VIDEO.....Training tip about Shoulder Movements

 And, we have not arrived yet....Don't know if we ever will, but here are some of the softening ideas he and I do!!!

The below picture shows him dumping a bit on his forehand.....

The below picture is my ideal. His poll is at his highest point, his weight is back on his hind end and he is extending for all he is worth!!

Ramola, the Lippizaner mini!

Each miniature driving horse comes with their own way of expressing themselves. Ramola somehow heard her mom talking about her trying moves suited for Lippizans and decided it sounded like fun. This is what you see first in this video and first every time she is worked.It is her way of saying no. She gets over it within 3 to 5 minutes and begins to work for us. I believe that when training horse, whether they are miniature or big, you have to stay focused and not let them distract you with any of their tricks. Ramola will get over this. She will realize that the fits take a lot of energy and she just needs to drive quietly. Meanwhile we will giggle at her caprioles!

Lass is hooked and Candy drives again!

I hooked Lassie for the first time today!! Yes, she just turned 2, but she is so level headed and has had a ton of groundwork. Our footing is level and packed, so she wore a cart and walked. I will keep things very easy on her, but it is a big step!!!

Jess just got feeling a bit better and down to the arena she goes! Here is Cameo today and Candy down below. Jess and I are fighting over who gets to drive Candy!

Derby is steady eddie!!!

We are now just letting Derby get comfortable with moving in a cart. This means we are getting some speed and doing just a bit of bending, but she is staying very calm and accepting!!! So excited for Jessie!!! As the days go by, Jess will start bending her a bunch and getting control of moving her shoulders. Then, we can start asking for collection.

Ramola finds a fear!

Ramola has been here about 1.5 months. Thus far, we have only worked her in the arena and round pen with a cart attached. We did take her for a few walks ground driving and she has not been a spooky mare, just a stubborn mare. But today, we found what makes her jump. Not just a jump, but she sprouted wings and flew. Flew over what? It was all the puddles in the neighborhood. We, who only get about 9 inches of rain per year, got 3 inches over the last day and a half. The arena looks like a lake, but we figured that the roads would allow us to drive. Remember, it is also breezy and very cool for Phoenix, and the horses have been cooped up and missing their daily pasture time and exercise. Thus Ramola had a bit more energy for flying over the puddles. I missed catching her with all 4 off the ground on video, but wanted to show her mom, Jaci, that she really does drive a cart. Ramola was wound up and her usual unspooky mind saw a boogeyman  behind every tree and bush. Some very long trail rides would be very good for her.

And Jaci, please don't think only you talk too much, I talk too much too and together, we are dangerous!! I wanted to be back home before I turned into a pumpkin!

Derby...water training in early October

Most of my posts have been chronological, but this one goes back in time to early October. Jess is working Derby in the water. She tried it again recently and Derby was steady eddy in the water. This video shows some of the power in this mare. I love watching her!

Derby passed the test! Jess gets to drive!!!!

Big day. Her perseverance paid off. Jess has daily tortured Derby with all sorts of scary noise makers and other objects intended to spook. Tarps, bags, bells, cans, buckets, etc have been walked over, worn and dragged. Derby was a kicker and a bolter when scared, but through Jess's daily work, her brain flipped a switch and she is willing to look at anything and stay relaxed. I am excited about the lessons Jess has learned from her!!! I am also very proud of her. She adores Derby and is thrilled. Derby has talent! You can't probably see it in these videos because we are asking her for nothing other than to be relaxed with the cart attached.

I see fancy horses who are fancy because they are hot on grain or are scared, but I want Derby to be fancy, yet to stay calm to some degree. In order to train her how to bend, use her shoulders, carry her weight, we needed her mind. Jess won her mind!! Now the real work can begin!!!!!

Jess then drove Derby about 10 times around the arena which I videotaped. She has no over check and we don't ask anything of her, but she is calm! Wonderfully calm! This mare is very talented. Very! We know how she looks when she rocks back and collects, but I told Jess to just take it slow for the next few drives.



Rain? Rain??? What is that? It is a rare occurrence here in Phoenix, but we are preparing for 3 days worth of it!!