Monday, April 28, 2014
Saturday
Nickers let me know she would like some attention. We groomed and then played ground games.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Wednesday - some Nickers pic
Pictures in the barn in the process--
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday
Bethanna and I both played with Nicky on the figure 8 game getting awareness of maintaining shape and distance and maintaining gait. It was fun. Played other games as well before BA came out.
Then BA rode Nicky and Nicky looked great walk, trot and canter laps around the big ring--brave and maintaining a relaxed, mostly steady rhythm. Then I rode Nicky walk and trot and realized that Bethanna was making her look more advanced than she is! I don't feel I am at the stage where I want to concentrate on teaching (with BA's help of course) as I feel I am still in the learning stage of developing a horse physically.
Then BA rode Nicky and Nicky looked great walk, trot and canter laps around the big ring--brave and maintaining a relaxed, mostly steady rhythm. Then I rode Nicky walk and trot and realized that Bethanna was making her look more advanced than she is! I don't feel I am at the stage where I want to concentrate on teaching (with BA's help of course) as I feel I am still in the learning stage of developing a horse physically.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday I just chilled out and de-stressed.
Thursday I had a riding lesson with Kathy Glielmi and Try. I then got a chance to introduce the lovely, sweet Nicky to Kathy. We did a little ground work then circling so Kathy could see her move. Kathy gave me some suggestions to improve her trot which was on the lazy side today. Neither Kathy or Bethanna have seen the trot I saw Sunday--not just tracking up but gorgeous suspension. Kathy commented that Nicky's canter looks like it would be comfortable to ride. Kathy commented on how tuned in and responsive she is to cues. Also that she is a pony that could use a job--that she is happy moving. Try will move and do all sorts of stuff--but she does it to please me or get a cookie--she is not ambitious to do it for herself. Nicky feels like she really WANTS to do things!
Thursday I had a riding lesson with Kathy Glielmi and Try. I then got a chance to introduce the lovely, sweet Nicky to Kathy. We did a little ground work then circling so Kathy could see her move. Kathy gave me some suggestions to improve her trot which was on the lazy side today. Neither Kathy or Bethanna have seen the trot I saw Sunday--not just tracking up but gorgeous suspension. Kathy commented that Nicky's canter looks like it would be comfortable to ride. Kathy commented on how tuned in and responsive she is to cues. Also that she is a pony that could use a job--that she is happy moving. Try will move and do all sorts of stuff--but she does it to please me or get a cookie--she is not ambitious to do it for herself. Nicky feels like she really WANTS to do things!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Tuesday - Miscellaneous Thoughts
Today is a rainy day and happily a day off from the barn to catch up on stuff at home etc.
Anyway I woke up thinking about Nicky:
What is the perfect, ideal life for her? Would that be pursuing level 4 Parelli? Would that be excelling at a sport and is she that ambitious? Could that be fun for her or would that just be work? Would she prefer to be a weekend trail horse? Could she enjoy being a backyard pet?
What is realistic in providing a home? upper level Parelli students/instructors who are looking for a large pony as their levels horse? lower/mid level small adult Parelli students who want to play with some Parelli but mostly trail ride? A hunter career?
If I asked her what SHE wants, I am sure she would like to spend her life with Sara.
I think she would be happiest with someone with a lot of horsemanship from what I have seen--she needs good leadership and understanding--finesse. Yesterday was our best day and I think that is because she had BOTH Bethanna and I. Bethanna is so good with leadership and I understand horsenalities and Parelli games that Nicky loves.
Eventually I think she would love being at Rollover--almost all horses do. I remember the time I moved Try to another barn to be with Amy Haire so we could study Parelli together. Try NEVER settled and I had to move her back to Rollover where she was immediately happy again.
Then the next question is--is adding a second horse to improve my horsemanship in bringing along a young horse the best thing for me--a huge commitment I do not take lightly. Do I want an accomplished older horse to teach me instead? What is the best thing for my journey??? I don't know.
Anyway I woke up thinking about Nicky:
What is the perfect, ideal life for her? Would that be pursuing level 4 Parelli? Would that be excelling at a sport and is she that ambitious? Could that be fun for her or would that just be work? Would she prefer to be a weekend trail horse? Could she enjoy being a backyard pet?
What is realistic in providing a home? upper level Parelli students/instructors who are looking for a large pony as their levels horse? lower/mid level small adult Parelli students who want to play with some Parelli but mostly trail ride? A hunter career?
If I asked her what SHE wants, I am sure she would like to spend her life with Sara.
I think she would be happiest with someone with a lot of horsemanship from what I have seen--she needs good leadership and understanding--finesse. Yesterday was our best day and I think that is because she had BOTH Bethanna and I. Bethanna is so good with leadership and I understand horsenalities and Parelli games that Nicky loves.
Eventually I think she would love being at Rollover--almost all horses do. I remember the time I moved Try to another barn to be with Amy Haire so we could study Parelli together. Try NEVER settled and I had to move her back to Rollover where she was immediately happy again.
Then the next question is--is adding a second horse to improve my horsemanship in bringing along a young horse the best thing for me--a huge commitment I do not take lightly. Do I want an accomplished older horse to teach me instead? What is the best thing for my journey??? I don't know.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Break through day!!!!
This was the day I had been waiting and hoping for--sensitive and responsive on the ground--starting to feel so much more of a connection. BA watched today and was impressed with that and her lovely relaxed quality trot.
I felt this was the first day Nicky really relaxed. Because BA was going to rode her (and she said right off that Nicky is safe for me to ride), she watched my warmup ground Parelli ground play and was very impressed with how much Nicky was watching me and responding i.e. circling game responding to my energy.
We played most of the games and explained them to BA: extreme friendly, porcupine to move the FQ, and moving HQ from a look. Also BA thought her backing was great--and it is better. Circling--Nicky would make walk/trot/canter transitions up and down from the lightest of cues and maintain gait nicely.
BA asked if she would sidepass and yes Nicky goes sideways away and toward and as brave as she is squeeze game is truly one of her best games.
Then BA rode her walk trot canter just a bit and then trotted around the ring. She loved how relaxed and pleasant that trot is--guess that is big for a hunter. BA did not even see the gorgeous suspension I saw yesterday.
Then we finished with a nice shower in the wash stall and treats.
Sara--please always feel free to comment. I am not sharing this blog with anyone but you and Dawn Roth, 3* Parelli instructor with whom I am doing phone coaching.
I felt this was the first day Nicky really relaxed. Because BA was going to rode her (and she said right off that Nicky is safe for me to ride), she watched my warmup ground Parelli ground play and was very impressed with how much Nicky was watching me and responding i.e. circling game responding to my energy.
We played most of the games and explained them to BA: extreme friendly, porcupine to move the FQ, and moving HQ from a look. Also BA thought her backing was great--and it is better. Circling--Nicky would make walk/trot/canter transitions up and down from the lightest of cues and maintain gait nicely.
BA asked if she would sidepass and yes Nicky goes sideways away and toward and as brave as she is squeeze game is truly one of her best games.
Then BA rode her walk trot canter just a bit and then trotted around the ring. She loved how relaxed and pleasant that trot is--guess that is big for a hunter. BA did not even see the gorgeous suspension I saw yesterday.
Then we finished with a nice shower in the wash stall and treats.
Sara--please always feel free to comment. I am not sharing this blog with anyone but you and Dawn Roth, 3* Parelli instructor with whom I am doing phone coaching.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday and Nicky
I like Nicky as a nickname as it sounds so friendly.
THE PLAN:
No more than 20 minutes. Use regular 22' rope--Try's rope to light for the feel Nicky and I need. For me remember positive thoughts, Jim Carrey sense of fun.
1. Catching game
2. Sticking together 101 to create draw/connection
3. Backing from a look. What will cause her to care enough to figure out that the game is learning not a task but more subtle cueing?
4. Circling on line: can I cue gait changes?
5. The little jump??
6. Grooming??
WHAT HAPPENED:
1. yes the 22' rope was a good idea and I was proud of my ability to quickly change from "tiger mode" to "best friend" and the sense of fun and "pleased" with what a darling girl Nicky is.
2. She and all the horses were frustrated with being indoors this first day. She just really felt upset when I took her outside on line so decided to go to the ring as I thought that would help her focus and because a couple of Joey's horses were in an adjoining paddock to provide some sense of company.
3. She wasn't listening and was rude on one occasion so I figured I am just not getting the connection I want. What to do??
4. Off to the small paddock behind the barn. Tried grooming at liberty and she quickly walked away. She did not understand or care to do the sticking together 101 either so GAME ON!! We played for perhaps 30 minutes circling at liberty alternating with stopping from looking at her HQ and then inviting her to come 1/2 way to me and stop and wait to be invited in. We have worked this out between us. I am guess there is a lot she knows from Sara that she doesn't do for me because of a lack of connection. Anyway she has a beautiful trot--tracking up, suspension and even straightening front knee before stepping. She does not really want to canter. Each time when I would invite her in if she would "leave" me then game on again.
5. I did feel the beginnings of a different kind of respect coming.
6. Yikes. Hope this is the right thing to do. Interesting to see what tomorrow may bring??
7. Is this the need to dominate coming out? Is she miserable and missing her life with Sara?
THE PLAN:
No more than 20 minutes. Use regular 22' rope--Try's rope to light for the feel Nicky and I need. For me remember positive thoughts, Jim Carrey sense of fun.
1. Catching game
2. Sticking together 101 to create draw/connection
3. Backing from a look. What will cause her to care enough to figure out that the game is learning not a task but more subtle cueing?
4. Circling on line: can I cue gait changes?
5. The little jump??
6. Grooming??
WHAT HAPPENED:
1. yes the 22' rope was a good idea and I was proud of my ability to quickly change from "tiger mode" to "best friend" and the sense of fun and "pleased" with what a darling girl Nicky is.
2. She and all the horses were frustrated with being indoors this first day. She just really felt upset when I took her outside on line so decided to go to the ring as I thought that would help her focus and because a couple of Joey's horses were in an adjoining paddock to provide some sense of company.
3. She wasn't listening and was rude on one occasion so I figured I am just not getting the connection I want. What to do??
4. Off to the small paddock behind the barn. Tried grooming at liberty and she quickly walked away. She did not understand or care to do the sticking together 101 either so GAME ON!! We played for perhaps 30 minutes circling at liberty alternating with stopping from looking at her HQ and then inviting her to come 1/2 way to me and stop and wait to be invited in. We have worked this out between us. I am guess there is a lot she knows from Sara that she doesn't do for me because of a lack of connection. Anyway she has a beautiful trot--tracking up, suspension and even straightening front knee before stepping. She does not really want to canter. Each time when I would invite her in if she would "leave" me then game on again.
5. I did feel the beginnings of a different kind of respect coming.
6. Yikes. Hope this is the right thing to do. Interesting to see what tomorrow may bring??
7. Is this the need to dominate coming out? Is she miserable and missing her life with Sara?
Saturday
Today I was frustrated--I too tired and that does not work well--but I did not want to neglect her. Nicky wanted attention and I played with her but it felt more like I was playing at her. Sorry girl.
1. Teaching response to subtler cues for games we know isn't going well. I am not getting the idea across and Nicky is just making assumptions. Hmmmm--need to rethink and get her attention.
2. Actually attention was scattered as it was a tense weekend at the barn with visiting horses and most of the mares in season--lessons/visitors, etc.
3. I moved jump into her pasture as something to play with. Circling to the jump she just stopped and put her foot on it. LOL. Next time I think walk together over the jump.
4. Go to regular 22 foot rope--my light weight rope doesn't provide enough feel for her.
5. Circling--trot and canter but hard to get a walk but I think that was because of the atmosphere around the farm.
6. Try continues to jump her ditch to come be with Nickers.
1. Teaching response to subtler cues for games we know isn't going well. I am not getting the idea across and Nicky is just making assumptions. Hmmmm--need to rethink and get her attention.
2. Actually attention was scattered as it was a tense weekend at the barn with visiting horses and most of the mares in season--lessons/visitors, etc.
3. I moved jump into her pasture as something to play with. Circling to the jump she just stopped and put her foot on it. LOL. Next time I think walk together over the jump.
4. Go to regular 22 foot rope--my light weight rope doesn't provide enough feel for her.
5. Circling--trot and canter but hard to get a walk but I think that was because of the atmosphere around the farm.
6. Try continues to jump her ditch to come be with Nickers.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Friday
Dwell time for Nickers and me. Also Try was offering to be friends with Nickers over the fence.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Thursday
Nickers
What a cool, sweet pony. Grooming at liberty in her pasture and she stayed right with me and was sweet as any pony could be. Catching game: I leaned back from ?30yards and said Nickers and she RAN to me. She has already learned that I am her Rollover human. Also we played some Parelli games: backup, hide the hiney, sideways away AND towards and circling. We did that on line--her pasture is a bit too big for liberty with us just getting to know each other.
I wish I could have been with her yesterday but house renovations etc are demanding too much of my time and energy.
grooming: liberty is great rather than tieing
battery massage--rubbed her all over with it but didn't turn it on--next time.
clipping??
next time: how about yoyo life up and life down--will she halt and stay when I relax and take life down and wait for me to invite her in? Can I be more clear in my cueing?
What a cool, sweet pony. Grooming at liberty in her pasture and she stayed right with me and was sweet as any pony could be. Catching game: I leaned back from ?30yards and said Nickers and she RAN to me. She has already learned that I am her Rollover human. Also we played some Parelli games: backup, hide the hiney, sideways away AND towards and circling. We did that on line--her pasture is a bit too big for liberty with us just getting to know each other.
I wish I could have been with her yesterday but house renovations etc are demanding too much of my time and energy.
grooming: liberty is great rather than tieing
battery massage--rubbed her all over with it but didn't turn it on--next time.
clipping??
next time: how about yoyo life up and life down--will she halt and stay when I relax and take life down and wait for me to invite her in? Can I be more clear in my cueing?
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Phone Coaching with Dawn Roth
I ran my plan by Dawn and we spent about 30 minutes talking about how to do my best for Nickers:
Consistency, small pieces and bite-size chunks and release only on the improvement/relaxation/step toward the desired behavior.
LBE tendency to be bored and impatient with standing still. I want to increase the time she will happily stand tied. Good to ignore unwanted behavior and divert her attention--avoid getting into a fight. Be careful as smart as she is--if I release on the unwanted behavior I will only reinforce it.
Clippers--make them the sweet spot. (4.95 Walmart massage thing--use so the sound becomes associated with the good feeling.) Also consistency and baby steps.
Face: my plan massage and love her face and only lightly groom and maybe only a liberty out back as first steps. It is not fear but druthers.
Every day for progress. Hmm what is the weather report? Maybe go out about 2:00.
Other--see notes from earlier in the day.
TOP PRIORITY
Yes grooming, tieing, clippers and grooming her face are first priority. We discussed methods and I like Dawn's suggestions.Consistency, small pieces and bite-size chunks and release only on the improvement/relaxation/step toward the desired behavior.
LBE tendency to be bored and impatient with standing still. I want to increase the time she will happily stand tied. Good to ignore unwanted behavior and divert her attention--avoid getting into a fight. Be careful as smart as she is--if I release on the unwanted behavior I will only reinforce it.
Clippers--make them the sweet spot. (4.95 Walmart massage thing--use so the sound becomes associated with the good feeling.) Also consistency and baby steps.
Face: my plan massage and love her face and only lightly groom and maybe only a liberty out back as first steps. It is not fear but druthers.
Every day for progress. Hmm what is the weather report? Maybe go out about 2:00.
Other--see notes from earlier in the day.
More thoughts
As a confident pony, quick-smart and wanting to dominate as Sara has shared, my goal is to be fun for Nickers. It isn't important for her to learn PNH step-by-step. It is important that she be intrigued and that we form a connection. Also I want her to "get in shape" and brush up on what she knows so she can show what a lovely, special pony she is. Being able to relax and enjoy grooming while tied--and especially around her face--if I can figure out how to help her will be a gift I can give her.
So goals possibly for the next week:
1. think through the grooming issues and come up with a plan
a. groom out back at liberty?
b. her face?
c. desensitization to clippers when she isn't afraid of them?
2. be very clear with her about coming into my space
3. be careful not to be direct line and LBI myself--Jim Carrey and mischief
4. take the time and remember to be pleased, watch my thinking--find the successes and celebrate them with Nickers.
5. how light is light and clarity are important--task is not
So goals possibly for the next week:
1. think through the grooming issues and come up with a plan
a. groom out back at liberty?
b. her face?
c. desensitization to clippers when she isn't afraid of them?
2. be very clear with her about coming into my space
3. be careful not to be direct line and LBI myself--Jim Carrey and mischief
4. take the time and remember to be pleased, watch my thinking--find the successes and celebrate them with Nickers.
5. how light is light and clarity are important--task is not
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday
My plan for the day was variety, a sense of Jim Carrey fun, success for Nickers and help to settle in to life at Rollover.
We started with Nickers catching me in her pasture...love the draw she has. Then went to the ring...walking around it and admiring all the good looking geldings on either side.
Then looking for success with clearer, lighter cueing of HQ yields and backup. Just brushing up on things she knows. When we got a bit of success we went on to something else. Nickers was able to show me two front feet on the pedestal and then two back feet without any of the initial reticence Try might have shown.
Then to the barn for grooming...she got tired of it pretty quickly. Bethanna started pulling her mane and she was fine with it but not having her bridle path clipped or actually she wasn't thrilled about anything near her face while we were in grooming mode. This seemed to be left brain druthers not fear. I need to think about this.
Then we went out back so she could blow off some steam. Some circling and hq yield from a look and backup from a serious you-betttttter-do-it look from me. All good. Also for the first time...I thought she was invading my space so I kept making her stop six feet away until I invited her to come in. I kept reminding myself to laugh and make funny faces and let her know she was ok.
Then back to her pasture for some dwell time.
We started with Nickers catching me in her pasture...love the draw she has. Then went to the ring...walking around it and admiring all the good looking geldings on either side.
Then looking for success with clearer, lighter cueing of HQ yields and backup. Just brushing up on things she knows. When we got a bit of success we went on to something else. Nickers was able to show me two front feet on the pedestal and then two back feet without any of the initial reticence Try might have shown.
Then to the barn for grooming...she got tired of it pretty quickly. Bethanna started pulling her mane and she was fine with it but not having her bridle path clipped or actually she wasn't thrilled about anything near her face while we were in grooming mode. This seemed to be left brain druthers not fear. I need to think about this.
Then we went out back so she could blow off some steam. Some circling and hq yield from a look and backup from a serious you-betttttter-do-it look from me. All good. Also for the first time...I thought she was invading my space so I kept making her stop six feet away until I invited her to come in. I kept reminding myself to laugh and make funny faces and let her know she was ok.
Then back to her pasture for some dwell time.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Nickers Parelli audition with Sara
Link to Sara's Parelli On Line audition with Nickers youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q20_FJH9nmE
Uploaded on Aug 20, 2009
Sara's comment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q20_FJH9nmE
Uploaded on Aug 20, 2009
Sara's comment:
"Parelli level 2 audition online with my 3 year old welsh pony cross.
Friendly game with umbrella, sideways over poles in L shape, stick to me(walk, trot, back), touch it-trailer (touching it with her foot was HER idea...super cute), sideways towards me, figure 8 around barrels to circling with change of direction, touch it-pool, leg massage with water to cool down(August in NC), trailer load from fender, yo yo back into trailer...DONE! She is a super smart and fun baby!
I passed with a 2++!! I was told that all I needed for level 3 is lighter phases and to use more of my 22ft line or go to a 45ft line. Very exciting!"
Friendly game with umbrella, sideways over poles in L shape, stick to me(walk, trot, back), touch it-trailer (touching it with her foot was HER idea...super cute), sideways towards me, figure 8 around barrels to circling with change of direction, touch it-pool, leg massage with water to cool down(August in NC), trailer load from fender, yo yo back into trailer...DONE! She is a super smart and fun baby!
I passed with a 2++!! I was told that all I needed for level 3 is lighter phases and to use more of my 22ft line or go to a 45ft line. Very exciting!"
-----------------
NOTE: This is Nickers at 3 y/o! As I recall the Parelli staff member adjudicating the audition got really excited and went and found Pat Parelli and had him watch the video!!! Also if I remember correctly Sara had been studying PNH only about two years. Fun, very creative audition.
Sunday April 6 - Nickers comes to Rollover Downs
Nickers is a special Parelli trained pony who belongs to Sara Austin. Sara has a small animal vet practice and is opening a new facility and finding a lack of time for horsemanship so Nickers is coming to Rollover Downs where I board so we can play together for a while.
Nickers is an 8 year old large pony who I have observed in various clinics Sara has done with Dan. I have watched and loved her energy and wished I could play with her and wished I had a horse who actually wanted to move her feet!! I recall her being LBE on the ground when I saw her and very brave out on the trail.
My first impression today--she is very easy and agreeable. She missed Sara like crazy when Sara drove away but settled so quickly. I don't think I have ever started with a horse--step one--so calm, brave and unafraid/confident. She has been at Rollover several times in the past and the back paddock where we started wasn't totally unfamiliar.
After playing a little on line we went in the barn for some grooming/bonding. She was "good" but not thrilled. She did enjoy the young girls paying attention to her. Afterwards, BA turned her out with Angel. Nickers was calm, did not run around. Angel wasn't thrilled but tolerant. I visited over the fence with Nickers several times.
For next time: keep it to 20 minutes...watch for boredom and remember Jim Carey sense of fun. I want this to be a vacation, variety, and enjoyment for Nickers.
2. Can she/will she release her HQ? YES! Can we put it to positive purpose?
3. Games:
1. friendly--slapping the ground from side to side with my back to the fence was a non issue and not good for anything but letting me know she could have cared less. Next time--I will go to some extreme friendly and check it out but I bet she will have no fear--whether it is actually relaxing for her is another issue.
2 and 3. Skipped porcupine except for FQ as she did not respond as well to moving FQ as HQ--drive for FQ will be a good thing for us to play with. HQ I will give a quick check to porcupine and bet she will easily yield a HQ--will be interesting to see how light it may be under saddle.
4. Yoyo and find my focus. She finds my focus but I am not sure she considers it a game. Yoyo--Nickers draws toward better than drive away. ??Teach that phase one for the backup is intention??
5. circling game--you go girl--this was great in the beginning. I was squealing with delight. When she settled she didn't want to move her feet with as much energy. Send and bring back were good. Next time play more with upward and downward transitions.
7. Sideways--a little on her left side and 8. Squeeze--again not an issue. Will play with touch it and the pedestal next time. Also I noted she knows sideways towards and are both sides equal?
For next time: plan something new I can teach Nickers. Consider how light is light.
---------------------------
My notes in preparation for Nickers visit:
Nickers is an 8 year old large pony who I have observed in various clinics Sara has done with Dan. I have watched and loved her energy and wished I could play with her and wished I had a horse who actually wanted to move her feet!! I recall her being LBE on the ground when I saw her and very brave out on the trail.
My first impression today--she is very easy and agreeable. She missed Sara like crazy when Sara drove away but settled so quickly. I don't think I have ever started with a horse--step one--so calm, brave and unafraid/confident. She has been at Rollover several times in the past and the back paddock where we started wasn't totally unfamiliar.
After playing a little on line we went in the barn for some grooming/bonding. She was "good" but not thrilled. She did enjoy the young girls paying attention to her. Afterwards, BA turned her out with Angel. Nickers was calm, did not run around. Angel wasn't thrilled but tolerant. I visited over the fence with Nickers several times.
For next time: keep it to 20 minutes...watch for boredom and remember Jim Carey sense of fun. I want this to be a vacation, variety, and enjoyment for Nickers.
Summary:
1. Where was Nickers thinking? We are not connected of course BUT she was great about drawing to me. She was paying attention and having familiar Parelli games gave us a language and helped her to settle. I would not have expected her to be truly thinking with me under the circumstances. It will be interesting to see where we are in a week or so.2. Can she/will she release her HQ? YES! Can we put it to positive purpose?
3. Games:
1. friendly--slapping the ground from side to side with my back to the fence was a non issue and not good for anything but letting me know she could have cared less. Next time--I will go to some extreme friendly and check it out but I bet she will have no fear--whether it is actually relaxing for her is another issue.
2 and 3. Skipped porcupine except for FQ as she did not respond as well to moving FQ as HQ--drive for FQ will be a good thing for us to play with. HQ I will give a quick check to porcupine and bet she will easily yield a HQ--will be interesting to see how light it may be under saddle.
4. Yoyo and find my focus. She finds my focus but I am not sure she considers it a game. Yoyo--Nickers draws toward better than drive away. ??Teach that phase one for the backup is intention??
5. circling game--you go girl--this was great in the beginning. I was squealing with delight. When she settled she didn't want to move her feet with as much energy. Send and bring back were good. Next time play more with upward and downward transitions.
7. Sideways--a little on her left side and 8. Squeeze--again not an issue. Will play with touch it and the pedestal next time. Also I noted she knows sideways towards and are both sides equal?
For next time: plan something new I can teach Nickers. Consider how light is light.
---------------------------
My notes in preparation for Nickers visit:
Preparation for Nickers's Arrival
What I Know
1.
Nickers is LBE from what I have seen in several
sessions Sara has had with Dan
2.
She is brave from ride we took up the road—she
was curious not afraid of cows and was in fact even braver than Try.
3.
She really tries to dominate and will need to
learn that it is ok not to be in control all the time.
4.
Likely she will test me with this every day for
a while at least.
5.
Sara says she likes to have her belly and tail
scratched.
6.
Her belly needs “swat” fly repellant when flies
appear.
7.
She enjoys touch it especially dominating the
object i.e. climbing on it—Try is the same.
8.
Variety and quick reflexes are a must.
Proposed Plan
1.
Where is Nickers thinking?
2.
Can she, will she release the power and can it
be put to positive purpose?
3.
First step: catching game, draw and connection
4.
Extreme friendly to test confidence level
5.
Test if she will yield her HQ from a look (later
will she draw HQ only to me).
6.
Yoyo from intention and find my focus games
7.
Test FQ
8.
Use same lightness of cues I use with Try
9.
Circling game: send, allow with gait transitions
and bring back.
10.
Puzzle solving
11.
Relaxation
12.
Dwell time
13.
Match and mirror and stick to me
14.
Falling leaf and S bends
15.
Liberty
I may need a round pen or use of paddock out back?? BA says use paddock out back is ok.
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