back in the saddle

[fantasykiger]

I have gotten back in the saddle with Fantasy and while the first day Fantasy was none to happy, the pinned back ears were an obvious note "what the hec?" I was pretty pleased with the first ride and my second was better. By the third ride yesterday her ears were foreward and there were less frequent attempts to wipe me off with the panels ;D

The biggest surprise was Super and his out and out fear of Fantasy and I as one, once I got in the saddle. The second day I noticed he was frightened but ignored him and went about concentrating on Fantasy. At he end of my ride on Fantasy I don't dismount right away just sit up there and Super did feel comfortable enough to nurse. But yesterday his fear seemed to escalate and as he come close to Fantasy he would kick at her head. When I did move away he would just pace the panels and try and stick his head thru to escape. This was not looking good for me having a future of ponying him down the trail, while I rode Fantasy. I made attempts to ride next to him and reach down and pet him and reassure him but he would just continue to be fearful and make attempts to kick Fantasy.
Then I remembered he is a mule, I need to exude confidence. It is time he learned to pony, there is no reason for him to be afraid. So I go get his halter and lead rope and start the ponying lesson. It starts with pulling, then releasing I also use Fantasy to push against him to give his forequarters. Fantasy is not accustom to ponying or pushing her kids aorund so it is new to everyone, well not me I do alot of ponying. It works like a charm, no more fear from Super of me mounted on Fantasy and he is starting to get the pony part down. I release him and continue for a few moments more with my work on just Fantasy.
I am very excited about getting them both in shape for some trail rides this fall.

[desperatehorsewife]

Super cool!

Steve Holt! had most of July off and I'm just climbing back on board as well. Feels good, doesn't it?

[fantasykiger]

It does feel good. Especially after a few years back having confidence issues, when it came to riding Fantasy. I did take Fantasy out of the arena for a ride around the yard (I admit I was a bit of a nervous nelly, inside) she assumed I was riding her to the front grass pasture to graze. We had a slight altercation at the pasture gate, but I won and as soon as Super is ponying well around the arena. I am ready to hit the trail.

[kimk]

That's great, Tiffany! That is my next project too, to get back on KC and start teaching Lupine to pony. When do we get pics??

[fantasykiger]

The next time, I can get someone out with a camera I promise pics

[angelsdream]

So glad to hear this Tiffany! That's too funny about Super - I would love pics as well. Sounds like Super is going to be fun

[desperatehorsewife]

You need to do what my kid does; set the camera on video function on top of a fence post, then ride past it!

[fantasykiger]

My camera is not that advanced as someone has to hold down the button to record

[fantasykiger]

I went out this afternoon to ride Fantasy with Super in tow and see how far down the road we could get. All things started off well and when we got a few feet past the point we turned around last time Fantasy decided it was time to go back home. Super was doing so well I felt she could further. I never seen a horses ears lay so flat back in all my days, Fantasy was not happy. Then she took to going back as fast as she could, dragging poor Super along.
While ponying Super was no time to battle it out with her, I could not let her antics slide either. So I dismounted and we all walked down the road. I wish someone could see just how angry Fantasy was, she had her ears pinned the whole time we were walking down the road away from home. After awhile we turned around and walked home. Super did great I was proud of my boy, he had one spook when some dogs rushed their fence barking but he settled down nice and several neighbors driving by stopped to say how cute he was.
I was not so proud of Fantasy she went home and into the arena. To go to work on the ground. When I noticed that she was not moving properly or extending out like she should and had trouble picking up and staying in the canter. I took off my sadle and tried again. She was much better. I am bummed but at 13 yrs old and after 3 foals my saddle does not fit Fantasy right anymore, if things are not just right Fantasy is not happy. I knew it wasn't perfect and thought I could adjust with pads but not so. I need to try differant saddles in the tack room tomorrow.

[lindad]

I am so afraid that I will be reading about a train wreck. I am concerned that Fantasy has not been ridden in a good while and is a diva anyhow and that you should just go back to the round pen and get her mood and attitude cooperative before Super becomes part of the equation. She is telling you something, with those ears laid back further than you've ever seen! Super is getting the same message, that something is very wrong. Super takes his ques from mama. You said you had confidence issues. If you don't have confidence, Fantasy can't have confidence and little Super will mirror that lack of confidence. End result at best is a poor early experience, and possibly a traumatic experience for all of you. Even if it is the saddle fit, work it through with Fantasy before you involve Super. Ponying is supposed to give them a positive experience with a calm, been there done that horse. No wonder Super was freaking out. His mom was/is none too happy, so how can Super be calm and happy as he looks to mama to size up the situation. Please take it one step at a time instead of three giant leaps at once. A bad experience at this point in Super's life will really set him back. If you get hurt no telling how long it will set you all back. Please stick to the arena until you are fully in control. If you have a problem at least the animals will be contained.
I want to be able to continue to read of your wonderful times with your horses and that beautiful mule!

[fantasykiger]

I do agree that I need to get a handle on what is bothering Fantasy and get her behaving, before our next venture out the 3 of us together. But Super never freaked out during the experience, he was very good. When Fantasy misbehaves or is Spooky (which is rare) Super will look to me for comfort, if I am there or other horses in the herd, should he be in the pasture.
I will admit my confidence level is not perfect, but it is much improved where Fantasy is concerned. As I can read her so much better now. I have been riding so much more these past 2 yrs and that has helped as well. I still get the occasional butterflies and have to check myself and remember to relax and not go to far the other direction to angry at her.
I thank you for your concern and reminder to be patient. My biggest flaw I must admit, my horses are still working on training me to be patient and take baby steps. ;D

[lindad]

Just want ya safe and sound! I enjoy your company.

[fantasykiger]

I understand ..I do wish someone had a picture though of me walking down the road with a very well behaved mule foal by my side leading in my left hand while in my right hand I had the lead to my grumpy mare trailing slowly a few feet behind, head down none to happy.
I did put on the my english saddle, it seems to fit her fine and not restrict movement. I did ride her in the arena with it. But I am not happy with the way she breaks into a canter, I am going to give the Chiropractor a call. To see if she is out of whack or just plain out of shape.