Baby Greenie Support Group now open: Share Your Pain!

[FirstCry]

Ok, I managed to survive another show day with the Greenie. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif He actually was wonderful for the first two jumping classes (2nd in Eq, and 1st in hunter) He even did his leads properly, front and back at the same time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif AND THEN: We had a little medal class for the babies (with a halt and a roll back /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif ) Well, Stanley had had enough of being a good boy and his evil twin showed up. Can we say, lets make the hind feet dance in the corners, then we must throw a buck in here and there on the corners. Halted nice, all the jumps were perfect, but we just had to futz around the corners, even did the roll back beautiful. And we did win that class, even with the corners??? As they say, the best of the worst. hehehe, either that or I can equitate to bucks well. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Anyhoo - Flats were fine(2nd eq, 1st hunter) I wouldn't let him play, I kept his by himself as much as possible cause now, we were just making nasty faces at everyone that passed us, and Stanley will lunge at another horse, if the mood fits. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif IDIOT!! Sooo all in all it was a very good day, we were Champions, Yeaaaa!!!

I even got to pictures. He we are taking a HUGE spot. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[FirstCry]

And another, don't mind my chopped off head, my friends first time with a digital camera. hehe

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[FirstCry]

awwww, isn't he cute. Again, friend zoomed a little too close but I like this shot.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[FirstCry]

Ok, last one, I promise, but I just loved this shot.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[Bumpkin]

I hope I get some photos from our first outing to add to the "Greenie" Collection.
Although our jumps are only going to be 2'6"!! haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
I am happy as I won't fret as much, and have fun just being there with my Elliot.

[FirstCry]

If you'll notice the pics, I'm only doing 2'6" too. Stanley tucks much nicer over the bigger fences.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[DMK]

OK, so I spent a week working Riverman on the lunge line, working on some specific things relating to rolling over on his hind end, disengaging his front end from his hind end, and just generally putting his hind foot somewhere near the track of his front footstep, instead of 4" inside, which is where he thinks his hind end should go...

So Saturday I climb back up on him and off to the big field we go. He was actually doing pretty darn good until the neighbor, who was mowing, managed to get the blade stuck on something loud. Something that went WHAP WHAP WHAP. And of course he was behind a bunch of bushes, so it was noise without visual context. Didn't think a 17 hand 4 year old could be that agile about leaping 45 feet to the side. By some miracle, and an incredible sense of self preservation, I managed to stay on. Of course he was a wee bit mentally fried now (fired a double barrel with his hind end when my leg slipped back as I was unwinding my stirrup leather after losing it/picking it up on the fly after Incident #1). We stayed up in the field for a few more minutes, to establish that it wasn't a bad place, then went down to the ring to get some work done. Not stellar, but OK...

Sunday I figure I will just save myself the many hazards of the field and stick to the ring. Our barn property has a house that is separately rented from the barn. For the longest time we had a tenant who used to own horses, had horse sense, and was just all around wonderful. Alas, all good things must come to an end... Now we have tenants with a complete lack of horse sense, and unfortunately for us, the ring is in close proximity to the house. Obviously it has been a LONG time since I have had to keep my horses in close proximity with people who lack horse sense, and I realize how very spoiled I have become...

Sunday I decide to lunge briefly and work on getting that right hip under him a little before I hop (climb) on. Life is good. I then get on and start riding. He is starting out good, but a tad looky. Enough that I know he will get over it before long. Or at least until the guy comes out of the side door of the house, and lets the glass door slam. Now I know this horse will have an elevated head as we come down that side of the ring for at least 3 more rides. That's OK, we will just have to deal with it - that's why it ain't easy being green. But what I DON'T expect is that he comes right up to the ring, to where the big plastic trash cans are, looks at me, and - just as I am going by (not 12 feet away) - DROPS EMPTY PAINT CANS IN THE TRASH CAN!! Again, I stayed on, but this one was much more in the miracle category than most... Hopefully my frantic attempts to stay on, along with major cursing might possibly have made him consider the ramifications of his actions.

However, I doubt it. So far, they have left fishing gear by the lake (in the barn area). Now we know how to remove a large fishing hook from a dog's leg. The guy was sitting on the porch shooting off his bb gun (or a 22 possibly) - presumably at birds. However the horses were almost going over their stall doors, since this qualified as a loud sharp sound from behind them that had no visual context (funny, but during hunting season, we hear a lot of gunfire, and that just never bothers them). He tossed something out of that same side door as my friend was riding her greenie - she experienced a similar response as I did with the trash can episode. And once he was doing the gun bit while I was riding my older horse up to a jump. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif But the piece de resistance which makes me think that they (he, really - so far there is no evidence the wife is this much of an idiot) are lacking in just plain old common sense is that I saw them grilling last weekend. Open, unattended grill, lit and burning on the front porch. It's a solid wood house. An OLD wood house. One spark flying up to the roof or drifting down to the floor and can we say WHOOOSH?

[serengeti36]

I feel your pain. Rode at one point on a barn leased from some very non horse sense people. They were dropping stuff, and firing up stuff, such as the equipment that he used for work (did i mention he owned a construction company?) at the same moment that the greenies or even better teh OTTB's were in the ring. Then rode at another place with tourists. They would wander through the barn. Had a little girl walk up to my horse who was leaning over the stall guard, she walked up put her hand near his nose adn when he sniffed her she screamed bloody murder /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif poor baby throws his head up, nails it on teh cross piece above his door, scrapes a patch of fur off about three inches long, four wide, fortunantly does not break skin, but lacks fur.The swinging up of the head scared the child so she screamed even more loudly. The mother of the daughter then turns to me, infuriated that i had let my horse be afraid of a SCREAMING CHILD. ooohh... non horse people around horses... never works well
marion

[Lord Helpus]

DMK -- Did your neighbor star in Deliverance a few decades back? He shore sounds like a gud ol' boy to me!

[Justice]

Saturday was the big day - Justice went to live at Miracle Man's for the 3 weeks before the IJF (they will be shipping him out to me asap after the show, which I am staying in CA for).

I am pleased to announce that the trainer was pleased with the progress Justice has made in the past month since the last time he showed him. What a relief! I took my horse show homework very seriously and upped our exercise program in an attempt to turn my marshmallow into a mallowmar (still sweet and fluffy. . .with a little more substance!)

It never ceases to amaze me the stages these horses go through. It is such a pleasure to chart their progress, David was remarking - "do you remember the first time I rode him?," to which I replied - "I'm not going to forget it anytime soon! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif " As I was recalling the Very Scary Experience of taking a roaring dragon off the horse trailer (I swear he's not normally like this - he's three! He's three!) and attempting to lunge him with some semblance of dignity (which quickly proved to be impossible as Justice decided I was at the end of a very long leash and he needed to take me for a brisk trot), I realized that it was less than 90 days ago.
Saturday he got off the trailer, sighed, and asked where he'd be sleeping.

He's definitely enjoying all of the attention - and he just loves his female groom (traitor /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif )

It's so much fun reading about the adventures of the green beans on the board and following their steps forward (and the occasional step back. Although Justice doesn't really step back - he just goes to sleep and lets everyone else pass him by /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

[Lord Helpus]

Justice -- Is your boy coming all the way to Ky for the finals? Or are you talking about regionals?

If the finals, I will make sure to watch and cheer. I will also be prepared to bribe him with his favorite treatie. What is it?

[DMK]

Well Lord Helpus - down heyah in the foothills of the App'lachian mountuhns, we is mighty close to that there neck of thuh' woods, so yer estimation of this here boy's parentage might not be off thuh mahk, so ta speak /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Justice]

they are trying to make it more green horse friendly. So, he's just doing the Western IJF at the Oaks. Unfortunately he wasn't nominated for the IHF (although there is no way he would have been able to do it as a three year old anyway -
he hadn't even started jumping by then).

But - just in case you ever do run into him at KHP, make sure you hide your coke. . .especially if it's a plastic bottle. Cookies are nice, carrots are tasty, but there is nothing like snaking someone else's soda in Justice's book!

[LaurieB]

Okay, when Merry started this thread, I had just taken Tess to two shows in a row where she finally seemed to understand what her job was all about. By the second weekend (1st week in July) she was jumping around her courses like an old pro.

Fast forward to this past weekend, her next show. Arrive on Friday and school over the jumps. Tess is interested, but not spooky. I think, "Wow, my baby has finally grown up." Wait all day Saturday for our division that finally starts around 7 pm.

Go in for the first round. I'm thinking I need to be really forward in this first line to get the strides (when we're schooling we sometimes still do the adds.) I'm going move up, move up... while Tess was apparently thinking, what course? why am I in this ring all by myself? is that the judge? why is she wearing a funny hat? who put a bicycle on top of that BMW?

The inevitable outcome: we got to the first fence and Tess said, "Whoa! Who put that there???" She stopped and I went flying off over her head. Bear in mind, it's been thirty-one years since I fell off at a horse show. Of course the moment was captured for posterity on tape. Fortunately the nice judge let me get on and finish (or start and finish /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) the round.

Greenies, you gotta love 'em.
Sunday she was champion.
I'm still stiff as a board.

[DMK]

LaurieB - was that at Wills Park?

I took my greener-than-green new horse over there on Saturday (about 6 PM) to soak up the ambiance, as it were...

Considering that we had a "minor" incident as I was unloading him, he was pretty darn good. Shaken, but stood like a good boy for the rest of the time he was there. Did this very careful slow walk - deliberately putting his feet down very slowly when he was most nervous. It was odd - sort of like a spanish walk lite /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[LaurieB]

Yes DMK, that was at Wills Park.

I wish I'd known you were there. At six, I was still just hanging around waiting for something to happen.

Wore my COTH cap all day Sunday though. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Merry]

Ah, yes, Laurie. I've been in THAT movie before. *sigh*

The first breakthrough with Hammie was when he began being really good in the warm-up ring. Then he got to where he was next to perfect on warm-up day. Now, if I could only keep his attention when the actual competition began! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

The last show, I was having what I was sure was the winning ammy adult round. I saw this lovely moving up spot jumping into the final line. Alas, Hammie did not, and I made one of those ugly, "Huh, I could've sworn he was leaving the ground right then" moves. I was soooo embarrassed! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Lord Helpus]

Its the old "fall off at the first fence" trick, eh?

I haven't fallen off in years (since I broke my neck, I try to make a practice of NOT falling off. Then I switch trainers. First day of first show -- big jump, big buck, big prop and spin = fall off.

Second show, warm up day, first jump ("HUH? Jump? Where? I am too busy looking at the other 18 horses in the ring.") -- Stop, spin = fall off again. This was getting really old!

BUT, Warren saw the light. Last week he knew he had better get his butt over the jumps in good order or be fired from his job. Problem then is that his mom kept making ammie mistakes... Oh Well. At least we got a good picture out of the show (I figure it is a $500 picture...)

Gotta love those greenies. I think he is sure there is a crocodile in the jump and he has to jump high to avoid having his hooves bitten off...

[Bumpkin]

No matter what the cost!! haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
I am sooo nicely envious, and hope that I can someday get such a nice photo, of course, without having to fall off a few times and rush to the ER /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
Thank you Pam for sharing. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Leesa]

I bought a horse in July at Lake Placid that had been broken for only 6 weeks. I am sure glad I didn't read all these replies first.(haha)
My greenie, named Caesar, has been great. I hope to see all of you in the pre-greens soon. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

What, Leesa? You mean if you'd read these comments first, you wouldn't have wanted to join us-- in all of our, uhm, "fun"? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Pam, your photos are always so gorgeous they're disgusting. Please tell me you have some yucky ones hidden somewhere? My last bunch of photos served only to confirm that: A) I do indeed look lovely in my tan plaid coat and peachy pastel shirt; and B) Yup, Hammie bulges right when he jumps out of a line.

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[LaurieB]

I should probably clarify: in my own self-centered way, I overlooked the fact that not everyone knows my life story. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

The reason it's been thirty-one years since I fell off at a show is because I stopped riding in 1970 (after my junior years) and didn't start again until 1998, so I'm just getting back to showing now. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Lord Helpus]

Thanks, guys. W just plain takes a good shot. But, yes, I do have a repository for my bad pictures. It is called the wastebasket. Life is too short to be reminded of those unfortunate moments (or those unfortunate horses who you really THOUGHT were incredible jumpers until you saw them through the camera's lens.)

But, Merry, to make you feel better, here is a picture of Warren, at 7 am. His class started at 8 am.

[LaurieB]

Now that's funny. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[headsup]

::looks around:: but I got in a baby that actually listens! But..sssshhhhh....don't tell her that...she seems to think swishing her tail is misbehaving LOL.... ::dances for joy:: /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Merry]

With regards to falling off at a show... I'm so afraid of tempting fate here, but that hasn't happened to me in a couple of years, and it was totally my own fault. I asked my mare to make this ridiculous inside turn in a medal work-off. Hey, if it had worked, I'd have been famous! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[JustaLurker]

Wow, Pam! It's hard to believe that those 2 pictures are of the same horse. And, it's even harder to believe you could get him ready for a class just an hour later.

His over fences picture is marvelous and shows us why you keep cutting him slack. He's already pretty fancy and should develop into a killer hunter -- hopefully an A/O horse for you? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Cheers, Maggi

[Lord Helpus]

Yep. I have been cutting Warren slack for 3 years now... But when I get discouraged, I focus on the good stuff (the round we got second in was a really good one -- I just found a quiet distance off one corner, but that was hardly his fault). The pieces are all there, and they really are starting to come together. Our corners are immeasuably better -- he now softens and bends and goes deep into them (last summer we "motorcycled" the corners). So it will all happen someday. And he will be a fantastic 3'6" - 4' horse.

By then he will probably be sold. SIGH. All my horses are for sale..... It is the only way I can call this a business. But it beats working /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Oh Pam, you give me hope and inspiration. My corners on Hammie are fine... as long as I can keep him straight when he first lands out of a line. I keep myself in check by recalling how, exactly one year ago, he was barely cantering single fences and wouldn't pat the ground and wait to the base unless he was on the right lead. Now, that's all behind us. When does the general obnoxiousness subside? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Lord Helpus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Merry:
When does the general obnoxiousness subside? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When I get there I will let you know /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FirstCry]

Merry: in answer to your question. NEVER!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

[DMK]

Now hold on a second Merry /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You are worrying about getting your corners on your courses on the Hambola, while I am just trying to navigate a turn to the right at a trot, never mind a canter???

Excuse my lack of sympathy /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

On a good note, we had a breakthrough ride the other day. He finally figured out that when I oh so lightly touched that inside rein, and added inside leg I actually HAD A PLAN for his hindquarters /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif And complying with MY plan was much much easier than what he preferred to do (ignore, bulge through, pick up a pogo stick canter if absolutely necessary to avoid putting hind end under his body while going forward).

Ain't it wonderful when they "get it" no matter how basic the principle was?

[Pocket Pony]

Ok, I had been reading this thread and feeling pretty good about my baby greenie...until last night, that is!

The weather was awful - blustering wind with dust flying everywhere, trees with their leaves shimmering in the air and blowing around. Add to this a jumping lesson going on, two people galloping around the arena and another 3 people added to the mix. Mickey did NOT feel like playing nice last night.

One horse he hates for some reason. Everytime he's in the arena with this horse, he lunges at him or otherwise diverts his attention in his direction. The other horse that joined the queue is his playmate - they are very competitive and when Mickey sees him he just leaps in the air like a pogo stick! So I tried to push him forward to gallop and he ripped a buck...my friend is yelling "wooo hooo" as we're flying through the air.

Add to that the girl that canters up our backside which results in some rearing, and you've got a lovely schooling session. It is really too bad because he started out so nicely!

So my wish for my baby green is that he wouldn't be so affected by other horses...funny enough, he's great in the warm up areas at shows...

"Oh Mickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!"

[Merry]

Perhaps I should develop an "O.Q." for baby greenies, an "Obnoxiousness Quotient". They'd be measured on:
1. How often they chew anything constructed of wood or leather when you're not looking.
2. How long it takes them to utterly destroy their custom-made show blanket.
3. The frequency they pull off their aluminum shoes, regardless of how well they're shod or how well they're booted up.
4. The way they seem to delight in blowing a hack class by suddenly recognizing _____________.(Fill in distracting item of your choice).
5. To what level they clearly display their distaste for your requests, i.e., kicking out when asked for a flying change, or rooting on the bit instead of suppling up for a sitting trot in an eq. class.

Then we could all ask, when looking at a prospective purchase, "So tell me, what's this gelding's O.Q.?"

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Lord Helpus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Merry:
Perhaps I should develop an "O.Q." for baby greenies, an "Obnoxiousness Quotient". They'd be measured on:
1. How often they chew anything constructed of wood or leather when you're not looking.

Do they get extra credit if they do it while you are looking ---staring you down, even as a rein disappears into their mouth?

2. How long it takes them to utterly destroy their custom-made show blanket.

If it is unrecognizable as a blanket, add 10 points.


3. The frequency they pull off their aluminum shoes, regardless of how well they're shod or how well they're booted up.

Slicing bulb of heel or stepping on sprung shoe with nails in it are extra credit.


4. The way they seem to delight in blowing a hack class by suddenly recognizing _____________.(Fill in distracting item of your choice).

Or spooking at absolutely nothing at all (that the human eye can see). ANY horse can spook at a real live distraction....


5. To what level they clearly display their distaste for your requests, i.e., kicking out when asked for a flying change, or rooting on the bit instead of suppling up for a sitting trot in an eq. class.


I vote for an option D: All of the above.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Merry]

With regards to Splendid's description of her pogo stick, who among us has ridden the equine version of Pepe Le Peu? You know, the cartoon skunk with the French accent who, madames, is always in love, so he kind of springs and bounds around with stiff legs, his nose up in the air, and his tail up over his back? When I feel Pepe coming on, I just get off and lunge some more. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

As for Pam: You mean, I have to put up with this "attitude" for a while longer? Like, forever? /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Bumpkin]

Kicking out at flying changes or on the corners.
Just as I feel we are finally not doing it too much it gets worse!
I keep thinking my dear trainer is going to just throw her arms in the air and give up on our landing on the wrong lead and then kick, kick, flat tire feeling, kick, kick, circle, kick, correct lead.
Those kicks are me kicking with my outside leg and Elliot kicking with his hind legs.
Whats up with that???
This weekend is just for fun....is my chant. hahaha /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[JRG]

Well my green bean and I discovered rubber footing with our recent move. Lets just say things are a lot more "elevated" these days. Not to mention the ring has no fence so we have become fixated on one corner. Never mind the jumps all piled in the corner (used to be our nemesis), he could care less.

Our bucks have become more "brilliant" and our "lengthening" to die for. Do you get points for that in the show ring....LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Beezer]

My baby is a very, very good boy. Just ask Merry. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Tigger's not a spooker, he's not obnoxious (well, there is that little thing he has about wanting his back scratched ALL the time.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif ), he doesn't destroy things.

Of course, he has soundness "issues" and he's barely an average mover and he has his mother's carriage-horse/jumper head-set ... but these are more than made up for by his can-do attitude and Mr. Happy-To-Do-It-If-You'll-Just-Explain-It personality.

Nope, he'll never beat Hammie in hunters. And he sure as heck ain't ever gonna beat Warren, Justice, Jade, Elliott and a whole host of others, who are all wonderful, wonderful kids. But he's the first baby, baby greenie I've felt comfortable on in a looooong time. Heck, I don't even care when Merry starts setting up something fancy and expects me to take Tigger over it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

He's my kid, and I'll keep him, issues and shortcomings and all. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif And one of these days, we'll EVEN get to a horse show!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Mama's brag officially over. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[DMK]

Hey Beezer!

Go check out pix of Robbie on the hairnet thread... Your description of Tigger could have fit Robbie at 3&4 when he was just off the track.

The two most memorable things about Robbie's 4 year old year was the fact that I HID him from my trainer for 8 months and frequently said to my sister that "if all else fails, we should be able to sell him as a jumper to the local market... right?"

Then I figured out where he hurt, and he figured out how to jump... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But you don't get to do that unless they got some good 'tude!

(of course, we still don't put him in the hack /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

[Merry]

Just got back from taking Barbie, aka "the Hanoverian Cow Beast", over to our trainer's arena for the first time. Man, what an experience! One thing about greenie weenies, they're consistent in their inconsistency! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

In Barbie's defense, she's only 3yrs., 5 months (have to include those months, you know). Plus she's a warmblood mare, so there you go. But she was so stupefied by being at a new place that she could hardly move. It was like she was wearing cement overshoes. She did that Frankenstein walk, where she could barely put one foot in front of the other. Eventually she relaxed and was quite nice to hack on a big circle in the arena. Our trainer said, "She's very cute and a beautiful mover. I think you guys could make a lot of money with this one." Queen of Horse Show Moms just erupted with, "Oh nooooo! My precious Barbie is NOT for sale... ever!"

Yeah, well, how about you climbing aboard precious Barbie? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[TrickOfTheTrade]

Well I will be taking Trick Sunday to the Oaks for the OCHSA benifit show and will attempt to jump him for the first time at the show. I know he will be good, its me that I worry about, lol.
Will post pic of me and the greenie in the baby long stirrup classes. I am getting so tired of little 2 foot fences.

[GRF]

If I could wave a wand over my BG jumper it would simply be to make him more equitable with regard to that one hour of time, each day that he's ALL MINE!
The other 23 hours are his...His undivided attention is all I ask for a mere 60 minutes!(is that so much?) I must confess, I feel blessed for the 30 minutes of the hour that he does give me his all, as he does (I'm sure out of self-defense) at horse shows.(where it really counts)
He is a talented, handsome ,(I know looks don't count, but they don't hurt)and for the most part, a big-hearted youngster, who learns quickly. Again... I have been blessed, obviously I worship the ground he trots on! (doesn't he know it!)
Maybe THAT'S why I don't get my hours worth!
But I believe that you have to give repesct, in order to earn it.
Positive "anything"...is far better than negative "nothing".

[Lord Helpus]

AAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHH!

Two days ago we had a big rain. So yesterday, before harrowing the ring, I took the doggie pooper scooper out and picked stones (I really love my horses...) I also took a little bucket, and whan the bucket was full of stones, I would dump the pile outside the ring (on a gravel driveway -- what could be more appropriate?).

But Warren walked into the ring today and he JUST KNEW that something was different. SOMETHING was out there ready to jump at him and scare the bejeebers out of him. He .... just.... knew.... it.

After three times around, he figured out what it was -- the little piles of stones OUTSIDE the ring on a gravel driveway!

Screaming halt. Heart pounding. Ears flicking. Eyes popping. Throw engine into reverse gear, with attempts to DS&S (drop shoulder and spin). If I hadn't been laughing so hard I would have clobbered him. But I know that clobbering him only reinforces the terror (I can FEEL his heart trying to come out between his ribs -- he is really SCARED!). So I just patted him, let him look at the stones and walk by cautiously with heart a-thumping.

To take his mind off the stones, we started jumping gymnastics which got progressively harder. That he could do. That was easy. But.... the piles of STONES! Even on his way out of the ring, he gave them a careful looking at in case they had come alive in the meantime and were hungry and ready to pounce.

Why do I love this horse so much? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[LMH]

Does anyone's green bean WB suffer from the "Warmblood Statue"-you are in the ring casually walking over the SAME poles that have been there since the horse's birth and suddenly NOOOOOOOO I CAN"T go over the pole. I can't go back, or sideways or front ways. Not if you are on me, beside me, pulling me. I can NEVER ever move again as long as I live. I don't care that it has been two hours and everyone is having dinner and you just missed an important dinner....I simply can't move-oh but I can lay down and play dead-yes i am dead. Just leave me here....

Feel the pain

Life is too short to dance with ugly men

[LMH]

Better yet-I can't wear a bit-any bit. My mouth is built differently than any other horse in the ENTIRE world. There is no way anything other than your new bridle will ever stay in my mouth. No no nono-not a french link, or a nutcracker, or mullen mouth or full cheek with or without keepers, no not any single solitary bit will ever allow me to close my mouth.

oh goodness-it is in my mouth. Oh no I can;t move, I can't BREATHE, I can't steer-no no no no no maybe head up will help-no can't see, shoot-there is a jump, ouch-that hurt, maybe if I go low low low, ouch-watch out for that fence. aaaaahhh yayayayaya maybe if I chew this thing it will go away......

Lead changes and jumping are now something I hear horses do somewhere-anywhere but here....

Life is too short to dance with ugly men

[JustaLurker]

Are we all getting the feeling that those who work with the baby greenies deserve lots of gold stars in their crowns? The people who are fortunate enough to end up with the horses who do finally make it as well adjusted hunters and/or jumpers owe you all a lot!

Patience, hard work, holding pattern, 1 step forward, 3 steps back, patience, hard work, 1 step forward, patience, hard work, another step forward, holding pattern, 1 step back, patience, 2 steps forward, holding pattern. Repeat this routine seemingly forever until one day it finally all comes together. By then you can barely believe you've made it!

[Merry]

So, go ahead, ask me how my Saturday group lesson went today with Hammie? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I had actually been banned from the group lesson because my horse was so green, and I am such a perfectionist (as in, "Let me school through that line one more time you guys, okay?") that I held everyone else up. Yeah, whatever. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Well, after the first 20 minutes, which I spent cantering in a two-point at the far end of the arena while the others worked on their flat stuff, Hammie finally settled down. Once we started jumping, he actually was quite nice. If I were a lesser person, I would've quit and gone home, defeated. But, idiot numbskull that I am, I hung in there and emerged victorious! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Lord Helpus]

Yeah, Merry, but you did not have the vicious equine eating stones outside the ring, just waiting to devour your unsuspecting boy. So, its easy for you to finish up well after only ____ hours of work. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

At the next show I am going to fill my pockets with small pebbles and, right before my main competition goes in the ring, I will sureptitiously deposit them on the ground, outside the ring, and ruin that horse's round. [Twirling imaginary mustache] Heh, heh, heh.................

[Merry]

It is indeed amazing the little things they notice, eh? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I really enjoy hearing how others have to deal with the same shenanigans as me. And then my sister tries to lure me into buying another baby... a two-year-old, no less! Excuse me...There's one yearling left, staring me in the eyes, that I'll be long-lining in the future. That's IT! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Beezer]

But it's a reeeeaaaaally cute baby!! And don't you need a "project" between the yearling and the three-year-old?? I think a 2-year-old would fit in quite nicely, myself. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Merry]

"A project"? No, that's a jigsaw puzzle, or knitting an afghan. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[JRG]

I have to admit, I have been looking for something young again, now that my little man is growing up. Something to fill the gap so when the big guy is in full swing I will have another one up and comming. At least that is the argument I tell my husband.

So I would kind of lean toward getting another, but I don't want to get into a family argument but I would have to side with Beezer on this one. By the way, if you have time to knit an afgan you arent' spending enough time at the barn.LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[GRF]

HighEq.
You may possibly be the owner of my horse's cosmic twin.
When we first purchased my BGWB,(Selle Francais)he was so unwilling,that he would exhaust my trainer in the schooling area, on the flat, then go in the ring and pull his arms out, as he dragged him to the jumps. Sticks, spurs, death threats,nothing worked.
Felix,(my horse)was singularly unimpressed with the idea of working on the flat, and he wasn't going to be talked out of his political position on this issue, no amount of lobbying would move him.
He'd root on the forehand, fake you out by picking up his head, but not engaging his butt. He'd kick out or buck in order to show his displeasure. No amount of leg would make him go forward, and once going forward, down shifting and adding was out of the question. Over the jumps, he would sort of "harpoon", and launch horizontally over the jumps, in one slow, sticking move, instead of rocking back...too much work.
He spooked at everything,(still can be a little more "sparky" than I care for...) and the "tranter" was, and is still, his favorite gait. We began to solve these problems this way.
My trainer gave me (older A/A jumper rider) the assignment of developing the flat on this horse.(we had previously done this with my now retired, "been there done that" jumper) We agreed, that if I ever intended,(and I did, and have)on showing Felix, that he needed gears that I could control. We agreed to continue to have him professionally shown in the high schooling jumpers, for the ring mileage, but the horse would remain with me at home.
I took Felix home from that trainer a year and half ago.
There are days when Felix is still an absolute jerk. He can make me reconsider ever sticking my foot through a stirrup again...but it's those other days...when he is so incredibly willing, he moves off my leg, he's light in hand, he actually canters,even gallops when asked, instead of the canter barely past a trot. It's those days when we nail every distance.
We haven't been without our share of problems, inclding, a long arm cast, that ruled out WEF this past winter. (put my hand on his neck doing a roll back, my ligaments just ripped..not fun.. but we nailed the jump!) I'm riding again, we took a few steps backward, at first, but we seem to be back on track. There is no simple recipe for making up "baby green beans", but this is what I've found to be the best incredients for me!
Patience, patience, patience...(the anti-words of the type a rider!) Persistance, and repetition.
You must stick with it! Be consistant. Stay on track, it will come! (just not necessarily on your time schedule!)
Believe in your mount, believe in yourself, and your ability.
Beware of trolls, and detractors.
It's easy to become discouraged when the success outcomes seems to be less than effort inputs. We all clearly need supportive professional help, not critics who joy in the shortcomings of others... or who are ashamed, embaressed, or horrified, by an A/A/ errors. (we're not the professionals, darn it!)
I feel very lucky, to now have a trainer at home, who is very supportive, who loves my horse,and has an incredible relationship with him, in every way. She has been highly successful with him not only at home, but in the show ring, amongst the best "company". All of this aside, she is compassionate, empathetic, yet realistic about my frustrations with Felix,and my level of ability. She knows and respects my (minor but real)equi-history. We respect each other, and the horse. We share the same work and riding ethics, and work all our "Felix problems" (and all horse related problems) out together. We keep an open mind. We keep going forward with our little project, and we welcome input from others.
Felix has turned out to be a mighty special guy, whom, I am sure,(someday)will take me as far as I ever wish to go.
I've never given up on Felix,(although I've come close) and he has never given up on me. Likewise, my trainer hasn't given up (EVER) on either one of us!
We all must find what recipe works for us, since every rider and every horse is a special creation, unto themselves.
I hope I've been of assistance.
Keep us up to date with your progress.

[TrickOfTheTrade]

Took Trick to the show on Sunday and jumped him for the first time at a show.
My greenie is wonderful and takes very good care of me!! I ofcourse was very nervous so in the practice ring I was aiming at the standard, once I relaxed he jumped great. Mabey too great because I pointed him directly at the middle rail of the warm-up ring at the Oaks and he decides that he would jump it, totally my fault but he will jump ANYTHING.
Decided to do a cross rail round befor the Long Stirrup. Refused the first fence twice due to hme cutting the corner and aiming at the standard. Once I got over the first fence the rest of the course (2x around outside) was beautiful. Since I did goof there I added the Long Stirrup where in the first round we did great and had no refuasls. In the second round I did the first fence and didn't look far enough ahead around the corner and came off right by the entrance (no gates), at least I didn't jump the rail again. So now I have a very brused tail bone and back, but I should be ok.
Other than that Trick and myself had a great show!

[Bumpkin]

Elliot and I had our first show together on Saturday. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
I am so pleased with how well he went around the two Long Stirrup courses. We got most of the lead changes and strides and I felt great!!
After being wussy and getting nervous in our schooling, I all of the sudden got this wild hare of an idea that "I AM BOLD", (not me at all), and rode the first course quite quickly and boldly.
I doubt poor Elliot knew what happened, haha, but it felt so good that when I went in for my second course I went at a much better pace, and cannot wait to show again.
I know I have a long road to go after not showing for 25 years, but Elliot as green as he is takes very good care of me.
And of course we have a great trainer, who really understands both Elliot and I /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
I know we would not have done as well as we did without her support. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[This message was edited by Bumpkin on Sep. 03, 2001 at 10:16 PM.]

[MO]

Congratulations Bumpkin!!
You Go Girl!!
That's great that you are back in the show ring after 25 years!! What fun you and Elliot must have had! I'm so happy for you. Are you looking forward to another soon? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

I know what you mean about being a tad too aggessive/enthusiastic in your first round. I'm still kind of that way on a greenie, LOL! I guess I just like to have that little bit of added insurance that it's going. Then, once I've fired the afterburners and descended from warp drive, I can relax and trust my horse and go in and ride the next round much softer.

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Pocket Pony]

How fun for you! Congratulations - I'm sure you and Elliott looked beautiful together.

Will we get to see any pictures???? Pleeeaaasseeee???

"Oh Mickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!"

[dublin]

I am very proud of you both....and Mallory too, of course! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Bet you can't wait until Monroe now!!

[Beezer]

Way to go, you two! I'm so happy that you are having fun with your horses. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Meanwhile, back at El Ranchito, Merry about bust a gut laughing as she helped Beezer jump Tigger yesterday. We're at that, "Hey! I know what I'm doing and sure as heck don't need YOU telling me what to do." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif So we speedily bounced through a grid several times before eventually reverting back to the thinking Tigger. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Then Merry had a new grand grid for us to try. Things were going fine till Tigger started leaning on my hands ... he inherited his pulling ability from his horse mom. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Merry is yelling, "STOP him, back him up! He is NOT allowed to pull!" So Beezer stops Tigger and backs him; we start again, then as we turn to the grid, suddenly he does the twisty head thing and two strides out I'm staring at this one eye staring back up at me ... I cannot go into a grid like this!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

So I stop. And I explain to Tigger and Merry *why* I have stopped. It was then that I realized that Merry is trying very, very hard not to laugh, but she just cannot help herself. She has been in this movie too many times not to get some perverse enjoyment out of seeing her sister have to endure it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Eventually, though, the Tig Man got it. And he finished up as a very good boy. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Chef Jade]

Grace went on trial yesterday and I am already looking for someone to fill her not-even-cold-yet stall. I found what appears to be an amazing 3 yr old jumper prospect in my price range. Great! So the lady tells me "He is a lot of horse." Well I'm wondering if he just has a lot of energy, is spooky or what. Her reply? Well, we like to keep all our babies out in a field and rarely handle them. He has never been bathed, clipped, trailered, etc. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif But I am still interested him! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[LaurieB]

Now before you read this, I want you to remember that I told you all about falling off at the first fence last weekend. And I might even, if pressed, admit that I went off course for the first time in my life this past weekend. But other than that (and a few other "duh! why am I here" moments on my part) Tess managed to go to her first big show and acquit herself beautifully. I was so proud of her, I could hardly stand it. Better still, Mr. LaurieB, who had been warned in advance not to expect too much got to see her kick some butt (thankfully not mine /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) Here's a picture of Tess in Baby Green.

[LaurieB]

And one more picture--notable for the presence of Mr. LaurieB (note towel in hand!) who has now become such an accomplished horse show hubby that he wants his own bucket for carrying supplies to ringside. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Beezer]

Oh, she is VERY cute, LaurieB. You are right to be proud. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[DMK]

obviously an accomplished hand like Mr. LaurieB really deserves a McGuinn Ring Tote. You, of course, deserve the matching tack box... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Lovely pictures, and I'm guessing they were taken on one of the 8 nanoseconds it was not raining this weekend!! (I was planning on showing there until my horse decided an abscess would be more fun - can't say I was overcome with grief - if there was ever a weekend to not have to ride both your horses, this was it!)

[LaurieB]

Thank you, Beezer!

Actually DMK, we had the good fortune to win a ring tote at the show (well, two... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ) so we're pretty well stocked at the moment.

Luckily Tess doesn't mind the rain or the mud and the footing always stayed good so it wasn't really a problem. One last picture, taken by my son, the budding horse show photographer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Chef Jade]

Everyone has such nice horses - I am so impressed with everyone's greenies!

I wish Mr. Chef showed the same intest as Mr. LB. The last time he came to a show Jade decided to use his white button-down as a snot rag. Now I can't get him within 5 feet of horse, and 10 feet of horse horse's nose.

[Merry]

Yes, Tigger did demonstrate quite a penchant for the twisty-head-thingy yesterday. You know, I get no respect, I swear! I toil and sweat with the babies at home, then everyone gets on to ride and play once they walk/trot/canter, do rudimentary lead changes, and plop over low jumps. It is indeed entertaining and enlightening when I get to watch Beezer struggle with the greenie weenies! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Laurie, your horse, as always, is darling! Must say it jumps like the Hambola. Which brings up your pretty fleece-lined girth. Me thinks Hammie would like such an item.

And chef.... why do I think I've encountered this same person with the untamed 3yr. olds? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I wonder if this is really their philosophy, or just the fact that handling a youngster is often fraught with danger and mishaps, so they just stay away as long as possible?

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Lord Helpus]

Laurie -- You have it MADE!

A really cute horse, a free groom AND a free photographer!!!

Damn, girl -- you must live right!

BTW -- Did we order the first picture in a 18" x 24" for over the sofa, or are we showing incredible restraint and going for the smaller 11" x 17" for the end table next to the sofa? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

Oh, I vote for a commissioned portrait! Horse Show Hubby should foot the bill, too. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I'm so jealous. Mr. Merry will come to shows, but only if I: A) Tell him precisely, within 15 minutes, when I am going to ride; B) Stand with an electric cattle prod outside the back gate, shushing in exhibitors so there isn't an open gate, which infuriates Mr. Merry; and C) I win, and I win something useful, as in NOT another baseball cap, $5.00 tack store certificate, or a solo wine goblet. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[LaurieB]

Merry, that fleece lined girth is the Millers Roma Girth, tres inexpensive, so easy to take care of, and Tess loves it.

Lord Helpus, it has taken years of training (human, not equine /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) to get them to this point. It's nice to finally reap the benefits.

By the way, it wasn't the size of the pictures I ordered that was embarrassing, it was the quantity. As in one for every room of the house. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[jreventer]

Wow there really are others like my 4 yr old out there...scary enough he would qualify for all of the above(or below!):)

1. How often they chew anything constructed of wood or leather when you're not
looking.

Lost track of the number of halters, lead ropes, cross ties...oh let's not forget those brand new reins
2. How long it takes them to utterly destroy their custom-made show blanket.

Shredded a brand new turnout blanket in 1 day:) Has also climbed out of every blanket he's ever worn...body clipping is not in the near future for him

3. The frequency they pull off their aluminum shoes or how well they're booted up.

Shoes tend to stay on, but I should have bought stock in a bell boot company

4. The way they seem to delight in blowing a hack class by suddenly recognizing
_____________.(Fill in distracting item of your choice).
One good thing-I can instantly clear a warm up ring when we walk in and he proceeds to buck, hop around, show off his "talents"

5. To what level they clearly display their distaste for your requests, i.e., kicking out
when asked for a flying change, or rooting on the bit instead of suppling up for a sitting
trot in an eq. class.

Flying lead change-heck we're still on "no you don't have to show off to everyone how well you can, spin, and look beautiful at the same time"

Then we could all ask, when looking at a prospective purchase, "So tell me, what's this
gelding's O.Q.?"
Does that increase his price:)

"There are times when you can trust a horse, time when you can't, and times when you have to."

[TrickOfTheTrade]

Here is a picture of Trick at the show, in the warmup ring.

[TrickOfTheTrade]

Trick in the show ring. (Landing)

[Merry]

Man, guess I'd better have someone take some photos of me at my next show. The last proofs I got were all taken head-on whilst horse was landing (and also pitching a few times, which makes for more of a photographic "statement"). /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Beezer]

And trust me here, the Hambola Virus does nothing if not make a statement! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Bumpkin]

Merry dearest, you got to have a full page in Horse Illustated!! With several smaller photos.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

Yeah, but those were little jumps, and not at a show, where he displays a bit more joie de vivre. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Bumpkin]

Perhaps you can shove Hammie into your suitcase and have some photos done of him at Spruce Meadows.
Do they still have any of the outside Hunter course?
I wonder if they have any Hunter classes offered during the non big Jumper events?
/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Have fun, now I wish I had made plans to go this year.

[Lord Helpus]

TOTT -- That is NOT a warm up ring -- That is an oasis of sand into which you and your horse have been dropped for photographic effect...

Now a REAL Warm Up Ring -- has at least 15 people in it (1 for every 3 square yards of space), All going in different directions (I used to think that clockwise and Counter-clockwise were the only 2 options -- NOT TRUE!). Most of the horses are of different sizes and carrying riders of different ability (ALL poor at steering).

Where do you come from that warm up rings look like that?

[LaurieB]

I am adicted to photographs (photo-aholic?). I will grab anyone, shove a camera in their hands and tell them to start shooting. It's especially frustrating because I love to take pictures myself, but I'm always the one on the horse.

Needless to say, nearly all of Tess's major moments have been pictorially chronicled (and you can see the proof on the walls of my office. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

Yes, Merry, you and Hammie need more photos!

[TrickOfTheTrade]

The warm-up ring was at the Oaks/Blenhiem and it was really early and while I was schooling him people were just ariving. Once the show started there were a lot more horses, I just got early so I have lots of time to warm up with my greenie.

[Bumpkin]

I had to dust off an inch of dust to drag it back up to the top!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I am still hyped up from my lesson last night and so had to report in to the BGSG!! haha

Our project this winter is to work on a two jump gymnastic line that is I don't know how many feet, but is one where we can do a fast 5, medium 6 or short 7.
Last week we did just the medium 6.
This week we did all of the strides from both directions.
WHAT FUN!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My trainer is so much fun, I didn't want to take a rest, although I am usually out of breath and beet red quite quickly.

A couple times we would add a half stride,

/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif or take a leap over a 2' rail like it was 3'6", not a pretty sight, although I somehow stayed on!! haha

Still working on getting my short legs to be more forceful and get Elliot into the correct lead whenever we are in the incorrect one.
Small circles at the end of the arena help, although he seems quite happy to lope along happily on the wrong lead or counter cantering.

Anyways fellow BGer's thought I would share
/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[This message was edited by Bumpkin on Oct. 02, 2001 at 10:01 AM.]

[Beezer]

And congrats on your progress with Elliott ... it *IS* progress, isn't it? I mean, around El Ranchito, it always seems to be two steps forward, one step back....

My Tigger remains "Mr. Perfect." /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif His canter has gotten very, very round and balanced (this had been an issue /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif ), though he has discovered that the rounder you are, the less likely the human is to feel the little hump in your back. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Psssst," Tigger interrupts. "Did you know that Merry is really the Borg Queen? SHE IS!! Resisting her is futile! My head is now down! I am no longer a proud horse ... my head is down ... my spirit is broken ... I HAVE BEEN ASSIMILATED!! Merry is the Borg Queen!!"

So, Merry ... how did that horse show go last weekend with the Hambola Virus, hmmmm? Anything you'd like to share with the class? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[FirstCry]

Yea Merry, fess up.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America

"GOD BLESS AMERICA"

[Quinn]

Not quite there yet but with 3 baby baby greenies (2-2year olds and 1-3 year old)I am soon to enter the frustrating stage.

Currently in the round pen and as of last night accomplished trotting very quietly over a ground pole. I was really quite pleased with that.

Needless to say, you will be hearing more from me as time progresses and my hair turns gray! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

The good news: Hammie was actually the very best he's been yet. Got every single lead change. Just spooked at a pile of jumps on the ground outside the arena, so I got whiplash attempting to re-straighten him so I could still make the 5-stride line. And yes, he did pitch with every lead change, but hey, at least he wasn't kicking out to my leg! So I pinned in the hunter rounds, even with the pitching fits. But then I won eq/over fences (my ace in the hole class). /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Other than that, it was the HORSE SHOW FROM HELL! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

I mean, it had to be about 105degrees. So poor Hammie was tied to the trailer in the baking sun. I decided to ask the owner of this TB racetrack facility, where the show was held, if I could just borrow a stall for about an hour so Hammie could pee. Unlike me, he does not pee in the trailer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I couldn't figure out why this smarmy Latino fellow, who owns the place, was like coming on to me. Not only did he offer me the use of the stall, but he alluded to some form of payment since my husband was not around. Then, while I was pondering why I was being hit on, Beezer points out that I am wearing a baseball cap that is emblazoned with:
"SEDUCER... Tournament Bait"

I had grabbed the first baseball cap I saw out of my dad's collection before we left. I didn't realize it was the one with the logo of my brother's fishing worm company. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[LaurieB]

Sometimes it doesn't pay to advertise. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Tess and I had our two steps forward over the summer, now we're in one step back mode. Two weeks ago we switched from night turn-out (14 hours) to day turn-out (8 hours) and Miss Mare is pissed. Apparently she has no future plans to get over it either.

"You mean you've ruined my life AND I have to trot with my head down??? I don't think so." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

We hadn't jumped in two weeks trying to get the flatwork back to where it was supposed to be. Then came today's lesson: new course, a few new jumps, and a mare who's fully capable of firing both booster rockets simutaneously. Now I know what she feels like over 3'6" (even though the jumps were set at 2'6" to 2'9" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

And we have another lesson tomorrow. Ain't life grand?

[Janet]

Mr Brain (the yearling stud colt) has been making nice progress on ponying. We even go out in the big field.

But on Sunday he decided to push the limits.

What happens if I try to bite Spy's neck every three stides? (You get slammed on the chain over the nose, and eventually Spy shoves his rear end in your face.)

What happens if I stand on my hind legs and wave my front legs in the air? (You get slammed in the nose.)

We finished up OK though, and even crossed the stream.

[Merry]

Ah, the joys of ponying babies! That's the job of Beezer's retired Trakehner jumper mare. She's the resident pony horse, and does indeed discipline any youngsters who dare get out of line.

Well, not only did I have the stupidity to advertise my brother's worm company, ala "SEDUCER", but I also had an interesting performance in the eq over class.

So I make this beautiful entrance at the sitting trot, right past the judge, displaying my lovely eq. and flaunting that even at my age, I can look good. I halt right in front of the judge, and prepare for this crisp canter depart. But Hammie doesn't depart. In fact, he's frozen. He refuses to move. It is nearly dark, and by golly, he is DONE. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

I just sat there, trying to gig him with my outside spur, which of course is in full view of the judge, but Hammie lets everyone know he is just leaning into my leg aid by crushing my stirrup iron against the metal arena railing.Yes, folks, like fingernails on a chalkboard, my four year old is telling the crowd, "Hee-hee, she can't use her spur when it's crushed against the rail!" There's just this loud, whiney, "EEEEKKKKK" while my iron drags across the metal. I just knew Beezer was out there in the crowd, cracking up. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

However, I did prevail, and had a lovely course, complete with tidy rollback turns. And I won! So there, Hambolarama! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Beezer]

Let's see. Hammie had to stand out in the sun (and Merry got propositioned) because Merry insisted that the show would be small and we needed to get there EARLY.

I think her first class was about 5 o'clock.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

She also left out how Hammie spooked only once at the pile of jumps outside the ring because Merry made Beezer go stand by them after that. That is, when she hadn't signaled Beezer to "move on down" to scary corner, where Hammie didn't really want to go. A by-now-lobster-colored Beezer figgered that it had to be pretty much obvious to everyone that she was accompanying Hammie around the arena, but she just follows orders. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Now, about that equitation over fences classes ... Merry neglected to mention how she did this beautiful sitting-trot entrance with a lovely halt to gather her thoughts. She halted. And halted. AND HALTED. Hammie was stuck in park; as she tried to thump him discreetly into motion (for, after all, this lovely halt was demonstrated right in front of the judge), he merely leaned into her leg, trapping it against the metal fence rail. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif So we were treated to the lovely "clink ... scritch ... clink" of foot and stirrup meeting rail.

Beezer got a very good chuckle out of this. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Eventually, though, Hammie got unstuck and they proceeded to have a very good round indeed. Particularly since the first half of the course was all left turns, which required one lead change after another (Hammie is apparently genetically engineered to land only on his right lead). /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Of course, we won't even get into how the show went until after dark and what with there being no lights in that particular arena, the hacks (which Merry wisely opted out of) where done by Braille.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Beezer]

OMG!! Beezer and Merry post the same story at the same time!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Chef Jade]

Hey! We use that trick, too. Inevitably Jade will be afraid of SOMETHING along the rail of the arena so we stratigically position my mom (fondly regarded as "Carrot Lady" by Jade) wherever a monster may be lurking. It really works! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[lilmellow]

My baby, (Franklyn) would actually see the difference between a canter and gallop. It would be real nice if he would STOP JUMPING 2' CROSS RAILS LIKE THEY ARE 5' OXERS OVER SOME JUMPS EACH DAY, AND THEN UN-EXPECTANTLY JUMP THEM SLOOPY AND THEN HUGE AGAIN!- I love him any way- we are late bloomers ( he's 7)

Rachel O'Hearn

[DMK]

I was sooo proud of the Riverman the other day... If y'all recall somewhere around page 2-5 of this thread /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif he was learning to deal with the Evil People Who Make Scary Noises At The House?

Well I wasn't sure how much progress we were making with scary noises until last week. The people across the street decided to engage in their Annual Bushhogging and Lawn Care of their front property. Poor guy had to handle a) a riding mower on the easement (makes interesting noises when it runs over a beer can, which only happens when it is behind him), b) a guy with a weedeater (more of that buzzing with a periodic WHACKETY WHACK) AND a bush hog that was working on removing some low growth trees (LOTS of "special" noises). Bless his heart, the Riverman was umm, a little "alert" when we started, but he finished up like a trooper, and I even did his trot gymnastic to an X as part of the flatwork.

Had to give him credit - he handled it better than my 10 year old would have!

[Merry]

Oh, DMK, I think the other half of your bush whacking crew was parked out in front of El Ranchito today! They were up in cherry pickers whacking down the tops of the eucalyptus trees. Every now and then there was a creeeeek-POP! as the limbs broke. Then they were fed into the wood chipper. Ain't it fun riding in these sorts of situations?

And it's so nice to know that I'm not the only one who stations human defense shields around scary parts of the show arena! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Gee, do ya' think the judges get a clue when a bevy of humans station themselves at intervals along the arena rail? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Stars]

I just wanted to share...

I am moving up in the world. My horse has graduated to the Pre-Green division. I was reserve champion in the baby-greens last week so I think its time to move up to 3 foot. My greeny is four years old and realized 2'6 is no problem and therefore is barely jumping over them. Look out 3 footers, here we come. Wish me Luck!

[Merry]

Congratulations! My four year-old, the much celebrated (and maligned) Hammie, is about bored to death with the 2'6" baby green division. Lately we've been doing the county circuit's amateur adult stuff, which out here is 2'9". That's only a tad more mildly amusing for him. I can't wait until next year, when I can move to the "real" amateur adult 3ft. division. Perhaps by then he will happily give me flying changes instead of being "exuberant" about them, as my trainer says.

One can only hope. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I'd love to return to the amateur owner division before I die of old age. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

Merry, your dream sounds like the one I use to have about Elliot and I.
I know Hambola and you will make it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[wtywmn4]

And..........we all will be watching! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

At least you haven't succumbed to other horses being stationed around the ring, humans are one thing, but those large 4 footers have a tendency to meander while being stationed. Not a pretty site either.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Chef Jade]

Well since everyone is talking about their wonderful progress with them youngsters, I'll chime in, too. Jade was a doll at the last show (now that we have figured out where the Carrot Lady needs to be stationed.) We were champion in the A/A hunters for the very first time. And since success is so boring, we are now contemplating moving up to the A/O's next year!

[Lord Helpus]

I agree that success is SO BORING (we must all be masochists...)

The Big Dubya and I were champion at our last show, then we missed the big Sept show for various reasons.... So he is now put away for the winter (and I do mean "put away" -- he is already hairy, mane floppy on both sides, driving the other geldings crazy in the field, since he is KING and all must bow down before him).

What is left of the show year are a mess of schooling shows so.... the Mikester gets pulled out, dusted off and tomorrow he actually gets to be a big horse and goes for a lesson with the "big boy" trainer.

I have an unusual problem with Mikey. He LOVES his flying changes. He "learned" them in 1 hour and has never missed one. After landing from a jump, he wants to show off his trick (could I have praised him too much for doing them when we first worrked on them?), whether we need a change or not /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif , so he is not allowed to DO corners at all at home. It will be interesting to go to the show this weekend and try to string 8 jumps together......

[Remi and me]

Please, please can I join? I have become the proud owner of a large 5 year old Canadian Thoroughbred gelding who is the most pleasant ,polite guy to be around. However, he is still very gangly young and stil doesn't quite know how to move the front end and back end together. Very unbalanced but sweet and willing.
Some minor problems like - doesn't always like to stand still when I'm mounting, can go past something a thousand times during the course of the week but the 1001 time he spooks, he absolutely hate flys and being hot (I guess he likes the cooler Canadian weather). I haven't had
my own horse in 6 years due to life and illness and now I have one! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
However, I was really just looking for a nice sale horse but he came along and now I just have to keep him. I really didn't want a green horse but he is polite enough and not crazy stupid and forgiving. I have been riding as much as possible for the past year and I half leased a horse last winter and have been taking lessons to help me regain some of what I lost.
Sorry to go on and on - but I am just so happy and excitied - I had a great young life with horses on LI and now as I get older and my kids are on their on life paths I feel like I can play with a horse again and along comes this nice baby!
Winter in VT does not look so bleak to me now!
Thanks for listening

[Bumpkin]

I think you will find most of us are "older" getting back into riders!!
You will find lots of support from all of us "Baby Greenie" owners. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Feel free to ramble on and on, most of us do!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[LaurieB]

Welcome to the group! This bunch of mostly mid-life masochists is always happy to have a new member. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Lord Helpus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LaurieB:
Welcome to the group! This bunch of mostly mid-life masochists is always happy to have a new member. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


LaurieB, I could not have said it better, myself: We are all MLM's here (mid-life masochists). Why do you suppose it is that there are few (if any) young 'uns in this group?

Perhaps I shall finally have to go to a signature line: "MLM and Member of BGSG"

Now, if I can only figure how to do it...

[Buckybu]

I got myself into an OTTB situation... which really happened with Love at first sight. I walked into the barn, saw his face and said "That better be the horse for sale, because thats the one I'm buying" and so he came home. We've (yes me and the horse) have been plagued with lameness and illness for baout a year solid and just started our consistant training this month. He walks and trots awesome, and now picks up the right lead perfectly, but the left lead is a struggle, but much better then before He is learning gymnastics, and his manners in general are so much better. I love my horse, because he is trained for ME! the way I RIDE. And it's awesome!

[RRB]

Hello,

I love reading all your stories -- they'll keep me motivated for a while!

I bought my greenie at the end of June (eek! and it's already October!). He's a 5 y.o. appendix QH, who fortunately is super cute, because he'd be Alpo several times over by now if wasn't. We're starting to figure out the whole 'ground manners' thing, as well as the basics of the ever-frightening Going To The Right. He is so assymetric that when I fitted him for his saddle we had to decide if we were going to fit his right or left side. I figure he either had some sort of injury as a foal (saw nothing in PPE X-rays, though), or the TB/QH split in him has resulted in a TB left side and a QH right side.

If he masters the whole Going To The Right (henceforth GTTR) concept, he'll be searching for a show name for next summer (I'll be looking for some help there, hint, hint).

Looking forward to some greenie support networking!

--R

[wtywmn4]

Possibly Lord Helpus the MLM's have finally decided that dispite aching body parts, we will TRAIN this greenie.....!!! Or maybe, after all those years, the MLM's have lost their proverbial brains! (This according to my family) Bouncing not being what it used to, aches lasting longer than a week, am opting for "this is our last chance at a champion". /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Merry]

I am definitely a "MLM"! In fact, you know what one "young un'" amateur said to me when I exited the ring, after one of the rounds where I pulled up Hammie and circled because he was, well, being Hammie?
This 20-something gal, mounted on this lovely, sedate old campaigner says, "You make it look so smooth. You never get upset."

At which point I think I smiled and said something flippant and sarcastic, like, "What exactly am I supposed to do? He's four."

Then she said, and I quote, "At least when you win something, you know you earned it."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, made my day! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

The fact that you bred him should be such a wonderful feeling!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LaurieB]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lord Helpus:

We are all MLM's here (mid-life masochists). Why do you suppose it is that there are few (if any) young 'uns in this group?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Pam, I suspect it has something to do with the fact that we've reached the age where we know what we want. We also know full and darn well that nobody's going to give it to us (i.e. we've come to grips with the knowledge that we're not going to win the lottery or be the last-man-standing on Survivor /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) So if we can't afford to buy that perfect, pre-made, hunter of our dreams, we know we're just going to have to make it ourselves.

[Bumpkin]

hmmmmm....I wonder what is the average age of the Baby Greenie Brigade? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[dcm]

Well, Bumpkin, my dtr would bring the average down somewhat since she is only 15 (barely). Is there a place for a "crazy hsm who got talked into not one, but two greenies"? I'd probably balance out the average with my dtr. LOL.

Greenie #1 has had a fantastic first year, giving my dtr her best year ever. She just had her first ever medals finals (hey, we're talkin only 2'6" here) this past weekend, and finished 3rd! She had the top call back, but inexperience and nervousness prevailed and she forgot to plan her trip. Couple of very bad chips dropped her, but....her and Rio were the only ones to completely trot the trot fence. The other three either cantered before, after, or both. For the year, (if they would ever post the results and update) we think they have year end reserve champ equitation o/f in one division, and finished in the top 10 of a very tough hunter division where over 30 different horses earned points. Not bad for a green-bean and her teenage trainer/owner.

We won't discuss the other one, yet. He's turning out to be tougher than #1 greenie.

Here is a pic of my dtr and her greenie in the medal final. Note the turn of the ear is the same direction my dtr is looking! Does that mean he really listens to her? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Member - Baby Greenie Support Group, HorseShowMom Clique, and Midwest Clique

[Merry]

Well, Bumpky, I'm 46, but I must admit I feel like 26, and ride like I have the guts of being 16! Plus, I interviewed the greatest gal, a 70+ lady who won this big whoop-tee-do Saddlebred class on a horse SHE SCHOOLS HERSELF! She actually rode hunters at Flintridge with Jimmy and Mousie years ago. Anyway, she was a real inspiration. So we shouldn't give up on our greenies, despite our, ah, "ages".

I rode three horses today. Will someone pass me the Ben Gay and the bottle of Advil? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

I have a new tube of Flexall Plus right here next to the computer and a bottle of Aleve!!
haha
/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Remi and me]

The only problem I've encountered so far with my age and riding a baby greenie is that when he drops me like a bad habit I now have the tendency to land with a SPLAT... and don't bounce back as fast as I used too. I also turn black and blue in places that I shouldn't turn black and blue because that's not where I landed. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
But I guess that's all ok now because I'm grown up and pay my own health insurance. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[wtywmn4]

Way to go!

Glucosomine and Aleve.. Aleve being the wonder drug this old bode has been looking for! Bet the medium age on the baby greenies is early 40's plus! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Janet]

This MLM is 47.

[akrogirl]

I am also a 47 year old MLM. However, it doesn't feel that way because Jimmy has always been sooo good. Riding him is more like riding a seasoned packer than a greenie - nothing ever fazes him /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif The only time I ever fell off him (I was still trying to get used to his big jump /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif), he came trotting right back to make sure I was OK /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I was so proud of him yesterday at the Scottsdale Fall Classic - 1st in his first Modified Low round, 2nd in his first Baby Green round and 3rd and 4th respectively in the hacks. In his two other over fences rounds he just got a little casual and touched one rail in each round, but no chips, missed distances, missed leads etc. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he goes as well today.

[Merry]

Oh, gee, so do you think we could all get our horses finished before we apply for social security? I can see the ad now: "Free with your AARP membership, one token warm-up round at your next horse show." /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[BustersMom]

You can put me down as 48 3/4. Been rather quiet on this discussion group lately as we are still working on the Greenie problems that popped up in July. I think only my "maturity" allows me to be this patient.

Horse is a silly goose!

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group

[LittleWitch]

I guess I am going to bring down the average because I am only 25. This is my first baby greenie (all of the others have been grown up greenies /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif ) and I am having a great time with him. He is starting to feel more like a 'real' horse every day.

[TrickOfTheTrade]

I bring down the average a lot... I'm only 17. My baby greenie is 5 and soon we will be going to our 2nd over fences show!!!!

[headsup]

but not near my first greenies LOL. Actually, have very nice baby greenie story /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif 4 yr old pony that client owns took her 1st ride with her 6 yr old owner yesterday /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif not only did she allow her to groom her by herself including tail and belly LOL, but she was quiet enough that she could go off the lungeline and walk around the whole ring by herself AND over some ground poles LOL...even trotted...kid was giggling so much I thought she was going to bounce off the side...pony never even altered her trot, just same rhythm /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Nothing better to see than a little girl that loves her pony.

[Chef Jade]

I can be categorized as EMLM (Early Mid-Life Masochist.) I just turned 25. But I have always been like this... OK! That was the first good round of my life in that division, time to move up! I used to drive my trainer nuts!

I was just saying to a trainer last night that my taste in horses is so damn good, and my tickness of wallet so damn thin, that I have to just shut-up and put in the blood, sweat and tears (hopefully not too much blood) to get my next horse.

I learned with the last one that if the finished product will be nothing short of jaw-dropping spectacular, I don't want to waste my time. I could be doing other important things with that money (like responsibly buying a house!)

Another thing I learned last night after trying a baby with the turning radius of an aircraft carrier (at least we only bounced off the rail once!) Is that picking out a 3 year old who will be a fabulous 7 year old is all about LUCK! Yes, you can see if the movement and form over jumps is there but do you know how rideable and balanced he will become? No. Will his form diminish as he becomes bored with the jumps? Will it get better as he learns where all 4 feet are? Just because he can jump stellar over a 2' jump, will he top-out at 3'? 3'6"? or be able to go on to the grand prixs?

You just NEVER know. So I am going to be crossing all fingers and jingling plenty of curb chains as I write that check!

BTW - the guy I tried last night (We'll call him AC (Aircraft Carrier)) was a real cutie! I have a few more to look at but he could definitely be future Chef material.

[Remi and me]

I"m an incredibly young 45. I figure that this horse and I will be probably sharing a room together at the local nursing home by the time I get him to settle down a little and attempt to balance himself around corners. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Buckybu]

I'm 18, and my last two have been completely green... so I bring down the avg I guess...

[Duffy]

Welcome to the BB, Buckybo! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Ok, I've been remiss about posting on this thread. I have a humongo Hanoverian baby greenie. He's been laid up way too much in recent months, which is why I haven't posted about him. That, plus I'm not sure if I'm going to keep the beast or not! LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I know I need to have vast amounts of patience, but it was rather disconcerting to have this guy get totally stiff to my right hand attempting to circle him at the trot, let alone at the canter (with his 20' not terrible adjustable stride at the moment) and there's sort of a jump attempting to get in my way. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif It was all I could do to force myself to not stiffen up even worse in panic! LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Anyway, it's already been a long haul in more ways than I could possibly share here. Hopefully, I will have lots of stories, need lots of advice, and share successes with him in the future. He's a totally loveable creature. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Oooops, did I forget to mention that I'm 45 (JUST... LOL)? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Lord Helpus]

Oh, a WONDERFUL related topic: Stories about what happened when we tried various baby greenies -- both the keepers and the, ahem, rejects.

I'll go first. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

One time I was trying a horse of Dan Lenahan's. I did not like it at all and, as I got off, I was trying to find a polite way to tell Mr. Lenahan that I was not interested. I said, "Mr. Lenahan, I am looking for another 'Valor', and I don't think this horse is it." Mr. Lenahan looked at me and said, "Pam, when Valor was 3, HE wasn't Valor....." That shut me right up and made me realize that I had to look at the babies with an entirely different set of eyes. She says, holding thumbs and forefingers up to form a box, like movie directors do when framing a scene. Mentally adding muscle, 300 lbs, 2" in height and 4" in width and a brain

My other story also took place in Southern Pines in the 80's. I was at Patty Heuckeroths trying a 3 year old. The trot did not go well, but I bravely asked for a canter. We took off at warp speed, faster and faster around the ring we went. On about our third circuit, the horse added in bucking, and I realized that the situation was going downhill. So I cut through the center, trying to bounce him off jump standards to slow him down. This worked (briefly) and I decided to bail out. But the synapes sending the signal from brain to body were slow and I did not actually fling myself off this frantic runaway until we reached the [freshly whitewashed] rail.

The entire time I owned that ski parka, I had a broad white stripe across the back from when I slammed into the rail of that ring a Mach 5 while bailing out from that horse. Did not buy that sucker. But you guys probably guessed that, didn't you? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by Lord Helpus on Oct. 05, 2001 at 09:21 PM.]

[JRG]

Too many to list, back when I was young and foolish. My moto was "there just mis understood". Ya, right.

Then as I began to age and realised that I have goals that I will not be able to achieve holding on to that attitude. So my search began a three and a half years ago, and came upon my current horse. After a year and a half of my green bean, I am having fun.

As for the ladies that were talking about not being able to bounce, been there and I would have to say for me the down hill slide started for me at about 28. Now into my thirties, I don't take AS many stupid risks as I used to. I do have a lapse of judgement every once and a while, and my horse lets me know I have wavered from the path.

Yay for the Baby Greens, they do keep us humble.

[Bumpkin]

haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
I will bring the average back up with the fact I am going to be "FIFTY" soon!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

What really makes me /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif mad, is that I will have to show in the under 50's all next year, because I will have missed the cut off date by a few weeks!!!grrrrr /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Merry]

Hey, Bumpkin, that 51 & over division at Indio is just waiting for you and Elliot next year! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I love these stories. Today I took our three year-old Hanoverian across town to ride her at our trainer's. She is just too perfect at home. So of course I have to dash my illusions and take her to a strange place. Steering? Ha! Bending? Bigger ha! Focusing on me instead of the horse playing in the turn-out? Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

I, Merry, actually dismounted at one point when Barbie's tail went up over her back and she snorted like a Hoover vacuum cleaner. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

But I did remount and finish my schooling session... such as it was. I've decided she ain't exactly ready to debut in a hack class somewhere. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Beezer]

Merry never would have told Beezer this. She thinks Beezer is going to show this fire-breathing vacuum cleaner in a hack class? Sometime soon??

Beezer thinks NOT! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Bertie]

Okay, my horse and I might need a special pass to join. While I'm definitely an MLM -- 47 and just getting serious about riding again after about 10 years off -- my horse ain't no baby. But she is an MLM too. Nobody wanted her (wacky, crazy, screw loose, etc.) so she became my reclamation project. The perfect mount for an MLM to start back on! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

She's coming along pretty nicely after a few months of relentlessly repetitive flatwork and baby jumps. My husband swears I've bored her into submission /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif More likely it's the addition of depo provera to her regimen that's brought her back to civilization /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Anyway, she's got a long way to go before she's (or I'm) ready to step into a show ring /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

So what do you say, with no reclamation project support groups available, can we join this one?

"Always speak your mind, but ride a fast horse" -- Texas Bix Bender

[Lord Helpus]

Bertie, Greenness is a state of mind, not of age. Welcome!

And I, sadly, have been eligible for the 51 and over now for two seasons..... ZOOM goes the average age ~~~~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>

I stopped bouncing somewhere in my late thirties, when I broke my neck. In my 40's I was happy to land and roll and not sustain too much damamge. Now I just try to not make a crater that the EMS people have to dig me out of with pick axes and shovels. It all becomes relative.

But it is nice to know that I am not the only MLM'er. Just the oldest. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Bumpkin]

Oh dear even a longer wait!!! That is dreadful! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif haha

Bertie I took off over 25 years before riding and showing again. So what is 10??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif You will come back just fine!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Merry]

I have to get back to laughing about Pam's post regarding trying greenies. I don't know that Beezer and I ever actually "tried" any of the green project horses we bought together. Usually we got them out of a pasture of ex-racers or snagged them at an auction. Ah, those were the days! The "trial" came at home. I think only a couple ended up going back through the auction, from whence they came... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

And as for some of these other revelations... I may have to ask to quote you guys on some of these comments! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

By all means Merry!!! hehe

I quite enjoy my monthly ritual now of marching into the Gift Horse, whipping the newest issue of Horse Illustrated off the stand and showing them my BB friend Merry!! haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

The first comment from the "girls" is always about the Rust Breeches!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Erin B I did the same for your articles in the Equine Journal

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

Oh, the rust breeches my trainer has ordered me to burn? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

No, this is for "the book".

But back to the discussion at hand:
To make us all feel better, I was at a reining/working cow horse "show" today with my photographer, and they had classes for greenies. It was comforting to know that we aren't the only ones who suffer. Beyond the rough dry work and patterns (although why is they all got their flying changes smoothly?) when they began to work their cattle, some of the riders got just about slammed into the arena wall. Then there were some horses that were expressing the, "Ah, I'm not so sure I'd like to get up close and personal with a steer." It warmed my heart to see these folks struggle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[RRB]

I'm 28, so I'm another EMLM. This is my first greenie, though, and I'm hooked!

--R

[LaurieB]

This MLM is 49.

Here's my "looking at a greenie story." I told this recently on another thread, but what the heck, it's worth repeating. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

When I went to see Tess, my current horse, she was three and had been ridden just enough to be shown in the IHF U/S class, then turned back out. I first saw her in her paddock and thought, hmmm, she looks kind of pretty but what's with that funky color and by the way, how come she doesn't have a tail? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif (It turned out her yearling sister had chewed it off the day before.)

So I'm reserving judgement when her breeder/owner takes her and puts her in a round pen. She wasn't even there a minute when I KNEW she was my horse. Mr. LaurieB who doesn't know much about horses, but knows alot about me /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif looked at me and said, "If you think you're going to try and negotiate the price of that horse, you'd better wipe the drool off your face first." /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Here's a picture of Tess the first time I saw her.

[Janet]

After several months of steady progress, Belle picled today to impersonate a giraffe. It took half an hour of "lots of transitions, lots of leg" to get her head out of the stratosphere.

I think it was the cold fromt that came through.

[Justice]

Rode Justice in the indoor today, with gale force winds. They brought all of the jumps into the indoors and set the poles in the corners behind the rails. Let's just say that the combination of the wind rattling through the building, and the trees brushing against the building RIGHT BEHIND THE POLES was enough to convince Justice that his old fear of stacked poles was valid after all. They really are horse eating monsters!

He has gotten to the point where he won't do anything dangerous when he's scared, he just puffs up and feels like a rocket. The only cure is lots of sitting trot in a very compressed frame with a frightening amount of impulsion. (Why sitting trot? Because I am afraid if I remove my butt from his back enough to post I will be practicing gymnastics instead of horsemanship!)

While gawkers looked at me like I had a death wish as I kept heading straight for the poles, (backwards, sideways, and straight on), I realized how matter of fact I have become about Bringing up Baby.

FYI, I'm 28. But I've broken enough bones in the last couple of years to age myself enough to actually bring UP the average on this thread /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I have to go take my Viox now.

[Merry]

Aha! The puffed-up bottle rocket, eh? Yes, I occasionally get that in my group lesson when Hammie is being well, a four year-old. And my trainer will say, "He already has a shortish neck. He looks too compressed. Get him to stretch out and lengthen his frame."

Like, HELLO! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif No, I really like riding an exploding puffer fish. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[wtywmn4]

Okay so now the average is more in line with some of us, 50+ /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Here's my lovely greenie scenario. Tried this nice colt in Lancaster County, we were doing just fine. Another prospective person was trying a more elegant but fractious 4 yr old. We're trotting around and I hear those sounds, that remind one of a cattle herd on the tear. I turn to look over my shoulder and there mounted on my trotting beast is this lovely fractious 4 yr old. We are all going along nicely, with his rider trying to pull him off, and me smaking him in the head. Finally cleared him off, trotted up to the trainer and said, "I'll take this one". Needless to say, he was a pure delight. Oh, come to find out the 4 yr old had been gelded the week before. Talk about a sales pitch!

[Merry]

Okay, I always wanted to have a gray horse and name it "Nippy Day". So who comes up with a 4 yr. old dapple gray TB, but my good girlfriend, Denise, who is a sometimes horse broker/agent. She calls me first, but tells me the horse has kind of an attitude, but I should be able to handle it.

Now mind you, this is about as fancy a gray as LaurieB's pretty horse. So I ride him a few times, take him home, have him a couple of weeks and he starts doing bizarro things. Yup, he tries to mount the horse Beezer is riding... while I'm on his back. Hmmm??? Then we go on a trail ride at the river, and he decides he ain't goin' nowhere near H2O, so he 4wheel drives it, BACKWARDS, up the side of a hill! When I force the issue, he rears up like, "Heigh-Ho, Silver!"

Denise, being my good friend and not wanting me to A) hate her, or B) die, took him back and refunded my $$$.

So much for my dream dapple gray named "Nippy Day". /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[breezymeadow]

Even tho I haven't been able to ride since April due to broken bones? I'm 45 & have a BARNFULL of greenies ranging in age from 8 mos., 18 mos., 8 yrs., 9 years, & 10 yrs. (including 2 OTTB's). Talk about determination & perseverance (which is about ALL I've got at this point!) By the time I've healed they'll be even "greener"! Do greenies regress?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Full report in a few months (hopefully).

[ThunderingKnight]

Well, just when I thought I had my very green ASB going perfect (even doing small verticals perfectly) I decide to let a friend of mine get on him and hack him around the ring. She is a good rider and has worked well with green horses, but I guess not THAT well on the jumping area. So, she gets on and does very well on the flat when I tell her, " go ahead and trot him over the cross rails." OOPS! She was not very confident and obviously HE wasn't. He ran out first then he proceeded to take out the fence the next time around. Etc., Etc. I got back on him and he jumped it, but not well at all. Needless to say the next time I rode him I had to start COMPLETELY from scratch--ground poles and the like. He is back to form now, but what a lesson. I guess he only feels confident with me on his back. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[DMK]

Lowering the average (slightly) - 39 MLM reporting in!

Update on my Neighbor From Hell... I have decided that my neighbor must be on some sort of cosmic plane that forces him to do something that would totally freak out a greenie at the exact moment I decide to ride said greenie... It is an amazing thing, really.

On Sunday I went out to ride the Riverman when he had not a) been ridden since Wednesday (family obligations) b) the first cold front of the year snuck in and c) did I mention the cold front?

So I go up to the ring, and I was setting up a gymnastic, when all of a sudden my horse leaps 87 feet to one side (thankfully not in my direction). I look over to the corner of the ring that has him utterly terrified. Yup, I see the cause now. This corner of the ring abuts the woods, and a lot of smaller trees are growing there. We now have a rustlerustlerustlerustle SNAP CRASH rustle rustle rustle thing going on here.

My dearest neighbor is trimming the trees right next to the ring. After standing stock still in horror for 10 minutes (when I explain that my horse is not actually capable of moving he is so petrified), I decide maybe I will lunge him in that corner to let him become used to it. After 10 minutes I was really quite happy with how well he handled it, but I really didn't want to waste a perfectly good Sunday ride battling the Tree Demons, so we went in for an hour and came back out after the tree demon was gone.

This horse may not be broke to showrings and "other places" but he is going to be broke to death on the topic of People Who Have ZERO Horse Sense!

As for greenies I have tried, what can I say other than I used to leg up layup horses at a farm I helped out at (used to clean stalls and what not on the weekends, leaving the owner free to go to track and update trainers, etc. on their horses). Ain't nothing like hopping on a TB who has been confined to a stall for 3 months /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif The guy who owned it would also get a few track rejects, and I would try them too. At least I had the advantage of KNOWING the layup horses!!!

[wtywmn4]

Do the words masochistic mean anything Breezey?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Sorry just had to rib you, excuse the pun. With all those breaks, ummmmmm you might want to narrow down the future possibilities? Plus, aren't we supposed to gain some wisdom and insight as we get older? Yeah right!!!

DMK riding the layups deserve kudos of the highest degree. When we were young and very stupid, used to break these track darhlings..Bitting them, laying on them, then teaching them to pony..Ah those were the days.

But being true MLM's, we keep climbing on. Indifferent to the consequences. Ahhhhh, here you have ladies & gentlemen, true horsemen. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[DMK]

wytymn - kudos? Nope. I think I will stick with your (accurate) assessment of the "very young and very stupid"! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

Helping break and ride yearlings after the sales in England!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Within a week we are trotting them out on the roads in strung out groups that were suppose to be one right behind the other.
haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif yeah right!!!

Many a yearling would take off over some council house small hedge prefering to go a snakey, bucky, windy route back and forth to the roadway, and the rest of the string. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

When I came home for a few months a friend called and wanted to know if I wanted to help break yearlings at a local TB farm.
I said are you kidding!!!
I came home to recuperate.

haha
I am much too olde now to even attempt anything close to those years.

hmmm I wonder if that is why I stopped riding for so many years??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Beezer]

My Tigger is such a good boy. ASK MERRY! He tries so very, very hard. He won't ever beat Hammie in the hacks and he may just be a "plain ol chestnut," but he sure is a good boy for his mom. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

There's just this one little thing ... he puts a little extra "oomph" into his fences. Or, as Merry says, there's a little too much bounce in his pounce. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif He's not really *overjumping* -- more like he's just adding a little something special. He sooooo does not want one of those pole thingies to "bite" him. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif And he isn't quick off the ground ... but when he leaves, those knees come up kinda like that "clean and jerk" move in weightlifting.

And unlike Hammie, he LOVES his human mom. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[wtywmn4]

You go Beezer, brag on!

Sounds like Tigger has a mighty big jump hidden down deep?? Kicks out over the top??? Most of mine have said "jump, what the h--- is that?" Then proceed to ver into oncoming traffic in the ring, hitting the standard and knocking everything into a lovely heap. Ah yes, the delights of willful children. Bigger than a breadbox, looks like a snake, well, we can't possibly go near that, nor will we!!

[Merry]

Yes, Tigger is the perfect horse for Beezer. But why, oh why, does everyone keep saying that Hammie is perfect for me? /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif But I do think Hammie is starting to love me. Really. I think he realizes that this is as bad as Life gets, and truly, it ain't so bad.

As for getting on crazed baby beasties in our youth: I am now 46. I don't "do" bucking babies, i.e., those who are bucking not in fresh spirits or pitching in the corner, but bucking as in throwing a temper tantrum to UNLOAD YOU. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Hence, I climbed off of Barbie (the 3yr. old) today when she threw a hissy fit and wouldn't accept my leg and wanted to go back to her stall (my mother was dishing out lunchtime grain and goodies). I mean, she bucked like a bronc! So I snapped on the lounge line, grabbed the lounge whip, and reminded Barbie just who was in charge and how important it was to freakin' go forward when asked. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Amazingly, I climbed back on and she cantered like a queen, no questions asked. I even got flying lead changes.

Current box score:
Barbie Cow: 3 Merry: 5

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[wtywmn4]

Ms. M, you better be careful with them braggin rights. Someone hinted that Barbie has her own computer now..... /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Can't wait for tomorrows chapter.

[Merry]

Hey, wty, I ain't worried. Barbie is too dumb to figure out how to use the keyboard. Now Hammie... he's already building his new computer set-up he ordered over the Internet. Tigger lent him Beezer's credit card. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Lord Helpus]

AHHH, the "mid-ride lunge". When I lived in Oregon, I bought a 3 year old from Rich Fellers the DAY he left for the winter. Literally. I was writing the check as the van was pulling out of the driveway. He put the check away, and said: "Have a good winter, we'll be back in 8 weeks."

Woody and I spent a lot of time that winter learning the "mid-ride lunge". Some rides, we *enjoyed* several "mid-ride lunges". In fact, I think our recond was ride(buck) - lunge - ride(buck) - lunge - ride(buck) - lunge-till-dead-and give-up. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Bumpkin]

My normal "Ploddy" trusty perfect ladies ammie horse Elliot, became a raging TB last night!!!
(hmmm thought I bought a Warmblood so I would not have that hot TB mentality to ride in my olde age)

I swear he read what I wrote and the rest of you wrote after me!! hahaha /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Twice he bolted down the long side of the arena while cantering along, head up, ears pricked and that thin tail up over his back!! woohoo

I was so happy that my trainer was there the second, and worse one to talk me through it, because I was real ready to do a mid ride lunge.

We worked on lots of circles, and yielding from side to side, after I cantered him around about fifty times, haha telling myself the whole way that I was suppose to stay on and work it out.

I also learned, "The Wall Is My Friend"! haha

When we started our gymnastics I also felt he had this fire I had never experienced with my dear Elliot.
When we did some bigger jumps, for us, at the end of the lesson he was so good.
Got our leads and he really listened to ME!!
I love it when he bows his neck and does his horsey purrrpurrrpurrr.

I left the lesson on a good note, and feeling Elliot and I coud do anything!!

Love my horse and trainer, and wouldn't be here without them.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[breezymeadow]

Hold on, Wtywmn4, while I try to dig up a dictionary. Are these words I'm supposed to know? Because the only one I don't need to look up is "older"! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

Oh gee Breezey, have had those words pounded into my head so long, just figured all MLM's knew them. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Okay Merry, we will wait with baited breathe for todays Barbie chapter. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

How bout trail riding on these greenies. Any brave/foolish souls here? Me thinks the 9 yr old is what we lovingly call "an evergreen". He can't seem to get it. Trying open spaces going up hills....

[Bumpkin]

I was totally in lala land when I bought Elliot.

Two weeks after buying him, I took him on a 4 hour Poker Ride!!!

Remember I have barely ridden a horse in 20 years.

Elliot had never been out of an arena.

He was "AWESOME". No spooking at baby carriages with jogging moms and dads, dogs on leashes and loose, roads, trails, up and down ravines, well a bit hoppity on the first ravine, not one jigjog walk/trot step the whole 4 hours!!!
People cantering and trotting past us all in the Poker Ride.

I think ignorance was my bliss and saviour.
Because I admit I would not try it now.
Sad to say, I am a bit more worried about his reactions to some things anymore.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Pocket Pony]

On Saturday, I was having a perfectly nice warm up session for my jumping lesson. I was feeling so proud of myself and Mickey, because he was perfectly behaved, very quiet and lovely in his movements (with my old trainer in the ring, nonetheless). I figured our short warm up was enough because he was so quiet. Well I was wrong!!!

Once we started cantering to the fence (mind you, this is a 2'3" square oxer, no biggie), Super Spaz Man came out and made my lesson a lesson in riding a bouncing ball. He had about a 5 ft long and 5 ft vertical canter stride, which made it difficult to GO FORWARD to my jumps ... forget about finding a distance....up down up down up down. I guess that's what his old owner meant by his "bunny foo foo canter" that he gets when he's high. I haven't had such a bad lesson in a year!

My trainer said he needs more work...I need to wear him out more before we jump and he needs harder flatting. Great... just when I thought I could back off to make him less fit for winter!

Luckily, he redeemed himself on Sunday and yesterday and we had a fabulous lesson and I had my lovely horse back. Ahhh, the joys of a greenie!

"Oh Mickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!"

[Merry]

Yes, Splendid, I am also trying to get our horses a little less fit for winter. Unfortunately all that's happening is that I have to give them a big turn-out or a lunge before my lessons. Oh wait, at the last show, Hammie was turned-out BEFORE we left for the show, and lunged when we got there. And he still pitched when I first asked for the canter! It was rather embarrassing: I'm in the warm-up ring, which has no railing at the end, he begins to pitch and roll at the canter, and we just sort of sea serpent out of the warm-up ring, up to the backgate area where everyone's awaiting their round, I smile and wave as the pitching continues, and we somehow end up back in the warm-up ring and get back to a nice canter. Hammie was like, "Ah, glad to get that out of my system." So what's wrong with my de-fitness plan? /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

And you all have no idea how much better I feel, knowing I'm not the only one doing mid-ride lunging sessions. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Lord Helpus]

Mikey (and I) had a "big boy" lesson last week with a REAL trainer and he was quite good. But it really showed up the holes in his training (i.e. flatwork /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) His mom grew up in the era of "Virginia broke" horses and she still thinks that a horse going around with nose pointed out on a loopy rein is a lovely sight.

Well, nowadays, horses are supposed to go on the bit, I guess. And last week's lesson made it painfully clear that Mikey's mom had not been doing right by her boy in teaching him his tricks. So, poor Mikey is now in torture school. All the rules have changed on him and he is pissed. Until last Friday he has been hacking around beautifully. Knows his leads. Does perfect flying changes. Canters 3' jumps. Shouldn't that be enough????? He thinks so.

For the last 4 days, poor Mikester's brain has been pretzeled (sp?). He is getting the "go forward" signal and the "whoa" signal at the same time. "NOT FAIR!" says he! "Sorry" says I, but thats the way its gonna be.

Well, after 4 days of admiring his blaze upside down, through his ears, I sigh, get off and go get out the draw reins.

Now I am a sympathetic rider. I am light with the draw reins, ready to ease off them the millisecond I get a response, so I do not mind using them in situations like this. In fact, that is why God invented draw reins, right?

So we go out and at the walk, its great, I have control of his head, and I get him round, soft and reaching for the bit. In fact I am off the draw reins and back to using the snaffle rein in a matter of 60 seconds. So, all systems so, we progress to the trot. Or we try to. That is when we demonstrate the Levade. A difficult movement, but Mikey performs it beautifully.

Impressed that he has mastered the Levade so quickly, I am interested to see what else he can do (like trot?) but instead we move on to the Piaffe. Now I am thinking that these DQ's are a bunch of hooey. (Like I didn't know this all along. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif ) 4th Level HA! Mikey can do all these fancy schmancy movements on day one of his training without all those 10 meter circles and dressage whips and long spurs. And he even has the requisite pinned ears and swishing tail!

Well, long story short, the Mikester ended today by trotting around on light contact, nose slightly in front of the vertical, jaw soft, poll bent, reaching for the bit, ears pricked, swelled up to about 17 hands with pride because I was telling him over and over again what a WONDERFUL horsie he is, and he knew it. It was really a great feeling to come up against a brick wall and hit it and come out the other side unscathed with a really positive feeling. THIS is why I love the greenies! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[LaurieB]

Oh Pam, you and I are in the same boat (or at least Warren and Tess are). I'd never heard the phrase "Virginia broke" before, but as soon as I read it, I knew what it meant. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

According to my trainer, who has forgotten more about dressage than I'll ever know, Tess also needs to be more on the bit. She feels round to me--but what do I know?--and even somewhat bent, but there's this giving-at-the-poll issue. Miss Tess absolutely cannot understand why she should not be able to have her lesson and watch the geldings in the field next to the ring at the same time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

We have not yet achieved levade, but we do piaffe regularly. We also do canter pirouettes. After a summer of occasional work with draw reins, Tess has learned one thing: draw reins on means buckle down and do it right immediately; draw reins off, na na na na na na.

We have hit that brick wall, but not yet emerged victorious on the other side. But hey, like I keep telling my trainer, I've got time. It's not like I'm going to age-out of anything. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Good for you, Pam! I agree, those moments of success are what keeps us going. It was like when I taught first grade. By December, my entire class could read! And I had taught them. It was frustrating at the beginning, teaching phonics and sight words, but when they started sounding out words, and could read their little stories, it sure gave me a sense of accomplishment. So does this mean we should be teaching our horses to read? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[AMom]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LaurieB:
But hey, like I keep telling my trainer, I've got time. It's not like I'm going to age-out of anything. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh LaurieB! I LOVE this!! I don't have a baby greenie (someday!!) but this statement should be the Amateur's Creed! LOVE IT! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Justice]

That must be why I ended up in Michigan - I am migrating toward Virginia where my horse will be considered broke /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I like the looped rein, peeking out of the bridle look too. Unfortunately, Justice goes from that to peanut rolling in about 10 minutes. I should have gone to Congress last weekend!

And Beezer, really. . .could you have Tigger give Justice a long distance jingle and have him share the jump monster stories? 'Cause Justice is pretty sure that it's enough that we know he can jump high and tight, therefore it would be a total waste of energy to do it all of the time (or most of the time, for that mattter.) Maybe Tig could give Justice the credit card number while he's at it. . .why should Hammie have all the fun?

And here's my baby green reflection for the day: Somehow they always make a liar out of you. Just last week I was jumping Justice for the new trainer's wife. Horse could not do a lead change to save his life. This, immediately after I said he was starting to get them consistently.

Fast forward to today, when I am jumping the same horse (I think) for the trainer for the first time. Horse cannot miss a change. And not only is he changing, but they are the long sought but rarely seen (at least in Justice's world) balanced tail swishers!

This, immediately after I told trainer that horse had balance problems and could not do changes with any regularity. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[This message was edited by Justice on Oct. 09, 2001 at 07:01 PM.]

[Merry]

Well, Justice, that whole scenario either made you look like an idiot or a genius to your new trainer! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It's just so infuriating, isn't it, because now you KNOW he can do the danged flying changes, and do them well, so...? /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

These sorts of ponderings are what cause me to periodically consider raising show fish. If they don't perform well or give you grief, you can either fry them up or flush them. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[JRG]

It must have been something in the air today. My other wise attentive green bean was replaced by a girraff like animal with nostrils flairing and the attention span of a flea. After a long ride getting the attention back, I have made the leap to finally get to a lesson with an Olympic rider.

After lameness (knock on wood) is over, the barn is moved and the IRS is now paid I can finally consentrate on us. I am starting to feel the knot in my stomach......hopefully I will get over that by Thursday. Wish me luck.

[Applesauce]

I haven't been posting much on this thread although I have a greenie. I'm in pain and need support!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I have a 4 year old Dutch WB/TB cross. He's been going like a dream. I mean just extremely balanced, beautiful, a 10 mover, and bold to his little jumps. I started showing him lightly this summer and he won his first ribbons.

Well, to make a looooooong story short, he injured himself and was off for about a month and a half. Being sound again this past week I started riding him again very lightly. Well, I noticed his canter was literally jarring me out of the saddle! I mean he was TERRIBLE to try to sit to. I also noticed his hindquarters are shooting up and he's obviously going through a growth spurt.

I trailered him and my other horse to my trainer's today for a lesson. I hopped on him first to show my trainer and my once balanced, good moving youngster has regressed back into an ugly duckling stage. His long floaty trot isn't as floaty and his canter is impossible to sit to. I popped him over a itty-bitty jump and he just plopped over it like a goofball.

Sooooooooooo, now my trainer says...no more training until the Spring. Let him grow and only ride a couple of times a week doing light hacking.

I completely agree with her 100% and knew this happens when you buy babies but..... /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif It's just so dang frustrating! Good thing I hadn't clipped him! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I know this was long and boring to read but I had to vent and just needed some support. Tell me I did the right thing in buying a baby last year!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

~Courtney~

[DMK]

Now remember... my greenie is, well, "sub greenie" so our milestones are so much smaller /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Today the Riverman did his first "real" X - as in a height (18" max) that might prompt him to do more than a glorified step. I also removed all the cavelleti poles, landing poles, etc., except for the one trot pole before the fence (What can I say - I'm a big believer in those /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ).

So after we do some walking and trotting, I incorporate the X into the routine - I usually do this before cantering because this horse has not really been capable of putting together 10 or more strides at a canter up until about 2 weeks ago, so we finish up with a canter (oh the joys of OTTBs). But now when he lands on the correct lead, I generally let him canter halfway around our (tiny) ring before going back to a trot.

First and foremost - he felt very special when he jumped the X - like he might actually be using his front end, and most definitely rounding up a little, which was a lot more than I expect out of a 17 hand horse and an X...

Second, he is so nice and sloooow over the top /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He hasn't quite figured out the rock back thing, but that is so much easier to teach than trying to teach them to slow the arc.

Last (and this was my favorite part), after we did a few X's and our canter work, which I was thinking had become quite respectable, I went back and trotted the X one more time. He caught the right lead, so I cantered around to the other diagonal, where I had a canter pole set up. He has done a canter pole exactly TWICE before this (yesterday), but I saw the distance out of the corner and said what the heck. Then as I got a stride away, I said what the hell, I'll ask for a lead change. Think and ye shall receive! Incredible slow, smooth, balanced change, and we cantered around the corner with no change in pace.

What can I say other than /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

This one wants to be a fancy hunter, I can just feel it!!

[Beezer]

So, like, um, you know this Merry person you're all so chatty with? SHE'S THE BORG QUEEN!! Whispering here out of fear she'll hear: She assimilates horses!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

We know. We've been assimilated. Beaten. Turned into mere shadows of our formerly proud selves. Heads down, supple. It's soooo very, very sad. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I, Hammie, buck and sass back merely to keep some shred of myself intact. I, Tigger, occasionally still do the twisty-heady-thingie just so I can keep an eye on what she might be up to.

You know what she did today?? She brought over this book by this William Stein-somebody-or-other that has all his methods of torturing us poor, unsuspecting baby greenies listed in it. And she tried some!! "Gym-nasties," as my sainted (horse) Mom calls them, Tigger says. And boy, were they. Nasty, that is.

So, just remember us, the next time you are chatting with Merry. She is the Borg Queen. Resisting her has proved futile. (We even ordered a sign for the front gate of El Ranchito warning others of her presence.) /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Merry]

Well... /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Here's my favorite passage from Steinkraus' "Reflections on Riding and Jumping":
"...what you are trying to do with a truly difficult horse is to create a little island of compliance in the midst of its ocean of resistance, and then gradually enlarge it. You cannot always achieve it if you are always picking at flaws and never rewarding..."

DMK, I so envy you with your Riverman. That's a wonderful sire and I'm sure you have a great youngster.

Big Dreams: We all feel your pain! How do I know Hammie is still growing? He barely fits in his custom-made blanket anymore! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Today, I must lock horns with the Barbie Cow once again. *sigh*

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[DMK]

Not to worry, Merry - he let me know yesterday was a "special treat"... Today we took 5 steps backward to remind me I was in fact still riding a greenie!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

don't worry - he's not a "Riverman" - TB variety or WB variety (great TB sire called Riverman). He came with the barn name "Rivers" and I just expanded it to Riverman. (After I cleaned his stall the first time I had an inkling of why the name "Rivers" was selected /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ). Actually he is Mr. Prospector on top, but more importantly, he is Diplomat Way on the bottom, which is how Robbie is bred, along with a few other really nice hunters.

[Justice]

Riverman sounds like a very balanced guy! Congratulations. . .and post a picture!

Tigger, what kind of gym-nasties did The Borg Queen set? I am thinking a tight two stride to a vertical with a V might help Justice with his timing.

Don't worry. I am not a Borg, much less a Queen. If anything, my horse has assimilated me.

[Merry]

The current exercise: on one side of the arena, a series of 4 cavaletti. Then there's a grid of a trot pole, nine feet to one ramped oxer then about 19 feet to a square oxer. Mind you, we begin with the poles literally on the ground, like parallel ground rails. And we finish topping out at 2'6". But that's an accomplishment, eh?

The Barbie Cow was excellent today. Well, after she fumed about being left tied at the patience pole with her saddle on for a whole 10 minutes. Then when I took her out to lunge her, she bolted off and ripped off the end of my fingernail. After the blood stopped spewing and I had regained my composure, she hacked quite nicely. She moved up the farm animal taxonomic scale. Two days she was a "pig". Today she is back to being a "cow". Perhaps by Sunday I can refer to her as a "horse". /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Current box score:
Barbie: 5 Merry: 9

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[LaurieB]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Justice:

I am not a Borg, much less a Queen. If anything, my horse has assimilated me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL Justice! I know just how you feel. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

I am certain that's how the greenies at home view me: The Borg Queen. Beezer is right. They shall be assimilated into The Collective, aka, "The System".

"Really, it isn't that bad," I tell them. "Besides, resistance is futile."

Can't you just picture me, in the Borg Queen outfit? Black rubber suit, partial cyborg body parts, arms that end in some sort of weaponry. Yeah, that's me. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[wtywmn4]

Drones?

Oh queen of the Borgs.... Barbie/cow could very well be 7 of 9! You know how that ended??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Now now, mares are very adept at making us complete fools, and enjoying every minute. They also hold grudges, and never, mind you, neverforget...... Okay you have been warned....

So now that Hammie, Tigger and possibly Barbie have puters...Will they post??? Other greenies may take heed and an uprising could ensue...

[Merry]

Oh wty, wait til my migraine medicine kicks in. Then you never know what might happen... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Duffy]

Ok, I'm feeling a little better now...The professional who has been riding my beast agrees that he's a bit difficult to steer/bend right, i.e., kind of like steering a school bus. He also agrees that, while we would like to put more leg on him to try to help the situation, we might need a tad more bit/and or a bit more leverage (have a plain D snaffle in him now) should he decide that a 20' stride isn't long enough. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Tomorrow will be my first flat lesson on him. Wish me luck! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[wtywmn4]

Sorry Merry, those are the pits!

[Lord Helpus]

Merry -- Totally O/T, but have you tried Topamax? its great!

[Merry]

Migraine report: They come in spasms. Usually provoked by Mr. Merry telling me I have to write up his History Day student handbook and list of potential student topics.

I used to take Imitrex. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Now I take Maxalt. Much less gross side effects.

But back to the horses... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I find it extremely interesting that Duffy's baby doesn't "do" right well, either. I thought ours were the only ones afflicted that way. Even the ones we send out to be broke come back tracking differently to the right than to the left. They're just not very supple on the right side. What's up with that? Is it because all their life they're handled and led from the left, so they're more used to going/bending left?

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Janet]

All of mine seem to bend better to the right than the left, even the one that drifts/pulls left when jumping.

I always assumed it was me.

[LaurieB]

Tess is also stiffer on her right side. I read somewhere (wish I could remember where /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif ) that something like 75-80% of all horses are stiffer going to the right, and the remainder on the left.

[DMK]

Yup, most the horses I have dealt with are better to the left, although they all came off the track, so it's just possible that might have something to do with it /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Janet - I know what you mean about drifts and what not... Robbie and Raven had a classic "right drift" which I always did (and still do) attribute to me. While going over an X the other day, Rivers has shown a definite "left drift" preference. I was ecstatic... whatever it is, it isn't ME!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Well, see, I sort of created a monster, because Hammie wants to drift right and bulge right and land on his right lead. Yet I've also been schooling flying lead changes, which now, knock on wood, are pretty consistent. But when I'm cantering down on the ol' long approach to the single oxer, and I feel him drifting right, I lay my right calf on him and I feel him start to balance and rock back. I know what he's thinking: "I bet she wants one of those lead changes now!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[DMK]

Merry... Just wait until he figures out he can make more room for himself if he swaps at the base /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[LaurieB]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DMK:
Merry... Just wait until he figures out he can make more room for himself if he swaps at the base /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tess has recently discovered that very thing. The situation is not at all helped by the fact that I tend to lean left, which, since I've been pretty much her only rider means that I've "taught" her to drift left. Very frustrating, especially since I don't even realize I'm doing it (until I hear the dulcet tones of my trainer, that is /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif )

Also, my right leg is stronger than my left left, promoting more drift. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif She wants so badly to be good that's exceedingly annoying to realize that I'm the one screwing things up. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Lord Helpus]

Mr. Mikester had another lesson today in his intensive "we're going to a horse show this weekend" mode.

On the flat he was awesome. All of the resistance he showed last week at the trot was gone (thank you, draw reins) and Bobby could not believe it! He bent left. He bent right. He lengthened. He shortened. All while tracking up underneath himself and maintaining a round top line and a soft jaw.

On to jumping. No "x's" for MY Mike. No, sir'ee Bob! Start right over a 18" trot plank, 6 strides to a 2' plank. Perfect. Then we add in the 8' wide gate oxer (at 2'9" mind you). Sublime. And did I mention the smooth as butter flying lead change in between the two?

Then a 6 line and another single gate. Never a bobble or a gawk. The Mikester was truly a star. Now what I want to know is, why couldn't Warren (who has more talent), have Mikey's mind??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

The only flaw in the ointment today was me. I cannot ride Mikey. He is too easy. I keep trying to DO SOMETHING. Steady, steer, balance, help him. I don't know what. I just want to DO something. And I kept messing up what could have been wonderful courses. I just have to learn to let him get in a canter and canter around the damn course. Like a made horse. Like I want Warren to be..... SIGH....

[This message was edited by Lord Helpus on Oct. 11, 2001 at 08:36 PM.]

[Duffy]

It was wonderful!! It's amazing what a little help from the ground can do for one's self-confidence, which, at times, has been grossly lacking with this guy. We used a gag bit on him today and I was able to put my leg on him and actually get his hind end somewhat under him as opposed to out in neverneverland gracefully out behind him somewhere. I did not let him get me in a tug-a-war when attempting to bend/turn right. I was able to use more leg and actually give and take and get a desired response at all gaits. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I can't tell you what a long haul this has been and this guy has been such a sweetheart throughout it all. I guess ya'll can tell I'm kinda happy --- can you say blissful??? I know, I know...it's definitely just a momentary lapse, but it does give me hope! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I got my pictures back and I have a couple that are not horrendous that I will try to scan and post later.

Need to go pick up son at skating arena now. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Duffster: Can't wait to see the photos! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

DMK & Laurie: Yup, that's what I'm waiting for, the ol' "watch how I give her a flying change when she doesn't even really want one, like right in front of the jump." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Pam: I swear, more evidence that we are indeed former conjoined twins. I am always riding/riding/riding. I somehow feel like I can always make the approach to the jump jeeest a litle bit better.

Today Hammie bit the farrier on the butt while he was tacking his front shoe on. So Hammie got in trouble--- by me, no less. Then he reached over and bit me! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Yeah, he loves me. Uh-huh. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Duffy]

Ok - Here is a head shot. He's been trimmed, shaved, beautified since these pictures just taken on Sunday. LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Duffy]

Here he is on the lunge...See what I mean about being a bit strung out!?!? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Duffy]

Here is the beast trying to stand right. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I know his hind end is too far out behind him, but the very nice kid I had holding him had other things she needed to do that afternoon. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bertie]

That is one very handsome boy Duffy!!!

"Always speak your mind, but ride a fast horse" -- Texas Bix Bender

[wtywmn4]

Well, my problem is that I am sure, it isn't right so I pick. And then pick somemore.. Just what all greenies need. Some fool who is constantly trying to fix things.

If it's an OTTB I leave them alone, go figure..

You know, I was once told that horses are also left or right handed. Hence the problems with lead changes and being balanced. Now either this holds water, or said trainer was desperately trying to placate me...

[JRG]

Oh, I know all about picking. My biggest down fall. After being sufficiently beaten at my lesson yesterday, that was one of the things she picked up on right away. I was fine untill she started talking to my, then my years of riding went out the window. I couldn't ride out of a paper bag yesterday, but the good thing was my boy was a star. Anytime something went wrong (all me by the way) he just kept trying. He recieved lots of treats last night.

I have let him get to my comfort zone and then started to pick, which is what I always do. I was definatly brought out of that area and plunked down in the middle of "holly cr#p" land and failed misserabley. Yes I am about to say it, I choked.....Anybody a good sports phycologist?

[LaurieB]

Your boy is beautiful!

[Merry]

Yes, Duffy, he's a very handsome man. Love the ears, too! Has "warmblood" written all over him. Hammie says, "I think I'd like to play with him!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Picking down to a fence? Ah, come on, isn't that what hands and laced snaffle reins are for, to get a really good grip on the reins while you try to convince your horse that you really do know best? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

One of my favorite (HA-HA) feelings on a baby is trying to ride them to a certain spot and they're like, "Oh-dee-do-dee-do, I think someone's trying to tell me something, but I'm choosing not to listen to a thing their aids are saying." /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Lord Helpus]

Mikey was so good in his lesson that I got to the show just as the 2' warm up was starting. The jumps looked like speed bumps, so I elected to wait for the 2'6" height.

Warm up class went well because we went slow so he could look and added strides so as not to scare him (we got 2nd out of 12 horses). Then I decided to step it up a notch and get the strides (he has a huge stride and can do the lines easily). Well, he just ran through my hand, ran through any decent spot, jumped over his shoulder, fell over the damn jumps and, in general, embarassed the hell out of me. The judge is a A show trainer and I was basically the only A show rider there. He would have let me win if I had given him 1/2 a chance. As it was, I got a 6th (out of 7) and a nothing (well, I DID go off course...) /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif .

What do you do with a horse like this? I am tempted to set the jumps up high enough to MAKE the jump back him off. Mikey is no grand prix horse, but he has a solid 3'6" jump in him down the road.

Anyone else thing that a gymnastic with a nice 3' square oxer from tight distance to teach him a little respect is a good thing? Anyone else want to come sit on him the first time through it? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

PS We did win the hack at least, so I was able to give him a horse cookie at the end of the day. We beat an appy, a Welch pony and 3 of indeterminate origin. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[This message was edited by Lord Helpus on Oct. 14, 2001 at 02:00 PM.]

[Bumpkin]

I emailed you then decided to answer on here.

Elliot did that.

My wonderful trainer put him through the gymnastic with someone else, much younger than myself, on him.
The gymnastic was set up pretty much exactly as you asked about, and Elliot really respected it.
I took photos, and he looks awesome.
He did not knock it down.

I expect Mikey is like Elliot and has enough cockiness to not know what stopping out is anyways.


/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Good Luck /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Starbucks]

Don't you hate it when 4 y.o. OTTBs *coughStarcough* choose to dance, buck, rear, jig, and snort all the way through a trail ride?

Yeah, me too. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[LaurieB]

Arrived at the barn this afternoon to discover that the horses hadn't been turned out since last night's rain had lasted until mid-morning. Tess was hanging as far out over her stall guard as she could manage, ears flicking back and forth in time to what I know she was thinking, Get me out of my stall, out of my stall, out of my stall... . This is a mare who likes her turn-out.

Got her out, tacked her up, and since the outdoor ring was closed (wet) and the indoor being used for lessons, I took her into one of the big empty pastures to work. She was listening pretty well at first, happy just to have something to do. Then slowly it began to dawn on her that what she was doing was working. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Now, she hadn't been out, she was all by herself in a big open pasture and the wind was blowing like a banshee, so when Tess lost it, she really lost it. It's been years since a horse tried to run away with me. You think I'm going to canter, round, with my head down and poll soft? Fat chance! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I'm here to tell you, when a TB takes off, they really take off! Actually, I've let her gallop in that big field before, only it's been my idea not hers. Luckily, I remembered the first rule I was taught as a child: turn in a circle and Tess came right back to me. We did cause a momentary sensation among the onlookers who came running out of the barn to see what a TB in full flight looks like. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Then we went back for draw reins and cantered some more. Nothing like a good (unexpected) gallop to clear your sinuses. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bumpkin]

First Elliot now Tess!! haha

I imagine more and more of us Baby Greenie club will be getting the "Jet Blast" take offs as the weather gets crisper.

I am not looking forward to the body clipping spirit. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Janet]

Belle did her first Horse Trial on Saturday (Beginner Novice, 2'9") and she came in second!!!

We were tied for 5th after dressage with score of 38 (which corresponds to 62%). She was fixated on the judges booth, and FELT like a giraffe, but my husband videotaped it and it didn't look as bad as it felt. After CC we were tied for second, as second, third and fourth place all had jump or time penalties. My time (3min 34 sec) was closer to optimum (4 min) than the rider I was tied with (3 min 20 sec). And we were clear in stadium.

In both CC and stadium, there were a couple of times that she needed to slow down, check things out, and regroup, but then she got down to business again.

She was definitely ready for this, but would not have been ready for Novice (3').

Someone commented on how calmly she was standing before going into the start box. I said: "But this is her first time, she doesn't yet know what comes next!"

[Merry]

Yes, once they get the whole idea, I believe you then go throught the "Whoopee, it's a 'horse party'!" period, followed closely by the "You know, I've been thinking. This isn't quite as much fun as I first thought it was," period. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Merry]

... I am starting a new one about my current Hammie situation. See: "Someone just shoot me and put me out of my misery now." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Anyone have some spare kleenex? /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

Just to give you some humour here dear Merry.

I was cleaning out some "stuff" yesterday.
And I came acrosst an olde issue of Sunset magazine.
One of the main articles was...."Fanatic About Fish Tacos"!!!
Of course it gave some yummy fish taco recipes and wrote a piece about San Diego fish taco mogul Ralph Rubio. Owner of 35 Fish Taco shops! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Anyplace Farm]

Janet - congrats on your success with Belle! That's just fabulous.

OK, now I have to toot my horn...my boy was a SUPERSTAR last night! The indoor that I ride in is smaller...not tiny but for a guy like him who typically likes to gallop instead of canter, I get worried in there. Anyway, he's been cantering much more balanced lately and he cantered like a regular horse! He felt like some of the really schooled jumpers I used to ride.

He even did some flying changes on the flat. Wasn't as good after the jumps with the changes, but that'll come. I am just soooo pleased!!!

Oh, the bit I finally settled on is a Happy Mouth mullen mouth. He loves it.

[jreventer]

Janet-I know what you are talking about with not knowing what is coming yet...i started our five yr old at bn this year and at his first event somone commented on how calm he was in the start box-sure wasa nice change from my older mare who is walked in at about ten seconds in time to fly out:)
congrats on doing so well...

I think i should officially join the greenbean group...took my four year on a trail the other day and when we tried to trot he proceeded to blow up, buck, spin, attempt to bolt-quite fun:)
the five horses i currently ride the most right now are three three yr old, a four yr old, and a five yr old...the three yr old qh is by far the most sane and a blast to work with...they all are fun and keep you quite humble...

"There are times when you can trust a horse, time when you can't, and times when you have to."

[Merry]

Fish taco recipes?!?! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Believe it or not, that Rubio guy is the same "Rubio" who owns/started Rubio's Baja Grill, that makes the most delicious--- and dangerous--- fish tacos!

Jr.Eventer: You bring up an interesting scenario. Taking the greenie weenie on a trail ride is often filled with excitement. Mine are always quite good at a show, but get them out on the trails around here and... well, it took me two days, seriously, just to get one across our little street. He just would not step over the painted line in the middle of the road. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

Yes, I had to back one over the line a few times.
The only way to get her over it and across the street. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[jreventer]

Green beans on trails can be rather um...exciting:) Actually most of our are pretty good...the first time they go with one of the old, sane(well, somewhat sane) horses...our ring is right by the road so by the time they are ridden next to the road they are used to cars...but still always interested...and soooo many horse eating monsters out on those trails:)

"There are times when you can trust a horse, time when you can't, and times when you have to."

[Duffy]

You don't want to take mine by himself, even for a walk down the driveway. You can't turn him out by himself either. He'll jump out and go back to the barn with his buds. From what I understand of their upbringing in Germany, they are turned out with tons of other babies until they're maybe three, then they're brought in, broken and trained. They don't get the turnout that our horses are used to. He is NOT used to being all by himself! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Oooooh! He jumped for the first time in about 6 months today and was such a good boy!!! (I just warmed him up for my trainer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif )

[Merry]

Congrats, Duffy! That must've been exciting to display your baby's talents.

Yup, our babies are pretty good up in the hills. I mean, where can they go? What's the worst they can do? Gallop off? To where? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But riding up and down the trails along the streets, even though they're pretty quiet streets, is frightening.

We had three babies all out of the same mare who would absolutely NOT perform by themselves. For their first entire year of showing, the "warm-up round" consisted of Beezer sitting astride a more sedate horse INSIDE THE SHOW RING while I crept and schooled around the course. Talk about embarrassing! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif It was like, "Yeah, this horse is real broke." /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif The idea eventually worked, and the horses got braver, but needless to say, we got rid of that broodmare. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Starbucks]

We were with an old, sane horse! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I didn't know he could yield so well .. or passage, or canter in place .. maybe he should become a dressage horse! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Chicago]

Ardy, whom I mentioned a while back on this thread, was my project OTTB I was riding for my camp. He seemed to always be lame, and towards the end of summer, he just was always a bit off.

Part of the problem is his chipped knee, which seems to have recurring problems (after 9 months of stall rest last winter), and it seems like he may have some neuromuscular type issues as well.

To make a long story short, we found a home for him as a pasture pal, and he's doing well, although his riding days are over.

I miss him.

[LaurieB]

DFD, I'm so sorry you lost your greenie! That's doubly hard with a young horse, especially one you've put a lot of work into. At least you have the consolation of knowing that he's happy in his new "job".

[headsup]

A clients green pony was being shown by one of my students, gave her some minor problems so I dedided to go ahead and show her to "work out some bugs" LOL. The forward button worked...jump button worked...steering even worked...but...alas...lead change button got stuck a few times, middle of the jump button shorted out a bit and in her last course, the "pay attention to where I tell you your spot is" button got waaaaaaaaaay shorted out LOL. But, after watching the video(only to further irritate myself of course) I had to admit, mistakes and all, she sure is cute /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Chef Jade]

And I have been posting on this thread due to the fact that I am often having problems with my greenie. I am here to report that until yesterday, I really had no idea what "green" was. I rode my 3 year old yesterday (brave girl I am.) He has never been out after dinner nor with so much action going on at the barn. HE was good about me getting on (later come to find out that trainer was launched while trying to mount the beast a few weeks ago.) But he was WILD and SPOOKY. He had no steering or breaks but the gas pedal worked well, and often, and usually when least expected. Steering came and went, and when it did show up, usually involved a crossing of the front legs, a drop of the shoulder, and a trailing hind end.

And I had a blast! I LOVE my new guy! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[LaurieB]

I post about Tess, who is now five and still quite green, but her behavior now is nothing compared to what she was like at three. Back then, every ride was an adventure. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Come to think of it, lots of them still are. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Justice]

You might want to try a square oxer with canter poles on both sides. That way you can let him gallop right up to it and have to work things out by himself. After you do just the oxer, try incorporating it into a line. The best part about this excercise is you don't have to use a fence any bigger than the height you are showing over, just make it really wide.

I feel it is my duty as a fellow greenie rider to point out that while this excercise works wonders for backing off some horses, it has been known to make some TBs tense. Never fear, you will know immediately which way it will go!

Yesterday it was a little chilly here, but the sun was shining. I decided to take advantage of the weather and ride outside on the huntfield. Justice decided to take advantage of the weather and try to give me a heart attack. Ah, the joy!

[Duffy]

I love reading the posts on this thread! They make me appreciate my beast even more when he's good and let me know there is a light at the end of the tunnel when he decides to be...hmmm...inspired!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I'm getting a little nervous. We had another fabulous lesson today, complete with cavalletti! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif LOL We jumped through them one time by accident, but he still felt great. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

The trainer, who usually rides him, got to watch me ride him today and said that he truly is beautiful and that we make a great "picture". /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

So, you mean a year from now I'll look back on my adventures with the Hot House Rose (aka "Hammie") and the Hanoverian Cow Beast (aka "Barbie") and chuckle over how green and obnoxious they used to be?Oh, I savor the day! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Right now the Cow Beast is in a 3 yr. old tirade. She has come to the conclusion that working-- especially the way I want to work-- is not all that much fun, thank you very much. I swear, everyone wants her because she is the cutest thing since puppies, but she is just a COW! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif
Canter forward from behind?
"I think I'm too tired for that now."
Bend and be supple to the right?
"That's a tad uncomfortable for me."
Work now, eat lunch later?
"But oat hay sounds so good right now."
AUUGGGHH!

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[wanderlust]

Oh, this may be the funniest thread I have ever read... only because I can empathize with every last one of you. Except for the few of you who say your greenies are angels and don't ever do anything wrong. If only I could be so lucky.

I wake up every morning wondering what new "trick" my baby (ottb) will come up with. I bought him as an event prospect, and had high expectations of him. Until I realized that the trainers at the track weren't lying when they said he "doesn't like to run". They meant it. Literally.

His reaction to basic, basic dressage training? "How on earth am I supposed to move forward if you have even the slightest bit of contact? You must be crazy! I think I'll go up and down like a sewing machine and throw temper tantrums instead."

His reaction to leg being applied? "What the heck are you doing???" along with much tail-swishing, and when I didn't let up... he swing his head at my left foot (which I have discovered is his more "goosey" side) and bit my toes as hard as he could.

Okay, so fast forward a couple of months... there are no eventers around the barn, but two of the better hunter/jumper trainers and a top dressage trainer/competitor/judge at the farm. So I start riding with the hunter trainer, who helps me discover that he has an absolutely fantastic jump. And he's better on the flat... actually goes round and soft and forward at the trot. But is miserable at the walk and canter, unless completely left alone. Some incidents from my lesson last night:

"You need to ride him straight!!!". Which would be fine, except he is learning how to move away from and around the leg, and has grasped the concept soooooo well and is trying soooo hard that the slightest touch with either leg will send him shooting sideways in an attempt to please me and get a scratch on the neck. So as he shoots off one leg, and I block his movement with the other, he shoots sideways in the direction from which he just came, and this cycle repeats over and over and over.

"He CANNOT do that while he is working!" In reference to the way he got an itch up his nose while we were cantering down the line to a fence... comes screeching to a halt and thrusts his head down to rub his nose on his leg in a manner that says "if I don't get rid of this itch this very second, I am going to die!!!!"

"Use your stick if he won't move off your leg, don't keep kicking." Because he wouldn't move. Literally. We were trotting along, he decided he was done, and stopped. Would not move. I hit him with the bat... he swished his tail. Still didn't move.

There is, of course, the way he throws the huge, quick spook that leaves me thinking "Boy, how did I get from that side of the ring to this one?" when he doesn't want to work anymore(I'm so used to this that he can spook while walking on a long rein relaxing that while others are yelling "hang on!!!" I'm laughing. I haven't lost a stirrup in months, not even on the legitimately huge spooks that would get most people off). There is the "why are you sitting on my back while I'm cantering" canter-canter-buck, canter-canter-buck rhythm he uses to express his displeasure.

Gosh, I could go on forever. Thanks again for all of the laughs, and making me feel like I'm not the only one with these issues!

[Merry]

Ha! No, you're not the "only one with these issues". /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I believe we've all had the baby who is so unfocused that the itch-on-the-way-to-the-jump is just routine behavior. Wait until you're winning your baby green hack class, and someone's golf cart lurches forward, or the PA mike clicks on, or a pigeon flies out of a tree. Your life... and $25... flashes before your eyes. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Duffy]

Welcome to the BB (and this thread LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ), Master_Tally! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[wanderlust]

Thanks so much! I apologize for the rambling message above... I just had to get it all out. No one I talk to understands. They've all got nice grown up horses who are straight and forward and adjustable. I've ridden tons of greenies, but he's the first one I've started from scratch myself... oh, if I had only known.

Merry- I rarely pick up a copy of Horse Illustrated, but I could swear the last time I did there was an article about Hammie... the picture you posted jogged my memory. Or maybe I'm just imagining things...

[BustersMom]

Merry, my greenie's nemasis is the scary airconditioning unit beside Hunter Ring 1 in Culpeper. It lurks behind a 6'white fence and waits. My greenie was over the first fence in the last line after a wonderful round when the AC unit clicked on. Greenie thought it was after him and well, you can guess what happened. Not pretty.

Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group

[sprite]

My TALENTED (LOL) baby greenie managed to get himself diagnosed with a baseball sized bladder stone. Talk about doing anything to get out of work...jeez...

he'll be sorry when he goes in for surgery!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Duffy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sprite:
My TALENTED (LOL) baby greenie managed to get himself diagnosed with a baseball sized bladder stone. Talk about doing anything to get out of work...jeez...

he'll be sorry when he goes in for surgery!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

MAJOR OWIE!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Yah, I'll bet he didn't count on that when he came up with that brilliant excuse! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[JRG]

I think we are just at different stages with our Green Beans. I remember the "stop, not going any further", and the "ooooooo what is that drapped along side me" too. For me it has taken 20 months of riding 6 days a week, except for the first 30 days of nothing but ground work. But we still worked almost everyday on the ground to get where I am today.

Don't get me wrong, we still have our moments. They are just becomming fewer (thank goodness). Now I am hitting the days where he just suprises me. Things I would think may be an issue are not demonic anymore, and we can work through them because of all the time.

For the people that have not come as far, take heart it will come. We are all here for those who are not quite there yet, and I hope others who have surpassed us will be there for those who are striving to be there.

[Remi and me]

My 5 yr old baby greenie has water issues - what little rain we've had - the puddles in the ring
are making him a little nuts. He isn't sure whether to run through them or jump over them.
The last time I rode him (tuesday) I made him halt in one since Whoa is his most favorite word. Well, he thought I lost my mind but we got three out of four feet to stay in the puddle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
It's the little things in life that keep me going!
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Pocket Pony]

welcome aboard - I enjoyed your post!

You're from Palo Alto? I'm from the Peninsula too and ride in Portola Valley. Where do you ride?

"Oh Mickey you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!"

[Beezer]

Poor Tigger. He is convinced that there is something seriously wrong with his (human) mom ... and he may be right! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

His version: First, at least two nights a week, my mom shows up well after dark to ride. She thinks nothing of tacking me up and climbing aboard after 8 p.m.! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I mean, isn't that past a 4-year-old's bedtime or something?!?!

She is beginning to have a lot more rules (I think she's been reading some of Aunt Merry's books). Like before, it was OK for me to trot almost halfway around the ring before I cantered; now, it's three or four steps and then I get popped if I'm not cantering. So then I get in a hurry (because I just want her to happy) and that gets me half-halted (and, boy, do I hate that) until I get "reorganized" as she puts it. So ... is it fast? Or slow? Or fast-slow-fast?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

And then there's this: We'd been working for, like, forever on keeping my canter slow and collected, with my head down (I don't know *why* my head is supposed to be down, I think I look so much PROUDER with it up, but whatever ... I just want her to be happy). "Being balanced," she calls it. Now, just when I think I have perfected this lovely, quiet, soft lope-y thing I see the western horses do, she's telling me to leeeeeennngthen my stride and pick up my pace ... but still keep my head down, still stay "round" -- and no sea-serpenting, humpty-back horsing around, either. I ask you: What fun is THAT??

But, hey, I just want her to be happy.

Last night, though, last night was just beyond me. We're out at 8:15 p.m., doing the canter depart faster but not too fast thing, with a longer, rounder stride but no bucking thing, when she starts asking me to collect again ... HUH?? So I try to tell her, no, we're leeeeeeeeengthening, remember? No, she says, we're collecting. So, because I just want her to be happy, I collect. Good, she says ... now lengthen. HUH?!?! We repeat this confusing set of instructions several times. Collect -- I do -- lengthen -- I do -- collect ... well, you get the picture.

I love my mom. She brings me great treats, pets me a lot and scratches my back whenever I ask (which is often). But sometimes ... sometimes I just don't get her at all. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Bumpkin]

As Elliot's mom I am ignorantly happy just "jogging" and "loping" around the arena. Head down, and slooooowwww.

Trainer comes in the ring, and Elliot immediately straightens out and doesn't go nearly as sloooow and lazy. Nor does he pitch too many tiny tantrums. (Elliot is lazy enough tantrums ask for too much effort, just going slow and lazy is his MO).

This is why Elliot is in full training and mom takes as many lessons as she can fit in. Because I realize now why this horse and I love each other so very much.haha
We are both so lazy that we are quite happy just going around in slow motion all "discombobulated".

Tell me Beezer, does Tigger change the minute he sees Merry come in the ring and talk, or coach you?

/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Merry]

Oh, Bumpkin, it's a total circus at all times! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Okay, to put our baby greenies into perspective, one of my friends has a Masters Degree in animal behavior from Cal Poly. She tells me this story about an experiment: A monkey is placed in a cage. It only gets food when it pushes a button. Push the button=food. But then, just to mess with the monkey's mind (as humans seem to want to do), the monkey is suddenly switched to being given food at random intervals, sort of whenever the humans feel the urge. But sometimes the monkey wants a snack. So even though it no longer gets food from pushing the button, it cannot break the stimulus-response training. Consequently it is compelled to every now and then going back to push the button, push the button, push the button... just in case some food might come out.

The moral of this story: Once our baby greenies learn a little trick or evasion, and they succeed, even just once or twice, when they feel the urge it's, "Push the button, push the button, push the button," because hey, it worked once before, it might work again! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

And yes, Master Tally, that was indeed me and Hammie in the magazine... I think Sept., the one with the Anne Kursinksi interview. Wait until the Dec. issue: both Hammie AND Justice are in it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[LaurieB]

Merry, that monkey thing you're talking about has a name, something like variable interval reinforcement.(I don't even want to think about how many years ago I was a psych major.) It's the hardest pattern of conditioning to break.

Say you have a monkey, or a horse /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif and EVERY time he behaves in a certain way you reward him. Then after a while, you stop rewarding totally. That pattern of behavior will die out pretty quickly because the animal can figure out it's not getting him anywhere.

But say sometimes you reward (or punish) and sometimes you don't. Or let's just say for the sake of argument that you're an AMATEUR RIDER. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

The horse, who has become used to random interval reinforcement, will keep repeating that behavior endlessly, because hey you never know... this just might be the time I get lucky. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Lord Helpus]

Well, in the week since the debacle of our big horse show (which I have since been assured, was not entirely Mikey's fault, but also the fault of the course designer), the Mikester and I have been working on lengthening and shortening and listening when Mom says "Come back, and compress your stride OR DIE!"

He is getting good at doing what I want, so now we just have one remaining problem: As he is collecting his stride, he GROANS, piteously.... pathetically.... this major UNNNNNHHHHHHHHHHHH...... as we proceed around the ring. Any judge could hear it, Sounds really loud to me, so I am sure that anyone within 100 yards will be able to hear him.

I have aids for "go forwrd" and "come back" and "bend left and right", but I have NO aid for "stop groaning" /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif and since he is technically obeying the aids I am giving him, I hate to discipline him in any way. Actually I think it is sort of funny, except that he makes it sound like I am ripping his heart out through his throat.

Anyone else with a groaning horse who has solved this problem?

[Bumpkin]

Elliot will sometimes groan at a lead change.

I certainly hope Elliot doesn't start groaning around the ring, it is bad enough having a tail swisher.
But the groaning /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif would make moi self conscience about my wt!!!

Not that you need to be Pam. I am only speaking for myself if Elliot groaned around the ring.
I would suspect Mr Bumpkin was coaching Elliot to make me feel badly haha /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LaurieB]

I actually think it's pretty funny. She's never done it in the show ring though, where I'm sure I'd find it less amusing. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Tess groans when we're having flatwork lessons (she would SO much rather jump). Eventually all that suppling and bending, collecting and lenghtening makes her start wallowing in self-pity and she'll groan loudly for two or three strides.

Sorry Pam, but I can't offer any solutions. Mostly I just laugh. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

Well, Hammie doesn't groan, but if you could only see his expression at times, I'm certain he is just cussing a blue streak at me. He does that wrinkling of his upper lip, the snarled nostrils, the rolling of his eye back at me and this awful flattening of his ears. It's just so lovely, and conveys such a soft, compliant picture of a lady's hunter to the judge. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

The Barbie Cow flutters her nostrils at the canter, so she sounds like Alydar breezing three furlongs. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Yes, Laurie, the baby horses are so ingrained to the "Push the button-push the button-push the button" conditioning. I find it becomes the worst when they first learn that sometimes you ask them to move up to a longish spot. And then you pat them for being so brave and adjustable. Then, the next, oh, seventeen jumps are suddenly ALL LONGISH MOVING UP SPOTS, whether that's what you wanted or saw. Hey, that was your request once, and it was fun and easy to jump that way, so... push the button, push the button, push the button! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

Oh Elliot loves to bow his neck and canter around doing the breezing sound.
I love it and call it purrrring, now you are going to tell me it is not allowed??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

The only problem with the purring is I tend to think it as striding and he will lengthen his stride without changing the purr so it can be troublesome at times!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif haha

But I still love the sound and find it relaxing.

[Merry]

Oh, no, the "purring sound" is totally cool! There's nothing wrong with it at all. It's totally different than a horse with a wind problem. So don't fret, Bumpkin! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."