First of all - Jazz has done four time tempi changes. Thrilled is not the word for it. He did two in 20 metres and I could easily have done a third before the end of the arena arrived but I decided not to push it for today, but to praise him wildly for what he did and stop. He's going to find them very easy now he knows what I want. The change in only about a week in his understanding and ability to stay straight is quite amazing.
Second, and more momentous - I have decided to find Buttie a new home. I have watched him for the last year become increasingly isolated from the herd. Ace chases him away, the other two are indifferent, and he is usually on his own somewhere quite far from the other three when I see them in the field. Recently he has been leaving them altogether and coming to the gate to beg to come in for a cuddle and a scratch. I really don't think he is especially happy. I have tried to give him jobs to do, but lunging bores me and him witless, so would driving in the arena, and driving on our roads is out of the question for safety reasons and because he will never manage the hills. The two charities we thought he would be a mascot for both failed to get permission for him to go to their events, so we never even started to achieve the job we meant him to do. He faces a summer trapped in a muzzle with no friends to groom or play with and not enough of my attention, so very sadly I have put him up for sale for his own sake.
I am having my arm bitten off by people who want him, so I have my pick and choice of homes. I am waiting for pictures from someone who has a DIY livery yard of 11 boxes, where he would be a pet of all the liveries as well as her tiny daughter's lead rein pony, and she plans to buy him a trap to pull as well and has already been browsing the catalogues in spite of us not yet agreeing that she can have him. She is top of my list at the moment, but wherever he goes, it's obvious he isn't going to be here much longer :-(
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Sorry to see Buttie go, but I do agree that he needs a job. It's pretty evident in how quickly he took to the lungeing. While you might be able to find ways to have fun with him---I am getting a book on horse agility training--I don't think you have either the time nor interest to devote to him they way he seems to need. And it is sad to know he is not a real member of the herd. Sounds as if you have some great options for him and a little girl of his own would be perfect!!
ReplyDeleteAs for those tempis....told ya! Now, look over your tests. I think you need to teach the 4's first. You have to be a bit careful when you start out as it's very easy for the horse to start anticipating. And, when you try to change the number of strides, sometimes they get confused. You have made a fabulous start and Jazz deserved all that praise.
Just be patient in case his legs get "tangled" now and then in offering the changes. Some horses just take to it easily and others need patience to sort it all out. A lot depends on how his brain processes the effort. My Toby was actually pretty easy as he didn't tend to get too excited, so if Jazz doesn't "over offer" the changes, but waits for you just because he's that kind of horse, you are going to have a ton of fun!!
Congratulations! I know this has been a long time dream of yours. Riding tempis is a blast!!!!
I am so confused Jean. I am crying about Buttie and thrilled about Jazz's tempis all at the same time.I know it's right, Buttie deserves more than I can give him, but I am so sad, he is so sweet, so pretty, so utterly loveable. I shall miss him so much. I have drowned my sorrows tonight in a whole bottle of red wine, but tomorrow I am finalising details on transferring him to a new home with almost grassless paddocks, and a lovely little girl called Willow to love him, on Sunday.
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Buttie is your sweetheart, but you are doing the best thing for him. If he were truly a happy member of your herd, it might be different, but from everything you have said, including how he clings to you, he needs someone to love him specially. I have a feeling Willow will be his angel.
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, if the paddocks have no real grass, then that dreadful muzzle is a thing of the past too. Smile through your tears. I am sure it's not going to be easy, but if he's close enough, you can always go visit. All you will need to do is see him a few times with his new "mom" and the ache will vanish in a smile.
I am sending you a hug of comfort and assurance. In this case, Buttie's happiness is far more important than yours.
"In this case, Buttie's happiness is far more important than yours."
DeleteSo true. And I know he will be much happier in a yard with more going on, with a little girl to think that he is wonderful, with hay instead of haylage, with bare paddocks and no muzzle and no limit to his freedom. Gosh I'm gonna miss him!
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It's either that or get two or three more ponies to keep him company :-) How nice to have a choice of places for him to go. It's hard for sure but it seems you have made a good decision.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jazz - amazing!
It more than crossed my mind ML. I have been looking for a leopard spot miniature, and if I could find one I would buy it and keep them both together, but they are as rare as hen's teeth.
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