Yoakam Lodge - Welsh Ponies

22/01/2022

Rupert spam:

A really cool session today.

I've never really worked with him outside of his paddock or the round yard. That needs to change so today we ventured outside.

Well that was interesting!

As expected he was all uptight and anxious at first. We had all sorts of reactions from looking anywhere but at me, to crow hopping and little squeals. Pawing the ground, chewing the lead rope and generally not with me at all.

What we didn't get was full on rearing, his usual go to in times of stress, or trying to drag me up the paddock.

There was a couple of little spooks and general, Wtf moments, but I was most impressed about the fact he didn't run into me and was very respectful of my space.

The biggest test of that was when a small branch landed on the tin roof of the shed behind him. He quite literally tucked his butt under him and shot forward but around me. He never once got to the end of the lead rope which remained loose the whole time. He did a little dance then stopped, licked and chewed and let out a big sigh...'i survived mum'. 🤣

He also got as close to uncle Junior as he's ever been and I was impressed that he could care less about him. Being a young c**t that was pretty cool.

We left our session once he'd started connecting with me more and was a lot calmer than when we first started.

Looking forward to tomorrow. 😁

30/12/2021

Rupert spam:

After doing our pre flight checks today we put the saddle on. After doing some exercises I was presented with some anxiety. Chewing the rope is the clue.

After waiting for sometime for him to work through it I came to the conclusion he was having trouble just being still and calm. A bit of pawing on the ground, walking around me etc.

I've noticed recently that when he moves around me to the right, he's not as connected and willing as he is to the left.

He always breaks into a trot to the right without being asked. Effectively this is a bolt under saddle. I slowed everything right down in my ask. If he trotted I asked him to come back to the walk. This is setting us up for our ridden work. I won't be using 2 reins until way into our ridden work.

Everything I'm doing now is setting us up for a successful transition to being ridden, so it's important to get everything solid now.

I've been learning to watch his responses to my asks. To read his mood. Just taking on board what he's telling me.

I could've kept working with him today. Pushed him through his anxiety and made him do what I wanted. But he would've had a meltdown and carry all of that over to our next session.

He has a voice in our partnership and we're learning to work together.

Our last exercise today was to leave him 'tied' to the rail for a bit. Given his reluctance to be still in his own space, and the need to keep moving, this was an important way to finish our session.

Depending on the headache tomorrow, I may or may not have an update....😬

29/12/2021

Rupert spam:

Continued to build on our exercises with the saddle on tonight.

No sign of any anxiety and no human error explosion tonight. Kept him well under his threshold.

I am absolutely loving this journey!

27/12/2021

Rupert spam....

Today we introduced the western saddle.

Nothing phases this kid. He took it all in his stride. I think he really enjoys the interactions.

Admittedly we had one minor incident simply because the human asked for something he didn't know the answer to. 🙄 stupid human!

Glad to say that in a half hour session, that was the only sign of anxiety.

Have I mentioned how much I love this pony and how proud of both of us I am?

26/12/2021

Today we took advantage of the opportunity presented for our training session.

My neighbours started harvesting the paddocks next to my place.

I thought it would be interesting to see how Rupert coped with the noisy distraction.

We were standing just relaxing when the machinery came by the first time. He took matters into his own hands and started walking around me in a circle. He was relaxed enough, just felt like he needed to move his feet

Once he stopped moving, he started chewing on the lead rope. A sign of anxiety for him.

He also felt the need to stand right next to me and touch me. I encouraged him to find peace in his own space, away from standing on top of me.

All in all it was a very interesting and successful session.

25/12/2021

First day with the stirrups banging around on the saddle.

Rupe says, 'stirrups, what stirrups?'

22/12/2021

19/12/2021

There once was a time I wouldn't work with my horses in such horrible wind.

Now I realise the value of it.

Very happy with how relaxed Rupe is with all the wind going on around and how he listens to me and isn't distracted.

Sat the western saddle on for an introduction too.

19/12/2021

Quick introduction to the Western saddle today. Much heavier than the wintec.

12/12/2021

Day 2 working with the saddle on.

I can't even begin to explain how proud of both of us I am.

I didn't ever believe I could do this and had little encouragement to do so, often criticised for wanting to things the way I chose.

I'd never even contemplated preparing a horse to be ridden, but when Rupert came along I had no other option but to trust myself and just give it a shot.

We still have a ways to go to be ridden, but we're well on our way.

11/12/2021

Working towards our first ride...

Funny how not so long ago I couldn't get him to walk through the round yard gate without rushing and running through. Now it's his happy place.