reinersblog.com

It’s been dumping rain for weeks. That means no saddle time. Winters in western Washington can be a little bit of a downer. I opened up the trailer on Christmas and all the bridles (except Leo’s) were covered in gray fuzz. Mold—a lovely western Washington variety. I threw a handful of tack in my trunk to take home and clean up. Somehow, cleaning tack just isn’t as much fun as riding.

I’m trying to look on the bright side. Just because I’m stuck inside, doesn’t mean I have to stop learning, right? It’s probably good that I’m spending more time reading. Is it completely geeky that I’ve started making flash cards to use to memorize the different techniques and exercises that Les recommends? Probably very, but it is a lot to remember when I’m riding. I don’t have it all down yet.

Leo isn’t learning by standing around in the field though. What if he forgets everything? I hope the rain lightens up a little soon.

Al, I don’t think I deserve that pat on the back now. And Amanda, I’m not longer feeling snafflerific. What seemed so great yesterday, fell apart today. I’m trying to remind myself that there were a lot of negative factors: Leo loaths puddles and the arena was full of them; Leo wanted to go to his “magnet corner” since we were next door to home; and he had a new bit in for only the second day.

BUT, Les makes everything look so easy! I did a lot of reading in his workbook last night and got frustrated with myself because it’s all right there and I don’t remember it all when I’m riding. For instance, I haven’t been using hands AND legs consistently when working on vertical flexion. I get absorbed in just ONE element and forget all of the other stuff I should be doing. So, tonight I was really concentrating on the hands and legs and vertical flexion. I thought since Sunday went so great, I’d really be able to focus on vertical flexion and collection. Here’s what happened.

He was not yielding. He was ok when we were walking away, but if we were headed toward his magnet corner of the arena he would ignore my requests until I was almost pulling on him to stop. I think he did so well yesterday because he was in a new place and wasn’t focused on going home. With the shank bit, he’s soooo good at doing a counter arc. But he was either confused or was just flat out refusing to do it today. Also he started tossing his head again. He doesn’t toss his head in the Billy Allen bit, but he seems to do it in a snaffle. Is it possible that he just isn’t comfortable in a snaffle? Or maybe he was just irritated and confused.

I’m going to call the barn owner tomorrow and see if she’ll help me. She’s an incredible English riding instructor. I suppose, if you’re going to talk about snaffles, who better to go to than an English riding instructor? She knows a lot about horses, so I’m hoping she’ll take a peek at him.

Something really great did happen today though. Guess what…he did almost a half circle of turn around the forehand. I almost jumped off and danced a jig. He’s getting it!

Today was an adventure for Leo and I. Jim drove us to an arena for the first time. The weather has been so bad that it’s been impossible to ride outside—constant rain has turned the outdoor arena into one big mud puddle.

I had a few goals for the ride and some concern. Leo was a pretty nervous horse last summer at the team roping events. I was concerned that he would revert back to his old ways and express his frustration and nervousness in a unconstructive way. When we arrived, Jim and I took him inside with just a halter and lead rope. The big beautiful gloriously-dry arena was empty! Woo hoo! We did have an audience though, as soon as we slid open the door, a row of stabled horses popped their heads out of their stalls to see who the new kid was. Leo ignored them and snuck a bite of their hay on the way by (bad horse).

I walked him around the arena, and he seemed fine. He was checking things out, but wasn’t jumpy. So we saddled him up, and I went for a ride. I started him out slow, and once I realized he was fine, we started working on our Les Vogt moves: zones one, two, three, and four. We’re working hard on getting those down. Although I feel like we have a long way to go, I’m so proud of Leo. His behavior was wonderful. He was relaxed and listening. He seemed perfectly comfortable. I like that he was curious of his new surroundings, but still paying attention to me. Continue Reading »

I’m back. A little stuffy, but the worst of that plague-like cold is over. Tonight when I got to the barn, Jim (Leo’s owner) had Leo saddled up for me (pretty nice). By the time I hoisted myself up into the saddle, it was 30 degrees and pitch dark out. Leo is getting more comfortable in the dark. Thank goodness for that outdoor arena lighting next door though!

I had a great ride. Leo was really trying. We worked on flexion for awhile and then I “let” him canter around. I think I sometimes confuse his being “chargey” with his apparently sincere desire to run. People say, “he’s a lot of horse.” I’m a believer. I know how powerful he, how agile he is, and that he’s hurt a few people who scared and possibly hurt him. So I have a healthy respect for what he can do. However, this “healthy respect” sometimes turns into fear. I think that might be causing me to choose the wrong bit for him. Continue Reading »

Well, that last ride did me in I think. I’ve been sick all weekend. Ugh! Since I’m too focused on searching for my reserve Kleenex boxes and soup cans to ponder the mysteries of horse training, this might be a good time to share a story I found. I came across it while doing one of my routine searches for reining information on the Internet (I’m in the very scientifically named learning stage called, “sponge mode,” right now)

Here is the story. I’ve found it on several sites, but the primary posts are from the Ohio Valley Reining Horse Association and the Central Ohio Reining Horse Association web sites.

Ron Kohlhoff, a lifelong horse trainer located in Wakeman, Ohio has been diagnosed and is undergoing treatment for Multple Myleoma, a type of Leukemia. Ron has a long history as a reining, dressage and cutting horse trainer and competitor. He and his wife, Sylvia, also a horse trainer, are both self employed as owners and operators of Kolhoff Performance Horses. The portion of expenses for chemotherapy and prescriptions not covered by insurance are creating a financial burden for the family. One drug alone is costing $5000/month of which he has to pay $3000! Anything you can do, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Continue Reading »