)


 

Current Mood: happy

The clinic, while awesome and informative, left me doubting my relationship with Splash...so it's nice to know that even after what could have been a very uncomfortable experience, Splash and Z still want to see me. ^_^

Current Mood: grateful

Splash trotted to me today!!  We played in the arena, with the trailer, and then bonded outside with some UT and friendly. ^_^  I love my horse.