Oh, mon dieu!
Becca's been the only one keeping me sane. Her BF is away with this family on vacay, so we've been spending lots of sister time together. Charlotte's home, too, but only for a couple of weeks until she goes back to college.
Today, I've got a one-on-one lesson with Kim. Whisper's been acting up in class. Sometimes, when Kim calls out a command, Whisper does it before I ask. Like, at our last lesson, Kim called, "Trot!" and we were at a walk. Before I asked Whisper to trot, she started trotting. I pulled her back to a walk and let the other horses trot past her before I asked her to trot. Whisper cannot respond to voice commands, so I've got to work that out of her before we get to Canterwood. Any helpful suggestions, fellow riders?
Off to watch THE GLEE PROJECT! :)
xx
LT
When your instructor gives a command squeeze your grip a tad tighter and tell her easy. And keep your momentum going at the gait your already doing for a few counts before cueing her yourself. (: good luck at cc
ReplyDeleteHorses used in lessons will frequently do things like that, anticipating what is coming because they want to please. In the long run, it's a good thing, because she wants to do right. However, talk to Kim about doing different things from everyone else for a while. For instance, when she says 'trot', take Whisper in a circle at a walk, or something very different that will keep her feet engaged, mind thinking and listening to you. Just make sure everyone knows so you don't get run over if you're in a group lesson!
ReplyDeleteAlso, if Whisper listens to Kim first, get her focused back in you, reward her, and then ask her the same thing.
Give her a carrot for me!
I'm not a rider (ever since I almost got bucked off a horse in Canada), but I hope you will succeed in teaching Whisper the right way to act. Good luck at Canterwood, and I hope you make up with Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteTry doing some ground work with her before you get on. Ask Kim to do some voice commands for you and if she does the command, pull her back with her leadline until she stops. Aladdin and emily 4ever @!
ReplyDeletewell i', not a rider really but i think what you're doing is good. u watch the glee project?!?!?!?!?! LOVE IT!!!!! Good luck at cc, ur gonna kill it :)
ReplyDeleteWork on transitions more and have Kim say trot and hold her back for a couple seconds that start to trot. She also might have a lot of energy so try working a little before the lesson to burn off all that energy. Or maybe Whisper needs a stronger bit.
ReplyDeleteI looooove The Glee Project! You have perfect taste, L!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Laurbell. Just hold her back at the walk for a few seconds before you trot after Kim says it. I'm sure the one-on-one will help and Bri and I will totally help too. Wanna work with her after our next lesson? Then we can go on a trail... also I was thinking maybe a sleepover this week... you and Bri free??
ReplyDeleteI don't ride :( but I will be starting next month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Just keep working with her and eventually (Hopefully before you go to Canterwood) she'll get it!!! This is really random but, look up Guide Dogs for the Blind. They're awesome!!!! Not as awesome as Canterwood, but you know, awesome. :) Can't wait till your next post!!!
ReplyDeleteFor Whisper's voice command problems, I agree with Ana. School starts in 3 weeks for me, two! I'm going to make sure to spend them well. Have fun with Becca, and don't worry about Canterwood, you're gonna rock! :D
ReplyDeleteTry lungeing her and see how that goes.
ReplyDeleteit's ok have fun with Becca,tay Ana and Bri and the horses and with Whisper's problems, I agree with Ana and about Canterwood, you are going to have FUN and kloe is going to like you
ReplyDeleteDON'T worry :)
Try tightening the reins a bit and saying walk, then after a few strides loosen them and give her the cue to trot. Good luck with whisper!
ReplyDeleteask your horse to walk for about a half a lap until you ask them to trot.... good luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is really random but i found an awesom website for anyone who is interested. Go to www.imworld.webs.com and check it out!
ReplyDeleteGreat work with Whisper, you two will do great at Canterwood! Keep holding her back and try to mix up your routine so Whisper won't know what's coming next and so her attention stays on what you are telling her to do.
ReplyDelete~Shannon
Lauren, you will do great at canterwood. Sasha was just as nervous as you are, and look at what she has achieved! I have faith in you! P.S. what grade r u going into?
ReplyDeleteGo TEAM LAUREN! :) i dont ride horses so i can't really offer advice but if you ask kim i am sure she will suggest something!!!! good luck! will b waiting 4 an update to c how everything goes with whisper......... :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes that happens to me and my horse too! I just tell him to walk and then about 2 minutes later I give the command to walk! I <3 the GLEE PROJECT!!! :) :) My favorite is Damian but I think Samuel will win!
ReplyDeleteFind some way to get Whispers attention back on you. Or tighten your reins and give the command after Kim does.
ReplyDeleteYou should make up a secret word for walk, trot, and canter so she doesnt keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteMartingale for now Mr.Conner won't let you use one in school
ReplyDelete