Where are we since November goal setting? Making progress....but not fully in control of all factors. Our plan with the Breezey girl is solid and both PG and Breeze are doing great (cantering full courses).
But there is a wrinkle. Since we, nor our trainer, own Breeze (the barn owns her) other people ride her from time to time. Last weekend, a 300 lb man hopped on her for a trial ride (I was a wreck all weekend with worry for her). While she is a nice, sturdy Quarter Horse, she is still size wise a pony.
See....Breeze has had a harder life in her short 8 years. She has been a lesson pony, been ridden wrong by adults and has not had any consistent love. So when she gets a blast from the past ride her wrong...she backslides. You can even see it in the way she interacts with humans - its not the same love filled snuggling interaction you get out of our trainer's horses who know that people are to be trusted and are leaders.
For us - that means 20 minutes of our lesson is spent trying to correct her bad behavior and re-establish trust after someone else rides her. Once she gets going and realizes it is PG on her (whom she loves) all is well. It is frustrating though for PG and she has to be strong in riding through it (she handles her through some kicking, wriggling around and wanting to face into the wall). I am proud of how PG handles her with no fear....but it is frustrating. Not exactly what you want out of a performance animal working towards goals.
I, however, am pretty attached to the Breeze girl. Her and PG have much in common and are in many ways kindred souls. She is also showing much more promise than we ever thought....PG's trainer even got a lead change on her which is great!!
We are going to weigh our options though. Tomorrow, Gee Whiz comes back and is actually a much nicer size for PG (a Medium instead of a Large). PG LOVES Gee Whiz also b/c he is more comfortable to ride (size) but has a bouncier jump and canter.
Time will tell....we just love all of these ponies. Sigh - if money weren't an issue.
Hopping a vertical
Warming up
Really moving!
Love this cantering close up
The Gate - to date still the biggest jump PG has done
Hopping boxes like a pro - and to think PG used to be scared of these boxes!
Bye-bye!!
It breaks my heart to think of someone hurting an animal. I hate that. I love that Dimples has a kindred soul :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, Sophia just walked in and recognized PG...she's now mad at me because she doesn't get to ride a pony. I think I'm on her bad list today :)