Winter 2009 Newsletter

Spring really is just around the corner! The ice and snow has been very restrictive for many people and their horses this winter. I found the time to ride on Dartmoor in the deep snow, which added fun to the hard work which the cold weather brings. Many people commented on the ice spikes which I wore on my shoes to stop me from slipping over. If any of you are interested in getting some yourselves, then go to the website www.yaktrax.co.uk

Emma brought her 4yr old warmblood x to me for Autumn and early winter 2009. Squirrel was with me to be restarted, since she had previously panicked with a ridder on, during her 10th and last ride in 2008. This previous event was causing concern to both Emma and Squirrel.

As soon as Squirrel arrived I noticed how she was very concerned about me approaching her hinds while she was moving. After further observation, a pattern appeared that she would worry about things behind her and she was especially worried if I or things touched her right hind while she was moving. This situation meant that I had to become very creative and find ways to help Squirrel overcome her fear by realizing that her expectation of having to protect her right hind wasn’t necessary and that she could look around and relax instead. Here are some principles which I find to be important while working with a horse like Squirrel:

Work with a horse at the level of understanding and experience that they are at, rather than where I would like the horse to be at.

The horse is the rule book. Adapt to the horse’s needs and do whatever is necessary to help that horse feel better about their work.

Stay observant to the specific area that a horse needs more understanding in. So we can support our horses in these areas and help them to work through it.

Be patient, while knowing and having the goal in sight.

Squirrel returned home at Christmas, having cantered with Emma in the school and ridden out with myself on Apollo. Here are pictures of Apollo helping me to transition Squirrel into being ridden in an open space while staying relaxed during a trot and canter.

In November I held a Demonstration at Oxenways. The theme was ‘Different stages of a horse’s understanding and ways to help horses to feel better about the things that we are asking of them’. Percy and Zebadee came for the day. Neither of these horses had been ridden for 6 months due to previous worrying experiences while under saddle. For those of you who came to the event, you’ll be pleased to know that last weekend Heather and Percy had a successful short ride together.

In December I worked closely with a horse called Smartie. He was in for training with me in preparation to be sold. To the left is myself working with Smartie, helping him to relax and so soften in the canter. To the right is Smartie with his new owner Janet.

Here's looking forward to another summer pub lunch, after a relaxing weekend ride like this was with Apollo and Hamish.

The free demonstration evenings which I ran throughout the summer and early winter where a great success. Thankyou to those of you who helped me to arrange and hold an event at your yard. I plan to do some more of these in 2010, so please do email me if you would like me to come to your facilities and put on a free evening demonstration.

I am away in America from the 14th Feb - 9th March 2010, for further learning at Joe Wolter and Harry Whitney’s yards, or 'Ranches' as they call them! I look forward to telling you about my trip, in my Spring Newsletter.

Best wishes,

Anna.