I had planned out my day to give me enough time to groom Lucy to perfection, tack her up, and lunge her to get her nice and warmed up prior to Morgan's arrival. As usual, Lucy made my day a little more interesting, this time by throwing a hind shoe sometime during the afternoon. She just had her feet done on Thursday, too.
I was beside myself when I discovered her missing a shoe just 45 minutes before our appointment and was all ready to call Morgan and cancel. However, someone was looking out for me today because a farrier was over at the other side of the barn shoeing some of the other boarders' horses! I quickly went over, introduced myself, and then politely begged him to tack the shoe back on. 20 minutes and $20 later, the shoe was tacked on and Lucy was ready to go! I brushed her quickly and tacked up just as Morgan arrived. PHEW!
The ride itself went pretty well. I wanted Lucy to behave herself and at the same time, I needed her to show Morgan what her issues were. She did a bit of both, first acting quite innocent and charming and then getting a bit frisky when things didn't go her way. Morgan sure has her work cut out for her but I really appreciated the way she rode and handled Lucy's stunts, and I asked her to come back for round 2 next week!
Here are some photos, posted with Morgan's permission:
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| Lucy ended up having to reach pretty deeply into her bag of avoidance tactics. She tried kicking out, tossing her head, poking her nose out, poking her nose to the side, bucking, kicking out, hopping around... |
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| Morgan handled it all fairly and gracefully |
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| And eventually, Lucy gave up and just behaved herself. |
We talked about what I can work on over the next seven days, and how to handle Lucy when she is bad. Morgan talked me through her thought process and what she was doing with her aids as she rode, which was very helpful.
Morgan did not feel that Lucy was being bad as a result of an injury or unsoundness. Rather, she felt it was most likely a result of her being unbalanced and tight through her body, combined with a big attitude and a preference for doing things *her* way. While I am not opposed to having my vet look at Lucy just to be safe, I don't think I will have them out before Lucy gets her Spring shots in April unless there is a change and of course I will keep an eye on her.
Oh Lu, she just seems to say "F this frame, I'm gunna run and buck!" In the beginning of the video, her snorting out was so good-great releasing, but then she remained tense and I don't think she snorted out again, so her brain is taking in new aids, etc...so it just may be time before she becomes happier with her job, fully understanding what is being asked, and behaving-then boom, model pony citizen! Seems your trainer is a great addition to your training program :)
ReplyDeleteHope the training program helps her out!
ReplyDeleteSounds promising! It's also nice to hear she doesn't think it's a pain issue. Yah!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear all went well for the first training session, plenty to work on but isn't that why we seek help and look for lessons - life would be boring otherwise!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work, there is no doubt you have Lucy's best interests at heart. You'll get there - I believe! :D
Lucy sure has a lot of tricks up her sleeve. Morgan certainly seems like a nice, quiet rider, hope it continues to go well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get Lucy all figured out! I had a similar problem with my big attitude mare - she was too weak to hold herself in a frame, so she got grumpy, but once she found that a frame could be comfortable and it was easier to listen than to rebel, she was great! Sometimes it's just a miscommunication, and hopefully you guys can figure it out :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really like her style, how she is steady, quiet and consistent. Again, with my mare (really, I see so many similarities between my girl and yours) if I reprimand, she escalates, but if I ignore and keep going, she gives up. Hope things work out!
ReplyDeleteI love watching Morgan ride. :) Looks like she's good for Ms Lu. Hope things keep improving for you guys.
ReplyDeleteGlad that the first session went well! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad it went well and that Lucy pulled out some of her tricks. I hate it when you ask for help with an issue, and they're angels!
ReplyDeleteI really like how Morgan's got her trot slowed down - you can always add more later. And I like how quiet and patient she is; she just kinda says we're doing it my way Lucy girl.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it went great! I'm anxious to see more :)
ReplyDeleteDid you know you made this list?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.horsenation.com/2013/03/04/19-stunning-photos-of-brides-on-horseback/
I hate to be the lone voice of opposition, but I think you do a better job on her than this girl. Too much hand for a horse that needs LESS hand for relaxation to happen. She does not look happy at all here. Hands crossing the neckline should never happen...I only speak this because I ride a horse so similar to Lucy, and it has taken me 6 years to figure out how to make things work, I know I wouldn't be where I am without people who understand tense Thoroughbreds. Just my opinion...which probably isnt worth much LOL
ReplyDeleteI didn't enjoy watching Morgan's ride at all. She's all hands and holding her back incredibly. That's why Lucy is reacting with backward, upward confusion, frustration. Not to mention she's really riding with a lot of hands, not letting the horse move forward and through. I couldn't even watch the entire video I felt so sorry for Lucy. Sorry, Morgan may be a good rider but I did not enjoy this "training" session at all. I feel like Morgan could use some good dressage instruction in letting the horse move forward and through herself. And get off her hands! Spinning her around for being held in and fighting it only confused and punished her for being ridden improperly. Get a good dressage rider to help you, Lucy and Morgan out!
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