Friday, July 13, 2012

Shaken and Stirred

Geez, the temps are up to 35C here, 40C with the humidex!  Yikes!  Makes for really big hair.  :-)

Jean has been doing amazing work with Stu.  When she lunges him, he now responds immediately to all of her verbal commands: easy, whoa, walk, trot.   She has been exposing him to different things to desensitize him.  Stu now wears a western saddle on his back while being lunged. Jean has done all of this on her own and her confidence has grown.  I know Jean pretty well, and I can tell she was getting bored with her routine with Stu.   So it wasn't a surprise when Jean asked LA if she could go to the next step.  With LA's help, she actually sat on Stu a couple of weeks ago, with LA holding Stu's headstall.  Very exciting.  He was skittish, understandably.  Jean was nervous, understandably.  Unfortunately, after Jean sat on Stu, he got the step ladder caught on his back foot , causing him to spook a bit.   LA continued to hang on and calm him, Jean gratefully got down and untangled him.  Now, apparently, white step stools are killer monsters to Stu.


The plan was to have someone sit on Stu every day, eventually working up to a walk.  The challenge was that Jean couldn't be out at the barn every day and LA could not risk injuring herself on a green horse because it would impact her training business.   The 2nd time Jean was scheduled to sit on him, she started working herself up to a tizzy with her nervousness.  Fortunately, she came clean and one of the other adult boarders, who has worked with green horses before, volunteered to "sit" on Stu with LA holding Stu's headstall.  Even though he routinely swung his hind end out, Stu did pretty well with the boarder on his back and LA actually led him around in a couple of small circle.  This boarder volunteered to sit on Stu when Jean was not there, but scheduling became an issue.  So, on Sunday, as I was untacking Gem, I overheard Jean explaining the situation to another boarder and how she was frustrated that it appeared that Stu was ready but the stars were not aligned.  At that point, I volunteered to be Jean's ground person if she wanted to try sitting on him.


Jean lunged Stu in the arena while I finished up with Gem.  I got my Confidence Vest out of the car and handed it to Jean as I entered the arena.  At first she said she didn't need it, but I asked her to wear it for me and she did.  We both had helmets on.  She handed Stu's reins to me and I walked him around the arena a couple of times, talking to him, getting him used to me and my voice.   Jean put the big black 3-step mounting block in the middle of the arena.  Initially, all Jean did was pull down on the stirrup, getting him re-acquainted with the feeling.  He kept swinging his hind end away from Jean.  She would reposition the mounting block and we would go through the same routine.  Eventually, we moved him to the 1/2 wall next the to gate; Jean didn't want him to feel claustrophobic, so she thought that standing parallel to the gate where he could see outside would be a good thing.  Positioning him there worked wonderfully.  He did not swing out his hind end and over a 10(?) minute period, she worked up from pulling down on the stirrup, to stepping up and leaning over him and dismounting.  All the while, I was stroking Stu's neck and telling him what a good boy he was.  His anxiety started to melt away, his head lowered, he sucked on the bit and his eyes were relaxed.  Jean was nervous because she knew the time had come.  I told her that if she didn't feel up to it to walk away now - in my mind it was already a very successful session.   She decided to give it a go.


She slowly swung her leg over him and gently sat down.  Stu, perked up and as usual, took a big step and started to swing his hind end out.  What happened next caught both of us off guard.  Stu became a whirling dervish, with me hanging on to his face for part of it.  Unfortunately for Jean, the momentum of Stu doing a really fast small circle whipped her out of the saddle.  She flew through the air coming down hard on her hip, then chest, finishing with a face plant in the new fluffy sand.  I was glad that she was wearing my vest.  :-)  Stu immediately stopped and stood about 15 feet away, looking at us.  I swear he was scared but concerned about what had just happened.  While Jean was trying to catch her breath, I went to Stu, spoke quietly to him and then looped the reins over the horn of the saddle, to keep them from sliding down his neck and over his head.  


LA's husband came in to the arena and while I moved the mounting block over the Jean so she could sit, he went over to Stu.  After a few minutes, LA's husband got on Stu (from the ground, for cripes sakes!) and sat on him for a few minutes while LA and I ascertained that Jean could walk, etc. 

I am certainly no expert, but here's my postmortem:
  • Jean was nervous and Stu picked up on that.
  • Perhaps 10(?) minutes was too long to be working up to Jean getting on him.
  • Jean and I were lulled into a false sense of security when Stu became relaxed. 
  • I did a good job of calming Stu, but perhaps it was too good.  If he was half asleep when Jean sat on him, he may have been startled.
  • Jean was a bit too slow in getting into the saddle; it was not fluid, hence her foot was not secure in the other stirrup and she did not have a secure grasp on the reins.
  • When Stu took that initial step when Jean sat in the saddle, swinging his hind end away from me, I believe he hit the bottom of the gate with one of his hind feet, causing him to jump forward (reminiscent of the killer monster stool).
  • It happened so quickly, that neither of us had the sense to actually use any verbal commands, like "easy" or "whoa!" 
I know what it's like to fall from a large horse.  I fell from Gem while galloping (the galloping was not by choice!!) and once when he bucked at a horse that was too far up his butt on the trails, catapulting me out of the saddle to fall like a rag doll in the hard snow.  It's scary and it hurts.  A lot.  I was able to get right back on Gem both times, which was good for my confidence.  Jean was focused on herself after the fall and didn't have any contact with Stu, not even a reassuring pat while we were still in the arena.  :-(  Someone else took him to the barn, untacked him and put him out.  After I agreed to pick her up, she sent me a note saying she had decided not to come out to the barn on Tuesday because she was stiff and didn't think that it would be good for her to be traipsing around the fields looking for Stu..... 


I know her confidence has suffered with this fall and it has been a humbling from a "knowing her horse" and "horse trainer" perspective.  I just hope it doesn't take long for her to get over it and that I will see her out at the barn this weekend, working with her beautiful horse.   

Have a good weekend and stay cool!

21 comments:

  1. Although I'm no horse trainer either, I agree with you anaylsis of what happened.

    I don't think it would hurt to address the problem of the white step stool before going much further with riding him. The fear will only intensify and get worse as time goes on, and as you saw, it's going to transfer over to anything to that is similar to that experience.

    Everyone learns the hard way that you can never be relaxed around a young/green horse. Calm, yes, relaxed, no. You have to always be ready for something to happen.

    You know I just had a bad fall, and this was actually my second one where I was injured badly. The first time I looped Socks reins around her horn and then let her wander because I couldn't do anything with her. The second time I had absolutly no contact with Thor. I was too preoccupied with my pain and getting back to the truck.

    In those cases, I coulnd't physically have gotten back on the horse but I wish I had atleast taken a moment to pet both of them. The first time, the first time I got back on after the fall was terrifying. It took my around two years to feel safe on my horse again.

    This time, as excited as I am to get back on a horse, I'm already nervous everytime I think about it. When someone has a fall off of one of our horses, we always encourage them to get back on. Not necessarily on the horse they fell off, but on one of the dead-broke guys. That way they get over that intial fear right away and don't have to have it build up and boil over later.

    I hope Jean wasn't hurt too badly, physically and confidence-wise. It sounds like she has done a great job with Stu and a few bumps in the road is to be expected. It's very thankful she was wearing the vest and the helmet.

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    1. Also, I cannot imagine that heat. We're low 30's right now and we are absolutly dying. Anything above 25C and most Albertans can't function.

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    2. The temperatures here in my part of Ontario are insane!!! I totally agree with you about working at de-sensitizing him around the while stepping stool. Stu is such a sensitive horse that I think he would have benefited from Jean at least giving him a pat to let him know it was OK. You took quite a tumble recently and I am glad you are feeling better! :-)

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  2. Poor Stu, too! I hope Jean gets her confidence back, and works thru the problem with Stu. It's tough to trust an animal after a difficult (and sometimes injurious) meeting. But I think both person and animal usually come to an understanding just trying to work thru a problem. I hope it is the same for them.

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    1. Yes, poor Stu! He was upset. I am sure they will work it out. Jean just needs to build his confidence up along with hers.

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  3. Poor Jean and Stu! (And you, its not fun trying to hold onto a young horse that is freaking). Unfortunately this is something that needs to be worked on NOW. Please don't take this the wrong way but I think that Jean may be in a bit over her head and might need to get some serious help with Stu. This is what I would do if he was with me:

    First off I would be sacking out his hind legs with a rope (I'm not into the natural horsemanship thing, but they have the right idea) he needs stuff around his hind legs so that he learns it will not hurt him.

    Second, every time he went into that ring (after lunging) he would be next to the mounting block with me standing on it, keep the rein closest to you, with you so that if the horse moves off you can just let him walk around you (or at least that's the idea) I would lean on him, bang the saddle, lean over the saddle and bang the off side, and rub my arm all over his back (where your leg might rub when you get on). Do this from both sides for 20 min, if you need to take a break, lunge, showmanship, back to the block.

    Third, which may be the hardest for Jean. You need someone to hold him that can be an anchor. With the size of Stu, you are going to need a large athletic man. Especially now that hes gotten away with his 'issue' twice.

    I agree with your thoughts that Jeans nervousness may have caused some of the issue, which is why she might need to have some professional time put on him. I am so glad both of you wore your helmets and she had the vest on :) I'm a big believer in helmets :)

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    1. JPS - I suggested that Jean bring someone in to work with Stu, but she really thought she could do it herself. This fall may be a wake up call. I hear ya about the mounting block. You and Cjay have the right idea and I will absolutely mention it to Jean. Regarding "anchor", there are a couple of experienced guys at the barn that could help. And, yes, I never do groundwork or ride without a helmet. :-)

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  4. I hear you about it being hot, we're in the 90's here and humid. My hair just goes flat.

    Sorry to hear that Jean was hurt. Her confidence is probably pretty low right now but I hope it doesn't stop her from working and interacting with Stu. He's just green and big and needs a lot of time and patience before going on to the next step. I think he could use a professional trainer right now to teach him the basics. I know everyone wants to train their own horse but sometimes we all need help.

    Dusty and I are still working on her mounting block skills. I took a lot of time getting her relaxed at the mounting block while I remained calm myself. Then we did the wiggle the saddle, put weight on it, weight the stirrup, foot in the stirrup and then finally swing my leg over and just sit there quietly. Okay, she also got a treat for standing still and being quiet once I was on. I know some people are opposed to treats but I'm not. And a lot of neck rubs and good girls too. There is one little trick I use with Dusty to keep her from swinging her hind end out at the mounting block: the rein on the left side(near the mounting block) is pulled straight back parallel to her side, the right rein is angled "behind" the wither towards the pommel of the saddle to keep her butt from swinging out. It works like a charm.

    So when Jean is feeling better and comes back to work with Stu she should take it slow. Only do what she's comfortable with and feels safe with. I think that will build up her confidence again. It would be beneficial if she could work with a professional and have a trainer give her and Stu lessons on how to be good partners for each other.

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    1. I have nothing against treats, either. I am going to share your rein trick with Jean and try it myself!! Gem has a tendency to take a step forward just as I am trying to get my foot in the stirrup... She has a lesson with LA scheduled for next week to work with Stu, so I am hoping that she doesn't cancel. LA will help her with her confidence.

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  5. Hi Wolfie, That sounds like a really scary experience for both you and Jean. Please tell Jean not to be disheartened, Clydies are great and they will get through this. Have you ever heard of the red light, green light method or pre-flight check? I still do it before every ride and my boys not a greeny anymore. It gives him a chance to tell me "how he's doin today" while still on the ground. My trainer says the most accidents happen while getting on, so he should stand rock solid before you try. Good luck and be safe :-) J.PS: My family in Alberta are all complaining about the heat too and it's only 28-30 there, it's winter here and we are battling mud, 35 would be heaven right about now (I'm just north of Sydney, Aus)

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    1. Actually, it wasn't scary for me. :-) Stu is a great horse and I know they will move forward. I think it will just take a little longer than Jean anticipated. Patience when it comes to riding/horses has always been a challenge for me and I am guessing that it will be for Jean also. I have not heard of red light/green light. I am liking the sound of it and am going to do a search on it! I have to say that I would rather have scorching temps than mud. :-) BTW, I have family in Seven Hills, NSW....

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  6. Sorry to hear of the mishap. Hope Jean is okay. Sounds like she's going to need some recovery time, I would. It's a good thing LA's hubby got on Stu, as long as he was back to thinking.

    All good post launch thoughts. Not sure the background on Stu (I've been MIA way too long...) but I agree with others, extra desensitizing can only help.

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    1. I agree that it was good that LA's hubby got on Stu. You want to make sure that Stu doesn't think that throwing Jean off is OK and will get him out of work and you also need to reassure him that someone sitting on him isn't scary.

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  7. Ah, hot temps ... I vaguely remember what that's like ;o)

    Poor Jean & Stu. I honestly, truly hope she's back with him soon, even if its just to spend time with him, not necessarily with an 'agenda'. Soooo glad you insisted she wear your confidence vest, good thinking Batgirl!!

    Stay cool!! While we endeavour to stay dry!!

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    1. You know, I get chided a lot for being too safety conscious. I am so glad that Jean didn't resist me harder when it came to wearing that vest!!

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  8. Trust me, I know ore than many the desire to work through things with a young horse. I also know that the number one thing a young horse needs is a confident rider to get them through the learning process. It's overwhelming experience for many horses, maybe all of them. I hope Jean can hand over the next part of the process to a trainer.

    Our good intentions are not enough, although I broke my heart to realize this. I still miss Smokey, miss him terribly. But I was not capable of being a rider with 10 years of experience on green horses. And he was far more broke than Stu.

    My thoughts are with Jean. May she find her way back on his back, when both are ready.

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    1. Nice to hear from you, Breathe. I know it was a hard decision for you re Smokey. I agree that Stu needs some professional assistance and I am hoping that Jean seriously considers it. An inexperienced horse needs to have an experienced and confident rider to feed off of their energy. It's unfortunate that LA can't work on him.

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  9. Oh I'm so sorry about the scary experience for all of you. I hope Jean is feeling better soon. Good that you both were wearing helmets, and I like your confidence vest. Stuff happens so fast with horses. I just had an accident with my horse too; your artistic talent is better than mine. :-)

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    1. I could not believe how fast Stu turned into a whirling dervish and how quickly Jean lost her seating!! Sorry to hear about your accident, though! Being run over and stepped on?? I can't even imagine. BTW, I think your artwork is superior to mine. ;-)

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  10. Heya Wolfie,

    Sorry about your mate and her mount. I can offer some advice as a recovering nervous rider though. I've had a really bad fall, some not so bad ones and a few incidences on green horses that left me dismounting with jello legs. I have even fallen over a stone while grooming and hurt my leg - of all the silly things! Trouble finds me. Firstly, I'd like to say that there is absolutely no reason for Jean to rush herself. In hand work is good for the horse to get to know the rider and the rider's confidence. Secondly, getting on is half the battle won - maybe she should ride a proper old plod now and again just to remind her what the end game is and that she CAN do it. Simple things, but keeping it in the back of your head helps. Some fear in natural and like someone has said we should never be complacent. I feel for Jean and you and Stu - must have been scary. Bringing on your own green horse is incredibly rewarding and I'd like you to tell her I said so. My mate owns a young TB mare and he has battled for months with her but with the right trainer they have come along in leaps and bounds and all his blind faith and love for his horse has paid off in spades. Good luck girls.

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    1. Hi Landers! So nice to hear from you. Funny you should mention about riding an old plod. I said the same thing to her! I think I have convinced her to come out for a trail ride on Sunday. I will pass on your words of encouragement!

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