hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 24, 2014 17:12:10 GMT
Oh dear I'm actually crying... and at work too. Good thing I'm the only one here and Friday too. Which is why I'm oh this board at work, shhhhh.
Carson you are too kind. I did giggle at your building the Lego tower during youth when self preservation was low. I get what you are saying. Totally. Thank you for your perspective that helps a great deal. While I kinda know that in my head if isn't what I've truly believed before but I think I will now and build on that and be okay with what I've accomished because it isn't usual. It isn't common. But it is what I've wanted my whole life.
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Dec 25, 2014 2:18:10 GMT
Peachie and I had another good time together after work today. Someone had set up a little obstacle course so we took full advantage of it. We pretended we were competing at Rolex although Peaches doesn't quite get the idea that we're NOT supposed to let our feet hit the bars, oh well. We still smoked all those legged TBs and warmbloods to shame I'm still covering her wound although its a lot better now, but because its been so melty out I don't want to take a chance of getting dirt in there. But we're using vet wrap so its slightly cheaper. Tomorrow we'll have more of a lesson; working to more fluid response moving off pressure, she's really sticky on the front end but after watching a Buck Brannaman tape I think I need to walk toward her when I apply the pressure to get her unstuck. We'll try it anyway and see what works. She's getting better at picking up the pace when I run. We're working toward no drag whatsoever and like I say, fluid, so we have a ways to go. Mark Rashid suggested that head tossing is associated with resistance to moving off pressure, she's go both so we'll work on fluid give, it's gotta be useful in any event. Over all we need to develop a reliable language between us in all of these exercises; so then nothings wrong or really even needs correction, its more about me being crystal clear and concise I see you Carshon's lego metaphor is a real good one, thanks again, Carshon! smart horse
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redzip
Junior Member
Posts: 1,701
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Post by redzip on Dec 25, 2014 11:00:46 GMT
Peachy sounds A LOT like my Zippy It just takes TIME,., they are not all alike, and I have had to learn this myself, the hard way. I realize that altho I wish Zippy was more like Red was, its just not gonna happen! Zippy is Zippy, and his experiences, and treatment in life are, have been, considerably different than those experiences Red had. And when I look back over TIME, I do realize Zippy has made many strides and is a better boy, but we just aren't there yet. I'm glad I've had a chance to catch up reading on your experiences with Peaches, the holidays have been soooo busy, I've barely had time to catch my breath,., Please keep us updated on your progress,., and Happy Holidays!!
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 25, 2014 15:34:15 GMT
Exactly Red. Peachy reminds me of Diamond too. We have all had experiences with other horses that we remember.
Not only are our "now" horses different, but we are different as well.
I can say Diamond has problems under saddle, and she really does, but when you add me into the mix the problems are amplified. It isn't all her fault. Our relationship on the ground is so much better, but that is what we have spent the most time working on. She has come a long way from the time I got her, with her ground manors, but she is far from perfect.
All I know is, I have fallen head over heals in love with her. Faults or not, (mine and hers) she is my girl, and I love her dearly.
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 25, 2014 20:42:31 GMT
This morning I went to BMW stables to leave off a large inflatable ball that I thought I was going to use to "strengthen my core" ha ha ha ha but Peaches, Lois and her Ruby and I can play with it instead and strengthen our bond to the core. AND I picked up my RIDING HELMET! I almost thought I would tack up Peaches today but I chickened out. Maybe this weekend. I can always tack her up and just let it be that way, I don't know why I chicken out of things that aren't really scary except that I do, I simply do *sigh* But here are a few pictures, it is snowing really nice, large, wet flakes so of course I was worried it would be slippery out... goodness sake... one of my bad habits is that unless things are PERFECT I worry. So yeah, I worry a lot. When I went to bed last night my blood pressure was 175/100! Within a minute it was down to 108/74 but still. You get a glimpse into my world there... and now you know the REST of the story Learning how to stay in one place. She tries but its like she just can't stand it there are so many things to discover. I think the next time we're alone I'll let her mosey around Her injury. I switched from the elasticon to vet wrap but that didn't stay up on her leg over the wound. So I washed it with Vetricyn and left it unwrapped as the vet said I didn't have to keep it wrapped after the stitches were removed. Its been a few more days than that but I kept the wound covered a couple more days just to make sure it was closed up. I'll be back tomorrow and keep washing it with Vetricyn and that should be good.... I hope.
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Dec 25, 2014 20:44:15 GMT
Peachie's pretty tail and Pony in the background Peaches blue cooler Peachie in her cooler
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 25, 2014 22:45:01 GMT
Oh , I am so sorry. I seem to spend more time talking myself out of riding than I do riding these days too. It always seems to be to windy, or muddy, or cold. The truth is I really enjoy just standing with, or leaning on one of the horses. The weather is never to bad for that.
Peaches wound looks like it is healing up very well. I wonder if she feels cold in that spot with all her fuzzy winter fur shaved off? She sure looks cuddly in her winter jammies.
I love the Peaches to wonder horse embroidered on her blanket. It really looks good.
Now why is your blood pressure so high? Is it from worry? Even though it came down, I wonder how many hours during the day, it spends in that range? Well I won't tell you, that you need to take care of yourself, because I think we are all guilty of ignoring our own health, for the sake of everything else we think needs to come first. But Please take care of yourself. You are a very dear friend, and I want to be able to cyber talk to you, and read about your adventures with Peaches, for a very long time.
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 25, 2014 23:21:08 GMT
Winter jammies, that's so cute. Don't worry about my bp, I have medicine and usually it isn't that high. The doctor said that sometimes these cheap home unit jobbies err out, so my bp coulda been that high or not. Mostly its not.
Anyway, because of Peaches obedience and because Andrea has ridden him a few times and with alot of other stuff going on while she was doing it and she said all she needs are more miles, I figure she's safe to ride at least in the arena or corral. Now if I can keep that resolve when I'm with her
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mistersmom
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Abita Springs, LA
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Post by mistersmom on Dec 26, 2014 2:30:00 GMT
You have already made such leaps and bounds with Peachie! Baby steps add up to big steps. If you just tack her up one day, then do that. If another day you lead her around with her tack on, then just do that. One of these days you will eventually work up to sitting on her and you will wonder what all the worry was about. Move at your pace but do try to continue to move baby steps forward. Of course we all have those days where we seem to fall back in our progress. No worries! You will get back to where you were in no time.
We are all here for you and proud of what you have done so far with little miss Peaches. When you get down on yourself, think about where the two of you were a year ago or even a few months ago.
So glad to see her boo-boo is healing up nicely.
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hugs
Junior Member
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Post by hugs on Dec 26, 2014 2:41:43 GMT
Thank you MM and everyone and yes, that means you too HL4L ThankyouMy feelings are close to the surface and this horse stuff means SO much to me... anyway, I'll learn to cut myself some slack. You know the saying God doesn't give you more than you can handle? And that He loves us and that's why He gives us lessons to learn and grow? Yeah well, don't do me any favors. But then there is also the "God never promised me a rose garden" and "there is no such thing as fair". Isn't there something about don't sweat the small stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff or something like that... oye, cliches are cliches because they're true. I am SO grateful to have you with me as I go through all of this. Again,
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 26, 2014 2:47:13 GMT
Diamond and Chief could both use lots of miles, and wet blankets, I just don't have the drive anymore. I thought once I got my own place, I would ride all the time, but I don't. There is always things that need done, so I rarely get around to riding. I think a lot of it is I don't want to ride alone anymore. I have ridden miles and miles without any company, and sometimes I would like to ride with someone. I do sometimes get to ride with my daughter, but I feel like I have to be watchful and protective of her, because she doesn't have much experience. There are a few younger ladies that ride near me, but they like to go fast. They were barrel racers.
I wish we were closer to one another. I think you and I could help one another, be more inspired to ride more.
While it is wonderful that we can all be friends, with so many miles between all of us, but it can be a sad thing too.
OOOh After I posted I saw you changed your profile picture. So I hit edit to say, I love it. Yea!!!!!!!
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 26, 2014 3:35:41 GMT
I hear you about riding alone. That's all I do too, because when I did live at home Gerald was gone and I was all alone anyway. Took care of the cattle, hogs, chickens, dogs, farm stuff and grad school. That's the thing, unless you live near folks you have to trailer them somewhere which brings up a whole other set of issues. Boarding at BMW is much better than having a place to keep Peaches because Lois likes to ride like I do AND she trailers. So I am very VERY lucky. Well, I have to get to bed, I have work tomorrow. I'll be the only one in the office so I can park right outside the door rather than in the back lot, my big treat . Next Friday I'll also be the only one in the office. Kinda nice actually. Less pressure and I can talk to myself without worrying that someone will hear me A few years ago HT folks got together for a trail ride. At my home-home we have miles of trails right down the road plus we have room for folks to drive their trailers and pasture and corrals to spare. Maybe we could plan something? If I get to keep my job it'll work out and if I don't get to keep my job it'll work out, so I'm good either way although I'd prefer the former than the latter. Sleep tight!
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Post by horselover4life on Dec 26, 2014 14:04:15 GMT
Well now...let us see where this comment gets to.... Put on the bullet-proof vest cause here it comes!!
As for "training" and how far you have come... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? You have taken a horse that all basically gave up on and you refused to take that direction of thought. You spent hours, days and weeks that turned into months and years getting to where you are today. All of it on your own, with no guidance except for some videos till very recently. Peaches has learned from you and you from her, together you grow in knowledge.
Give yourself much more credit please... What you lack is confidence in "you" that you are doing it right. That Peach is getting it right. You have seen the proof that Peach is level-headed as Andrea rides and that the horse accepts and doesn't panic as quick as you think she will... Peach takes the cues from you on how to react and act.
For me, I push and prod hard at you not to discourage you, but because you have the base laid you need. You need the "PUSH" to finish the task. That task is starting to come together. Think as others have said of what you have done... Again, you recently moved Peach and introduced her to so many things in her new surroundings... and Peach took from you that all was OK, and she agreeably alert went willingly with you to learn and experience new "everything"!!! Peach took the cue from you to look, watch and explore and especially the fact you won't allow her to get hurt when in your care. {Her injury was a fluke, and you were not there!}
You have figured out more to get around this horses "quirks" than most.
You know, You CAN Do This, you really truly can. As was said,...there is no rush, there is no pressure and don't let anyone make you feel as though there is. Take small steps, those small steps add up over time. So saddle Peach...add another day to go for a walk with the horse, another day do the same and add in walking in the ring together {from the ground}, another day do all those things and add walking to the mounting block and having a rock solid stand quiet time, next time repeat all of that and add leaning across the saddle, then another time put your weight in the stirrup and get astride, next time add a few steps....every experience is a confidence builder and a booster to both of you. You can trust each other and learn that confidence together.... Pretty soon you will be astride and both horse & human doing a "What was the big deal? We got this!" and you do!! Building blocks, laying a strong foundation in what you are comfortable doing. A strong foundation will allow you to do more and with great success in the future...as you build strong it also builds the ability to do more, at a faster pace if you want, it also allows you to say, "No, had enough and we will do more together tomorrow."... Do remember, no matter what you do it always ends on a positive note. Even if a "tough" day, find something good to finish up with, simple or difficult in nature...but a good result to keep both of your confidence levels high.
Go at your pace and what you are comfortable at. To hell with what other boarders say or are doing. They are not you, not your horse... Do what is and feels right to you...that inside instinctive gut reaction we all have...listen to it. So far, think it has done a pretty darn good job of keeping you safe!!
Now, take off the bullet-proof vest....
I now go back to lurking and trying hard to shut my mouth and quiet me fingers!!
Now, see...another blasted book you had to read!!
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 26, 2014 21:50:05 GMT
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you And Yes YOU TOO HL4L. I know I am sensitive but I do listen and I do learn
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Post by horselady on Dec 27, 2014 1:23:19 GMT
She looks like an amazing little horse and as other have said you need and should just get on that horse and take one step. pick a quiet time and get your blood pressure in check. and tell yourself you are going to do this. have it be your mantra. sure you are nervous but if you do not take that first step you can not take the second. that wound looks great. i would keep it uncovered and just use the cream and really use a thick layer.
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 27, 2014 18:33:30 GMT
A Peachie selfie (I helped a little bit) I didn't get there early enough to have more time before lessons started but I did tack her up. Just couldn't get far enough away to show you guys, this is the best I could do, trying to teach Peaches to "Stay"! I just couldn't get the picture fast enough Her wound is getting better though We worked on moving off pressure, only a little bit of head tossing. We do this a lot of different ways and one of them is to move off sideways, not quite a side pass but the same idea. She does better moving to her right than left. Peachie is also getting better moving into the circle game with little pressure. She presupposes what I want so we are always working on getting more specific to what I want her to do. Stay is a work in progress I was actually able to lift up her lips on both sides and the front without too much trouble.
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Terry
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Central Illinois, USA
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Post by Terry on Dec 27, 2014 20:22:17 GMT
Keep up the good work! It took me quite a while and lots of lessons to teach my girls the "stay" command. Remember while you're teaching anything new, to always reward even the smallest "try" and build from there. There are still times when my girls conveniently "forget" what I'm asking for and decide to follow me around instead, but it's hard to get mad at them when they just want to be with you.
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Post by lorddaxter on Dec 27, 2014 20:34:37 GMT
Yes my pics are like that too, lots of noses and not much else!
The wounds looking really good:)
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Post by horselover4life on Dec 27, 2014 22:25:54 GMT
Agree, that boo-boo is indeed so much better...starting to get a good coating of stubble hair now isn't it? That is good!!
I don't know if it would be confusing to Peach to try a different word but I've found "STAND" has a more commanding ring and hard consonant sound at the end and it made a difference in the horses response...you can really emphasize the pitch or growl of it that they hear...
I like the selfie...with a touch of help...all is good!!
As for having a favorite side they move off of....horses are no different than us humans. Near all of them are right or left side brain hemisphere dominate. To balance you usually have to work the "weaker" side more, but they {horse} will always have a preference they will work on, be smoother transitions to and more comfortable to say sit a trot to. It is not you..... you have just noticed it, period! 633995....... Saddling .... a big step in the right direction. And all went well? for you!!
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Dec 27, 2014 23:01:10 GMT
Thanks.
The mouth invasion thing is HUGE. I got to actually lift up her lips on all three sides and stood like that for a while so I'm very happy with that, besides its fun. Gotta love soft fuzzy horse lips. Of course she tossed her head but not very hard because I was able to keep contact.
Of course I'm going back tomorrow morning, won't putz around so much so I have more time with her.
Stay or Stand. There is another word with equal punch I use from time to time, kinda sounds like kick. I also use hand signals because you never know when you'll need them to stop and stay there... hmm.. sounds kind of like Whoa. The whole thing is about ground tying. She'll get it one of these days.
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