The Return to Riding Report Card, week 4

[lagilman]

For those still following the saga...
Switched horses yesterday -- was assigned Snaps, who was not named for his habit of biting but tried to do so anyway. He bit, I hit, we went on with the lesson in perfect accord (he didn't even bruise me, so it wasn't a serious bite, just more of a test to see what he could get away with. Answer: nothing).

Snaps is an 8-year veteran of being a school horse and, as C said, "will do only what you ask -- but you have to ask him right." So, having been deemed Acceptable in the basics, I am now being tested to see what I actually know.

I have work to do on my corners.
a lot of work.

Also, must remember to go gentle when he gets stubborn. Confuses him into doing what I want. :-D

On the plus side, my transitions are good, the legs are mostly staying where I want them, my hands remain still and steady, and even with his high trot and omgwhee! canter, I was secure in the saddle. And I woke up without any muscle pain at all. Although the shots of vodka last night may have had something to do with that, too...

Today I did some work stuff, some financial stuff, and some family stuff, and tried to juggle plans for the forthcoming weekend, so I can fit everything in. May not happen. Priorities must be determined . :-(

Comments

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

I was always told that if the horse bites you, bite 'im back. }:)
Worked like a charm the one time a horse bit me.

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

O.o

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

I hope you are planning on going to Dancinghorsefarm's horse clinic sleep over. Bet you would get to ride Capria. (jealous much?)

[lagilman]

it works with cats. with orses, an open-handed thwack does the job...

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

Date: April 9th, 2008 06:20 pm (local

neutronjockey rendered speechless by commenter.

[lagilman]

no non-work-relatd travel for me this season, alas. buying a home puts a mild kibbosh on all other things...

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

You bite your cats? *slack jawed amazement*

[lagilman]

Only if they bite first, and then only if it's malicious. A play-bite just gets them a time-out, and then only if they actually break skin.

(household animals are generally trained appropriate to their natural instincts, which means that cats get disciplined the way momma-cat would, as best I can. Dogs are easier -- alpha is alpha, no matter how many legs you have, and pack-formation is more stable than feline social interactions....)

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Well, I have been known to bite Shadow's ear gently to show her my displeasure, but I don't think I'd like to bite her really since I don't want to hurt her.

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

A bow. I always have something to say.