Progress After Katy...

After the trip to Katy for Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour, I was re-pumped, ready to get home and make progress with my groundwork and riding.

I bought his halter and 14’ rope while I was at the show.  I was thinking that I can really use the extra control that this halter is supposed to give.  It uses stiff rope and four knots across the nose.

I liked the 14’ training rope because it had a nice big clip that’s easy to open.  The one I have been using is a pain in the neck.  It’s the kind of fastener that’s not even a clip.  You have to twist it around to open it.  Most of the time it won’t twist.  I finally had to clip another clip that opens easily to it so I can get it open and off and on the halter quickly.  It made a really heavy, bulky hunk of metal under Max’s chin, and it was hard to manage.  It worked, but it was far from ideal.

I began using my new halter and rope this week.  It works great.  I do think I’m getting better results with the stiffer, knotted halter.  The clip on the rope works easily.

Max and I, again, have taken a step backwards in yielding forequarters to the left.  I know I said I was going to leave it alone for a while, but it’s hard to leave alone.  One thing Clinton said at the tour was, “Sometimes things get worse before they get better.”  He said many people quit when they get worse and don’t work through to the “better”.  So, I’m going to keep working on it.  I’m not leaving it alone…yet… 

We are making good progress with the touch and rub exercise.  We worked on it for a couple of days this past week.  I’m still a little awkward with it every once in a while, but most times I’m giving clear signals and we’re getting it. 

We’ve got one step across pretty consistently.  Now I’m working on more steps.  Max doesn’t like to cross his feet over, so it’s always a challenge.

I had a very short ride today.  I needed to ride though, no matter how briefly, to keep my confidence going.  It was a good ride.  We trotted, backed, cantered a couple of times, practiced the one-rein stop and that was about it.  I need to get some long rides going again to make real progress in the saddle.

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

Back From Katy...

If you're a first time reader, I'm a first time horse owner using Clinton Anderson's training methods to train me in handling my horse.  After an incident last November I'm seeking to gain control on the ground and re-gain confidence in the saddle using his techniques.  Look back to the first few posts to see how Max and I got to this point...

BACK FROM KATY...

I’m really glad I made the trip to Katy, Texas, and I had a great time Saturday and Sunday at Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour.  I enjoyed two days of horses, horses, horses.  I got a refresher on what it looks like, live, to do the exercises the right way.   Most of all, I got an infusion of inspiration and energy which will keep me enthused about making steady progress both on the ground and in the saddle.  So, my goals for the trip were definitely accomplished.

Clinton used his Downunder Horsemanship techniques to solve different types of problems on local horses.  He did it using direct instruction, clear physical demonstration, and flavored it with lots of humor.  He reached his training goal each time. 

Boo-coos of prizes were given away. 

I enjoyed looking at all the products during the breaks.  (I made a couple of purchases.)  I didn’t experience, or hear, any high-pressured sales going on.  I did experience, and hear, sales people answering questions about products.  They were all knowledgeable about the products, all helpful, all nice.

I observed Mr. Anderson as he talked with the folks during breaks.  He was polite and generous with his time.  He stayed after his show on Saturday and Sunday evenings as long as it took to get to everyone in the long line who wanted to speak with him.

Even I stood in that Sunday afternoon line.  (I’ve never stood in line to talk with a presenter.  But I really wanted him to know how well he was training me.)  He politely listened to my longer-than-short story and smiled and encouraged me to stay with it.   Very nice.

All in all, I’m glad I went...

Have a good ride

Greenhorn

New Post Coming Tomorrow...

               New post about my trip to Katy, Texas, to Clinton Anderson's Walkabout Tour coming tomorrow...

Road Trip...

            I’m taking the trip to see Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour in Katy, Texas, this weekend. 

            I’m hoping to get a good dose of inspiration, to re-visit live what the training looks like when it’s done right and to have a good time being in a situation that’s all about horses.

            I’m going to write about it when I get back...

           

            Have a good ride

            Greenhorn