Muffinator...

Ah my little Maggie, aka Muffin, aka Muffinator, aka Magnolia, aka Maggie Mae.

Wednesday I wasn't feeling well, so my intrepid trainer rode Maggie. This was her first schooling ride on her. So, what did we learn? Doesn't react properly to the whip (hind legs move, but she sucks behind the leg), doesn't bend in her body, doesn't really take contact on the right rein, probably because she doesn't really take contact on the left rein....

We've made progress getting her more active and forward, but it's not done. And she needs to be more sensitive to the leg, again, although it's getting better. Contact is better, but that head twist disobedience isn't good. Not to mention the other disobediences... But, once she realized that Jen was serious and not going away, she got down to work. THAT was very encouraging.

She's one majorly sexy horse, though, when she's forward. She's a bit leggy, and she's near to black, great conformation (lets exclude the slight toe in and the attendant paddling), nice mover, three good gaits.

I've been working on re-training this mare for over four years now (she's 9). If I could get my hands on the idiot that taught her she could scare people,.. well, I suppose I could, but I don't think Maggie would progress well with me in jail. And then there's little Havoc. So, I guess I'll just have to keep learning as we go, enjoying her snuggliness and the process of getting where we can. And I'll ensure little Havoc doesn't have such experiences during his formative years!

Comment

You need to be a member of Barnmice Equestrian Social Community to add comments!

Join Barnmice Equestrian Social Community

Comment by MagsNMe on September 25, 2010 at 10:58pm: Thanks Jan. Sometimes it's hard to keep perspective when progress seems glacial. The simple joy in hearing her little nicker when Mom shows up, that keeps me going. She's a very people oriented child.

It's gorgeous here today so we went and rode in the berry field, a place where we've had the squealing, bucking and various other issues. She was foot perfect. I feel sorry for people who can't see the pure pleasuring of going and jumping on 17h of gorgeous and going for a ride in the field on a beautiful fall day.

Comment by Jan Jollymour on September 25, 2010 at 10:10am: Hi, Mags:

Nothing teaches us the value of doing things right the first time than this kind of re-schooling! You are learning exactly why and how horses must be schooled, from the best possible teacher - your horse!

Don't sweat the slight toeing in and paddling - those are complete non-issues as long as she doesn't interfere. The getting down to work when the trainer pushes for that is a very very good sign. With that attitude you can do the re-schooling, and the learning.

I applaud your patience and commitment! I believe that the tough horses teach us the most; they keep up humble, they keep us thinking, and they teach us to ride with sophistication and determination. All of this ensures that Havoc will have a much better chance in life, with you in the driver's seat!