Monday, January 12, 2009

A Little More Info. About the Next Post.

This horse has been completely vet checked. He had his teeth floated 6 months ago. He has seen an Equine Chiropractor and a Massage Therapist. He is not crazy either - just a bit stubborn!

For those who are not horse-savey...Horses, like people are either right or left "handed". Therefore, going in one direction is very easy. Going in the other is more difficult. Dominus has a difficult time going clockwise and resents me trying to work him on his weaker side. Progress is being made though. You see - only 2 weeks ago, he gave me all of this grief at the trot (clockwise). During the lesson photographed, he was minimally disobedient at the trot clockwise. As I said - we are making progress!!!

He is not in weighted shoes. His feet are not long. I was not asking for any extra leg motion, what you see is completely natural. I was not even asking for collection. All I wanted was for him to go F-O-R-W-A-R-D...not up, not back and certainly no double barrel kicking!

10 comments:

SmartAlex said...

Yes you are making progress. He sure knows what he's doing, and he is mad as a hornet that you are persisting! He isn't rearing to get away from pressure. He stops, makes a decision, and has a tantrum. You can see it in his ears.

Julie said...

Ha ha - you are so right SmartAlex!In fact, I can tell about 3 strides before when he is 'thinking' about being bad because his ears give away his thoughts!..but it is still hard to stop him. It helps to work figure 8's and get his mind going in a different direction, but sooner or later - he has to learn to just go all around the arena...which is what we will have to do in the show ring!

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I do not know much about horses. But, I love learning from you. I am so glad you are making progress.

Sometimes It's Good said...

He sure has a lot of personality. I think I love him. But I always fall for the bad boys! You will win him over.
Hugs, Susan

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Wow, Julie! That was really an interesting set of pics. I'd have been off after the first little buck. I know you have to love & be used to horses like you are to not be afraid. I had a horse run away with me when I was about 19 or 20 & I've never forgotten it!

You hung in there & made him behave. Good for you.

thanks for stopping by!

vivian said...

I'm so glad you share all this with us.. it is so interesting! you better watch out for that big fella! I'm very curious about what your next post is going to be.. I hope he didnt bite you!! HE seems to have a little attitude!
have fun!
vivian

The Urban Chic said...

Oh Julie, like one of the other posters said, I would have been off with the first buck and I grew up around horses. Lizzie was our favorite white horse and not sure what her breed was, but she was beautiful and gentle. As I said before Stoney was a wild Stallion and I only rode him once. I love the lesson pictures, but I would be so afraid, but I know how much you love your horses and I know you will win him over. Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

Neat post, Julie! Amazing photos.
Gorgeous animal.

cotedetexas said...

I am in awe of your talents with horses!!!! incredible.

as for how many design books I have? gee, no idea! 100's for sure, too many for sure!!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

This was fascinating! I wonder if any of this can be applied to my donkeys?