So it's been almost 2 months since my last post. That could be evidence that Fiona and I have made absolutely no progress whatsoever, but IT'S NOT! The truth is we have made amazing strides in the last 2 months. It's been almost too much to keep up with and that pesky job I have to maintain in order to support my horse habit, I haven't had much time to write.
Let me see where I left off here. Fiona was starting lessons with Samantha Lynch (http://www.samanthalynch.com/) and the first day was rough. Fiona didn't even want to be saddled, much less be ridden. Sam was able to muscle through and get the ride to happen. Since that time, Sam has been riding her 2-3 times a week. I have been doing groundwork for most of that time a couple of days per week. So Fiona's been getting a pretty good workout.
So a few weeks ago, on 1/28 I had what I would consider my first successful ride on Fiona. It was short and uneventful. It was so uneventful it was almost anti-climactic. It sort of felt like I went from an abusive relationship to a peaceful loving one. There was no drama, no fighting. We both just did what we were supposed to do.
Here are some very unexciting video clips of the ride:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQkHq_wZQw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL - stepping on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SDkZSQbb3Y&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL - little walking around getting used to one another.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkNpOLQIMGg - trotting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkNpOLQIMGg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL - more trotting toward the end of the ride
I don't know why I wasn't MORE excited about it. It's a HUGE accomplishment..I mean HUGE! Well since then we did a few groundwork lessons on the property with Sam and 2 more AMAZING riding lessons.
I even......drumroll please........... got on Fiona all by myself!!! Now that was exciting! I had Linda and Alison (a couple of lovely ladies from the stable) there for moral support and security. They were sitting there with their finger on the "9" just in case the sh*t hit the fan. It never did! The ride was great! Fiona fought me for control of her head a bit but for the most part it was a raging success. I have to say, I was pretty excited about that one. After the ride, Fiona even stood in the same place for about 10 minutes while I talked to Alison and Linda. She even ate hay out of the back of LINDA'S GOLF CART! This is the same cart she wouldn't even walk by calmly in August!!! It's crazy!
The 2nd and 3rd riding lessons were both great. We are both very comfortable with one another. Her trot and walk fit will with my riding style. She's not too fast, which everyone was really worried about. She actually STOPS if I get off balance or do something that confuses her. I will take that over a bolt any day!!
Our next big step is an obstacle clinic on March 12th, led by Samantha. I will probably lead Fiona from the ground for most of it. I am planning for her to be a rockstar though. I am going to saddle her up first and then if she does well, I will ride her on the obstacles.
We also had an interesting little lesson in respect with regard to food. Fiona tried to run my down to get to an empty bowl because she's never really been forced to have manner around mealtime. I backed the horse up about 15-20 times before she finally just stood there waiting for permission to move forward. It was a big step forward for us I think.
I feel like I am finally starting to understand how to gain her respect and trust...and confidence.
Wish us luck on the obstacles!!! Meta is going to come to the clinic and take pictures and video!!!
Steph
