2016 JOURNAL ENTRIES
Date: June 10,2016
Minutes of Training: Twenty
Horse: Tavia
Goal: Our goal is to develop Tavia to his full potential, starting from the very beginning
Methods: Today we trotted for the first time in the roundpen without a ground person. Tavia is so clever to have figured it out in two times
Reflection: Tavia is talented and smart and progressing at his own pace
Next Steps: Just miles to build a topline and forward thinking for a few months
Date: 6/14/ 2016
Minutes of Training: 45
Horse: Rocano Toscano
Goal: moving forward over the back into my hand, is our first goal everyday. today is so hot, I just want some good transitions
Methods- be specific, give details: warm up by taking a long relaxed walk through the woods at my property, letting him get some free time with me and in a new environment, as he is easily bored
then trot off my leg into my hand through a swinging back, transitions walk/ trot/ halt/ trot
circles figure eights, long side bend in corner.
Reflection: For two years Roc was difficult. so strong willed and asking him to move forward was not so much a disobedience as it was a battle of wills. He wanted everything to be his idea. His mother is an Andalusian and very strong minded. He inherited that, but as she matured she became superbonded and a real amazing partner.He is doing the same. Finally he has decided that we are a team. Taking him out of his comfort zone so he had to rely on me is what did it, as well as a few techniques from Lisa Smit, one of my trainers.
Next Steps: clinic with the SRS on our to do list. Getting Roc out to other barns for riding is our next step
AND
Minutes of Training: 20
Horse: Octavius (Tavia)
Goal: getting Tavia stronger over the back and forward with a rider at trot, walk, transitions and long rein him outside the roundpen
Methods- be specific, give details: long rein as warm up in the roundpen first, few minutes outside in both directions, getting him forward and through, chewing the bit;
then get on in the roundpen and move off my leg immediately
Reflection: he is so clever.. getting more brilliant every day
Next Steps: more of the same tomorrow. He just needs miles now.
Date: 6/3/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: Rocano Toscano
Goal: continuing the muscle building over back and coming from behind into the hand
also, working on transitions and canter
Methods- be specific, give details: first long rein in the round pen canter work mainly, lots of transitions from trot to canter and back to trot,
riding big forward trot with circles, figure eights, serpentines and transitions.
Reflection: The trot is there, forward and light and powerful all at once, and over the back into the hand. Best of Rocano is he will not go at all if you go front first.
The canter is still coming, but stronger.
Next Steps: The next step is to do more canter work under saddle as well as he does in lines
Date: 7/3/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: Tavia
Goal: Get Octavius started under saddle. He was not started until 5 months ago, and is doing incredibly well.
Methods- be specific, give details: long lining in round pen is our method to start work.
(Walk, trot, canter both directions) Work on keeping him up in front through transitions from behind and change of directions.
Riding in the round pen both directions, trot, walk, whoa transitions.
Reflection: Today was the first day we longlined outside the round pen.. he was wobbly in his circles at first, but asking him more forward fixed it. He is really getting stronger after a month of this already. Very forward with a touch of the leg and voice. Excellent progress, such a willing wonderfully happy horse
Next Steps: more of the same, hoping to get him outside of the roundpen for our lesson with lisa smit next month
Date: july5, 2016
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: tavia
Goal: Our goal is to increase his strength and endurance
Methods- be specific, give details:
today I am increasing the ride time by counting the circles in the round pen, after lunging to get the canter work and departs
we are now doing five circles, halt, five circles halt, change direction, do the same two rounds, then reverse again and do five more, halt, reverse five more… up from just three last week.
Reflection: tavias topline and strength are increasing as I can feel him steadier over the back and using his hind end. It is not perfect, nor expected to be, but the muscling tells the story
Next Steps: same routine for the week, ride out abit at end of session
Date: July 5, 2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: my main goal with Rocano is keeping him focused and partnering rather than going off with his own ideas. He finds the work too easy and gets looking for fun things to watch. He has always been very willful, almost like a stallion
Methods- be specific, give details: Daily we change locations to ride. Today we rode through the trees making large and small circles, working off total rein connection that comes from behind through small leg yields and figure eights around the trees, then keeping him “round”, or soft through the contact while also bending slightly to go forward on a straight line, while increasing the power and forward, then coming back to a smaller gait.
transitions, direction changes to keep him occupied
Reflection: After a few minutes of “play” and “posturing” roc comes to work. I love that he has so much personality, but not always so much to say! He gets it from his mother. SHe is the same and it took her until 7 to be a partner. I feel that with Roc now finally. He is not taking my “ideas” as a confrontation so much, but saying ok, this is really fun. I am very happy I kept this part of his training at home with me and did not send him to a trainer as I think we have become partners through it and he is not a horse you can force. He is going to be brilliant because I allow him to be him and this was something he and I needed to solve. He is so talented that the physical work is easy. it’s the mental work with rocano that is the key. So different from my other horse.
We did get some help from Lisa Smit a few times, which was invaluable
Next Steps: With Rocano we take it day by day. I hope to get more supple in the transitions and get good canter departs
Date: july 6, 2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: suppleness in forward movement is our goal.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I started roc in hand doing shoulder in on the circle both directions. Once he softened his neck and was stepping well under his midline with the inside hind I got on and continued the exercise in saddle. We started in the front yard then progressed to the real arena area in back to keep him focused. After he became really soft and responsive in the figure eight shoulder ins we progressed to shoulder fore a few strides and back to the volte circle, increasing it in size as needed to keep him forward.
Finished with long strides across the diagonal and down the straight side. Working on lateral and longitudinal suppleness .
Reflection: Rocano is increasing in suppleness and strength over the back with this exercise. I feel him staying with me and lifting his back thus rounding into my hand with softness. Our first attempts at shoulder fore went very well.. just a few strides at a time. He loves the variety of work
Next Steps: rocano will tell me when he is ready for some leg yielding and eventuall y haunches in and half pass
Date: july 6, 2016
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: tavia
Goal: increasing stamina and strength
Methods- be specific, give details: Today we rode more than longlined. 6 circles, then halt, turn 7 circles, halt, turn 5 circles, halt turn repeat 5 circles. We stop when he loses impulsion.
Reflection: At this point Tavia is getting stronger and understanding it is not the same pattern every time I ride, even tho we are doing very basic trot halt transitions. He was getting to think he would stop after 3 rounds, so I am mixing up the number of times we go around. So willing and staying up in his back nearly the whole time now
Next Steps: Our next stwp is to increase the working time as he can handle it
Date: 7/10/2016
Minutes of Training: 25 minutes
Horse: favory isa
Goal: our goal is to increase tavia’s strength, stamina and suppleness as he is trained
Methods- be specific, give details: today we did not use the surcingle to lunge, but just long reined through the bridle directly. Then I rode trot/ halt transitions , reversed reversed direction often by using voice and weight, seat aids.
Reflection: The transitions and direction changes are helping octavius to understand my voice and weight aids without using hands. He is also building a topline this way and using his hind end.
Next Steps: Octavius will tell me how much and what we will do tomorrow
Date: 7/10/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal with rocano is to decrease the size of the circle with in hand work in order to increase the pushing and carrying power of his hind end to increase engagement.
Methods- be specific, give details: In hand, on a short rein, Rocano did shoulder for and shoulder in on the circle. When I rode, we did the same exercise as a figure eight with 15 meter circles in a slight bend, with attention to the outside of his body not drifting out.
We also used transitions walk/ trot in a slight shoulder fore , as well as balancing off the hind to so some straight lines.
Reflection: Rocano is floating after these exercises, effortless moments of suspension . he is a very powerful horse.
Next Steps: Work on canter departs
Date: 7/27/2016
Minutes of Training: 40 minutes/ two hours if you count trailering
Horse: Rocano Toscano
Goal: get him out and about used to new places
Methods- be specific, give details: Today we got in the trailer and went to my trainers, 25 miles away. This was the second time since I moved last august we have been out, due to many issues.. We went last week and worked in the round pen, then walked around some.
Today we worked in a real arena… circles straight, diagonal, transitions.
Then we walked all over the property.
Reflection: Rocano surpassed my expectations. He is my partner now. no spooking, no stalling out, just let’s go!!!
Next Steps: More of the same, going new places and working
Date: july 31-aug 2, 2016
Minutes of Training: 25 mins each day
Horse: favory isa
Goal: my goal is to get tavia out of the roundpen and ride in the arena
Methods- be specific, give details: sunday I lunged tavia in the round pen, did a little lunging outside in the arena and rode him, first in the roundpen and then out, making large circles and figure eights, then straight lines
Monday I longreined tavia in the roundpen with the gate open to test if he was truly on my outside rein as he likes to bolt out through the gate, then rode outside figure eights mostly and slight bend inside to get him supple
tues, today I longreined outside and rode outside in the arena
Reflection: Longreining outside the arena, tavia became very nice and soft, and fluid after a few rounds. At first, tavia was stiff and we made a lot of egg shapes and squares, but he smoothed out, especially to the left.
When riding him, he was super forward and very fluid. the leg helps a lot.
He is highly intelligent and when he gets frustrated, he does a mini capriole, he can curl up very easily so getting his hind end engaged is important as is not being too heavy handed.. but I guess that is always the case.
Next Steps: Figures.. circles, figure eights in the arena ridden
Date: 7/31-8/2
Minutes of Training: 30 each day
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: to get rocano forward, fluid and light in all figures, listening to the aids and being a partner.
Methods- be specific, give details: sunday we rode in the arena, big circles, serpentines, into the corners, diagonals, after taking a walk down the driveway.
Monday I started with in hand work, shoulder in on circle both directions and rode the same patterns as Monday
Tuesday, we started riding right away in the front paddock which is narrow but long. We started with the same ten meter circles in shoulder in as we did in hand yesterday. then we rode down the road, walking, trotting., then rode back to the arena and did some long lines out of the circles
Reflection: a super super horse, so powerful and so soft in my hand now, and wanting to be my partner.. I am thrilled
Next Steps: going to an outside farm to get him off the property
Date: august 7 and 8
Horse: favory isa
Minutes of Training: 50 minutes
Goal: putting on the miles as the saying goes
riding outside the roundpen now getting him stronger and more supple. We are doing circles, figure eights, straight lines and crossing the diagonal
Will you continue this goal or make a new goal for next training?: continues
comments about today’s training; (optional): getting stronger and more confident every day. He was so timid when he first arrives, and now he is proud and confident as long as I am with him
Date: aug 7&8
Minutes of Training: 30 and 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal with Rocano is to make him the super star he is inside, such a special horse, always full of confidence in his genes. He knows he is royalty. It has taken us a few years to get to this point and it is incredible. He took a long time to mature mentally and now I am super happy I never ever rushed him and spent the time with him alone, not sending him to a trainer because we have a very special bond now
Methods- be specific, give details: lat two sessions. we worked first walking down the drive in the woods, just relaxing and then back to the arena where we did shoulder in in hand both directions, then rode same exercise and gradually enlarged the circle . Then we did straight lines and circles, all over the property.
Reflection: Rocano is becoming super flexible, even and forward and best of all, willing!
Next Steps: tomorrow we go off the farm to train
Date: 8/9/2016
Minutes of Training: 3 hours..2 hours trailering
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: our goal is to get rocano out into the world as well as continue his training
Methods- be specific, give details: Today we trailered to Baudouin Hallet. We first longreined just a few minutes , then got on and rode around the arena before entering. Once in the arena we really started working on a soft connection that came from the inside leg, while supporting with the outside and soft rein contact to get chewing.. (communication softly)Once established on circle we did slight shoulder fore on the long side, maintaining the leg contact as the main impulsive and communicating aid. Then we did transitions trying to maintain the softness and roundness, mainly achieved with the inside leg at the ribcage and just sitting abit heavier. We also did tempo changes the same way.
Then we walked around some more and entered the large arena with mirrors. At first roc was Impressed by his own image, but rehearsing the soft inside leg and hand connection kept him attentive on me.
Reflection: I was so impressed with both Roc and Baudouin. I just love how Baudouin works with a horse’s brain just as much as he does the training. It has made all the difference with Rocano, as he was such a stubborn opinionated boy, gelded late, and now he is a jewel. Baudouin said he was the kind of horse who would one day just get it.. and he was so right. It is happening. I am so glad I took the time and stuck with baudouin.
Next Steps: perfecting our connection mentally and physically
Date: 8/10/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: Our goal is to get roc to become the strong superstar he is, by layering our work until he reaches his full potential.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today we worked at home reinforcing our work with baudouin yesterday.
I concentrated on using the inside leg at the girth for the bend while maintaining soft contact, and establishing a “wall” outside with leg and rein. Steady but vibrating inside to create a conversation, we also did some counterbending when he started to fall inside. the point was to move the shoulders wherever needed.
We did circles, figure eights and straight lines, transitions.
In the transitions, we bent a slight shoulder fore, using the leg and not the hand, to get the bend at the ribcage . This kept him deep and round when coming from behind. In the up transition, we maintained the contact and used leg to push him into it and forward. Our body told him forward, as did the leg.
We also worked on transitions within the trot, using heavy seat to slow down and leg with a lightened seat to go forward.
Reflection: Rocano was super forward and light after yesterday’s outing. He is dream coming true. so responsive, and it gets better every ride. I can feel the power that is inside him.. it is incredible that he is reminding me of his father, Conversano Toscanolll now.
Next Steps: more transitions, focusing on the slight bend at the ribcage to keep the back up and hind end connected
Date: aug 18, 2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with roc is to get him forward, supple and soft using his back in all transitions, but the goal changed to a mental one of focus when the deer started running through the woods behind the arena
Methods- be specific, give details: roc was very forward today, since the deer were out jumping. Using the inside leg supported by the outside holding leg and quiet supporting hands, I used vibrations on the inside rein to soften him over the back and keep his attention on his work. A trainer once told me that the key to fear was putting them back to their normal work to focus them.
when he would fall on the inside shoulder I would do a slight counter bend.. keeping my focus on the shoulders flexibility.
We continued this way in the transitions and figures of wight and circles and straight lines, even though straight means a slight shoulder fore.
Reflection: excellent responses from Roc. He relaxes when I relax. He is really reading me and relying on that communication. His sensitivity is improving and our partnership grows every day. we totally trust one another.
Next Steps: More transitions tomorrow with hopefully less distractions
Date: 8/14/2016
Minutes of Training: 60
Horse: octavius (tavia)
Goal: our goal today was to increase tavia’s confidence in leaving the herd , as well as our usual muscle building exercises.
Methods- be specific, give details: First we warmed up in the round pen for a few minutes on long rein, then I rode outside the arena, doing figure eights, and circles and gradually straight, focusing on keeping him forward and over the back. Due to his confirmation he is naturally best balanced over the back so that is easy for him but he can be fake connected, too, just sitting on the bit instead of chewing. And he is a narrow horse, so lateral suppleness is a bit more challenging, especially since he has such a long neck. I have to be careful not to be tempted to use the inside rein too much and focus on bending at the ribcage.
and I also have to make sure he is seeking the contact truly and I am not just taking it.
20 minutes of that, and then we walked around away from the other horses. He bolted a couple times, but finally all was well.
Then we worked on getting a bath without panic and pulling back.
Reflection: After a couple bolts, tavia let me take him around the house where he could not see the other horses. He was nervous, but totally trusts his person, so he did it.
For his bath, I have learned to leave him be and just wait for him to figure out no one is doing anything scary but him. He will lean on the lead rope backwards and I just step back and say, really, tav? and he just looks at me and relaxes, as if to say, oh, I forgot.
He will run from a spray bottle, too. I have learned to start at the back and do the sides, and not face to face.
he is coming along so well and his confidence is building..
Next Steps: more of the same tomorrow
Date: 8/15/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: favory isa
Goal: our goal today was to check suppleness and bebd and thoroughness on the long line
Methods- be specific, give details: Longreined tavia a few minutes inside the roundpen, trying to achieve a light, but definite and relaxed feel where I knew it was coming from his whole body
Then we longreined in the arena, circles and figure eights, stopping for the turn around to reorganize. some straight, but mostly 20 meter circles
Reflection: Very pleased with tavia today, he was soft and light in the connection and stay focused on the training, even when teeka walked throught the arena
Next Steps: ride tomorrow
Date: 8/15/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: Goal today was to work on clean transitions, meaning they came from behind and over the back into the hand.
Methods- be specific, give details: I focused on supporting the outside while bending at the ribcage, and also using the outside aids and body weight and shoulders to turn roc’s shoulders.
Transitions from walk to trot we did in a slight shoulder fore and remembering to use legs and breathe…From trot to walk I exhaled and used inside leg with small vibrations on rein to push him into the outside ‘WALL’ of aids. upward thought more of haunches in, engaging the outside hind
Reflection: Really good today, roc was really forward which makes it so much easier. We did some canter , too!
Next Steps: tomorrow we will ride out then return to the arena for more transitions
Date: 8/16
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: goal today was to work on the mental/physical aspects of training
Methods- be specific, give details: First thing today, Rocano and I went on a trail ride, where he relaxes and allows me to be the leader.
Then we made our way back to the arena and did circles, figure eights and straight lines, transitions, using the shoulder fore and haunches in.
I particularly focused on keeping my legs”there” but active only when I needed a bend or forward, and using the outside leg to turn while supporting a bend with the inside. I am using the shoulder fore more and more along with the counter bend to get him really soft, straight and connected.
Reflection: Keeping Roc having fun is the key and the more we take our little jaunts, the happier he is to work, and as his muscle builds we will extend the training time.
Next Steps: Rocano will let me know
Date: 8/16
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: Our goal is to get tavia straight , forward and supple in all figures and to get evenness in the circles, and to keep him over the back in the transitions
Methods- be specific, give details: Today we longreined about 5 minutes, then rode outside the roundpen.
His circles started out egg shaped the last few times I rode, so I decided to ride squares and turn in a bend in the corners, using the outside aids while using the inside leg to make the bend at the ribcage. Gradually I decreased the straight lines until we were doing a stride straight, then bending, until it became a circle. At the end we were doing soft round circles.
Reflection: Tavia understood quickly when I allowed him the straight strides until he warmed up. It seems starting with squares is what works with him, and then decreasing the straight, but keeping the square until it becomes a circle without decreasing the size
Next Steps: work on the same until the square is not needed as a warm up
Date: 8/17
Minutes of Training: 45
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: today our goal was total communication. I wanted to see how soft yet effective I could be
Methods- be specific, give details: Amazing ride on rocano today… In hand in the round pen five minutes, then long walk in the woods, down the road, just focusing on our communication.. Through breathe and just how my thoughts effected my body language to him. He reads everything. Just listening to the birds and the wind in the trees and focusing on how the light worked its way through the brush , i could feel him physically relax and let his curiosity lead him without any fear whatsoever. He totally trusted me and in that ride i felt a connection to a horse i never felt before, like we were truly one mind.
We then returned to the roundpen for some walk trot transitions and i focused on just being there with the lightest possible aids and he was there,, responsive, light, round on the bit, because i wqs not interferring, just guiding
Reflection: Considering how willful and disobedient he was a youngster, the turn around and focus on just tiny simple steps at a time has paid off.
He is so intelligent and so talented and now, totally focused on our partnership. I have the horse of a lifetime
Date: 8/21 and 8/22
Minutes of Training: one hour total
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: Our goal has been to develop communication with roc, as he can easily do the basic walk trot now and stay forward and round.
Methods- be specific, give details: I have introduced shoulder fore and leg yielding and using the outside aids to push into the bends in the corner, also, 10 meter figure eights in shoulder in to strengthen the hind end and engage it.
yesterday we started in hand and then did the circles, serpentines, straight, slight shoulder fore
today we started with a nice stroll down the drive way and then went right to work on transitions and figure eights in the shoulder in…
Reflection: rocano is just a pleasure to ride now, so intuitive, even if sometimes mischeivious, He would not be roc if he didn’t try sometimes.. checking to see if I was paying attention
Next Steps: more of the same
Date: 8/28
Minutes of Training: 30 each
Horse: rocano toscano (roc) and favory isa
Goal: training both to their full potential
Methods-
Roc… Very supple, bending through his body very well, and doing figure eights and serpentines trying to be aware of how little i need to do. And how quiet i can make my aids.. Then….canter..YES. He took off with me across the paddock at q full gallop.. Weeeeee,, nice ground covering stride.. He likes tonsee if i am paying attention But we went back and did some more figures in a slight shoulder fore or haunches in, travers
Tavia.. Working on lateral flexibility. Started lunging large, and he comes very easily round. He is narrow and stiff laterally so i introduced in hand flexions, just a little, and some teot in hand, and he came nicely round and stepping under the center of his body with the inside hind.. Just a few strides each direction, as it is hard for him.. Massaged his neck and poll, and he even loosaened alot in his jaw and was chewing.. Tried the same riding, but only about ten minutes so he can get the idea.. This is hard for him, but he came very soft over his whole body in the end.
Reflection: excellent progress
Next Steps: more suppling exercises
Date: 8/29/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: muscle building over the back and lateral flexibility..
Methods- be specific, give details: trail ride first, into large paddock, circling around trees, figure eights,c serpentines, shoulder in on crcle, leg yielding
Reflection: more and more connection and softer aids.. these exercises are creating lots of impulsion and lift
Next Steps: rocano will tell me
Date: 8/29/2016
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: favory isa
Goal: teaching lateral flexibility while retaining forward impulsion
Methods- be specific, give details: starting with longlines on the large circle both directions, then in hand pushing inside hind under center of body. Then rode the same exercise, starting with the large circles then coming in off the rail , as he leans on it…
then we just walked 10 meter circles out in the field in a small leg yield, eneded with teaching turn on the forehand
Reflection: This work is more difficult for tavia, I think because I started him so late, at 7, but he was too small before now, but we make more progress every day. He was less stiff today than yesterday and is chewing the bit more, rather than clamping on it as he did in the beginning
Next Steps: more just plain foreward work tomorrow
Date: 8/30 and 8/31
Minutes of Training: 25 and 25
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: My goal with tavia is to get him bending and going straight, stepping under himself with the inside hind .And to get a true communication goping with him. He is stiff and leans on the rail.
Methods- be specific, give details: Long reined in round pen
Reflection: Big breakthrough. Got him off the rail in the roundpen, slight bend to inside at ribs to allow the inside hind to step under the center of the body.. He was really stiff
but loosened in the end, same thing riding
Wed terrific, he was bending soft in the poll and chewing which made all the difference.. Right from the start he figured out the outside line was the wall and he responded by coming in and staying soft and forward when i asked instead of pulling on me like before. What an amazingly clever boy.. Two sessions and he had it
25 minutes, longlines only today
Next Steps: more longlining, then riding
Date: 8/30 and 8/31
Minutes of Training: 30 and 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: my goal with roc is to continue building his topline and getting him supple, straight and forward
Methods- be specific, give details: tues we did a leisurely trail ride, then came back to the arena area and did figure eight shoulder in’s at a walk, then trot, then added serpentines and straight lines, then transitions, some leg yleld and shoulder fore
wed we went right to work riding in the arena.
Reflection: rocano’s stamina is increasing daily as is his strength and muscling oiver the topline
Next Steps: more of the same
Date: 9/5 through 9/8
Minutes of Training: 120 total
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with roc is to get him mentally attuned to me and the aids while developing swing and forward and roundness.
Methods- be specific, give details: we worked two days in the arena, lunging the canter trot transitions on the lines and riding the trot transitions
he seemed reluctant and so we finished two days out on the trails doing the work intermittently and he was great.. he was forward and soft over the back and chewing and most important listening happily cooperating.
Reflection: My biggest joy was to find roc standing and waiting for me in the crossties without being asked or even with a halter, because he wanted to”Play”
I had gotten a phone call at the time I usually work him and was delayed. When I came out he was looking at me in the crossties, like, well, get with it, slacker. I am ready.
Next Steps: more outide work so he doesn’t get bored and off to the trainer’s
Date: 9/11
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: tavia
Goal: My goal right now with tavia is to get him flexible in the jaw and poll and over his back as a result.
Methods- be specific, give details: We worked in the roundpen in lines, decreasing the circle while encouraging him to chew and relax with vibrations and half halts on the rein while pushing from behind, being very careful not to pull.
Then we walked around outside the arena just doing 1o meter circles as a shoulder in from the outside in
Reflection: He is really getting it at walk and in the lines, but the trot is still abit stiff for him.
Next Steps: More of the same. I think we need a nose band..
Date: sept 11
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal for rocano today is as usual, mental more than physical. He is strong willed andeasily performs the physical maneuvers asked of him when he is working with me.
Physically we are trying to increase the engagement from behind and build his topline.
Methods- be specific, give details: Majority of this session was on lines in the roundpen, working on trot/ canter transitions, while increasing and decreasing the circle, and staying fluid in the trot walk circles
Then we rode out walking the trails for 15 minutes, just talking to each other.
Reflection: In the roundpen roc was supwe, pwefectly fluid in the transitions.
On the trail, we saw a BEAR.. Hw spun and wanted to bolt and when I said no, we can look and then walk home, he said..OK. wow
Next Steps: Our next step will be to ride today the exercises we did in lunes yesterday, and hopefully not see any bears
Date: 9/12/16
Minutes of Training: 35
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with Roc is to keep him focused and cooperative because he is interested and not bored.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I free lunged, worked in hand and then rode all over the property interspersing figures and shoulder ins and leg yields at various times, without drilling him.
Reflection: Rocano was fresh and forward working this way, very happy.
Next Steps: Tomorrow I will start with a trail ride and then into the arena
Date: 9/14/16
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: My goal with tavia is to get him chewing the bit and laterally flexible, as he tends to get stuck going into the horizontal frame, making it a false frame.
I am also trying to get him to be flexible in the poll and use his shoulders more rather than his neck.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I tried a new bit and added a noseband. I put on the beucher which works only one side with one rein, it separated the action unlike a snaffle which they feel on both reins at once, and it also keeps the bit more stable in his mouth as he tends to clamp on it and set his jaw.
I longreined, then rode outside of the arena, doing a lot of bending in figure eights by pushing his hind quarters out and trying to get him to use the outside shoulder more, and the outside of his body in general to stretch
Reflection: Much better response, the bit does not slide, and he can chew it better.
I am feeling how his balance is difficult laterally because he is so narrow.
Next Steps: going to try using just side reins and lunge tomorrow
Date: 917 and 9/18
Minutes of Training: 25 and 25
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: With Roc, I am working to improve our mental communication and cooperation, the exercises are easy for him, as his topline is coming nicely.
Methods- be specific, give details: First I am longlining roc in the round pen to check his movements and attitude. Then I ride all over the property, doing figure eights in shoulder in, big circles, small circles, direction changes and transitions at various intervals on the ride. At the end I go back to the arena and do a few exercises, some leg yield and shoulder fore and circles withy transitions. If he is good I stop. If I overdue we have some resistance as he hates routine.
Reflection: His attitude is so good now, no more ego battles about who is in charge. I have finally convinced him it is a fun game, not a confrontation of wills…
for now..haha
Next Steps: will try the arena tomorrow
Date: 9/21/16
Minutes of Training: 3 hours..2 hours trailering
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: our goal today was to acclimate roc to the new trailer and go outside for training,
Methods- be specific, give details: I fed roc in the trailer in the morning. then loaded him and drove to baudouin halett’s.
We worked on connection and communication as well as keeping him forward and under himself.
Reflection: he was relaxed for most of the sessions, but he had a little rough time at first in the trailer. He settled after and was fine.
Next Steps: working on the canter
Date: 9/26
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: tavia..favory isa
Goal: My current goal with tavia is to soften his jaw and poll so that he can flow through his body and make a slight bend in his circles. and this also allows him to step underneath himself in the center of his body with his inside hind.. back building exercise as well.
Methods- be specific, give details: I have taken off the flash and switched to a very mild bit, give lots of treats in the beginning to get him to chew…side reins not too short, jut at the end of the bridle, then long rein, bringing him into smaller circles off the wall, carefully not pulling but massaging and pushing him into the contact from behind.. being soft, but there, resisting when he he pulls, relaxing when he chews and comes round from behind.
riding just a little in the end, doing leg yild/shoulder in on the 10 m circle to get him to step under and bend at the ribcage with a soft poll and jaw.
Reflection: This is very hard work for a horse started this age, so we are short sessions, but correct. Today he was balky to ride outside the round pen in the bend, so I shortened the session as soon as he went forward when I asked, then walked back to the barn doing walk circles and jaw /poll flexions as we went. He was telling me it was too hard.. that is ok, tomorrow is another day
Next Steps: light work tomorrow, just a walk
Date: 9/27/16 and 9/28
Minutes of Training: 25 and 25
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: the main goal with tavia right now is softening the connection in the jaw and poll, while going forward correctly.
Methods- be specific, give details: I longreined tavia outside the roundpen to eliminate the outside rail he likes to use as support. Then I rode
Reflection: He was better outside the roundpen, starting coming into the outside rein and round while chewing after a few wiggles on the inside rein.
He was not wuite as focused riding, so I rode in the roundpen.
Next Steps: more of the same
Date: 9/27/16 and 9/28
Minutes of Training: 30 and 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: my goal with roc is to increase communication, thoroughness, straightness and partnership.
Methods- be specific, give details: I lunged Rioc both days at canter/ transitions to start the canter work, then just went for a walk/trail working on flexions in the poll and chewing the bit
Reflection: Super
Next Steps: just get on without the groundwork
Date: 10/2
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with roc is to make him responsive and correct, moving off my seat and legs over the back into a soft, but definite communication with the reins.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I longreined briefly , then rode, figure eights in shoulder in at walk and trot, then straight lines. Then went for a trail ride just to give him some change of scenery
Reflection: Roc was great today, he went right to work and moved off my leg, filling up the outside rein and rounding. He is looking for the connection now.
Next Steps: More of the same work, try some canter, take him to my friend’s arena
Date: 10/4/16
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: Our goal is to get Tavia moving along in softness.
Methods- be specific, give details: Our main mo is to longrein with sidereins outside the arena, then ride. For canter work, I work him in the roundpen as the outside rein is not confirmed yet. Yesterday I onl rode a little as he really worked hard at transitions and canter. Today I kept the ground work to a minimum and rode.
Reflection: Tavia is everyday softer in the poll and jaw and starting to blance more on his hind end. and really push him self forward rather than drag around from the front. He is understanding what I want now and I can see the corner of his eye with a softer connection.. to the right he is perfect, still stiff to the left.
Next Steps: Our next step is to get him soft and connected in the transitions.. He stops abrubtly sometimes and loses his back. Will work on trying to bend him into the downward more. Not bad in the upward
Date: 10/4/16
Minutes of Training: one and a half hours
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: Our goal is to ride off the farm in a big covered arena with mirrors.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I took Roc to my neighbor’s who has a huge covered arena with a whole wall of mirrors(UHOH)
I longreined him and took him up to the mirrors.
Reflection: BIG DAY>> BIG MAN
He was super.. just like he had done it everyday.. forward, soft, happy, concentrating on me. At the mirror, he was hilarious.. Put his eyeball right on it with ears straight forward, trying to sniff that other horse.. and if he moved his head, so did the other horse!!! He was totally mesmerized..”What a handsome boy that is!” he said.. He kept looking sideways at it as we walked past.. then had to check all the poop in the arena to figure who it was…But he just took it all in stride. What a horse
This was the first time there and without my trainer. So big step for me as well.
Next Steps: Tomorrow I am taking him back to work with Tanya Hermann, whose father was one of the original importers of Lipizzaners after WW11. .along with Temple Farms.
She is no longer associated with the farm, but what an incredible trainer, her timing is impeccable.
Date: 10/19/2016
Minutes of Training: 3 hours
Horse: rocano toscano, roc
Goal: I am not sure if this is considered training, but it strengthened our bond tremendously
Methods- be specific, give details: Roc colliced on the new hay today. I gave oral banamine and walked him for an hour. This was after I noticed him pawing when I lunged him and tring to lie down.
Ferrier came and he was much improved, but watched him, Then around 4 he was down again so this time I called the vet. I walked him and talked to him until she arrived an hour later. he had passed some gas, and was passing manure and drinking, but off food and acting crampy.
I was totally wondering how we would ever get a tube in him as he is so headstrong. But to my amwazement he listened to me and let the vet give him two interavenous sedatives and stood like a prince while I held him and talked to him while she tubed him. I was so proud of him that he trusted me so much.
Intravenous banamine and in ten minutes he was fine,
I put him on grass this morning with finada when I went to work
Reflection: When I got home, finada was locked in a paddock and he had the pasture to himself, so then I knew he was fine, back to his tricks.
too stressful, but all ok, and he did not want me to leave home this morning!
Next Steps: gradually put him back on solid food and start a slow ride on sunday
Date: 10/23 and 10/24
Minutes of Training: 30 and 30
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with Roc is to work on our connection mentally and physically to move him forward and build his topline correctly and develop his responses to lighter and lighter aids
Sunday was his forst day back after last wed colic.
Methods- be specific, give details: We started in the round pen to work on canter on sunday and to check him how he was feeling. It was cool and everyone was a little frisky.
Monday I just got on and went right to work, trail ride after.
We did arena figures, consisting of 10 m circles, 20 m circles, voltes at walk in slight shoulder in, straight lines, diagonals, serpentines.
Reflection: No resistance, and he seems to know just from a shift in weight or leg pressure or slight squeeze of the rein to go round, and after 10 minutes is steadily round over the back. He looks around at first but really relies on my “talking ” to him.
Next Steps: Our next steps are always determined by what he needs at the time.
Date: 10/23 and 10/24
Minutes of Training: 25 and 25
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: My goal with tavia is to develop flexibility and relaxation, as he can be tense and stiff
Methods- be specific, give details: Sunday Tavia was wild, flying through the air on the lines and taking off at a mad gallop. It was cool and our first day back after three days. He was feeling good! I longlined him a good 20 minutes and rode 10 in the round pen, just going steadily round and forward.
Monday I longlined him in the “scary” arena and he was perfect.
Reflection: Tavia is still so green I decided to back up a step and fill in or develop some very simple basics of making a circle, chewing the bit and relaxing into the monotony of circles.
I have always remembered something a trainer told me about how lipizzans find security in their work and will calm down when you get them concentrating on their job.{probably true of all breeds}. nd it worked beautifully.
I am always careful to listen to what he doesn’t understand as that uis usually what is going on. He never misbehaves, but he can misunderstand. He has come so far in his confidence with the consistent work
Next Steps: Today I will ride the same figures we longreined yesterday. or rather attempt to.
10/26/2016: favory isa.tavia
Goal: our goal is to achieve flexibility and power from behind, and acceptance of the bit . We are working on the down transitions.
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I longreined out of the arena, and after a little warm up we did circles and straight and turn arounds, then cantered in the round pen.+
I have been alternating lines with riding and the results are good.
Reflection: He is super in the lines, stays soft and round in the transitions when I have him a little shoulder in.
Next Steps: will ride on sunday
Date: 10/26/2016
Minutes of Training: 3 hours..2 hours trailering
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: my goal is to get roc going outside the property .
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I trailered roc to my trainer, Baudouin Hallett.
He helped me get the canter and forward trot.
Reflection: Roc seemed sluggish. Everything is there, but Baudouin senses he needs more energy, as in more high energy feed .
I noticed later he wasn’t eating the 12% I fed him, so mixed oats and senior and he went right for it, so I think he just hasnot been eating enough.
Next Steps: Going to investigate and add the right feed for roc.
riding Roc at Baudouin Hallett’s
10/31/16
Minutes of Training: 3 hours
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal with roc is to get him muscled up through correct work and nutrition, and also moving fluidly forward and relaxed in a calm state of mind ,.
Methods- be specific, give details: We have increased his hay and added a fat and vitamin supplement.
I also put some oats in his feed. He has always done well with oats unless I give too many.
Trailered to Baudouin Hallett’s. Had a super lesson. and learned quite a bit.
We started on lines, and really got him pushing from behind. Once he was relaxed and over his back and still pushing Baudouin allowed him to slow down and with a slight haunches in started collection, then forward and then collection, changing through the gait, but no longer pushing, just being in self carriage. Then I rode to get that same feeling on his back.
Reflection: Roc was super happy and became very forward without rushiung, and the process of collection helped to get the canter departs. He was very pleased, Roc, Baudouin, and I. and Baudouin also noted his weight was much better.
To think a month ago I was afraid to take him out in the trailer and now he is a pro!! Timing is everything
Next Steps: more of the same at home.
Minutes of Training: 3 hours..2 hours trailering
Date: 11/6/16
Minutes of Training: 40
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal with roc at this stage is to get him round and communicating while using his hind end as the power.
Methods- details: First I lunged rocano in the round pen working on the tools I received from my lesson last week, which were, constant communication, developing pushing and carrying by using transitions within the gait, slow trot, forward trot, canter departs to trot.
In riding in the arena, I used figure eight voltes to fill up the outside rein without taking it, and thi s exercise allows me to push his inside hind underneath him while supporting outside, the change of direction loosens his back and does let him understand not to pull or resist in front.
Once he is responding and listening I added straight lines in a slight shoulder fore attitude , and then asked for some canter departs.
Reflection: Rocano is growing up in his muscling , cooperation and attitude, even tho at first he was abit hesitant. (That lets me know he is back to normal after his colic two weeks ago) His resistances are slowly going away…
Next Steps: we will start on a long walk on trail tomorrow and practice the same communication in a totally different situation to test it and develop it.
Date: 11/21
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: tavia.. favory isa
Goal: my goal today ws to incorporate lessons I learned at my training session with roc today
Methods- be specific, give details: started longreining outside arena.. working the bit as he went forward.. like in lunging.. outside steady inside bend a little, push, release.. both directions
Today I started adding a counter bend along the straight side to get some slight collection. ao slow the trot without pulling.
something spooked him and he took off so fast and strong I could not hold him.. went and brought him back and just steadily asked for the round trot until it calmed him down.. almost like a drone
then I resumed our lesson. he finally figured it out .. actually very quickly and is now having almost two trot speeds.
Reflection: super outcome from a near disaster
Next Steps: same exercise
Date: 11/21
Minutes of Training: 3 hours
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: My goal with roc is to train him to his genes from the srs
Methods- be specific, give details: Today was a huge step forward with roc at baudouin’s.
We went from pushing to carrying(self carriage) with a total understanding for both of us about what that means. He must carry his whole body in balance and stay connected and forward in a slow collected frema. What we achieved today is merely the beginning to what he will do later in self carriage, but this was step one.
This was achieved by using the haunches in on the rail. long side. or you could say shoulder in to the wall. then forward on the short side, using the corners to organize. The suspension was so pronounced and easy after a few tries and he was light in my hand.. self carriage, bouncy and light and round. Then we would do diagonals, using the corners to organize and the center line to check straightness.
When he stops, it has to be immediate, no dallying.. which he loves to do.. Also- testing of poll flexion on a straight line,, go down center line, flex left, flex right without changing the line.. I remember herwig told me that, too
Reflection: wow, I felt a grand pris horse of his daddy’s caliber today
Next Steps: practice, practice practice
Date: 11/28
Minutes of Training: 3 hours
Horse: rocano toscano
Goal: our goal with Roc is to get him fluid and supple in the transitions from pushing to self carriage
Methods- be specific, give details: Today, Baudouin long-reined Roc; then I rode very forward trot, big lines, then shoulder in to the wall and into an inside bend through the corner and forward, back to the shoulder in on the wall.. crossed diagonal in a forward trot.. testing flexion right and left while maintaining straightness and worked at getting him into the corner. Then we went into the big arena with the mirrors and did very long stretch on the figure eight 10 meter circle, expanding to the 15 and then into a volte..
Reflection: Super fluid, no kinks by the end, and he pretty much started out that way
Next Steps: continuation in different areas of the yard at home
Date: 11/30
Minutes of Training: 25
Horse: favory isa. tavia
Goal: My goal with tavia is to build muscle over his topline and increase suppleness
Methods- be specific, give details: I have been long reining Tavia on a 20 m circle, then decreasing and then doing transitions to halt and back to trot.
The last session he was really stiff after a spook, which he tried again today, but did not get away with it and run back to the herd as he did yesterday. I was ready for it today, thinking it may have been an evasion, and it was. He needs his confidence built as he was always very herd bound. We have been doing very well with taking him away from everyone, but yesterday something moved in the woods, and boom, faster than I could react he bolted. Today he tried it, but I just stood my ground, then talked to him to let him know he was fine, and just continued to work. He was super. I pushed him more foreward than I have been, because his natural balance can fake me into thinking he is connected when he isn’t.. that is how he bolted..so pushing forward he rounded really well and was chewing nicely. I also pushed his hind end into the outside soft rein while yet firmly there, and gently bent inside while pushing at the girth. This caused his back to come up as he stepped under the middle of his body and made the turns beautifully .
made sure the circles were large enough while I was riding and if he started to bulge his outside shoulder, I just halted and started over.
Reflection: this way of working was a breakthrough for us… he is going very well as long as I keep him balanced and coming truly into a soft hand from the hind
Next Steps: more of the same.. working on these methods will give us half halts eventually and another tool
Date: 12/7
Minutes of Training: 3 hours..2 hours trailering
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal today was to make fluid and consistent our work of the last three weeks
Methods- be specific, give details: Baudouin worked roc on the long lines,, first just forward, very forward, but carrying himself, which was achieved by a slight haunches in attitude with the outside rein at the haunches.. without breaking the rhythm or slowing down. Then he would bed back straight and the difference was evident, if he started to lag behind, the haunches in attitude again.
Once warned up this way, he headed towards the wall in a hauches in attitude at a collected trot, same rhythm but in self carriage and much slower. then straight on the short side and half circle back to the wall and opposite direction haunches in in collection. Cantering is ok!
we did the same with me riding and if he cantered we went with it rather than force the trot
Then we did very deep stretch still connected and still in the same rhythm to cool down,
Reflection: the fluidity is there now. Roc understands and can do it// it was like dancing,,
Next Steps: I will ride at home this way for two weeks until I can get back for a lesson, and mix it with very forward rides down the road, which seem to have helped alot
Date: 12/14
Minutes of Training: 60
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal with Rocano is to achieve fluid forward motion
Methods- be specific, give details:
today I longlined Roc in the arena for about 15 minutes, first, forward over the back into the bit, then decreasing the circle with the outside rein vibrating while staying soft, but firm on the inside.. then increasing the circle while maintaining the outside connection.
Then I did slight shoulder in in the transitions to halt and walk, engaging the outside of his body with outside leg., vibrating the inside rein to keep him round and soft. This engages the outside of his body
I then started collection with body language and slight half halts, very soft, to preserve the forward, then went fully forward, then shoulder in against the wall to achieve the same result.
Then I rode in the arena, just as if we were at the trainer’s.. no trail first..
same exercises. only I added a shoulder in to canter depart..
Reflection: fabulous on the lines, but as usual a little balky at first when riding, but I just persist and he finally went beautifully fluid and forward, and was engaged in the transitions.. did bouncy stretchy volte figure eights in a big stretch in the end..
was quite pleased with the new understanding of the shoulder in on his part
Next Steps: will determine by his mood next week
Date: 12/14
Minutes of Training: 30
Horse: favory isa.tavia
Goal: My goal with Tavia at this stage is to get him more and more engaged behind, build his confidence , and developing his muscles over the back and his stamina
Methods- be specific, give details: Today I longreined Tavia in the arena, starting immediately in the scary corner, using twenty m circles to start, then squares, and eventually using the wall as a point to counterbend in a haunches in attitude.
Transitions from trot to walk, and canter to trot to canter.
When riding, I started with serpentines with bend changing to keep him focused and finding the bit and balance. Once he accepted that, I started circles along the scary wall, using the outside aids to support him moving from outside to inside, counterbending when he started to drift out or pop a shoulder.
Reflection: Tavia is so different from Rocano. He needs to be lulled into calmness with repetitive work, and I have to be very aware of him moving into the connection and conversation., While Rocano gets bored if he does one thing three times in a row in the same place. I am sure it is their personalities, but I also think having Roc from birth and working him in small increments from the beginning helped a lot. We would touch feet and bend even when he was a baby.. because… he needed to be engaged to stay out of mischieve.
I know Tavia’s confidence is increasing because he pinned hi ears at me when I asked him to go forward, but then he was like, oh no, what did I do???I didn’t mean it, really… what a difference from Roc’s. oh yeah, make me. attitude
Tavia is doing very nice down transitions now, and staying round and connected for longer periods of time. I also rode him in the paddock for the first time today…
Next Steps: I will build on these exercises, the counter bend, the stretching and transitions and gradually increase time as he can do it
Date: 12/20–two horses
Minutes of Training: 40
Horse: tavia.favory isa
Goal: my goal today was to check our progress from six months ago
Methods- be specific, give details: I worked in the roundpen first, using counter bend and halt to bring his outside into the inside., while also then going straight and a slight bend inside, always communicating to keep him focused..he is a Gemini, after all.
I started yesterday teaching him in hand flexions to have him understand not to lean on the inside shoulder and to put his back end underneath his body
Then I rode the same way, mostly using the outside aids to push him off the wall, then straight.
Then I remounted in his big paddock and did the in hand shoulder in on a volte both directions in walk.. trot is too difficult for him yet..
Reflection: For some reason, the riding in the arena is too difficult for him to relax and understand the outside aids. Perhaps it is too small an area, and he needs some straight lines in between, because he is so very much better outside it.
Next Steps: to be determined by how he is going, calm or stiff…
Minutes of Training: 50
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal today is to achieve suppleness, forward, collection, and cooperation from Roc
Methods- be specific, give details: I started with long lines in the round pen, first forward, then in a haunches in attitude from the outside rein, I slowed him down to a collected trot, then pushed him forward, carefully keeping the connection, then went along the wall and did shoulder in to the wall in collection, then forward when I straightened him out, always keeping the contact and roundness that the previous exercises achieved..
then did some in hand work.. figure eight voltes at a walk in shoulder in.
I visualized nothing but the exercises going like a dance, fluid and over the back and underneath himself…
then just went straight out to the trails and did the same work there under saddle
Reflection:
wow, perfect today.. the visualization and my conscious letting go of an expected result worked,, but probably going outside the arena worked the most…he does not like drilling in an arena, so, I will use this as a lesson learned from roc to me
Next Steps: lesson with baudouin tomorrow
Date: 12/25 and 12/26
Minutes of Training: 50 and 50
Horse: rocano toscano (roc)
Goal: My goal thse two sessions was to create and maintain fluidity from pushing to collection and all the nuances in between, creating ever more subtle aids
Methods- be specific, give details: Sunday I longreined in the arena to check roc’s flexibility and willingness to go forward, by intermixing forward and straight on the circle(outside rein in a haunches in attitude ) which turns into collection and a half halt when I counterbend to the rail.. or later in the open. and then I rode down the road in a big forward trot, checking his flexion is even left to right on a straight line. To do this, I open the inside rein and while maintaining contact with the outside stabilizing rein and use the inside leg at the girth. then I switch bend and do the other side. This checks my aids as well as Roc’s stiffness, if any. Sometimes in the beginning I need an inside opening rein.
Monday, I did mostly big forward trot down the road, came into the arena for a big stretchy volte figure eight in engagement.. like stretching in self carriage
Reflection: Rocano is getting very supple once he warms up, and the way I can tell is that he lets me use the whip as an aid instead of kicking or biting. We still have our moments of resistance and his control issue, but we come out quickly now, especially if I just bypass the issue and go straight down the road. then I can come back into the arena and he is ok..
Next Steps: I will keep on refining my aids as well as roc’s reactions to them
DAILY GOALS appear with most current entries at the top. Read either top to bottom, OR to begin at the start of her training year, scroll down and read up:
2016 LOG ENTRIES
12/28: rocano toscana.. roc: prescence and perfect conversation between us
comments about today’s training: long rein then ride down the drive.. he always wants his opinion known, we had some wonderful moments
12/28: favory isa(Tavia): confidence and presence
comments about today’s training: so much improvement when I am totally present he feels safe.. we rode the whole arena today for the first time and no spooks, no bolts.. then walked down drive a bit.. he was great
12/27: tavia.. favory isa: building confidence with presence on both our parts..
comments about today’s training: Presence..
First walked aroound the scary perimeter, then long lined.. Forward, round, communicating and chewing, the counter bend along scary side and just a little collection, forward again.. So good.. One bolt, but i just ignored it and continued, so he continues.
Remembering to maintain presence, no day dreaming or auto pilot with him.. And he really stayed with me and fluid..
Riding along the scary side and he was fine when i spoke to him and just maintained presence with him.. Then walked around the pasture, led around property talking to him and he really decided since i was totally there with him that all was ok and he relaxed…big progress….
12/27: rocano toscana.. roc: fluidity and impulsion in carrying and pushing
presence
comments about today’s training: Presence.. Practicing presence of the aids every stride..
First longline in the arena, . Forward, collected and forward. Some canter departs.. The collection comes from the outside rein against the haunch in the shoulder in to the wall.. Or a haunches in feeling Very fluid and he responds to very light contqct on the haunch to collect.. And goes forward easily when straightened out…”nuno” speaking No more glitches, . Back like a snake
Rode right out to the road.. Very forward but connected, speaking every stride through the reins and his body responses. checking flexions, then added some leg yields and shoulder in.. Just a few a strides before he flattens out.. This is because of lack of muscles, not disobedience
Stop when i feel he cannot hold the positions and i lose the presence in my mind and body
12/21: rocano toscano (roc): My goal for today was to confirm our progress with collection and to build upon it, which recquires a trainer on the ground comments about today’s training: First baudouin longreined roc in long stretching going straight on the circle.. which means using the outside rein, which acts on the haunch as well as the mouth, to encourage the outside of the horse to come into the alignment, Then some collection, and he was allowed to stretch long in the neck at this point in collection.
Then I rode.. it was textbook Nuno oliveira , who Baudouin has worked with.lFirst shoulder-in to the wall(looks like a backwards shoulder in because the haunches come in, shoulder to wall.. in four track along the long side, then relax on short side but so not lose outside bend.. along the wall again in the shoulder in to the wall,, circle big and stretchy on the short side, then collect and again, shoulder in to the wall on the long side, cross diagonal and the same on the other rein. shoulder in to the wall, stretch circle, collect and again shoulder in to the wall, only this time, Baudouin had me slow down slow down and there it was…PIAFFE!!he even tried to levade from this position!! HIs daddy was the pillars horse, after all…
then long stretchy circle after a few more shoulder in…….WOW: will confirm this sequence at home, but on the trail, mixing it up. Baudouin showed me how haof pass comes out of this, which we have been doing in the driveway
12/21: favory isa(Tavia): I wanted to use the exercises I learned on roc today with tavia, only I just longreined him as he is not ready to be ridden that way yet
comments about today’s training: long reined forward and slightly collected as he was tense, so I used his tension to collect.. after he bolted three times without getting anywhere, he calmed down and we continued as with roc, counter bend like a shoulder in on 4 tracks to the wall, then big stretchy circle at the short side.. with tavia I did more stretchy circles than counter bend as he is not as advanced as roc. Reversed and and did the other side
Then I led tavia all over the property to get him used to leaving the arena and the other horses
12/18and 12/19: tavia.. favory isa: my gosal with tavia at this point is to develop his confidence and flexibility
comments about today’s training: sun: long rein in the scary arena, then just walked him along the edges before riding serpentines and figure eights to loosen his back and get him using his hind end. he was good today
mon: started longlining at the scary wall, doing counter bend alternating with straight and inside bend to keep his mind engaged so he would not get scared and bolt.. he is getting better, but still has stiff days and fluid days
12/18and 12/19: rocano toscana.. roc: my goal with roc is to solidify the last month’s lessons of pushing and carrying and achieving suppleness in those transitions
comments about today’s training sun : I longreined and went straight out to the sand road and rode forward and then collected in my curvy driveway, switching from left shoulder in to right shoulder in, in collection, then forward again and some canter departs
he was super.. no resistance..
mon.. same sequence, but stayed in the arena, where he was balky and temperamental, but since we started I had to finish. He eventually became soft, forward, and bouncy and finished with figure eight voltes
12/11 and 12/12: rocano toscana.. roc: fluid forward movement and bending, and cooperation
comments about today’s training: sun.. long reined with varying from forward to collected and forward again.. increasing and decreasing circle, then rode out and back in and out.. mixed it up so he would not have a chance to plant himself
mon.. I truly love this awesome horse, he is so special… today I rode out, no ground work, and we ran into a huge hornet’s nest.. I was screaming because they were biting, and roc, cool as could be, just trotted me out of there and resumed as if nothing had happened.. I came back in and put cold water and Epsom salt on my neck, and just continued our ride.. mostly on the trail.. really forward.. then in the arena, where he was a little balky but we worked through it until he was bouncy and fluid in volte figure eights
12/11 and 12/12: favory isa(Tavia): building muscle and stamina while being sensitive to tavia’s brain and fears; continue this goal and keep adding difficulty
comments about today’s training: mon, long reined and led around the scary perimeter of trees and brush, then rode… he is getting much more supple and maintaining his back up for longer periods.. round circles and smaller circles
mon, added some in hand flexions and teaching him to pick up his feet with a touch.. he doesn’t seem to know where they are all the time
12/7: favory isa(Tavia): to desensitize tavia to outside stimulus so he can concentrate on relaxing, as well as aiming for going correctly forward
comments about today’s training: I worked him late in the day, not his usual time, so he was spooky, but after just long reining in a slight bend outside, then inside until he was zoned into relaxation, he was good.. He was reluctant to go soft today, but finally did when I was riding.. seems to be getting more consistent, but when his brain is distracted it takes awhile… Gemini, what do you expect<
12/5 and 12/6: rocano toscana.. roc: my goal with roc is to confirm cooperation and improve his ability and musculature to go from pushing to carrying(self carriage), by using a forward trot, into a haunches in on the wall(or shoulder in)
comments about today’s training: he is letting me use the whip as an aid most of the time.. in the beginning there is a little objection but gets over it
12/5 and 12/6: favory isa(Tavia): building muscle and stamina as well as suppleness
continue this goal and keep adding difficulty
comments about today’s training: first day, I longreined outside roundpen, then walked him around the scary perimeter( woodsy), then I rode as he settled down by my walking him around, he really depends on my aura of body language and thoughts!!
he did round circles and is getting more consistently on the bit for longer periods of time.,. this is slow but important , the most important to preserve his mind, and trust
second day.. rain and wild turkeys. I longreined and he wa super.. worked on the canter in the round pen
12/4: rocano toscana.. roc: My goal with roc today is to confirm what we have been working on in with our trainer: forward, supple, lateral and longitudinal flexibility, and changes within the gait, from pushing to carrying.. self carriage, then forward again. Also- to get roc understanding and accepting the whip instead of caprioling every time he feels it
continue this goal and keep adding difficulty
comments about today’s training: super on the lines, then balky in arena so I just rode straight out the trails in big forward trot. then did our lessons, haunches in , after collecting, both directions, then forward again and then cantering up and down the road.. really fun; he let me use the whip!!!
12/4: favory isa(Tavia): My goal is to get tavia strong enough in the back and topline to continue building muscle correctly over the topline so he can carry himself for longer periods of time……….comments about today’s training;: someone was shooting a gun nearby and tavia spooked, but stayed with me.. that is big .. he did not bolt but listened.. his circles were good.. no shoulder popping..
11/30: rocano toscano, roc: goal for rocano and I now is to consolidate and build upon our last two lessons and gain fluidity and suspension
comments about today’s training: Today it felt like roc and i were dancing.. Warmed up on lines then went straight down the road , very forward, then shoulder in left, right, down my winding drive, then big deep circles and figure eights…and back again.. He loved it.. Just take him out of the arena!!
11/28 and 11/29: favory isa, tavia: my goal with roc is to build stamina and strength
comments about today’s training: 11/28.. tavia was perfectly soft over the back and perfectly straight in his circles. meaning he did not bulge his outside shoulder
11/29. stiff due to a big spook which took us awhile to calm down from
tomorrow we start again.. no problem
11/29: rocano toscano, roc: to continue the work of suppling and developing fluidity
comments about today’s training: he was pretty tired from yesterday’s lesson, so I went on trails in a forward trot, and then we cantered up and down the road.. did some shoulder in collection in the arena just 15 minutes.. and he got a really relaxing bath massage after. rocano toscano is growing up gracefully. Today when I was giving roc his bath he looked at me as if to say, mom, am I grown up now?.. I am not sure what is happening, but my body and brain are telling me I am ready, but i want u to retain my spirit;
and of course, he will always be allowed that
11/27: rocano toscano, roc: continuing to refine the pushing/ collecting exercise and sensitivity to the aids
comments about today’s training: started in roundpen.. very good, a bit resistant at first riding, but worked out of it quickly.. then down the drive.. got some canter in; trainer tomorrow may add more
11/27: favory isa, tavia: getting tavia consistent and strong in coming over the back and supple laterally as well
comments about today’s training: started stiff, was beautiful in lines, but stiff riding at first.. had to work a little to get it today.. but then rode in the big paddock and he was better,, maybe he needs some trail
11/24: rocano toscano, roc: to work from pushing to collection with communication is our goal
comments about today’s training: we did the same exercises as the last three sessions, that is, shoulder in to the wall alternating with long and pushing strides.. collecting in the shoulder in.. the outside leg is very important.. this will become half pass
but we did them on the trail.. only last five minutes in arena to keep him fresh
11/24: favory isa, tavia: getting tavia round and communicating and using his hind end is our goal
we are trying for round circles and then figure eights
comments about today’s training: he is getting very supple.. changing the bend and checking suppleness of the poll by slight change of flexions.. the counter bend is working to get his outside shoulder in line
11/22: tavia, favory isa: suppleness and forwad and softness in the jaw and poll in order to achive round circles without him falling out on the outside
comments about today’s training: much better today.. he was more relaxed and able to hold the position longer periods of time.. inch by inch we go
11/22: rocano toscano, roc: to confirm our lessons from yesterday which were, shoulder in to the wall(or haunches to the inside) using this to create some collection, then go forward straight in self carriage, really pushing, come back to the shoulder in on the wall, and check flexion left, right, on straight lines
I can see this haunches control leading to other exercises, which it did because he wanted to canter..
comments about today’s training: he was super soft and light after our training yesterday with baudouin
11/20: tavia, favory isa: suppleness, forward, easy communication
comments about today’s training: he was a bit stiffer today, but it had gotten cold, he calmed down ok.. but will be better tomorrow
11/20: rocano toscano, roc: putting on miles and building muscle, and suppleness
comments about today’s training: roc went right to work this morning… a little bit nervous about the woods, but focused on my intent as I was there for him.. there is the lesson, me being the safety
11/16: favory isa, tavial: My goal today is to achieve the same roundness and smoothness riding as in the long reining.
comments about today’s training: We did perfect circles both directions for the first time.. big success
11/16: rocano toscano: My goal with roc is to develop ever more subtle communication with him as he goes forward correctly in his work
comments about today’s training: he did not seem forward in the arena, tho very good long reining the changes within gait and canter departs in the roundpen, so I just rode the trails and worked him there. We went farther down the road than ever before and did some canter departs.
11/13 and 11/14: tavia, favory isa: increasing the training time and getting tavia soft and laterally bending
comments about today’s training: tavia likes to pop the outside left shoulder only when I ride, but is beautiful when I long-rein. I think he is getting used to balancing my weight and needs to understand the outside aids better. What works the best is outside half halts supported by the whip and leg outside, while using an opening inside rein. That huge neck!!! ALSO: after all the distress of the past months, I have decided to embrace thesioence of being here now. My place is very quiet and the energy very spiritual which helps both the horses and me focus. Riding can be a meditation, an exercise in total awareness. My goal was and is to clear my mind of all thought and expectations and just listen/feel to what my horses are telling me.( With roc, you have to take into account he sometimes exaggerates or just tests his boundaries if given too much inattention)
empty the mind, communicate.. legs, fingers, seat. listen to the response.and answer , ask, or demand
11/13 and 11/14: rocano toscano, roc: communication, pushing from behind and carrying, working on cooperation and synchronicity
comments about today’s training: roc was wild on sun morning, flying all over,but he calmed down to a beautiful forward working session. He loves the transition from pushing, to collection to canter.. he thinks it is fun, he is finding his genes!!
Monday he was sour on arena work, so we went on trail and worked on roundness and suspension. by changing within the gait and doing very deep 20 meter circles in a shoulder fore.. and cantered down the driveway ALSO: after all the distress of the past months, I have decided to embrace thesioence of being here now. My place is very quiet and the energy very spiritual which helps both the horses and me focus. Riding can be a meditation, an exercise in total awareness. My goal was and is to clear my mind of all thought and expectations and just listen/feel to what my horses are telling me.( With roc, you have to take into account he sometimes exaggerates or just tests his boundaries if given too much inattention)
empty the mind, communicate.. legs, fingers, seat. listen to the response.and answer , ask, or demand
11/7and 11/8: favory isa, tavia: forward, round, bending, communicating
comments about today’s training: tavia is long reining beautifully outside the roundpen, some stiffness yet in the jaw turning left, but eventually he comes very soft , chewing and round. Riding him is not easy, but he has perfect moments..
11/7: rocano toscano, roc: forward , communicating, round and attentive
comments about today’s training: seems to take about 10 minutes to warm up, then we were cantering all over the property, down the drive out the road, did some transitions, but mostly fun forward
11/8: rocano toscano, roc: arena work with soft and forward and slight leg yielding shoulder fore attitude..circles, straight, canter departs
comments about today’s training; : very sluggish start, I think he is abit dehydrated, so adding a soupy lunch of soaked alfalfa cubes with mineral oil
he was so soft in the jaw at the end and really round,, progress, but hard muscle building for him, he is gaining weight
11/6/19: favory isa, tavia: my goal with tavia right now is to get him using his back and hind end with a soft communication. comments about today’s training: we are at putting on miles right now and developing communication while building muscle. I hop[e to have baudouin out next week to check on us.
11/1/and 11/2: rocano toscano, roc: my current goal with roc is to get him moving over the back in suppleness and relaxation in all gaits and transitions.
comments about today’s training: both days roc was super soft on the bit and honestly there, he takes a bit to warm up but shoulder in on a volte in figure eights, filling the outside rein does help a lot.
short strides, long strides, trying for self carriage. He has been doing canter departs all week.. a step forward for sure after our lesson mon
11/1/and 11/2: favory isa, tavia: my immediate gaol with tvia, besides the forward, round, come from behind, is to get him accepting and understanding the bit, while also suppling him in the turns and circles.
comments about today’s training: yesterday was good, we worked outside the roundpen and even did some canter departs without him bolting
today we worked in the roundpen moving his shoulders with out side aids, seems a counter bend a few times really helps
10/30/2016: favory isa, tavia: forward, relaxed, round and soft in the transitions
comments about today’s training: we are taking steps, this is now just repetition for awhile
10/30/16: rocano toscano: my goal for these weeks is to get roc energized , forward, accepting the bit and cantering details: I increasing Roc’s feed with a little oats and fat supplement sbout a week ago..I lunged the canter for a few minutes, then rode in the arena right away. He was much brighter and easier moving on command. We got canter departs every time I asked
10/30/2016: favory isa, tavia: My goal these next sessions is to teach tavia ti accept the bit softly and especially in transitions down
He is already forward, and has loosened up a lot, not holding so much anywmore.
so now I want more flexibility and thoroughness.
We worked just standing and then staying soft when just taking a couple steps sideways.
comments about today’s training: He is a very fast learner and wants so much to please.
Next Steps: Going to the trainer tomorrow
10/25/16: rocano toscana.. roc: my goal with roc is to connect mentally, physically and spiritually; through trail rides to new places, transitions and school work…continue this goal –build on the basics, moving forward with trust and confidence, He is such a brave and curious horse and he reads my mind; comments about today’s training: he was super attentive to me today
0/25/16: favory isa(Tavia): Our goal was to ride in the arena, past all the spooky busjes and remain calm, relaxed and on the bit, doing 20 m circles and figure eights abnd straight lines.. next transitions: continue this goal and add reansitions getting smoother; comments about today’s training: bravo.. big step
10/19, 2016: favory isa: My goal with Tavia is to get him strong enough to be able to carry himself with suppleness and not lean on any of the aids,long rein canter both directions inside the roundpen, long-rein trot outside, and then ride inside for a few minutes then go out and try figures and straight lines, like a training level test. Reflection: Every day the circles are rounder and softer and he’s not pulling, or rather leaning , in the bit, he is starting to carry himself. Next Steps: repeat these exercises and add serpentines , Continue walking him farther and farther away from the herd
10/9- 10/11: : rocano toscana.. roc: moving forward over the back in communication and softness comments about today’s training: walked all over the property focusing on the connection in poll, jaw and legs and seat.. then made our way to the arena and did circles and figure eights. what worked with tavia was serpentines.. roc as well. favory isa(Tavia): softness, flexions in jaw and poll, and bending comments about today’s training: after longreining inside and outside the roundpen, I have discovered the weaknesses in tavia and my aids by noting how much better he is outside the roundpen where he cannot rely on the wall.
10/5/2016: rocano toscano (roc): Taking Roc for his first lesson in a covered arena Favory Isa(Tavia): goal is to build his topline and get him supple through the body
comments about today’s training: getting better all the time
10/2/16: favory isa(Tavia): My goal with tavia was to confirm our work from last week of having communication and softness through the jaw and poll which allows him to truly come over the back; continue? yes, but i will gradually increase riding time
comments about today’s training: He was right there from the beginning.. super horse. no stiffness, no pulling, just round and chewing from the start
9/26: rocano toscana: our goal is to increase connection between me and roc, body, mind, soul comments about today’s training: increasing connection and softness in the jaw, chewing and round over the back.. he was super today.. trail ride after 15 minutes in arena.. small increments work best with him
9/25/2016: favory isa(Tavia): My goal with Tavia is to lossen his poll and jaw and get him chewing the bit so we can communicate.
comments about today’s training: success with changing the bit to the most simple and no flash.. he is soft and chewing and we can communicate now..such a willing to learn horse
9/25/2016: rocano toscana.. roc: My goal with roc is to keep him focused and lively in his work. comments about today’s training: we rode all over the farm and did our volte figure eights in shoulder in, then back to the arena and he went right forward and soft, great communication and cooperation from the start
9/21/16: favory isa(Tavia): softening the jaw and poll
using the new bit and no noseband
comments about today’s training: he is really getting it
9/17 and 9/18: favory isa: our goal is to loosen tavia’s jaw and poll to get him chewing and relaxed
comments about today’s training: getting better. small increments
9/12/2016: rocano toscano: My goal is to get roc focused on my aids and go forward fluidly
comments about today’s training: super today. just a little resistance at first, so walked outside the arena and returned and he was great..
we did circles and decreased them, some leg yiled, transitions, figure eights in shoulder in favory isa(Tavia): my goal with tavia is to loosen the poll and get him chewing. softening the jaw so we can have a conversation and he becomes soft through his whole body
comments about today’s training: The best reward I have gotten today from tavia was when I was groomimh teeka, who is in his paddock with him. I felt some air on my neck as I was cleaning teeka’s feet, and then a nuzzle.. it was Tavia. he wanted me to groom him, too. He stood right there while I did his feet, groomed and tacked him up just as if he were tied.. what a sweet gentle soul. He loves his work.
9/6 and 9/7: favory isa.tavia
Goal: bending laterally while moving forward: increasing and decreasing the circle by using outside aids; pushing from the outside to the inside
Reflection: this exercise using leg when ridden and outside long line while driving was effective in achieving the soft chewing and swing and fluid motion I was looking for
sept 5 and 6: favory isa.tavia;
Goal: flexibility and throughness: long reining and then riding with forward swinging back
Reflection: right away tavua came round and forward- is understanding the outside aids. I feel he is accepting and chewing the bit and bending better latterly
8/24/2016: rocano toscana.. roc: Goal today became just forward and relaxed, different figures
comments about today’s training: Roc started out lazily.. it is very hot…so we did some circles in trot after warming up in the round pen on lines, around trees, new patterns and directions. road all over the property and when we came back to the big paddock he was cantering! we got three canters today because he was just having fun.. that’s the key to roc.. make it a fun game
8/24/2016: tavia.. favory isa: getting tavia off the rail and genuinely communicating without a wall to lean on, using outside rein and leg
comments about today’s training: he is stiff to start, using, or trying to use, the 15 meter shoulder fore in a figure eight, focusing on moving the shoulders in and hind quarters out
8/22/16: tavia.. favory isa– our present goal is to keep tavia forward over the back and round in the transitions.
comments about today’s training: Tavia stops rather abruptly in the down transition and hollows his back. So I have been using the shoulder fore and keeping leg on in the transition, almost like a leg yield into the outside rein
8/21/2016: favory isa(Tavia); muscle building and the trust connection, suppleness
working on keeping his back connected in the transitions
comments about today’s training; (optional): round pen first, lunging and riding, then outside, found pushing the outside aids into the inside most effective for turning and bending.. pretty stiff, but once we did some shoulder for, exaggerated, he did abit better.. gave me my first bolt and buck.. and I stayed on
8/17: favory isa(Tavia) Goal: getting tavia flexible and forward with a true connection is my goal
comments about today’s training: we did everything outside the roundpen today and after a few minutes his tightness went away and he was very soft and light
8/10/2016; tavia.. favory isa: getting tavia started on his path as a dressage star
comments about today’s training: lunged inside the roundpen, rode a few minutes inside then went outside to do circles and figure eights and a few straight lines… still a little wobbly to start and we stop after a few correct rounds…he gave me a little buck, so he must be getting stronger
8/9/2016-Horse: favory isa(Tavia): confirming the circle with correct bend
comments about today’s training: rode and long reined in the roundpen
july 27, 2016: tavia.. favory isa: get out of the roundpen and start riding in an arena comments about today’s training: Firat we longlined in the arena, both directions and figure eights. Then I got on and we did the same.. Super results. soft, bending, and forward
USLF TRAINING COLLABORATIVE 