Sunday, July 29, 2012

I Think She's Got It



Dusty and I had a chance to get in a ride on Saturday.  I led her up to the mounting block and positioned her. Usually, the minute I step up on the mounting block, it is Dusty’s cue to swing her hind end out. Not this time though. Rocked her saddle a bit, put weight in the stirrup and she stood still.  Okay, show time.  I swung my leg over and sat in the saddle.  Nothing. Not one move on her part except for stomping a fly off her leg and she placed her foot solidly back where it was.  No head tossing, no movement at all. Yes!

Cued her to move off at a walk, which she did beautifully.  We decided to keep it short and sweet since she was being so cooperative.  After a few figure eights at the trot bending correctly and doing anything I asked I halted and dismounted.  Asked this particular palomino what she had done with the real Dusty. Obviously, Dusty got lots of praise and hugs.  When we got back to the barn she got her treats for a job well done. 

It seems for the time being she’s got the whole mounting process under control (or should I say her attitude about it under control.)  Only time will tell if the mounting lessons have taken root permanently in her brain and she’ll be perfectly well behaved from here on out.  I can say that I’m very pleased with her progress and can only hope it lasts forever.  If I say out loud that her mounting problems are cured I fear I’ll only be jinxing myself and setting myself up for disappointment.  We’ll keep working on this for as long as it takes, but we’ve made real progress in a short time.

Until next time
Quote for Today
There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favorite places is on the back of my horse.   
 - Rolf Kopfle -

34 comments:

  1. Congratulations for proving patience wins out in the end. Hope you enjoy your new palomino and hope your new palomino appreciates her wise rider!

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    1. Hi D.J.,

      I don't know how much she appreciates me but I did appreciate her finally deciding it was easier to behave than pick a fight.

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  2. Yipee! Good girl, Dusty!

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  3. Way to go Dusty! You two are on a roll. Can't wait until I can start riding.

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    1. Hi Lori,
      I think we're on a roll too. That's one in a row for now. It will be great when you can ride again!

      Delete
  4. Congratulations on making great progress. I'm sure you will have to reinforce the behavior from time to time, but it sounds like she understands the expectation.

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    1. Hi Annette,
      I think she's got the idea but with Dusty you never know when her attitude will kick in and she'll refuse to behave.

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  5. That's great, it's amazing what patience and consistency will do

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    1. Hi Martine,

      Patience and consistency do work and it takes as long as it takes. Sometimes it's hard not to let your patience run out though.:)

      Delete
  6. Hi Story,

    Dusty is a very smart horse with an attitude. I'm happy she decided to let me persuade her how to stand quietly even though I know she knows how to do it.

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  7. Yippie! Great job, I'm glad she's finally figured it out :)

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  8. Good girl, Neo-Dusty.

    Your careful work is finally paying off. I hope that her business-like attitude sticks. ;)

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  9. Thanks Val. I hope she's turned a corner in her training too.

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  10. Great news. I join the chorus in hoping the change is permanent.

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  11. I understand the fear of jinxing yourself! There's a new challenge around every corner with horses, but it sure sounds like she did well for you.

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    1. Hi Linda,
      So far so good! Dusty's always a challenge.

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  12. Just splendid!!! When it comes to working with horses...more is less!! Good job to both of you!!!

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  13. Ooop!!! I meant to say...less is more. Silly me!! :)

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    1. Lori,
      You're right, less is more with any horse.

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  14. Yaay!! Super-fab news! Team supreme in the making, perhaps ... fingers crossed! :D

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  15. Thanks Joy! We're getting there.

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  16. I just found your blog and spent all night reading through your journey. I love reading about other people getting back into riding as adults. I am glad to see that your pony has decided to be a good girl. Hopefully she isnt plotting a new plan to be naughty ;)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I'm hoping she isn't thinking up a new plan too but will be happy with her new "good girl" status.

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  17. Well let's just hope your new little pod pony is a keeper - Three cheers for a great ride! ;o)

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  18. Thanks Jen, fingers crossed here.

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  19. Good Dusty. Smart Dusty. Bravo!

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    1. Hi Victoria,
      Thank you. She is a smart cookie. I'm hoping she sticks with being good Dusty.

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  20. Good work, to both trainer and horse. Sounds like a great session in all ways. I find my horses will stand nicely at the mounting block for months, and then suddenly they need a few 'reminder' lessons.

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  21. Carol,

    I'm happy she's listening for now but I'm still waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop...

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  22. Yeha! I am encouraged and so should you be...thought in hushed tones!

    Good work and hope all else is going nicely for your summertime!
    Kac

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    Replies
    1. I'm encouraged with her behavior so far but I don't like to say it out loud just yet. I might jinx myself.

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