I haven't ridden today, I'm finding it hard to focus until SH is all sorted, and he has a nasty cold now which we desperately need under control by Wednesday when he goes for pre-op stuff.
But I did ride Ace as well as Jazz yesterday, and finally started some serious learning, now that he is calm and sweet and happy. I decided to teach him some shoulder in, or at least shoulder fore.
I got part way down the long side asking for shoulder in and he tried to walk forwards off the track. I gently blocked that and he tried to walk on straight. I put him back in the bend and he stopped, jiggled up and down on his feet and said "I don't understand, what do you want me to do? Please explain it a bit more clearly!" He actually seemed quite upset by not being able to do what I was asking him to do. But instead of fighting/running like another horse might, he just stopped and tried to tell me he couldn't understand.
I tried to explain it more clearly, and very slowly a step at a time, and suddenly he got it and did a number of really good three-track steps. He repeated that on the other rein too.
I just love his attitude. He is a quiet worrier and he needs verbal encouragement whenever he doubts himself, and then he tries his absolute best to work out what you are asking him to do. It is a complete joy to work with a horse with an attitude like his, I've never known one like it before. Tetley was a "run for it and escape", Scooby was a "shut off and I can't hear you", Jazz is a "you can't make me", Zippy was an "only if you make me" Radar is also a "run for it" and all sorts of others, but never one who wants to please as much as Ace does.
Long may it continue. I suspect whether it does is entirely in my own hands!!
C
I suspect along with you that maintaining that attitude will be mostly up to you. What a sweetie he is.
ReplyDeleteI take it the omeprazole is having good effects? Amazing, actually. The difference in Tucker's behavior was incredible.
Sending "get rid of the cold healing vibes" to hubby. No recommendations except to get some rest, eat right, and take whatever vitamins are allowed under the pre-op rules. Steam helps too.
Definitely wishing him WELL!!!
I join Jean in sending get over the nasty cold vibes. Lots of fluids might help. You must be on edge - I can't imagine.
ReplyDeleteI just love hearing stuff about Tetley. He's so wise and experienced these days. He still gets excited but never too wild, thank goodness!
Just catching up with things hope Alan is feeling better today with any luck by today he is feeling better with his cold x
ReplyDeleteAce really sounds such a sweetheart and going from strength to strength.
A
Alan is the priority of course, I hope the antibiotics do their stuff by the time tomorrow morning dawns.
ReplyDeleteLovely description of your schooling with Ace, quiet, calm and slow, sounds just perfect.
T
Ace is now only on the Settelex, an antacid. I'm watching carefully but it seems to be enough for him Jean. Jazz is back on omeprazole and the weaving is back to very mild.
ReplyDeleteML when Tetley was four, and he got half way through,say, a change of rein across the diagonal, he would suddenly bolt forwards as if he could get out of working if only he could run fast enough. It was really quite endearing! He kept it up for about six months, as I recall.
Anne & Tracey he feels better but sound worse and we are both terrified that at the pre-op checks tomorrow they are going to say that they can't operate until the virus is completely out of his system. We can't face another delay, so we have the max strength capsules, the Sinex spray, the antihistamines and everything ready for tomorrow!!
I was working today and haven't ridden. I might not get time tomorrow either, it depends when I wake up.
C