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Post by Shelly on Sept 6, 2014 4:28:19 GMT
Today I got the time to do a bit of ground work with my boy Sheldon  He has had a few weeks off while trying to resolve health issues but now that he's doing a lot better it's groundwork time! Sheldon is such a fast learner, we worked on just some basic ground work, I've been trying to work on getting him moving side to side with a carrot stick. I can move his hind no problem, I can get him to go forward and back with the carrot stick but he seems to have a hard time understanding to move over with it. He does it well with my hands but not the stick. After working with that for a while, we proceeded to lunging. Worked on his transitions a lot and taking a break when I say so and not when he decides.. LOL He is probably the laziest 3 year old I've ever met. Definitely seen a lot of improvements from the beginning to the end. Love my little horse! <3 Here's some pics of him practicing how to stand    He's still thiner then I would like but he has been gaining weight thankfully! smileys-hearts-532620  |
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572 
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Post by Lipizzan on Sept 6, 2014 11:21:39 GMT
He is a very pretty boy. Glad to hear you are doing such a great job with him. :-)
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Sept 6, 2014 11:29:27 GMT
Although I have to admit I can see a little problem with his hind legs?! Or it is just because of the picture? I looks like his legs are more under him then they should. I don't know how to explain in english. We call it sabre legs. But again mybe it is because of the angle that picture was taken.  |
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Sept 6, 2014 14:32:21 GMT
It might just be the way he's standing, I don't think he's moved in any of the three pics. His trim isn't helping. Too much toe and not enough heel, he's not stood up properly, but he looks like he's probably due for a trim anyway. Sorry Shelly, I'm the trimming Nazi. I've seen too many horses with issues from poor trims, please don't be offended.
My question is why you're concerned about him not moving from the carrot stick. It's better if he moves away from your hands and the carrot stick is just one of PP's gimmicks to start getting a horse to move away. You're not going to be carrying a carrot stick with you everywhere so your hands are what you really want him to move away from. Are you using the PP methods or just for having him move away from pressure? It's good that he's lazy! It's a lot easier to work with a lazy horse than a high strung horse. He's a sweet looking horse, I love his colour! |
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Post by horselady on Sept 6, 2014 20:09:39 GMT
OH and i see you cut his mane with a scissor. lol no we are not picking him apart. he is cute and still growing. but i do see a longer pastern in the right hind. so plenty of leg work bringing his legs under him and not splayed out like a giraffe. yes i have one of those also that loves to run like a giraffe that is why i noticed his leg.
so working over poles and objects at a trot will help with the toning of his hind legs and quarters
and if he moves over with your hand. imagine how nice he will move over with your leg asking him to move over .
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Post by Shelly on Sept 7, 2014 4:55:18 GMT
Ya he is definitely due for a trim! I have the farrier coming out this week  I think his leg issue is the way he is standing, his hind definitely looks a little funny in these pictures... and yeaaa I took scissors to his mane... I was tempted to pull it but his hair got so long already and I don't have much experience pulling. Slightly worried about thinning his mane out too much if that makes sense? And I was working at having him move with the stick because I eventually would like to take our ground work further and maybe teach him a few tricks. My goal is to be able to move any part of his body with just a little "tap" or eventually just pointing with the stick or fingers. On an other note, I rode him today first time in about 2-3 weeks. He is amazing! He was the perfect little gentlemen. We were a lot more consistent when it came to maintaining the trot under saddle (he usually takes 10 strides and quits). We cantered 3-4 strides both directions without hesitation. We also worked over two trotting poles and worked on making a circle gradually bigger and smaller using my legs (oh and we back up, starting to understand how with leg). Proud mama over here! lol This is a picture of this winter, not sure if you still notice the possible leg issue? Also he is a bit cow hawked with his hind. 
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Sept 7, 2014 14:32:07 GMT
He's a doll! You should let his mane grow again, it's so pretty! I suspect cow hocks are the number one most common conformation issues out there. Not a big deal unless it's severe.
We teach our horses tricks and never use a stick. Sorry, we did for the Spanish walk. I'm sure he'll eventually get it if you keep it up. I just always panic when I hear the words 'carrot stick' because there are some PP devotees that take it too far and have a horse that you can hardly work around because if you just look at their hind end they move it away. I think his basic Seven Games is a good basis in ground work. At least the first five games. But beyond that I don't agree with his methods at all.
Sheldon is young, he'll come along. He sounds willing and if he has a good head and is a good boy you'll have a great time teaching him. Best of luck! And keep us up to date. |
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Post by Shelly on Sept 7, 2014 19:10:18 GMT
Ya I used to use a carrot stick but I just switched. I started using an old dressage crop and I tied a flag on the end so when I "bump" him with it he feels it but it doesn't hurt (I've tested it out on myself and others! LOL). It's virtually like tapping him with a sock lol! But so far I have had amazing results with it I really don't know the PP method at all.. I just kinda go with my gut. I recently watched the movie "Buck" and have been trying some of the things I seen and trying to find a method that works for sheldon and I. He is such a smart cookie tho, I love it! |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Sept 9, 2014 1:50:48 GMT
I think using a tool to extend your reach is an excellent idea, that's what tools are for, to help us do more than we can do with only our hands.
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Post by horselady on Sept 9, 2014 11:01:04 GMT
I have a theory and it is 'what ever works for you and the horse" they have not read the book. he is a cutie and looks like a solid foundation in his training is starting., so keep up the work. and cow hocked is not a bad thing. arabians have it and look at them and their stability and foundation of work.  |
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Sept 9, 2014 12:20:47 GMT
Sounds like you are taking things nice and slow with him. I agree with HL - whatever works for the two of you is great.
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Post by lorddaxter on Sept 9, 2014 12:30:39 GMT
He has a really kind head and eye, did you notice how short his mouth is, my IDxtb had a short mouth, hated bits, I ended up having to use a hackamore, vet said his tongue took up all the room in his mouth lol!
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Post by Shelly on Sept 9, 2014 15:56:55 GMT
thanks for all your lovely comments, He really is a very kind and loving horse. and LD sheldon is the same. I started his training using a side pull and he loved it. The last 3 or 4 rides I moved him up to a bit (a french link covered with rubber with loose rings) I added rubber rings on each side as he was opening his mouth the first day to avoid the bit. He has been working well in it but you can tell he much prefers the bitless! The bit I have for him is a size 5 and there is some play room but hopefully he will grow into in a little more. I'll be honest, I wish I had more time to spend working with him. When I do work with him tho I try to be as consistent as I can and I have a lot of "rules" for sheldon (like never walking in front of me, no head rubbing, backing up when i step back, moving over to light touches and ect.) My mom thinks I'm a drill sergeant but I've been doing little things like that since day one when I started working with him at 3 months old. For the first time in my life I have a horse that I can literally drop my lead line, go grab my tack, and saddle him without him taking a step. Sheldon is the 4th horse I own and I want to do everything right with him. I've been asking lots of questions and taking in advice from others. I take riding lessons so I can be a better rider for Sheldon. I feel like I owe it to him. Anyways now I feel like I'm getting emotional! LOL again thank you for your lovely comments, it really does mean a lot 320595now I want to go hug my horse LOL apple |
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Terry
Junior Member
Central Illinois, USA
Posts: 1,466
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Post by Terry on Sept 10, 2014 0:34:42 GMT
Good for you for putting strict boundaries in place for Sheldon from an early age; that way he knows what you expect from him, and it has clearly worked! I don't think you are being a drill sergeant at all, rather you are being a good alpha mare and letting him know that you are in charge. In the long run I think that makes your bond stronger, and it will make him a better horse.
I don't know what exactly you guys are referring to when you say "carrot stick", but I can tell you that I have used a stick & string, a dressage whip, a riding crop, and even a long lead rope when working with my horses. The way I look at them, they are not tools for punishment, but are all just extensions of your arm in one form or another. It keeps you safer that way while he's still learning, because it gives you the ability to put a little more distance between the two of you, and then in time you will be able to translate those moves to just your arm/hand.
Keep up the good work with him, and have fun with it. He sure is a cutie!
ETA - As far as putting a bit in his mouth, are you planning to show with him where a bit is required? Otherwise, if he works better in a side pull, why not just stick with the side pull? The only reason I ask is because my horse, Zena, rides in just a side pull. We tried a bit on her years ago, but she absolutely hated it and even reared up with it. With just the side pull on she is very light and responsive. Another situation of, whatever works for you and the horse, stick with it.
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Post by Shelly on Sept 10, 2014 3:22:49 GMT
I will have to look up the rules of the local shows, my long term plan is to jump Sheldon hopefully in the trillium circuit (I can dream can't I?) LOL but this year/next I plan on doing our local english circuit and I haven't seen anyone bitless yet. I'll ask my coach next lesson what the rules are, I have a feeling bits are required  I'm ok with it because he tolerates it but you can tell he is happier in the bitless. I think Ill use the side pull for trail riding and leisure and the bit for training. That's my thoughts anyways. I kinda go with which ever I'm in the mood that day lol! And I agree with you completely Terry when it comes to aids. |
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I'm ok with it because he tolerates it but you can tell he is happier in the bitless. I think Ill use the side pull for trail riding and leisure and the bit for training. That's my thoughts anyways. I kinda go with which ever I'm in the mood that day lol!