Tuesday, August 23, 2011
An Idea
I just had an idea for this blog, it could be a self-development blog. A way to document my life's journey so far. I've been looking all over the internet for advice for teens like myself on certain subjects, but cannot seem to find anything. Maybe I just need to make my own advice. Thinking thinking . . .
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Clarity
While I admit it is very strange to not have a horse in the pasture, it has given me a form of clarity that I didn't have before. The day we sold Moose, I went with my neighbors to look at a prospect for them. The visit went well, and they decided they are going to buy the horse. And so then came all the excitement and jitters of having something new, all the good feelings associated with horses. This is not new to me, but the thoughts that ensued were. My neighbors were then thinking of going camping with this horse, and DOING STUFF. While this might sound like common sense, to me it was an almost radical thought. DO STUFF with your horse? Woah. Who'da thunk?
And so I realize that I had lost the fun with my horse. He was not fun. He was more of code I was intent on cracking. It was an obsession, and obsessions are not fun. Yes, we made progress, but it was never fun. I got asked in the last few months of having Moose, why? Why did i put so much effort in? And to be honest, I didn't know. If something isn't fun, why do it?
Well, I believe the answer to that question is that it WAS fun, just to someone else. I had gotten so caught up in my idols' path that I was pursuing their dreams without even realizing it. Heck, I had tricked myself into thinking these were MY ideas even.
So while it is bittersweet to let Moose go, it has already given me a good lesson. So while in the future I may get another horse, I have learned I want it to be fun. That is the bottom line. I was always kind of timid of Moose, but I didn't need to be. I could have gotten a nice horse that was easy to ride. Because to me, that IS the fun.
I remember taking lessons in 4th grade with a trainer. Once a week, we went out to her stable, and there was this horse their named Johnny. Older gelding, all black, he was a pretty boy. But he was perfectly mannered. As a young child, I loved that horse. He made me feel safe. I remember riding him, and cantering around the trainer's pen and feeling pure joy, just bliss. That was probably the best time I ever had on a horse. And I have never had another experience of that caliber, nor felt that safe on a horse since.
As we were riding home from looking at this horse, my neighbor just casually said "I remember what it was like to have fun." And it was amazing! I mean, what happened? Where did we go wrong?
A good question. But it's not worth focusing on the past. A better question would be "how can I have more fun today?"
Pondering this . . .
And so I realize that I had lost the fun with my horse. He was not fun. He was more of code I was intent on cracking. It was an obsession, and obsessions are not fun. Yes, we made progress, but it was never fun. I got asked in the last few months of having Moose, why? Why did i put so much effort in? And to be honest, I didn't know. If something isn't fun, why do it?
Well, I believe the answer to that question is that it WAS fun, just to someone else. I had gotten so caught up in my idols' path that I was pursuing their dreams without even realizing it. Heck, I had tricked myself into thinking these were MY ideas even.
So while it is bittersweet to let Moose go, it has already given me a good lesson. So while in the future I may get another horse, I have learned I want it to be fun. That is the bottom line. I was always kind of timid of Moose, but I didn't need to be. I could have gotten a nice horse that was easy to ride. Because to me, that IS the fun.
I remember taking lessons in 4th grade with a trainer. Once a week, we went out to her stable, and there was this horse their named Johnny. Older gelding, all black, he was a pretty boy. But he was perfectly mannered. As a young child, I loved that horse. He made me feel safe. I remember riding him, and cantering around the trainer's pen and feeling pure joy, just bliss. That was probably the best time I ever had on a horse. And I have never had another experience of that caliber, nor felt that safe on a horse since.
As we were riding home from looking at this horse, my neighbor just casually said "I remember what it was like to have fun." And it was amazing! I mean, what happened? Where did we go wrong?
A good question. But it's not worth focusing on the past. A better question would be "how can I have more fun today?"
Pondering this . . .
Thursday, July 7, 2011
If I have learned anything these past few months. . .
It's this:
I have discovered that my dream has changed. I no longer feel the need to have a horse in my life. It's a very interesting thing to get used to, but I am choosing to have faith. It scares me to not have a direction to pursue, but I am instead choosing to trust that there is something even better out there for me.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
I have discovered that my dream has changed. I no longer feel the need to have a horse in my life. It's a very interesting thing to get used to, but I am choosing to have faith. It scares me to not have a direction to pursue, but I am instead choosing to trust that there is something even better out there for me.
Monday, April 25, 2011
This is MY Life
Been working a lot recently, so just went outside with the horse today to play for the first time in about a month. Had a good time, really learned a lot. Few thing that I learned today:
Enjoy the nice weather today everyone! :)
Have fun horsin around! :)
- Fix one thing at a time. If we're playing with some maneuver and some other game breaks, fix that FIRST and then go back to what you're doing. I have a habit of just trying to make it all work.
- I treat Moose a lot like how I DON'T want to be treated: someone with a lot of expectations that is never satisfied. Just a "how interesting!"
- Need a lot of Friendly Game with me on his back, just hanging out. I want to get to where he likes me being up there.
- He has gotten SOOOOO much better at cantering! He read my mind actually. I asked him to trot, and he went and cantered a lap. It was amazing! I think this month off has really gotten him used to cantering around the pasture a bit, because it was so much easier for him today than it normally is.
- I need to set boundaries with people.
- Be gentle without being a wimp, but be firm without being mean or mad.
- I can be firm and that’ll be ok. I don’t have to be a dictator, but it’s perfectly alright to have expectations of people.
- Whatever happens, happens.
- I CAN NOT control what others think of me. That is out of my control. So there is no use adjusting my actions for an expected response from someone.
- It’s OK to have people mad at me. That’s alright. In fact it may be healthy. I can’t control them. But I can stand up for myself. And it’s ok to do that. (I hate it when people are mad at me)
- I have the POWER to change my life
- I don’t have to put up with this kind of stuff from people. I can expect things from people and that’s ok. At the moment, people walk all over me.
- It’s a respect issue. I’m afraid to phase 4 ppl because I don’t want to hurt their feelings. But I need to do this sometimes for my own sake. This is MY life. Not theirs.
Enjoy the nice weather today everyone! :)
Have fun horsin around! :)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thinking Abounds
I never finished my above story. Basically, I was out with Moose for about 15 mins, and it was so awesome all that he taught me. He basically showed me that I was treating him as a mirror image of a guy I have recently been talking to. Just awesome stuff. It hit me like a slap in the face haha.
And then today, I realized something else. I've been on a slippery slope with one of my friends recently, and today it came to me that I wasn't treating her right. One of the Parelli-isms I've heard before is that the horse is perfect, it's us that have to change. And this was exactly what I was doing the opposite of. I kept telling her to change and she was getting sick of it. And all of a sudden, bam, haha oops I'm sorry. So I apologized and things should improve between us. She may not be a horse, or a horse-friend, but Parelli really does apply itself to life in so many different ways.
And then today, I realized something else. I've been on a slippery slope with one of my friends recently, and today it came to me that I wasn't treating her right. One of the Parelli-isms I've heard before is that the horse is perfect, it's us that have to change. And this was exactly what I was doing the opposite of. I kept telling her to change and she was getting sick of it. And all of a sudden, bam, haha oops I'm sorry. So I apologized and things should improve between us. She may not be a horse, or a horse-friend, but Parelli really does apply itself to life in so many different ways.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Ladies and Gentleman
I had something of another huge realization today. PUT THE RELATIONSHIP FIRST! This is so huge, such a huge principle, yet somehow I forgot about it.
In all of my relationship with my horse, I've felt pressured. Always. Ever since I told everyone I want to be a horse trainer, I've been pressured. Pressured to be someone I'm not, and do something I could not do. So, I ended up not liking myself very much. "I must not be good enough, someone else should try." "Well, maybe this person will help me figure it out." "I don't know the problem, I've tried, why can't anyone help me?!?"
I took it out on others. I knew the answer inside, but I wouldn't let myself find it. I realize today that I'm very very good at lying to myself. I'm an expert at denial/ focusing on the problem. "Oh, no, I'm not doing that at all." "But you see, here's why that won't work." etc.
I've lost the fun of it all. Because I've been on a time-line. I've said Moose, by X time we need to be doing A, B, C and you're going to love it! And X = yesterday. See how that doesn't compute? :) I forgot about the rapport. It went out the window. I've literally forgot to be my horse's friend, first and foremost. I've been so focused on progress that I didn't even acknowledge his opinion.
And this is where the lying to myself part comes in. I'd approach Moose, he'd look like he was going to leave, so I'd go "no no no, you don't have to leave." And proceed to halter him. My horse was telling me "no" but in my mind, I was thinking "well he's not doing anything drastic, I must be doing alright." And well he wasn't. But that's why it's the little things that count the most.
And I also just realized I shouldn't berate myself like this. I have a realization and then I go "holy smokes look how terrible I've been" but that doesn't help my confidence level either (and thinking about it, I think I do this a lot, actually). I'm not going to erase all I've typed above, else I wouldn't rewrite it, but I'm going to look at things in a more positive light from now on. The above isn't very healthy, especially for a positive, progressive and natural blog.
With that in mind: So, what did I learn today?
In all of my relationship with my horse, I've felt pressured. Always. Ever since I told everyone I want to be a horse trainer, I've been pressured. Pressured to be someone I'm not, and do something I could not do. So, I ended up not liking myself very much. "I must not be good enough, someone else should try." "Well, maybe this person will help me figure it out." "I don't know the problem, I've tried, why can't anyone help me?!?"
I took it out on others. I knew the answer inside, but I wouldn't let myself find it. I realize today that I'm very very good at lying to myself. I'm an expert at denial/ focusing on the problem. "Oh, no, I'm not doing that at all." "But you see, here's why that won't work." etc.
I've lost the fun of it all. Because I've been on a time-line. I've said Moose, by X time we need to be doing A, B, C and you're going to love it! And X = yesterday. See how that doesn't compute? :) I forgot about the rapport. It went out the window. I've literally forgot to be my horse's friend, first and foremost. I've been so focused on progress that I didn't even acknowledge his opinion.
And this is where the lying to myself part comes in. I'd approach Moose, he'd look like he was going to leave, so I'd go "no no no, you don't have to leave." And proceed to halter him. My horse was telling me "no" but in my mind, I was thinking "well he's not doing anything drastic, I must be doing alright." And well he wasn't. But that's why it's the little things that count the most.
And I also just realized I shouldn't berate myself like this. I have a realization and then I go "holy smokes look how terrible I've been" but that doesn't help my confidence level either (and thinking about it, I think I do this a lot, actually). I'm not going to erase all I've typed above, else I wouldn't rewrite it, but I'm going to look at things in a more positive light from now on. The above isn't very healthy, especially for a positive, progressive and natural blog.
With that in mind: So, what did I learn today?
- It's not about the ______, it's about the RELATIONSHIP
- My horse is my mirror
- This is a partnership
- Rapport, Respect, Impulsion, Flexion - I have to be my horse's FRIEND first and foremost, and this goes for any horse.
- Respect my horse - the point of this program is to give them a voice, so you know how to be a better person.
- I have to get the 'want to.'
- Cause your ideas to be your horse's ideas, but UNDERSTAND your horse's ideas first.
- I thought of Monty Roberts as well, how he claimed if you do things right by a horse, he would rather be with you than his buddies."If you love him, set him free. If he comes back to you, he's yours. If he doesn't, it wasn't mean to be."
- Match his energy plus 4 oz.
- ACCEPT where I'm at.
- Being with my horse means just that. BEING. Not wishing, or wanting, or impatienting. BEING.
- Friendly game with your horse is the human equivalent of talking, getting to know someone. That's why it's so important.
- Goals are good, but not so high that they aren't achievable. Don't expect too much. Have a plan, but be adaptable. For me, high expectations are something to steer clear of right now.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Questions and Answers
Today went well. We got a huge storm the other day, so our ground is sadly covered with snow again. I've been struggling with interpreting some horsemanship advice I got from a friend regarding picking up Moose's feet, so I haven't played with that since early last week.
Here is a snippet of the e-mail I received:
When I look at your situation, there are a few Parelli-isms that come to mind that I think would be useful for you to ponder.
#1) "If your horse says 'no', you either asked the wrong question, or you asked the question wrong."
#2) "Do your thinking at night, and your feeling during the day."
#3) "It's not about the_______"
#4) Pat's definition of Respect: The Appropriate response to the appropriate application of pressure.
#5) Isolate, Separate, and Recombine
What I'd be looking to is what am I doing to cause this? What is it in ME that is causing my horse to react the way he is? Remember that the horse is perfect, it's up to us to help him understand what we want.
That being said, I think you're right on, in that it's a respect thing. But looking through that filter, what is it that you're doing to cause the disrespectful response?
Another filter to look through is that of the 8 Principles. Have you ever actually sat down and read them and taken into account what they mean? Massively deep stuff. And usually, if there's something amiss in the partnership, it's rooted in one of the 8 Principles. That's why this program is so genius. It's categorically put into a system (Pat's an LBI, can ya tell? Ha!) that you can use to filter your results (or lack thereof).
Yet another way to look at it is through the 7 games. Which game is broken? How can I help that game become better while remaining in a leadership position and putting the relationship first?
So I've had this congregating in the back of my mind for about a week now, with not a lot of luck.
I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with Moose today.We ended up playing a lot of touch it. It went really well. I revved up my leadership skills a little bit, and got some nice ears forward from Moose and a very lovely responsive horse as well. But then it got wierd, because as things were really nice, ALL OF A SUDDEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL he decided to canter around like a mad man. Now I had had a thought in my head to have him circle at a trot, and see if he would canter right before he started doing this. So, I am not sure if he s reading my mind or this was a form of freak out. Because my options are either A) RB panic attack or B) LB temper tantrum. He didn't look RB, so that's not it. So, either he was reading my mind, or it was a temper tantrum. But, it's funny, because I broke down for a minute there. "My poor horse, what have I done to you? Now you probably hate me!" So I started to get all sad and was thinking I would probably have to stop playing with him, because I was becoming helpless. But, Parelli came to my rescue. I remembered a quote I had been reminded to think about in the e-mail above: "Do you feeling during the day, your thinking at night." Oops. I was thinking. (Haha bad Erica bad). I then just chalked his behavior up to "how interesting!" and moved on.
Anyways, it was the reminder I needed. I perked right back up and realized I was making a big fuss out of nothing. I backed him up, and he was the lightest he's EVER been with his ears forward. I have got to be doing something right. So we did sideways along the fence and I had a realization. One of the things that might help our freestyle is getting our sideways better. If he can maintain the bend in his body where I ask, it's much more likely I'll be able to direct him where I want him to go. So I figure I should start being more particular about that and see where that takes us.
And then the farrier came and did Moose's feet. I found out it wouldn't be a good idea to get Moose shod, instead it'd be best just to buy him boots. And I asked her about a crack in his foot that had made him lame before (it was a cut growing out) and she said not to worry about it. So I'm happy to hear that. Also, I asked her about a lump he has on his throat that's concerned me for some time, and she said not to worry about it as well. Probably just ask the vet. And I looked up some information about it and it doesn't seem very serious. Which is definitely good news.
Here is a snippet of the e-mail I received:
When I look at your situation, there are a few Parelli-isms that come to mind that I think would be useful for you to ponder.
#1) "If your horse says 'no', you either asked the wrong question, or you asked the question wrong."
#2) "Do your thinking at night, and your feeling during the day."
#3) "It's not about the_______"
#4) Pat's definition of Respect: The Appropriate response to the appropriate application of pressure.
#5) Isolate, Separate, and Recombine
What I'd be looking to is what am I doing to cause this? What is it in ME that is causing my horse to react the way he is? Remember that the horse is perfect, it's up to us to help him understand what we want.
That being said, I think you're right on, in that it's a respect thing. But looking through that filter, what is it that you're doing to cause the disrespectful response?
Another filter to look through is that of the 8 Principles. Have you ever actually sat down and read them and taken into account what they mean? Massively deep stuff. And usually, if there's something amiss in the partnership, it's rooted in one of the 8 Principles. That's why this program is so genius. It's categorically put into a system (Pat's an LBI, can ya tell? Ha!) that you can use to filter your results (or lack thereof).
Yet another way to look at it is through the 7 games. Which game is broken? How can I help that game become better while remaining in a leadership position and putting the relationship first?
So I've had this congregating in the back of my mind for about a week now, with not a lot of luck.
I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with Moose today.We ended up playing a lot of touch it. It went really well. I revved up my leadership skills a little bit, and got some nice ears forward from Moose and a very lovely responsive horse as well. But then it got wierd, because as things were really nice, ALL OF A SUDDEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL he decided to canter around like a mad man. Now I had had a thought in my head to have him circle at a trot, and see if he would canter right before he started doing this. So, I am not sure if he s reading my mind or this was a form of freak out. Because my options are either A) RB panic attack or B) LB temper tantrum. He didn't look RB, so that's not it. So, either he was reading my mind, or it was a temper tantrum. But, it's funny, because I broke down for a minute there. "My poor horse, what have I done to you? Now you probably hate me!" So I started to get all sad and was thinking I would probably have to stop playing with him, because I was becoming helpless. But, Parelli came to my rescue. I remembered a quote I had been reminded to think about in the e-mail above: "Do you feeling during the day, your thinking at night." Oops. I was thinking. (Haha bad Erica bad). I then just chalked his behavior up to "how interesting!" and moved on.
Anyways, it was the reminder I needed. I perked right back up and realized I was making a big fuss out of nothing. I backed him up, and he was the lightest he's EVER been with his ears forward. I have got to be doing something right. So we did sideways along the fence and I had a realization. One of the things that might help our freestyle is getting our sideways better. If he can maintain the bend in his body where I ask, it's much more likely I'll be able to direct him where I want him to go. So I figure I should start being more particular about that and see where that takes us.
And then the farrier came and did Moose's feet. I found out it wouldn't be a good idea to get Moose shod, instead it'd be best just to buy him boots. And I asked her about a crack in his foot that had made him lame before (it was a cut growing out) and she said not to worry about it. So I'm happy to hear that. Also, I asked her about a lump he has on his throat that's concerned me for some time, and she said not to worry about it as well. Probably just ask the vet. And I looked up some information about it and it doesn't seem very serious. Which is definitely good news.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Change for the better
So I've been having some super huge revelations recently, in regards to my whole life, and I can tell a major change is happening around me right now. I'm going through that time where I'm finally starting to really GET it. It's taken 4 years, and I'm finally turning loose to the program.
I don't feel like blogging right now or I'd tell you more. Hopefully sometime I'll fill you in. But know that's what's going on at the moment.
I don't feel like blogging right now or I'd tell you more. Hopefully sometime I'll fill you in. But know that's what's going on at the moment.
Friday, March 18, 2011
A True Partnership
I can't believe I played with Moose for 2 hours today! But the clock doesn't lie. . . Just amazing. It seriously felt like 45 mins :) time flies when you're having fun.
But anyways, today was terrific. I was originally very direct line (what a nice day! we should go riding!) but then as soon as I saw what effect it was having on Moose I quit, and decided to instead focus on getting him to participate in what I would like him to do. So I waited until he could follow me at liberty to where I wanted to play. And once he could do that, I brushed him and haltered him up. Then I trimmed his back hoof a tad, but he got impatient and my back was hurting so not for long. Since I brought the bareback pad out, I decided to play with that a little. And I also learned an important lesson: don't let your horse chew on the leather straps that tie up your girth on the bareback pad. Mine now have chew marks on them. Haha so much for keeping it in good condition.
But yes, the bareback pad. I put it on and then Moose got really 'sleepy,' and I'm going to guess he got introverted. I asked him to come to me and he was stuck, he couldn't move his feet, it was like he was dazed. So, I took it off and had him move 2 laps at the trot.
Then, we repeated this for the rest of the time. I'd put the bareback pad on, have him move a little with it, see how comfortable he was, and then ask him to trot 2 laps so he'd get any introvertedness out of his system. He started asking questions, too, which was awesome. The last time I had him do his 2 laps, he blew out and followed me back to the bareback pad with all 22' of the line on the ground, and I sent him to the bareback pad and he touched it. It was a very harmonious feeling. I felt the beginnings of a true partnership right there. Terrific day.
But anyways, today was terrific. I was originally very direct line (what a nice day! we should go riding!) but then as soon as I saw what effect it was having on Moose I quit, and decided to instead focus on getting him to participate in what I would like him to do. So I waited until he could follow me at liberty to where I wanted to play. And once he could do that, I brushed him and haltered him up. Then I trimmed his back hoof a tad, but he got impatient and my back was hurting so not for long. Since I brought the bareback pad out, I decided to play with that a little. And I also learned an important lesson: don't let your horse chew on the leather straps that tie up your girth on the bareback pad. Mine now have chew marks on them. Haha so much for keeping it in good condition.
But yes, the bareback pad. I put it on and then Moose got really 'sleepy,' and I'm going to guess he got introverted. I asked him to come to me and he was stuck, he couldn't move his feet, it was like he was dazed. So, I took it off and had him move 2 laps at the trot.
Then, we repeated this for the rest of the time. I'd put the bareback pad on, have him move a little with it, see how comfortable he was, and then ask him to trot 2 laps so he'd get any introvertedness out of his system. He started asking questions, too, which was awesome. The last time I had him do his 2 laps, he blew out and followed me back to the bareback pad with all 22' of the line on the ground, and I sent him to the bareback pad and he touched it. It was a very harmonious feeling. I felt the beginnings of a true partnership right there. Terrific day.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
No Thanks
Moose and I were in for a nice day. Sun was shining, birds chirping. Just that lovely kind of weather that screams "horses!!!" at us horse lunatics. So, it was no wonder I had Moose on a lead rope, 'chomping at the bit' to get something done with him.
And that thing just so happened to be on our plan, picking up his feet! Yesterday went absolutely fantastic, so I hoped today would be just as good. And it would have been, if not for a reluctance on Moose's part to pick up said foot. We ended up doing circles and changes of direction like crazy. He kicked out twice in an attempt to show his defiant side. But it was very interesting for 2 reasons.
And that thing just so happened to be on our plan, picking up his feet! Yesterday went absolutely fantastic, so I hoped today would be just as good. And it would have been, if not for a reluctance on Moose's part to pick up said foot. We ended up doing circles and changes of direction like crazy. He kicked out twice in an attempt to show his defiant side. But it was very interesting for 2 reasons.
- I was more of a leader today than normal. And Moose responded by, when Circling, always hitting a spot (not every time) where he'd immediately stop and start pawing frantically or rubbing his head on his leg. He has rubbed his head on his leg a lot, I always assumed him itchy. But it normally does cause him to lick his lips, and in this case, it did as well. He also blew out, too, when he was done with it. So what I want to know is, is this behavior RBI at a threshold? Or what do I do with it?
- My leadership wanes. Today I was more of a leader, but I still start to crumble with time. I don't like conflict, I highly dislike people being mad at me. So I rarely push Moose, else he'll 'get mad' at me. But I realized after our playing today that horses don't think like people. It's only in my head that I'm being 'nice.' And only in our heads that I need to be 'bossy' as well. Just an observation.
- Is there anything I can do to better prepare Moose to pick his feet up? Am I skipping steps?
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Mood is Catching
I find when I'm in a good mood, my horse is too. So, since I was absolutely thrilled today, Moose felt about the same. :) I found out today there's a very good possibility I'll be staying at HL for the entire summer!!! Super exciting :D
And, so, my session with Moose was terrific. I FINALLY got his 'bad foot' picked up off phase 1, which was a dream come true. He was able to Touch It from 22' away for the first time, actually seeking the item to touch and understanding my communication from that distance. Also, we got 1 good 360 degree FH yield off driving game each way. And Moose was pretty chill throughout the whole thing. Then, we rode and did some PPL for about 15 mins and he was nice and relaxed. I stopped when I asked for a HQ yield and he gave it to me. Just a very pleasant play day on one of the first of many nice days to come this year. Savvy on!
And, so, my session with Moose was terrific. I FINALLY got his 'bad foot' picked up off phase 1, which was a dream come true. He was able to Touch It from 22' away for the first time, actually seeking the item to touch and understanding my communication from that distance. Also, we got 1 good 360 degree FH yield off driving game each way. And Moose was pretty chill throughout the whole thing. Then, we rode and did some PPL for about 15 mins and he was nice and relaxed. I stopped when I asked for a HQ yield and he gave it to me. Just a very pleasant play day on one of the first of many nice days to come this year. Savvy on!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Up in the Air
At the moment, everything is in a state of flux. My answer to just about every question regarding my future has been "I don't know."
So, I made a plan to take care of things.
So, I made a plan to take care of things.
- Call Heartland to see if I can even come this summer. Biggest decider of my future.
- Wait and see if I like my new job or not. If I like it, I might rather stay here than leave, as it pays well.
- Ask around and see if someone would let me play with their horses. Then, I get the experience I'm looking for, but without the extra price of owning the horse.
- If I can't/ don't go to Heartland this summer, that opens up other possibilities. I could get another horse, and really focus on their development. I could also start taking lessons, and maybe participate in a clinic with Moose.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Hum De Dum De Dum
Another awesome day today. I'm finding I'm having huge BFO's all over the place this week. One today, one yesterday, and one on Monday. Man, a thinking week! I already feel like a changed person, just because I'm more self-aware.
So, today I went out and did the same plan as I was doing all this week. I don't believe I shared that plan with you in the last post in my excitement, so here is what I've been working towards every day, in this order so far this week.
My goal: Be able to trot Moose bareback and steer without resistance
Then, we did our FH yields. As before, he was better to the left than to the right. Then we skipped lateral flexion and went right to Touch It. I was having trouble directing Moose for this, as I tended to want to send myself to the obstacle, but when Moose is (eventually) 22' away, that clearly won't work. But I got one time, that we ended on, where it worked out. He was at a tree, and there was another tree I saw, and I had him do a big half circle to go touch it and that worked wonderfully, because this time I wouldn't let him invade my space. He tried coming closer to me but I flicked him to say get out there and he did maintain his space and touch the tree. It was excellent.
Then, we did some Zone 3/4 driving over to our bridge, so I could mount. Only reason I bring this up is because I noticed a) Moose doesn't walk straight, he arcs his body to the left and ends up actually walking to the left, instead of straight, and I was on his left side. "How interesting!" and b) There was a point where he diverged off our path for a second and went to turn left when I asked him straight, and I went and bopped him right in the nose, and he licked his lips. I really am stepping up in my leadership.
Of course, from here I mounted up. I also came to the conclusion that I should try to mount him faster, because it gives him too much time to think when I'm slow. Not that I need to rush, but he can't be bothered by me when I'm giving him something else to think about. I think beforehand I took too long, so no wonder he disliked me getting on him. And my theory must've had some truth to it, because even when I had to kind of flop over him he didn't mind. What a nice change.
And so off we were doing a PPL. My goal was to do this for about 20 mins. I had prepared us this time, too, by shutting the stall doors so I didn't have to argue with him. And my goodness, it was so harmonious! He just walked all over, exploring and staring at things, doing 'stuff' I guess. But at one point, he got too close to a tree branch, so I had to stop and ask him to back up. He backed, and then I turned him to the left, and he responded very nicely. Then I directed him over to an area, and he actually went, and stopped right inside it. I was amazed, but then decided to see if I could get a HQ yield, something which many times he had just plain ignored in the past, and he tried to do it! No unhappy face or anything, just him trying, and he finally did give me a step. I thought that was excellent, and dismounted right there.
He was still perfectly LBE, even on the ground, and I think it was awesome. I did get a little irritated at one point with him not picking up his foot, but then I went, "wait, what am I taking about it? This is an opportunity of a lifetime to gain respect! And so it'll be interesting to see how it goes tomorrow, if it'll take less time or even more. And also, when I was doing the PPL on Moose, there was a point where I felt unsafe. My neighbor was riding a snowmobile very loudly around our neighborhood, so there was a little commotion, and 2 people were walking down the road, and Moose got very fixated on them. And it was at this point I didn't feel safe, because his attention had wandered. I considered getting off, but stayed on instead, and I wonder what I should've done in this situation. I think next time, I should've gotten his attention back instead, but ah well. Lovely day :)
So, today I went out and did the same plan as I was doing all this week. I don't believe I shared that plan with you in the last post in my excitement, so here is what I've been working towards every day, in this order so far this week.
My goal: Be able to trot Moose bareback and steer without resistance
- Pick up all 4 feet off Phase 1
- Get 360 degrees of FH yields off phase 1 driving game
- Yield to lateral flexion on the ground (may be skipped, monotonous)
- Yield to lateral flexion on Moose's back (may be skipped, monotonous)
- Then, a) Do a PPL, or b) Play Touch It from 22' away
Then, we did our FH yields. As before, he was better to the left than to the right. Then we skipped lateral flexion and went right to Touch It. I was having trouble directing Moose for this, as I tended to want to send myself to the obstacle, but when Moose is (eventually) 22' away, that clearly won't work. But I got one time, that we ended on, where it worked out. He was at a tree, and there was another tree I saw, and I had him do a big half circle to go touch it and that worked wonderfully, because this time I wouldn't let him invade my space. He tried coming closer to me but I flicked him to say get out there and he did maintain his space and touch the tree. It was excellent.
Then, we did some Zone 3/4 driving over to our bridge, so I could mount. Only reason I bring this up is because I noticed a) Moose doesn't walk straight, he arcs his body to the left and ends up actually walking to the left, instead of straight, and I was on his left side. "How interesting!" and b) There was a point where he diverged off our path for a second and went to turn left when I asked him straight, and I went and bopped him right in the nose, and he licked his lips. I really am stepping up in my leadership.
Of course, from here I mounted up. I also came to the conclusion that I should try to mount him faster, because it gives him too much time to think when I'm slow. Not that I need to rush, but he can't be bothered by me when I'm giving him something else to think about. I think beforehand I took too long, so no wonder he disliked me getting on him. And my theory must've had some truth to it, because even when I had to kind of flop over him he didn't mind. What a nice change.
And so off we were doing a PPL. My goal was to do this for about 20 mins. I had prepared us this time, too, by shutting the stall doors so I didn't have to argue with him. And my goodness, it was so harmonious! He just walked all over, exploring and staring at things, doing 'stuff' I guess. But at one point, he got too close to a tree branch, so I had to stop and ask him to back up. He backed, and then I turned him to the left, and he responded very nicely. Then I directed him over to an area, and he actually went, and stopped right inside it. I was amazed, but then decided to see if I could get a HQ yield, something which many times he had just plain ignored in the past, and he tried to do it! No unhappy face or anything, just him trying, and he finally did give me a step. I thought that was excellent, and dismounted right there.
He was still perfectly LBE, even on the ground, and I think it was awesome. I did get a little irritated at one point with him not picking up his foot, but then I went, "wait, what am I taking about it? This is an opportunity of a lifetime to gain respect! And so it'll be interesting to see how it goes tomorrow, if it'll take less time or even more. And also, when I was doing the PPL on Moose, there was a point where I felt unsafe. My neighbor was riding a snowmobile very loudly around our neighborhood, so there was a little commotion, and 2 people were walking down the road, and Moose got very fixated on them. And it was at this point I didn't feel safe, because his attention had wandered. I considered getting off, but stayed on instead, and I wonder what I should've done in this situation. I think next time, I should've gotten his attention back instead, but ah well. Lovely day :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
I'm getting it :)
I have some amazing news: After 2.5 YEARS of being with Moose, I think we're finally starting to get it!!
Absolutely awesome day today with Moose!! Just outstanding. Went out and haltered him, and started playing with picking up his feet. We've been doing this recently, so this'll be about our 3-5th time doing it, not quite sure which, but anyways it was a lot better. Yesterday I just did undemanding time, but the day before I had to get really firm about Moose picking up his left front foot. Well, today he responded to almost all of his feet off phase 1 with my hand, and then just I might've had to tap him with my boot, but there was no other hand pressure. Phase 2 on one foot, but that was his left front, and even with that said he did exceptionally better than before. It took persistence, but not nearly as high of phases and he picked that foot up. His back feet he's always been pretty good about.
So, after that I was just getting ready to start playing with his FH yield when I was interrupted. A family member ran the phone out to me. Good news! I have a job!! :) So that was awesome news!
Then, I continued playing with Moose and started our FH yields. My goal is to get it to where we can do a 360 off phase 1 with the CS in the Driving Game. To the right I was getting some awesome yields, about 180 degrees with him keeping his feet still which were terrific, so I tried to the left. It was still not bad, but I need to get better timing for next time so he can actually do what I wanted. He ended up just walking forward at one point, but we ended with a nice 2 steps, and I could get 2 steps regularly by the end of it.
From there, we went to the next step in the plan which was to get him yielding to lateral flexion nice on the ground. He does it perfectly!! Surprise surprise! He's terrible at it under saddle but on the ground he's perfect, albeit a little mouthy.
Then, I decided to start some Touch It. My goal is to get it so we can play Touch It from 22' away as that will definitely show respect, and it is another option instead of just doing mindless circles!
I've come to realize through the Parelli website that the circling game shows respect, and that I wasn't giving Moose his fair share of responsibility in the Circling Game. Today there was a point when I wanted Moose to go touch a tree, so I sent him, but he got too far ahead of me. So, I had him around instead. He kind of paused after I sent him though, like "you're sure?" and I was like oh yeah, I said circle bud, and pointed and flicked him with the CS. That really got him licking and chewing, because I was actually serious with my plan.
Anyways, it went pretty well. He's got quite the Stick to me game ingrained in his head, so he thinks he can't be further than 5-7 feet away from me unless he's circling, so we have some playing to go.
Overall, absolutely spectacular day! Will post with my 'official' plan soon.
Absolutely awesome day today with Moose!! Just outstanding. Went out and haltered him, and started playing with picking up his feet. We've been doing this recently, so this'll be about our 3-5th time doing it, not quite sure which, but anyways it was a lot better. Yesterday I just did undemanding time, but the day before I had to get really firm about Moose picking up his left front foot. Well, today he responded to almost all of his feet off phase 1 with my hand, and then just I might've had to tap him with my boot, but there was no other hand pressure. Phase 2 on one foot, but that was his left front, and even with that said he did exceptionally better than before. It took persistence, but not nearly as high of phases and he picked that foot up. His back feet he's always been pretty good about.
So, after that I was just getting ready to start playing with his FH yield when I was interrupted. A family member ran the phone out to me. Good news! I have a job!! :) So that was awesome news!
Then, I continued playing with Moose and started our FH yields. My goal is to get it to where we can do a 360 off phase 1 with the CS in the Driving Game. To the right I was getting some awesome yields, about 180 degrees with him keeping his feet still which were terrific, so I tried to the left. It was still not bad, but I need to get better timing for next time so he can actually do what I wanted. He ended up just walking forward at one point, but we ended with a nice 2 steps, and I could get 2 steps regularly by the end of it.
From there, we went to the next step in the plan which was to get him yielding to lateral flexion nice on the ground. He does it perfectly!! Surprise surprise! He's terrible at it under saddle but on the ground he's perfect, albeit a little mouthy.
Then, I decided to start some Touch It. My goal is to get it so we can play Touch It from 22' away as that will definitely show respect, and it is another option instead of just doing mindless circles!
I've come to realize through the Parelli website that the circling game shows respect, and that I wasn't giving Moose his fair share of responsibility in the Circling Game. Today there was a point when I wanted Moose to go touch a tree, so I sent him, but he got too far ahead of me. So, I had him around instead. He kind of paused after I sent him though, like "you're sure?" and I was like oh yeah, I said circle bud, and pointed and flicked him with the CS. That really got him licking and chewing, because I was actually serious with my plan.
Anyways, it went pretty well. He's got quite the Stick to me game ingrained in his head, so he thinks he can't be further than 5-7 feet away from me unless he's circling, so we have some playing to go.
Overall, absolutely spectacular day! Will post with my 'official' plan soon.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Being a Leader
Well, I've been playing with Moose for the past few days, as I am determined to make some progress with him. Realized I need to be more of a leader, and we've still got work to do for Freestyle. Think we're gonna have to set up a pen and do some PPL!
P.S. Have you seen Parelli Connect? It's awesome. :)
P.S. Have you seen Parelli Connect? It's awesome. :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love of Learning
I have to say, one of the most amazing things in the world is the fact that you can never not learn something out by your horse. I'm serious! I think the only way that could ever happen for me would be if I patted Moose on the head and then left about 2 seconds later. Other than that I always learn something.
So, of course, today was no exception. And the marvelous part was I didn't even do anything! I gave the pony some food and just decided to stay outside with him for a while. So to him I was probably nothing more than a nuisance :) but a thinking nuisance nonetheless. And my thinking brain was busy having BFOs.
I just got outside after reading some very interesting articles on line about self-worth. So this was part of the BFO. Basically, I realized that I have conditional self-worth based on how I look. No wonder I have pretty low self-confidence.
But in being outside by Moose, I had a lot of situations running through my head: trailer-loading, riding, picking his feet up. They all have a lack of respect. So I'm missing the leadership.
BING BING BING! *Flashing lights going off*
There's a connection there. I'm still mulling it over, but basically what I've realized is that I am not the leader, because I am not sure of myself. And when I'm not sure, I lend Moose the leadership. Here's a better way to explain: instead of being independent, I have made myself co-dependent on him. At least for riding. Because when I'm on his back, I don't feel sure (because I expect him to behave badly), so I tell him "Moose take care of me!" and he goes "Ha! Heck with that!" and takes me for a joy ride.
Hmmm. . . Like I said, still mulling it over, but I think I'm on to something here. There's definitely a connection between my self-confidence and his lack of respect, that's kind of a given, but I've never thought about it like this before, that I was basically handing him the leadership role. We'll see what the next session brings :)
So, of course, today was no exception. And the marvelous part was I didn't even do anything! I gave the pony some food and just decided to stay outside with him for a while. So to him I was probably nothing more than a nuisance :) but a thinking nuisance nonetheless. And my thinking brain was busy having BFOs.
I just got outside after reading some very interesting articles on line about self-worth. So this was part of the BFO. Basically, I realized that I have conditional self-worth based on how I look. No wonder I have pretty low self-confidence.
But in being outside by Moose, I had a lot of situations running through my head: trailer-loading, riding, picking his feet up. They all have a lack of respect. So I'm missing the leadership.
BING BING BING! *Flashing lights going off*
There's a connection there. I'm still mulling it over, but basically what I've realized is that I am not the leader, because I am not sure of myself. And when I'm not sure, I lend Moose the leadership. Here's a better way to explain: instead of being independent, I have made myself co-dependent on him. At least for riding. Because when I'm on his back, I don't feel sure (because I expect him to behave badly), so I tell him "Moose take care of me!" and he goes "Ha! Heck with that!" and takes me for a joy ride.
Hmmm. . . Like I said, still mulling it over, but I think I'm on to something here. There's definitely a connection between my self-confidence and his lack of respect, that's kind of a given, but I've never thought about it like this before, that I was basically handing him the leadership role. We'll see what the next session brings :)
Dear Thumberly
Last Sunday I hurt my thumb playing soccer, so I wasn't able to do much with Moose that week. Before that I was having a good time riding. Still trying to get that circle pattern Farrah so graciously put us on almost 6 months ago. And am job scouting as usual. Hopefully I find something soon! And I hope my thumb gets back to normal this week, although it's doing much better now.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"The Writing is on the Wall"
I'd like to give a super huge girly squeal of delight. *EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!* So why all the shouting?? Ha ha ha I have finally figured out this bugger called "Erica's Future." To be honest with you, it's probably been nagging at me since the day I was born. . . the eternal question "What to do when I get older?" Well, I've answered that question, but then it came again in another form. . ."Ok, so how do I get there?"
3 Options were nagging at me for some time now:
So I thought about it. . . and came up with something. . . horses aren't exactly 'everyone'. That's not exactly a typical job. So maybe I need a not so typical career path? Maybe my life is different than yours and that's ok. Am I a little worried about it right now? Yeah. But I could always go back. If my goal is to keep learning, I could always go back. But right now, college would do nothing for me besides putting me in debt. Would I meet some cool people? Sure! But am I going to meet cool people in "Parelli-land" as well? Definitely :)
But then, as well, there's this issue called price. . . . And hey, a friend of mine just made me have a BFO. Like "hey you remember that thing called the working student program?!?!?! Um, well you could do that!!!!!" Oh my god, duh! :D
Sorry for all the childishness, but I'm pretty much ecstatic! I forgot all about this program, and it's basically going to save my life! Yay to the future!
But oh, the title! The title to this post is dedicated to my dear old mother for the advice she would always give me when I would bang my head against the table struggling with this. With this in mind, it is only fitting that I end with my response, which is
"Not helpful."
(except it helped)
3 Options were nagging at me for some time now:
- Go to college
- Go to Parelli
- Go back to Heartland
So I thought about it. . . and came up with something. . . horses aren't exactly 'everyone'. That's not exactly a typical job. So maybe I need a not so typical career path? Maybe my life is different than yours and that's ok. Am I a little worried about it right now? Yeah. But I could always go back. If my goal is to keep learning, I could always go back. But right now, college would do nothing for me besides putting me in debt. Would I meet some cool people? Sure! But am I going to meet cool people in "Parelli-land" as well? Definitely :)
But then, as well, there's this issue called price. . . . And hey, a friend of mine just made me have a BFO. Like "hey you remember that thing called the working student program?!?!?! Um, well you could do that!!!!!" Oh my god, duh! :D
Sorry for all the childishness, but I'm pretty much ecstatic! I forgot all about this program, and it's basically going to save my life! Yay to the future!
But oh, the title! The title to this post is dedicated to my dear old mother for the advice she would always give me when I would bang my head against the table struggling with this. With this in mind, it is only fitting that I end with my response, which is
"Not helpful."
(except it helped)
30 Day Blog Challenge
Yeah, sorry I must have turned into a real LBE because I just find these questions fairly dull. They're not thought-provoking enough for me. I got bored haha. So I wanted to say I renounce this challenge, because yes, I have failed. But that is ok, because it still has gotten me somewhere. I am blogging, aren't I? :)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Just Awesome
I was playing with Moose yesterday, just decided to pop out by him to have a little fun. Didn't have a halter or anything, so we just did some liberty stuff. There was either a tiny stick or a thick piece of hay on the ground, so I picked it up to use as my carrot stick. Oh goodness, did this make me realize how sensitive he is!!! I used it to Porcupine him around, using the 'stick' as the pressure, and it was spectacular how well he moved to it. I never knew he was that sensitive to Porcupine before!
And our communication just flowed as well. . . I asked him to squeeze between the fence and sideways a step (because he couldn't do much with the snow we just got), and he did just as I asked which was awesome! Even when he was at a funny angle, I just tried to to think what I'd do if he was on line and did it, and he responded perfectly!
T'was very very nice for a quick 10-20 mins. Just next time I think I'd be much better off not wearing soccer cleats in the snow :D
And our communication just flowed as well. . . I asked him to squeeze between the fence and sideways a step (because he couldn't do much with the snow we just got), and he did just as I asked which was awesome! Even when he was at a funny angle, I just tried to to think what I'd do if he was on line and did it, and he responded perfectly!
T'was very very nice for a quick 10-20 mins. Just next time I think I'd be much better off not wearing soccer cleats in the snow :D
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 9 - Moment
What is one moment you have had with your horse that would not have been possible if not for Parelli?
Well, besides our whole relationship. . . honestly I remember one day that I decided I didn't want to ride. The whole last sessions had focused on riding and I just felt it wasn't fair to him to keep pushing him, so I decided to do a day of ground play. Man it was FANTASTIC. We just flew over the ground, he listened and tried his heart out for me. It was just amazing to think he listens that well. And I am so thankful that Parelli has given me the keys to communicate with him on the ground like this. If not for Parelli, I would probably be dead frustrated with riding, but instead you learn to think positively. It's amazing.
Well, besides our whole relationship. . . honestly I remember one day that I decided I didn't want to ride. The whole last sessions had focused on riding and I just felt it wasn't fair to him to keep pushing him, so I decided to do a day of ground play. Man it was FANTASTIC. We just flew over the ground, he listened and tried his heart out for me. It was just amazing to think he listens that well. And I am so thankful that Parelli has given me the keys to communicate with him on the ground like this. If not for Parelli, I would probably be dead frustrated with riding, but instead you learn to think positively. It's amazing.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 8 - Horsenality
What is your horsenality, your partner's horsenality, and how do you make them work together?
Well, to be honest I'm not sure what personality I am. I think I am a LBI/RBI but I have also been accused of being a LBE and I can see that too at times. (I say accused very lightly). But around Moose, I could say I'm probably more of a LBE because I have high expectations, and Moose himself will switch like me. Honestly, we're probably quite similar. He'll have days where he's completely RBI and I will myself. I'd be willing to be that we mirror each other pretty well, it's just I can never see it at the time.
Well, to be honest I'm not sure what personality I am. I think I am a LBI/RBI but I have also been accused of being a LBE and I can see that too at times. (I say accused very lightly). But around Moose, I could say I'm probably more of a LBE because I have high expectations, and Moose himself will switch like me. Honestly, we're probably quite similar. He'll have days where he's completely RBI and I will myself. I'd be willing to be that we mirror each other pretty well, it's just I can never see it at the time.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Day 7 - "How interesting"
When have you turned a time of frustration into a "how interesting" moment?
Well, honestly I tend to have trouble with this strategy, because I never remember to use it when I'm out by my horse. But I do try to step back from the situation when I'm getting frustrated. And I've done that a lot. Probably about every session, I'll have to step back, say "hmmm what isn't working here?" but I'm not always frustrated. Sorry I can't think of a specific time recently.
Well, honestly I tend to have trouble with this strategy, because I never remember to use it when I'm out by my horse. But I do try to step back from the situation when I'm getting frustrated. And I've done that a lot. Probably about every session, I'll have to step back, say "hmmm what isn't working here?" but I'm not always frustrated. Sorry I can't think of a specific time recently.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Day 4 - BFO
What is one BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) moment you've had?
Sorry it's out of order, turns out I forgot to post this one. Funny enough I just had a realization about myself and my expectations the other day. I found out that I'm a perfectionist, when I really never thought about that before. But throughout my Parelli career, I have had many BFO's and sometime they end up on this blog, so you can scourge through the blog for the answer to this question. :)
Sorry it's out of order, turns out I forgot to post this one. Funny enough I just had a realization about myself and my expectations the other day. I found out that I'm a perfectionist, when I really never thought about that before. But throughout my Parelli career, I have had many BFO's and sometime they end up on this blog, so you can scourge through the blog for the answer to this question. :)
Day 6 - My Dream
What is your dream with your horse?
My dream with my horse is to get as far as we possibly can get. I want to understand him, and then use that understanding to develop a partnership. I would love it if I could get Moose to want to be with me, play with me, and have fun when we play. Right now, I am amusing to him, but I am not his alpha. I hope to change this, and get to where I can apply what I have learned from him to any horse I meet. Something I think would be absolutely amazing is if I could get to where I could ride him to help me with other horses. I think that would be absolutely awesome. It is my definition of a partnership, that he would choose to stick with me and understand my communication instead of yielding to another horse.
On the same plane, my goal for myself is to become a better person. I could never leave Parelli if I tried, because it really is a people-training program. I don't know any other program that actively encourages such self-development. Ok, well maybe I know of some, but that use horses and that anyone could understand, no. It's absolutely amazing.
My dream with my horse is to get as far as we possibly can get. I want to understand him, and then use that understanding to develop a partnership. I would love it if I could get Moose to want to be with me, play with me, and have fun when we play. Right now, I am amusing to him, but I am not his alpha. I hope to change this, and get to where I can apply what I have learned from him to any horse I meet. Something I think would be absolutely amazing is if I could get to where I could ride him to help me with other horses. I think that would be absolutely awesome. It is my definition of a partnership, that he would choose to stick with me and understand my communication instead of yielding to another horse.
On the same plane, my goal for myself is to become a better person. I could never leave Parelli if I tried, because it really is a people-training program. I don't know any other program that actively encourages such self-development. Ok, well maybe I know of some, but that use horses and that anyone could understand, no. It's absolutely amazing.
Day 5 - Favorite DVD, Celebration, Tour Stop, etc
What is your favorite DVD, celebration, tour stop, etc?
Honestly, I think the celebrations/tour stops I have attended are my favorite as they always leave me very inspired. Although the DVDs are certainly amazing, too. I think there was one like "The Secret to success with horses" or something of the like that was absolutely amazing I thought.
Honestly, I think the celebrations/tour stops I have attended are my favorite as they always leave me very inspired. Although the DVDs are certainly amazing, too. I think there was one like "The Secret to success with horses" or something of the like that was absolutely amazing I thought.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 3 - Favorite Game
What is your partner's favorite game?
Haha ok well, Moose's favorite game is probably Friendly because he doesn't have to do anything. And that's a plus for him because he likes to chill. Especially on pedestals, when he trusts them, he likes standing on those. But I think he enjoys Stick To Me, too, because he really understands what he's supposed to do for that.
If I really had to pick, I don't think he has a favorite game. I haven't found it yet, because I still have to be a better leader. He is playful, so I'm sure one of the driving games will eventually be a favorite, but for now he just seems to tolerate those.
Haha ok well, Moose's favorite game is probably Friendly because he doesn't have to do anything. And that's a plus for him because he likes to chill. Especially on pedestals, when he trusts them, he likes standing on those. But I think he enjoys Stick To Me, too, because he really understands what he's supposed to do for that.
If I really had to pick, I don't think he has a favorite game. I haven't found it yet, because I still have to be a better leader. He is playful, so I'm sure one of the driving games will eventually be a favorite, but for now he just seems to tolerate those.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 2 - Favorite Savvy
What is your favorite savvy and why?
Monday, January 17, 2011
PNH 30 Day Blogger Challenge
And As of today, I will be starting the PNH Blog challenge. It's an attempt to to keep us blogging every day. Now, this week is going to be exceptionally busy for me, but I will do my best to keep up with it. Yay for motivation!
Day 1 - How did you find PNH?
I found PNH through a boarder at our house. She actually introduced my family to it, and I just gobbled it up. The DVDs made so much sense to me. To be honest, it's really hard for me to remember what it was like to learn how to do it. It was just like I saw the DVDs and pamphlets and then I was doing PNH. So there wasn't really much of a before and after for me lol.
Day 1 - How did you find PNH?
I found PNH through a boarder at our house. She actually introduced my family to it, and I just gobbled it up. The DVDs made so much sense to me. To be honest, it's really hard for me to remember what it was like to learn how to do it. It was just like I saw the DVDs and pamphlets and then I was doing PNH. So there wasn't really much of a before and after for me lol.
Yup. . . I'm not dead
Yes, I would like to apologize. I royally broke my own rule. Haha sorry. I always tried to keep up with blogging at least once a month, that was my goal. But I missed December man. . . Darn it!
But I assure you I am here, and I did not forget about the blog. I just felt like I had nothing to say. Things have been pretty chill with Moose recently I didn't feel like I had anything to talk about.
I've been thinking about my future a lot recently, and trying to decide what to do. I'm getting involved in some other activities that are going to take away sometime with the horses to see if that ups my motivation. Because I have been very unmotivated recently. And surely, if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, I can muster up the motivation to go play with my horsey. . . surely. . . right?
But ah, well I guess only time will tell there. I'm afraid my answer to that question will be no. But then, I don't think I can ever leave Parelli. It confuses me. So I think my answer has to be to give myself permission to figure things out. I don't want to get out of Parelli, but I don't think I would succeed as an instructor. Well, I haven't even given a lesson yet! That's no way to compare. So, for now, I just need to remember if I don't want to be a PP I don't have to. I can just have horses as a hobby and go from there. Because that's perfectly ok too.
I found this website online that gave me a personality profile and it was incredibly accurate:
How You Approach Life and How You Appear To Others
Modest, unobtrusive, and often rather quiet or shy, you are a person who is content to be in the background or to serve as an assistant, in the supporting role rather than in the lead. You are quite humble in your own assessment of yourself and you have a very strong perfectionistic attitude, with a tendency to be overly self-critical. No matter how well you do something, you always see the flaws in it and how it could be improved. Often you will simply refuse to attempt something because you feel you cannot meet your own high standards.
That's pretty much all my negative traits wrapped up in a bundle. But it describes me like right on, that being said.
It's something Farrah said to me that rings completely true. When I was doing an exercise with Moose, she told me I was extremely particular, like level 4 particular. It's not like I do it on purpose, but I have very high standard of what I accept. I mean, really, take a look at my little brother for instance. I can hardly stand him sometimes because everything he does is wrong. Now, if he were a horse, how successful do you think he would feel right about now? I do nothing but nag him. . . Oops.
For instance. . . he walks too loud. And no I am not making this up. He pounds his feet. Like really hard. And it bugs me, not like a pet peeve, but just because it's not that hard to walk lighter. But I tell him to walk lighter, and he doesn't. He doesn't know how. So it bugs me. So in my brain, he's walking "wrong." That's the "wrong" way to walk, he's doing it "wrong." So I cannot accept that. It's like he doesn't fit in my world. Not until he walks right.
And I never thought I was a perfectionist?? :O
My point is that I get so stuck up on little things I can't see anything else. So if I don't want to be a PP, it doesn't mean I have to get out of horses altogether. It doesn't mean I "failed." It just means I can have horses as a hobby and go from there.
Oftentimes, I don't give things enough of a chance. I'm not giving my little brother the chance to be right, because I'm not accepting him where he is at. It's the exact same with Moose. And ironically, it's the exact same with me. I can do whatever I'd like, whether that involves horses or not.
Wow that was amazing to get off my chest. I've struggled with that since I got Moose. It was like I signed a contract when I bought him that said "You have to be a PP. You are not allowed to change your mind." And it's funny, because by being so direct-line on my path, I actually got turned off by it.
It's perfectly ok to go slow. And to decide as I go. I still love horses, that's not a question, but if I'm not a 5* instructor by tomorrow, that's more than ok, that's great! It means I'm on the journey, I'm learning.
And isn't that what Parelli is all about? It's not about the _______, it's about the relationship. It's about the journey. The end result doesn't matter. Because the journey's all there is.
Oh many things to ponder. . . isn't life funny?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)