New Slate

The last couple of weeks have been a little challenging with Olivia, because I've assumed that just becasue Olivia has does something well once, she'll do it again.

2nd principle of natural horsemanship, 'don't make assumptions'.

I've slowed right down, and am taking the time it takes, going right back to basics where its needed and filling in the blanks. And it works, today Olivia came to me when I was at the gate, and she was offering lots. I did some driving from point a to b with her, trying to get her interested. She asked me loads of questions, and was always searching for what I would ask her to put her nose on next, which was cool.

When I saddled her up we did a lot of cloverleaf just at the trot, getting ready for canter. She knew the pattern so well that I hardly had to do anything. She wasn't offering much speed wise, so it was a verrryyy calm westerny sort of jog, but it was cool. And when I wanted to stop at x, I just let all of my energy go and she responded within 3 steps, which is VERY good for us.

Afterwards I gave her a hose down because it is HOT HOT here (well, 24 degrees) but she seemed to enjoy it. Shes got weepy eyes at the minute which isn't great, because it means I have to put a fly mask on her and no joke, she looks like an alien with it on! One of the ladies at the stable was kind enough to lend me hers until I get one on the weekend. Its nothing serious, theres no puffiness or swelling or anything, I think its just allergies. Also, since Olivia had her teeth done she has been soooo much quieter in the mouth! In September a dentist had a look and said she was fine, but the other week one came down and he said her teeth were very sharp.

But now everythings good, and shes enjoying the hot tempuratures and spring grass :) I keep meaning to take photos, but I forget to take my camera!! This page looks so bare with just writing, I'll do what I can to get my mum to come along on Saterday.

ONE WEEK LEFT OF SCHOOLL!!!!!!! x

Tried and Tested: Rodeo-style

I've decided rodeo definately is NOT for me..!! Yesterday Olivia freaked at something (I have no idea what) and took off on a bronco frenzy. Usually I can sit to her bucking well, but for some reason the saddle slipped right forward onto her neck and I'm no expert on riding on horses necks. So I came flying off and landed right in front of her, and luckily she avoided trampling me, but proceded to gallop off around the field with the saddle hanging on one side of her neck...

A few things; I have NO idea why this happened! We were riding in the big field, and I know shes not 100% comfortable there but she knows the area and in Poland we would take all sorts of trail rides to unknown places. Also, the theraflex plad is supposed to be non slip, and I read that it means I don't have to do the girth up too tight. So I don't, but unless anyone has any suggestions I think I'll have to. It can't be worn or anything because I've probably used it about 5 times, and I brush all the hair off after every ride. Its really quite odd.

Anyway, thankfully neither of us are hurt. I have a few muscle strains in my back which made sleeping a little uncomfortable, but I've been through worse (hit by a car..).

ANYWAY, before all the palava happened, all was ah-may-zing. When I went to the field, I played with Olivia a little before I bought her in. Since I've adjusted myself to play with a LBI, I've felt much more connected with her. She offered to play, and was doing sideways beautifully! She was totally riveted by me, she chose to NOT EAT GRASS!! Q%*(£()%*()% That definately isn't the horse I know!!!! I think I cursed the day, because when I came in I was telling my friends, 'wow, shes being a total angel!!'

I haven't put up many pictures/videos or anything lately, so hopefully I'll string my mum into taking me down this afternoon with camera in hand :) Hope all is good!

Jo x

Horseanality Swap

Is it possible that my LBE is actually a LBI with high energy? And the reason we've recently sort of hit a block is because I was reacting wrong?! How frustrating to think I've completely misread my horse for the last year!

I only just got to watch the savvy club DVD with Lois & Clyde. I saw so much of Olivia in that horse, and I was shocked to say the least! I just filled this out thinking about Olivia today:


She has a habit of 'getting distracted' and I always blamed something going on over there. I never thought she was using it to avoid doing what I was asking. So today I kept on asking even when she wasn't paying attention. I was light and patient, and she was like WOAHH, who are you?! She did a pretty huge rear and some horribly close bucks, but it seemed as if she was saying 'does nothing work now?!!' rather than being mean.

The new saddle is really cool. It fits very snuggly, I just think it needs a tiny bit of shimming to lift the front of the saddle. I'll put up some pictures later. I had a really nice ride today, we played with the question box and also having her respond to changes in my energy in the saddle so that I didn't have to do much except stop riding for her to slow down. Alls good :)

so the wintec wide really is wide...!!

Just when i thought this was going to be the worst three days of my life (biology and chemistry exams), my saddle arrived! YAY!

After tearing it out of the box, I held it up and ohh boy is that a wide saddle! I put it on the banister and it takes up pretty much all the hall way. My horse realllyy isn't that fat! No matter, I have faith in the parelli system and I'm sure she'll find it comfortable on top of the theraflex pad :)

So now its sitting at home, ready for me to take it down to the stables on Wednesday and trial it. Poor Olivia, her holiday is over, but yay for me! x