All The Kings' Horses

 Last Monday, I decided to take Gia out in the arena, where there was more space, and she didn't feel claustrophobic, and just see what types of touches she liked and didn't like.  See if I could narrow down what was going on.  I have several horses that are very sensitive to touch, so this is not new territory to me.   I had gathered a few of the brushes that they seemed to like to try them on her.  I used a new curry comb that Boomer really likes, with long, soft fingers ...  NOPE.   (On a side note, Boomer decided yesterday that he didn't like the soft brush that we have been using on him for the past several years ....) I tried a massage brush that has rollers on it that Ali really likes when I rub it on his neck ... HELL NO! I ended up just trying my hand.  She wasn't crazy about it at first, but I would just place my hand on her, and not move it.  When she breathed into it or released, I took my hand away.  We went on lik...

Gia has recently had a behavior change.  I'm not sure exactly why, but regardless of why, I am putting her riding work on hold for a little bit, and taking a step back to work on her behavior on the ground, and to help her become a better equine citizen around her people.  She hasn't always been the easiest horse to groom, but lately, she has taken an extra turn for the worse.  Her reactions to being touched or curried or brushed in any way, especially in a way she doesn't like, have become a bit extreme - stomping her front feet, trying to bite, trying to kick with her back feet.  She has always been a bit "displeased" with anyone's touch other than myself or her favorite groom, Danielle,.  If a groom was ever having trouble with her, as soon as Danielle would step in to help, Gia would act as if nothing at all had happened, and she was happy as a clam, even leaning into being brushed, and acting like it was her favorite thing ever.  If ever a horse had a ...

 Last week was a little crazy, hence why I am just now getting around to writing the blog! Tuesday - I was finally able to get back into the saddle on Monday (although I didn't get a chance to ride Gia).  I did get back to my lessons with Suzin today though!!  We worked at the walk, trot and halt doing a lot of transitions.  We worked on bending, and when I got stuck in one direction not able to get the bend, she reminded me that I could go the other direction and ask for counterbend just until she was straight.  She also reminded me to "give" for the tiniest correct answer that I received from Gia.  All things I say to my students all the time, but it's funny how you can forget these things when you are in the saddle yourself! We also worked a little on turns-on-the-haunches, and even got a couple of nice steps! Wednesday - due to the rain, the fields were too wet to jump in, so Gia and I stayed in the arena for some jumping.  I mainly focused on her ...