November 22nd, 2009
Today’s lesson was a turning point. I think we are turning the corner on taking control of Rody, and establishing our position of leadership in “our herd.”
FIRST: We took Rody to the indoor arena, and turned her loose. I held a small lunging crop in my hand, and her eyes lit up.
Rody voluntarily ran herself up and down the arena, not running scared or intimidated, but simply to run. She warmed herself up very well, repeatedly breaking into a sprinting gallop, stopping suddenly in front of Emily (my instructor) at the other end of the arena. Rody would then re-approach me (still holding the crop), then voluntarily sprint to the other end of the arena.
After repeating the above many times, I deemed it was time to put her in a little more control. I lunged her (at a brisk trot and occasional canter or gallop) for about 10 minutes, reversing several times.
While I was getting the tack, Emily saddled Rody with her dressage saddle that she brought today. Emily rode the horse while I rounded up my old Australian-style saddle (English cut, but with a western seat and cantle and horn, and western stirrups).
SECOND: After a few minutes of arguing over who was in charge, Rody submitted to Emily and settled down. It was a beautiful thing to see: such an athletic and responsive horse under control.
Emily said that Rody’s trot was very fast, faster than what she is used to. That is what happens with this kind of Thoroughbred: to Rody a “slow trot” is faster than many horses’ full canters. It is invigorating and exhilarating to see.
THEN: I saddled Rody. …