Mirror, mirror in my stall...

Every day I play with Duke reveals something new...a little gem I can treasure. Today was so different from yesterday.

This weekend, after rewatching the problem solving segments of the Liberty and Horse Behavior DVD's, I set off for the barn Sunday afternoon fully intending to get a ride in (so much for paying attention!). Well, at the very least a little time bareback to work on my balance. That was my plan. Duke, on the other hand, had other plans in mind.

Pat often tells his students that while we may be responsible for having principles and goals, it is the horse who is ultimately in charge of the timeline. And Duke takes his duty very seriously.

Right now he's probably in his stall, feeling pretty smug.

When I arrived at the barn Sunday, the moment I stopped the car I realized I had left my key to the trailer (where I keep all my riding gear) on the dresser at home. Drat! Perhaps that was a hint which I could have heeded. Instead I called my friend Barb (who has the other key) and asked her to bring her set as she was heading down too. In the mean time, I got Duke out to play with him to see what side of the stall he woke up on.

Duke greeted me at his door and he was ready to get out. I wanted to use my 22' lead rope, but the latch mechanism was stuck (Parelli lead ropes have a nice brass swivel latch that locks securely...sometimes a little too securely), so I opted for the 12' lead rope, haltered Duke up and off to the arena we went. Inside the arena I tied Duke up and set up my iPod to play my Born to Ride playlist on my portable iBox (music really adds an extra level to our play sessions). Duke watched my every move, ears forward, patiently waiting for his chance to get down and have a good roll.

Sometimes I get into the arena with Duke and just go completely brain dead.

I used to be sooooo imaginative...what happened? I untied Duke and he began his quest for the perfect rolling spot. He soon found it, got down and rolled to his hearts content while I stood by, contemplating my plan. Check out his mood, gauge his behavior today and see what shakes out. On any given day when Duke's finished rolling he gets to his feet, shakes of the excess dirt, blows the dust out of his nose, blinks his eyes a couple of times, licks his lips and waits for my cue. When he got to his feet, shook his head, then arched his neck and starting trotting around with a LOT of energy I knew he was in a different mood. He wanted to play, but I misread his behavior and wanting to stay on task because I was going to ride today, I gently reminded him of the purpose I had in mind.

I have so much to learn.

And lucky for me, Duke is willing to teach me. I need to remember that.

We were at odds the entire time and what I missed in all his actions was that no riding was taking place. A half an hour passed and by the time Barb showed up with the trailer key, I thanked her but declined to take it. She's not a Parelli person but has a basic understanding of horses, and knowing Duke she didn't need any further explanation. But I couldn't leave well enough alone. I really wanted to ride Duke bareback. I turned the halter and lead rope into a hackamore (a bitless bridle with reins) and asked Barb for a lift up. From the moment I set myself on Duke's back, the game was on! He lurched forward and refused to stand still. He willingly gave me lateral flexion to the left (bend his head and neck toward my knee as a means of control) but he was stiff, rigid and bracey to the right. He refused to give; he runs about 50/50 on right lateral flexion. Sometimes he's soft and willing, sometimes he isn't. That was my second sign. Won't stand still. Won't give me his head both ways. These are classic indicators that the horse is not ridable. I circled him at a walk to the left but he was tense, high headed, and I felt him pushing against the pressure of the halter when I asked for a stop. Time to get off. I didn't feel safe, and it's been a long time since I felt that way on Duke's back.

Barb went off to clean Elvira's stall, and I set about to have a different conversation with Duke. What was up with him? Through several versions of the porcupine and driving game, I got the message. He wanted to play! Not with me on his back (thank God!) but on-line. The past couple of weeks I've tried something new with Duke, where we move around the arena, at a walk or run (me running...he's trotting...or loping). I mirror him. He mirrors me. And it's really added another level to our sessions together. With all the games we play, Duke learns new things quickly, but quickly gets bored with repetition so I have to be provocative...at all times. He's also very much a 'what's in it for me' kind of horse Left Brain Extrovert with Introvert tendancies). Duke and I spent at least ten minutes (not counting the rest breaks for me to catch my breath) running and darting around the arena. My favorite part was when I glanced over at him and saw him doing his playful head shake...the same kind he does when he's playing with another horse, or by himself. That was pure joy for me. :) This was followed by a very brief session of 'stick to me.' Duke matched me step for step. Just a couple steps back and one forward but that's all I needed. Horse-human harmony. I'm still smiling about it.

We then moved to the round pen for a little play at liberty but the dirt was muddy and slick so I kept that session short. After we mozied outside for a little grazing time, then went back to the stall. Dinner for Duke, mucking for me.

No matter what, there's no such thing as a bad day at the barn.

What did I learn from this play session? The two things Pat keeps saying and I keep forgetting: put the relationship first; and principle before goals. And if I forget again, Duke is there to remind me.

Of building bridges and dreams...

Duke and I after playing in the arena for over two hours last Saturday.

For months I pondered it. Could we? Would we? Should we? Oh gawd I'd love to! I want to!

So I decided to do it. The other day I bought two tickets to the Parelli Celebration coming to Reno in May. I'm so happy I'm dancing inside!!! Woooooo hooooooooooooo weeeeeeeee! Even Sam is excited about the prospect of spending three days with Pat and Linda Parelli.

I know it may be hard for someone to understand what this really means to me, so I can summarize it by saying if not for Parelli Natural Horsemanship, I would not be enjoying the relationship I have with Duke. Pat and Linda made it all possible. It could easily have gone the other way, my dream could have died, and I'd be yet another first time horse owner who got frustrated and gave up because she didn't know what to do and when to do it. I came close, but chose instead to patiently persist in the proper position. :) They gave me the tools I needed to build my bridge from dream to reality.

And what a beautiful bridge it is...

Let the countdown to the celebration begin!!!!



Here's a teaser of what's in store...from the 2008 USA tour.

Trippin' Through the Snow...

...better late than never. Cliche, I know, but true.





Right after Christmas the hubster had a serious case of cabin fever. After being tied to the house and tree farm every weekend since Thanksgiving he wanted to get outta Dodge. So we did. Might as well take advantage of the low fuel prices too (I can't believe I actually filled my tank for under $20 not so long ago...of course that was short lived...nice but short lived).





With record holiday snowfalls in our region, it was a perfect time to take the Jeep on a four wheeling run. Friday, December 26 we headed to the mountain towns of Waha and Winchester. On Saturday, we headed to our cabin in the mountains of Clearwater County.

Fancy footwork...

Yesterday I realized something, it's been 8 months since Duke came into my life; notice how much my journal entries have dropped? And I can say with certainty that he has certain traits and characteristics. He is very complex, like me, so in that way we relate to each other. He can go from being soft and obedient to bracy and disobedient in a heartbeat. He's always thinking, very mouthy, confident, naughty, dominant, and playful. He keeps me on my toes and teaches me something new everyday; he is an awesome teacher.

What has he taught me?

• To be patient, again
• To relax and not be such a direct line thinker
• To be as gentle as possible but as firm as necessary (assertiveness)
• To say "Oh boy!" instead of "Oh no!"
• The fine art of moseying
• Leadership

I could go on, because it's something new every day.
Thankfully for me he's also patient...most of the time. And one other thing I've learned is he gets bored with arenas. Bored! Bored! Bored! This time of year we have to stay inside, in the arena to play, whether on the ground, or in the saddle. I love playing on the ground with Duke. I love riding too! But the ground work is so important. If you don't have respect on the ground, you won't get it in the saddle.
The other day I was playing with Duke and had one of those moments...a moment where I was able to work my way through a situation with him. To keep him engaged in the activity, I have to be provocative and mix things up. Repetition isn't his thing. When learning something new, once he gets it, move on.

So, this time I decided to get out some barrels and ground poles; two and three, respectively. The barrels to play a 'squeeze' game to help both of us become more comfortable with trailer loading, and the poles to keep Duke's mind engaged during the 'circle' game we play. I thought, if he has to think about where he's putting his feet, he won't be so bored with circling. Additionally, lately I've noticed him tripping over his feet, even though we pulled his shoes and trimmed his hooves on January 5th. Could be laziness or boredom, but I thought perhaps an exercise in moving over an object, and having to pick up his feet, would be useful and beneficial.

I set the two barrels on end about three feet apart, and the poles off to the side in a V pattern, but with the extra pole in the middle. We played on-line (on the ground with a halter and lead rope) with the barrels, backing Duke in between, which is difficult for him because he's not confident with objects behind him. From there I sent him forward into a circle, using the barrels as obstacles in his path to keep him from getting bored with the mindless act of going around and around and around in an endless circle. At a walk then a trot, we went around one barrel, then between the two, then out away from the barrels, then back around one, change direction, and go the opposite direction. My timing was off several times and the lead rope hung up on the barrel causing Duke to stop when he felt the pressure, so I need to work on that. I get so into watching his movement that I often forget I have a lead rope in my hand.

Then we moved over to the poles, starting Duke off at a slow walk first so he could negotiate the placement of the poles. Immediately Duke offered to trot. The first two circles he completely avoided the poles, first skirting around the outside, then skirting the inside toward me. Oh boy! The third time I positioned myself properly putting Duke right over the poles. Going over he hit them with his hooves and stepped on them, knocking them around while tripping and losing his balance...and his confidence. He genuinely looked frustrated and very sour. So we went off to other games...touch it, sideways, porcupine...all things he knew giving him time to gain back his confidence and me time to think of a different strategy for him. Then I had a thought...what if I went over the poles with him, both ways, so we do the exercise together? Back to the poles we went, walking together this way over them, and then back in the other direction. I gave him a moment to think before I took up my position and I sent him over the poles again. First at a nice calm walk, then Duke offered to trot and this time I watched as he crossed over the poles, placing his feet perfectly between each pole, never hitting or tripping as he moved. He looked like he was prancing...so beautiful!!! As soon as he finished his expression changed to excitment as he happily trotted right to me, licking his lips, ears forward, attentive and ready. If he could talk he might have said, "Wow! That was fun!" Considering our past experiences with poles at a trot always resulted in him clumsily striking them and tripping, this moment was a major breakthrough.

And with that, we called it a day.

I've also learned to end our sessions on a positive note. We'll both remember that next time.

The journey continues...

Duke's Snow Day

We got more snow on Friday and it's snowing now. Our tree farm is doing okay, sales are down from the past, but we know it's because of the economy.

Sam was sick this week, on Wednesday and Thursday. He's doing better today but there for awhile he was just miserable. It's one of the hazards of having a tree farm; we stand outside for hours in the bitter cold, or somedays we spend our time going in and out of the house, going in and out of the cold air really hammers on a person's body.

I love the snow, not so crazy about the cold or driving in the snow; too many crazy drivers out there. Getting out to see Duke every day is a challenge; the road closest to my house is a steep, winding hill outside of the city limits and low on the counties priority list (it now looks like the street I live on, pic below), so to be on the safe side I go the long way. It's an extra 6 miles out of my way, but the roads are maintained and pretty bare. Yesterday when I went to feed Duke and clean his stall my fingertips and toes were so cold I couldn't feel them, and I was layered in clothing. Had my CuddlDuds on (thermal under garments), jeans, turtleneck, sweatshirt, winter coveralls, a Pacific Trail coat, two layers of gloves (knit and ski but not too tight), and my heavy Columbia boots. In this cold we increase the amount of hay we feed to help the horses generate enough body heat to keep warm. I'm keeping track of his weight to ensure he doesn't gain too much and prevent another laminitis event.

Friday when I took him out for a little walk in the snow Duke's energy came up and I could tell he wanted to play. I thought about turning him loose in the outdoor arena, but hestitated because of the ice and concern about him getting all worked up and breathing in too much cold air. Yesterday, I decided to stop worrying so much and I turned him loose. I thought maybe he'd roll around, trot some, canter a bit, but I never thought he'd do what he did!!! And here I was worried that all that extra hay I'm feeding him would make him heavier.




Apparently he's feeling pretty light on his feet. :) I just hope he never does that when I'm in the saddle! :O

Pre-winter whinney

Brrr, it's getting a bit chilly out there. Tuesday it was 2 degrees, right now it's snowing. Duke has quite the winter coat...he looks like a big plushy toy.

But he still enjoys his daily roll, mud and all.

Pre-snow rolling, of course.

Last week during his daily turn out he engaged in a little friendly game of sparing with another gelding.






Mr. Tough Guy. Ears pinned, nostrils flared, seriously mean look. "Back off!" He looks very serious, but this is all what makes horses who and what they are. Everything they do is driven by order, establishing a hierarchy...a pecking order. In a herd of two or more, there can only be one leader.




When I'm around, when it's just me and Duke, I'm the leader. It's taken me months to earn Duke's trust. Every day he tests me because horses vote for their leader every day. Every day he checks to see if I'm paying attention, if I'll let him get away with this little thing or that. He's teaching me a lot.



And when I watch him interact with another horse, I've observed something interesting. The dominance games he used to play on me are now directed at other horses.



Another gelding checks out the scene.

Keeping it real

Between my new job and Duke, my daily schedule has stretched my time. I used to work 8 - 5 Monday to Friday and my evenings were always open, usually spent here on my computer. Now I work 7 - 5 Monday to Thursday, then 8 - Noon on Fridays (love that!). After work I change into my horsey clothes and devote the next two hours to Duke (cleaning his stall and playing with him). Most evenings by the time I get home it's 8 or 8:30, I eat a bite for dinner and then it's time for bed.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Before I got Duke I truly thought I'd done all my homework about horse ownership. Oh boy, was I in for a major shift in my thinking. There is sooooo much I don't know.

Duke is no ordinary horse and he has issues, having spent the last five years of his life as a pasture pet and basically allowed to do whatever he wanted, when he wanted. On the ground he was disrespectful of my space, pushy, dominant, willful and greeted me with pinned ears and hard eyes. In the saddle he pushed through the bit, wouldn't stop or listen to my leg cues, was bracey, and definitely had more go than whoa. On the other hand, he is calm, smart, gentle, friendly and very curious.

In May I became a student of the Parelli Natural HorseManShip teachings. I'm currently studying Level 1 (Partnership) and on the brink of beginning Level 2 (Harmony). When I'm ready, my goal is to have my Level 1 skills assessed by a professional; I've learned this can be done by video and YouTube is an excellent outlet for these assessments. It's a bit scary but it's what I want to do.

The relationship I now have with Duke is due in large part to what I've learned from Parelli. At the stable there are always people ready to hand out advise, but I've learned to filter most of it away from me. At one point I had to bring in a professional trainer to address three critical short comings in Duke's training: trailering, backing/stopping, and pulling back when tied. She was a huge help and much better prepared to deal with these areas than I.

From Duke I am gaining valuable insight into the horse. Man I thought I knew horses, but I didn't know nothing. And you can't fake it with horses, they will see right through any bluff or pretense. They keep things real. Very real.

The journey continues...

Music for the video is "In Your Shoes" written and performed by Katie Drake (niece of Pat Parelli)