27/02/2025
Arena work this week for Willow and Chevy.
2 completely different breeds, shapes, sizes and character, with different opinions to work, yet both aiming for the same results - maintaing direction and keeping between my hands and legs, while light and responsive to the best of their abilities.
As it's pretty easy to tell, Chev is a tank, so he's always going to be that bit heavier in the front end which in turn is heavier in my hands, and squeezing him up through the belly can be a bit of a task (for the both of us!) But if he responds quicker and lighter each time, well that's all I can ask for in our simple short sessions. ๐
Willow has been a bit of a head scratcher at times, throwing a bit of attitude and behaviours which I initially believed was solely pain response.
But once I stripped things right back and watched her more intently I was able to work out the cause of her random outbursts, to which I was able to conduct things differently.
I come to the conclusion that this mare - being alot more sensitive than others - gets completely overstimulated quickly with "annoying things" such as flies and even something as simple as a stirrup iron knocking on her elbow - which it turned out to be! - was enough to send her into a super cranky state, with kicking out, ears back and turning around to bite and just an all round agitated demeanour - whether tied up with a bot fly bugging her or in this case on the lunge when the iron knocked on her elbow, which on occasion carried onto being ridden.
Please note, this is NOT a naughty horse. This is a horse voicing their worries, discomforts and irritations, and some can and will be more vocal!
Since stripping everything back and forming a new plan and understanding, (and yes she's had bodywork before even beginning work here) she has been incredible and a total pleasure to ask anything of.
She's the most sweetest thing who craves some love, and I'm so glad it's all matching when on her back also โค๏ธ