We all deserve to have an off day every now and then and today was Ike’s day.  Can’t blame it on the heat because it was still in the 70s when I rode.  Can’t blame it on the green heads since they had not yet made a Sunday morning appearance.  Either Ike woke up on the wrong side of the stall or it was a heck of an equine Memorial Day party at the barn last night.  In either case, I had to try and work through the crankiness to call the day a success.  Even when I captured his attention in the photo below, I can see that he is just not himself, “Just take the picture and let’s get this done” it seems to say to me. There was ear pinning while I tightened the girth, hoof stomping as I applied fly spray, and then it was time to mount His Royal Cranky Pants.  When I’d pick up contact with the reins, Ike would quickly raise his nose and push with the lower neck muscles.  No, Ike, that is NOT an acceptable response, please try again.  Brace, yank, push, ear pinning.  Sigh, growing pains.  A four-year-old tantrum from the 1200 pound child.  Fun.  I never did achieve a true over-the-back connection today.  I recorded the first part of my ride (the camera shut itself off after about 8 minutes…I guess it couldn’t stand to record any more of the battle.)  From the video, things don’t look too awful, but boy did it feel awful while aboard HR Cranky Pants.  Once I edit the video, I will post so you can be part of the fun.  Lots of one rein flexes today and quick transitions in hopes of shutting down the yuck to get to a happy place.  Never really found it.

The one good note for the day:  Ike walked right on the trailer without hesitation.  Yes, it was the only good note.

Tomorrow is another day…

Was able to catch two rides in the past two days with one of them being a lesson. Don’t know what lit the fire under the big boy’s bottom, but he has been a cantering fool the past two rides even when not asked to canter. It is hard to complain too much because it is really becoming a balanced canter with a nice rocking horse motion. Ike is learning to use his back, engage the hind end, and lift the withers with each stride. Instead of four independently moving legs with a body and head attached, we have a cohesive unit with parts working together.  It has been months since my knee has been in danger of meeting the fence.

Ms. C noticed that his canter is better at the start of the lesson. She said that he still doesn’t have the strength and stamina of an older horse, so we work with him to get the most from what he can offer at this point in his development. We work on our canter transitions, circles, and stamina towards the beginning of the lesson and then move on to our stretch down trot work. It is evident that Ike doesn’t completely understand what I’m asking for in the stretch down trot. When I offered my hands forward, he snatched the reins, dropped his head and picked up speed. Half halt! Half halt! And he is still motoring along. HALF HALT! Oh, you were talking to me? Yes Ike, I was. And let me just say again that the people who wrote the dressage tests are evil geniuses. It used to be that the stretch down trot did not appear until Test 3…now, there it is looming in Test 1…and Test 2…and Test 3. Can’t escape it, so we will half halt our way around the circle and hope for the best until Ike develops a better understanding. My crystal ball predicts a 5 for our first attempt. I will let you know on June 17th what the actual score turns out to be. Hoping that the canter will be stronger than it was in April so that we don’t take the hit for the wrong lead, a wobbly circle, an unbalanced down transition, and in our collective submission score. Sheesh, one little bobble can really add up.

I’m also attempting to fix my position while cantering.  Yes, I know I need to sit back and I say it over and over in my head as I’m riding.  I also have the tendency to let the reins get a tad too long which probably contributes to our unbalanced down transitions because Ike has no support from me.  You can almost hear Ike asking, “Where are you to help me?”  I’m too busy sitting tall with a relaxed seat and watching for the fence while trying to maintain a proper 20 meter circle.  Thank goodness he is forgiving.

We did one practice load today.  Last time we practiced was Wednesday.  Ike was again a superstar and walked right into the trailer.  Fingers crossed that it will be as easy on June 3rd.

Hot weekend ahead – high 80s predicted, so we will ride early to beat the heat.  Hoping that the greenheaded flies decide to sleep in so we can avoid them as well.

So this spring went from summer drought-like conditions to enough rain that I’m feeling moldy from the constant wetness.  The grass at home will be a foot tall before it dries out enough to be cut.  Maybe it is a good thing we can get Ike on the trailer.  He can come home with me and  “cut” our grass – OK, OK, the weeds.  I wonder what our downtown neighbors will think of our new lawn mower?  Really officer, he is a VERY large Great Dane…

Since it was not the best riding day, but the rain had dwindled to a mist for a spell, I decided that it was a fine opportunity to practice our loading.  Why not?  As you can see from the photo above, Ike was again a star.  Didn’t want to belabor the point, so after the first success, he got to have a snack of hay in his stall.

Unlike his brother who was head-to-toe mud, Ike was spotless, so there was not even any grooming to be done.  We just had some neck rubs and ear scratches and enjoyed each other’s company.

Tomorrow is my barn-free day and will be Ike’s first break from his trailer practice.  We passed the first test of me being able to load alone.  Now will we be able to continue our success after a day off?  Come back Wednesday night and find out.

Yes, everyone, this is a photo of Ike on the trailer with the butt bar in place, and the ramp up.  The most exciting part is that I did it ALL BY MYSELF!!!!  If a strong gust of wind had come, it would have blown me over.

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when I arrived at the barn.  Would Ike load?  Would I have to call Mr. Revelle back and have to have another loading lesson with him?  Can I do this?  I used the same halter with a chain hooked to the lead rope.  I put the lead rope over Ike’s neck just like yesterday.  I had the piaffe whip at the ready in case we needed a bit of encouragement and peppermints in my pocket.  We walked up to the trailer and I said, “Ike, Load Up!”  He balked for a second.  I gave him a pat and repeated the request with a little tap on his croup. In the trailer he went, I latched the butt bar, and folded up the ramp.  And stood there in astonishment.  Had I just done it?  I ran around to the escape door just to make sure and take the photo as evidence. Gave Ike a handful of peppermints and the biggest hug.  I gushed praised, “good boy, such a brave man, that’s my big boy.”  I then unloaded him and decided to try one more time.  The second time there was no hesitation from Ike.  I felt like doing the victory dance like Rocky at the top of the steps.  Thank you Mr. Revelle for whatever you whispered in Ike’s ear.

Ike and I then had a short, but productive ride.  Worked on shoulder-fore, canter to stretch down trot circles, centerline turns, and keeping my weight in the right place.  Perfect weather for riding with a breeze to keep away the natty bugs and green headed flies.

Look out world, Baby Huey will be on the road again soon.

Bet you are thinking what the heck are those letters in the title of the post.  Look closely and think of a license plate.  Got it?  It is the license plate of the gentleman who came today to help Ike and I over our trailer issues. [Horse Whisperer for those of you who need a little extra help.]  Mr. Revelle arrived bright and early this morning.  Thank goodness that I was able to give coherent directions to the farm.  We introduced ourselves and I explained Ike’s issues.  He was not at all concerned, but he’s been working with horses for 50 years and has been there and done that.

We retrieved the big boy from his paddock.  Mr. R went right to work with some lunging and groundwork – a bit of a get-to-know-you and you get-to-know-me.  I stood to the side and watched.  As Ike would trot by me while lunging, I swear he kept looking at me as if to ask, “Who is this and why are we doing this?”  But, Ike being the good fellow that he is, went along with the program and tried his best.

Then it was time for the trailer.  My role was limited at first.  Stay out-of-the-way and dispense treats if and when Ike got on the trailer.  All I can say is that I was truly impressed with Mr. R’s technique.  He has a great feel for when to push and when to release the pressure and when to push for more.  Soon Ike was walking on and standing quietly.  In the blink of an eye, the butt bar was in place.  What?!  Holy Moly!  The ramp was up and there we were.  The boy did try some pushing to see if it would move, but got a poke in the butt.  Then it was my turn to try.  With Mr. R’s guidance, I had Ike load himself and was able to then put the butt bar in place.  No way!  I can load my horse by myself?!  Who would have thought it…not me.  The light at the end of the tunnel is a bit brighter.  We will practice regularly and pray that it will only get better from here.

The day was not over once Mr. R headed home.  Ike and I also had our lesson with Ms. C.  Boy was he strong and dominant with that right shoulder today.  I like to think that my legs are strong, but it took all I had to attempt to stop it, but failed miserably on numerous tries.  (I wish the hot tub was filled tonight for the sore leg muscles.)  What impresses me with Ike is that even after his trailer training, he still gave 100% in our lesson.  Worked on shoulder fore and turn on the haunches with some success.  The canter continues to improve.  Ike’s right lead is now better than the left lead on many days; that dominant right shoulder caused us some turning issues today as well as some outward drift and ovals rather than circles.  We even played with the thought of canter lengthening.  Ike liked that part of the lesson.  There is definitely some range in that canter.

I did my own horse whispering as I took Ike back to his paddock when we were done.  Told him that he is a very special horse and I am very lucky to have him in my life.

…the right thing.

Made the decision today to scratch our entry in Sunday’s schooling show.  Let me explain…as you know Ike has been having some trailer issues.  The biggest issue is not that he won’t get on the trailer, but that he panics when you go behind him and either touch the ramp or the butt bar.  He throws his mass into reverse quicker than a stunt car driver and backs off the trailer.  Not sure why now since he did ride in this trailer to and from the dressage show in April.  Too bad I’m not psychic.  It is not a safe situation and someone or Ike is going to get hurt.  It is an issue that needs to be resolved and soon before it becomes dangerous.  Better to stay home and work out these kinks than to travel to the show only to find that Ike won’t get on the trailer to come home.

I have talked to a local expert who works with behavioral issues and horses who have trailer “concerns.”  If the scheduling works, he will come next week to help me with Ike.  Hold the press!  He just called and is coming tomorrow.  Keep all fingers, toes, and hooves crossed that he can work his magic and our problems will be solved.

I did manage to fit in a ride this afternoon as well.  Had not been in the saddle since Sunday.  Do you know what happens when you give a four year old three days off?  He gets very forward, but in a good way.  Wow, what a ride.  It is a shame that he has decided to be a homebody for the time being.  Walk-trot transitions were fluid as were the down transitions.  Gone are the days where we ran into the brick wall when asked to walk.  Ike also got every canter transition when asked, on the correct lead, and with round circles instead of ovals.  Dare I say the boy is starting to have some body awareness?  I probably should not and jinx myself.

To tide you over until we make it out in public again, here is the upload of my rides from April.  The video was done by Video Vibes.  If they are ever at your show, get them to do the video for you – it is well worth it.  The first ride up in the video is our Intro A test which was actually our second ride at the show.  Next is the Intro C test.  Finally Intro B – Watch closely and you will clearly see us almost take down the rail on some of the turns.  No laughing at our canter is allowed…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0g6UQyd0AY

I saw a quote in my new Whole Living magazine (http://www.wholeliving.com/) that arrived today that made me grin to myself, “The upside of grand failures: They make great stories.”  If that is the case, it is no wonder that I started a blog about my riding experiences.  Oh yes, there is some success in the mix, but it seems like the small victories come after I’ve failed in some miserable and usually public way.

Apparently, I am a magnet for special-needs animals who are experts at humbling me.  Anyone who knows Cigar knows that he relishes his misbehavior and naughtiness even in retirement.  He just recently ripped the hot wire off the fence when he realized it wasn’t working.  My dogs are no exception.  My therapy dog Tim was pretty easy to train, but chose to relieve himself on the bag of expensive dog treats with the entire class and instructor watching.  My old hound dog had me chasing after her around the neighborhood while wearing 4 inch heel boots – my future husband dubbed them my jogging boots.  My newest canine addition Spencer?  He barked and lunged at every dog at the local dog parade and in his Obedience 101 class.  We dropped out of the class since we were more of a distraction to the other dogs who were trying to learn.  I was so proud.

And Ike?  Well he is quickly earning a reputation as “challenging to load” and “frequent no-show” at clinics.  Great.  I was hoping for a reputation as “a talented, young horse with great potential to move up the levels.”  At least we can entertain the blog readers with our misadventures and hope for a better performance tomorrow.

Ike had the day off to enjoy the weather, recover from the vet visit, and because I worked all day and had the commute from he_ _  to get home this afternoon.  Back to work tomorrow.  Three days to practice loading and get some saddle time before our Training Level debut on Sunday.  Just breathe, Alison, breathe.