This morning I spent some time with Tex.
We started by working on trailer loading. When Brett bought him four years ago, he was reluctant to load. But Brett used him regularly for trail rides and cattle work, and Tex got comfortable with the whole loading thing. But, he balked going to, and coming home from, the clinic last weekend. I've started working on this too -- I lead him to the trailer on a loose line and if he stops we back. I'm not forceful about it, but I am firm. Then we go forward again - which is much more relaxed. We practiced Thursday after I got home from work and we worked on it until he had loaded four times. After each successful time, I let him hand-graze next to the trailer for a few minutes. Today he loaded on the second try.
After a thorough grooming session, which he is enjoying more and more, I took him up to the dressage court. We reviewed having him line himself up at the mounting block and then I lunged him a bit. He offered some lovely trot; soft and fluid. When I do start riding him again, I'm going to have to make sure we figure out what makes him worry and brace.
Last, I took him back to the tie rail area and worked on him using the Masterson releases I've learned so far. I haven't completed the course yet -- I'm a little more than half way through.
I again started with the liver Meridian release and noted that pretty much all his tension is held in his neck and withers area. Excellent since I know most of the releases for those areas. The goal of the Masterson Method of massage is to alleviate soreness, strain and tension. The horse is an active participant in the process. After applying a technique, it is important to step away from the horse and let them process and give the release. Some horses lick and chew (Tex), some yawn (Lucy) and some shake.
After the liver Meridian, I work on the neck. This involves bending the horse's neck around, like you would in a carrot stretch, but in small increments as you move along each vertebrae. You also incorporate some gently movement at each step, to loosen the joint.
Next, is a head release. Lucy hates this one; she is very protective of her ears and doesn't like me messing around up there. She's getting better -- I only ask for a little bit. I thought Tex would resist as well, given how head shy he is, but he was actually much better than Lucy. He dropped his head for me and released.
Last, I worked on his shoulder blades. This involves three different techniques to release the scapula and the C7-T1 junction.
I still need to learn the how to work on the withers, the hind and the back.
The releases are difficult to describe in a blog and you really need to get the book or take the course (which is online and involves the book plus instructional videos). I think both this method and TTouch are good. The important thing is to find a method that you are comfortable using. For whatever reason, this method is a better fit with me.
Showing posts with label Masterson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Masterson. Show all posts
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
Random Friday
1. Thanks to those of you who provided me clarification on inbreeding v. line breeding. My knowledge gap on the subject was glaringly apparent in my mis-use of the terminology. Tex is line bred, meaning the same horse shows up more than once, but it is back enough generations to disqualify it from inbreeding. Some breeds have line breeding more than others, and most of the time it isn't a problem. But, it can contribute to behavior issues and is a factor in Tex's reactivity -- since Driftwood was a bit reactive. I don't think it is the whole story, or even most of the story. I'm mentally giving it a weight of 20%.
2. One of the Masterson releases is very simple and a good way to start work on a horse, or check in with them. It is called the Liver Meridian release and involves running your hand or fingers along the neck, then across the back and rump, and down the back leg. It is done on both sides of the horse. The movement of your hand is very slow and you watch the horse's face constantly to see if there is a spot that needs focus or release. When Tex is "flinchy" in the pasture, I do this release. He knows it and welcomes it. At the end, he is usually standing with his head low and his lower lip slack. It flaps a little bit. It's very cute.
3. While we were at the clinic, there was another big storm at home. Our normal rainfall for the year is 40". With the two weekend storms in March, we are over that mark a bit. The locals call heavy rainfall in March, a "March Miracle." The Northern California reservoirs are at, or close to, capacity. The snow pack is good. Southern California is still well below average and one good season in half the State isn't going to much of a dent in the drought. But, at least it won't get worse.
4. Brett's oldest grandchild, Andrew, had a big week -- a big two days, actually. He had his Eagle Scout ceremony, he had his 16th birthday, and he passed his drivers license test. Brett was able to fly to Colorado and be part of the celebrations. We're very proud of Andrew.
5. This morning we brought the horses into the barn so they would be easily accessible for our farrier. I brought in Tex first. He was calm, with no flinching in sight. I slipped on his halter and led him into the barn with the lead rope slack between us. Brett followed with Flash. We left Jackson in the small arena because it is close by and he is a bit gimpy. I'm hoping Greg can trim him in the arena. After putting Tex in his stall, I went to get Lucy. My plan was to bring Lucy and Pistol in at the same time. They were at the far end of their pasture, by the road, where they had a clear view of us moving Tex and Flash into the barn. When they saw me walking towards their pasture, they started ambling slowly up towards the gate. When I reached the gate, they were only a quarter of the way up the pasture. I picked up Lucy's halter from its hook and they both broke into a balls-out gallop for the gate, sliding to a stop in a mess of flying mane and flying mud. They continued hopping, scooting and snorting while I opened the gate. Lucy jammed her nose into her halter and I sent Pistol off since she was trying to charge out of the gate, ahead of us. Lucy followed me out and then swung her butt around while I closed the gate, snorting and prancing. On the walk to the barn she continued to snort, spun twice and reared when I told her not to rush. Honestly, she is much more reactive than Tex in many ways.
2. One of the Masterson releases is very simple and a good way to start work on a horse, or check in with them. It is called the Liver Meridian release and involves running your hand or fingers along the neck, then across the back and rump, and down the back leg. It is done on both sides of the horse. The movement of your hand is very slow and you watch the horse's face constantly to see if there is a spot that needs focus or release. When Tex is "flinchy" in the pasture, I do this release. He knows it and welcomes it. At the end, he is usually standing with his head low and his lower lip slack. It flaps a little bit. It's very cute.
3. While we were at the clinic, there was another big storm at home. Our normal rainfall for the year is 40". With the two weekend storms in March, we are over that mark a bit. The locals call heavy rainfall in March, a "March Miracle." The Northern California reservoirs are at, or close to, capacity. The snow pack is good. Southern California is still well below average and one good season in half the State isn't going to much of a dent in the drought. But, at least it won't get worse.
4. Brett's oldest grandchild, Andrew, had a big week -- a big two days, actually. He had his Eagle Scout ceremony, he had his 16th birthday, and he passed his drivers license test. Brett was able to fly to Colorado and be part of the celebrations. We're very proud of Andrew.
5. This morning we brought the horses into the barn so they would be easily accessible for our farrier. I brought in Tex first. He was calm, with no flinching in sight. I slipped on his halter and led him into the barn with the lead rope slack between us. Brett followed with Flash. We left Jackson in the small arena because it is close by and he is a bit gimpy. I'm hoping Greg can trim him in the arena. After putting Tex in his stall, I went to get Lucy. My plan was to bring Lucy and Pistol in at the same time. They were at the far end of their pasture, by the road, where they had a clear view of us moving Tex and Flash into the barn. When they saw me walking towards their pasture, they started ambling slowly up towards the gate. When I reached the gate, they were only a quarter of the way up the pasture. I picked up Lucy's halter from its hook and they both broke into a balls-out gallop for the gate, sliding to a stop in a mess of flying mane and flying mud. They continued hopping, scooting and snorting while I opened the gate. Lucy jammed her nose into her halter and I sent Pistol off since she was trying to charge out of the gate, ahead of us. Lucy followed me out and then swung her butt around while I closed the gate, snorting and prancing. On the walk to the barn she continued to snort, spun twice and reared when I told her not to rush. Honestly, she is much more reactive than Tex in many ways.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tex Has Been Reading My Blog
I'm feeling better about the situation with Tex today. Much, much better.
First, I received a ton of feedback on his bloodlines and did a little research myself. He has Driftwood once on the top (sire side) and twice on the bottom (dam side). That isn't optimum but it isn't a death sentence either. I've heard that Driftwood was reactive but I've also read that he was a good all around, kind horse. He was one of the top five rodeo (cattle work) horses of all time so I can understand why his name shows up more than once. Tex was bred to be a rodeo roping horse and that was his first job.
Second, I did some research on liberty work and watched a couple YouTube videos last night. I think Tex and I could have a lot of fun with liberty work. I'm excited about the prospect of building our relationship to the point where we are in perfect sync without any tack.
Third, Tex is very happy to be back home and was very relaxed this morning when I went out to feed. When I gave him his bucket of vitamins, he didn't flinch at all as I stopped by his side and gave him a good-morning rub. Later, I brought hay into the pasture and tossed it into the feeder. He stood close to me as I did that and when I turned to leave -- he left the hay and followed me. (shock, disbelief).
Tex, why are you following me?
I stopped. Tex stopped. He positioned himself next to me and looked over with soft eyes.
I'd like another one of those good-morning rubs, please.
I walked over and started to rub. He relaxed further. He didn't flinch when I touched him.
Ahhhhhh. That feels great. He turned his head and nudged my coat pocket. Is there a cookie in there by any chance?
I know that this morning was just one morning. He will have good days and bad days but this is the best day he has ever had. He showed me that he can relax and not react. Obviously, being at home in his own pasture has a lot to do with that as well.
A couple more responses to comments over the last few days:
A number of you have mentioned TTouch. I'm familiar with it, think its great, and have used it in the past. I have been working, over the past year, on the horses using the Masterson Method which is a combination of massage and release work. It made an incredible difference in Lucy, who was quite tense when I started, and Tex enjoys it as well. If you Google "Masterson Method" it will take you to the website and also give some YouTube links. I have been working my way through the training course and have been very impressed with the results. For me, it works more effectively than TTouch -- but they are both excellent body work methods.
Additionally, I have ordered Tex an herbal supplement that was recommended by Mark and his wife. They've had good success with it on horses that are reactive. They also recommended discussing magnesium oxide with my vet as it can also help settle the pathways in the brain that cause reaction. One of the things that I like about Mark Rashid is that he doesn't push or endorse products. He said, "Here are some things that have worked for me." and then sent me out to find them. There are a few clinicians out there (you know who they are) who push their brand of this and their endorsed product of that. To me, that is an instant turn-off. While some of them are knowledgeable, they seem to be in it for the endorsement money/marketing of their own products and not for the horse. I won't work with them and I won't buy their products.
(okay, stepping off my soapbox now)
First, I received a ton of feedback on his bloodlines and did a little research myself. He has Driftwood once on the top (sire side) and twice on the bottom (dam side). That isn't optimum but it isn't a death sentence either. I've heard that Driftwood was reactive but I've also read that he was a good all around, kind horse. He was one of the top five rodeo (cattle work) horses of all time so I can understand why his name shows up more than once. Tex was bred to be a rodeo roping horse and that was his first job.
Second, I did some research on liberty work and watched a couple YouTube videos last night. I think Tex and I could have a lot of fun with liberty work. I'm excited about the prospect of building our relationship to the point where we are in perfect sync without any tack.
Third, Tex is very happy to be back home and was very relaxed this morning when I went out to feed. When I gave him his bucket of vitamins, he didn't flinch at all as I stopped by his side and gave him a good-morning rub. Later, I brought hay into the pasture and tossed it into the feeder. He stood close to me as I did that and when I turned to leave -- he left the hay and followed me. (shock, disbelief).
Tex, why are you following me?
I stopped. Tex stopped. He positioned himself next to me and looked over with soft eyes.
I'd like another one of those good-morning rubs, please.
I walked over and started to rub. He relaxed further. He didn't flinch when I touched him.
Ahhhhhh. That feels great. He turned his head and nudged my coat pocket. Is there a cookie in there by any chance?
I know that this morning was just one morning. He will have good days and bad days but this is the best day he has ever had. He showed me that he can relax and not react. Obviously, being at home in his own pasture has a lot to do with that as well.
A couple more responses to comments over the last few days:
A number of you have mentioned TTouch. I'm familiar with it, think its great, and have used it in the past. I have been working, over the past year, on the horses using the Masterson Method which is a combination of massage and release work. It made an incredible difference in Lucy, who was quite tense when I started, and Tex enjoys it as well. If you Google "Masterson Method" it will take you to the website and also give some YouTube links. I have been working my way through the training course and have been very impressed with the results. For me, it works more effectively than TTouch -- but they are both excellent body work methods.
Additionally, I have ordered Tex an herbal supplement that was recommended by Mark and his wife. They've had good success with it on horses that are reactive. They also recommended discussing magnesium oxide with my vet as it can also help settle the pathways in the brain that cause reaction. One of the things that I like about Mark Rashid is that he doesn't push or endorse products. He said, "Here are some things that have worked for me." and then sent me out to find them. There are a few clinicians out there (you know who they are) who push their brand of this and their endorsed product of that. To me, that is an instant turn-off. While some of them are knowledgeable, they seem to be in it for the endorsement money/marketing of their own products and not for the horse. I won't work with them and I won't buy their products.
(okay, stepping off my soapbox now)
Monday, June 1, 2015
More Masterson
Every few weeks, I complete a lesson in my Masterson body work course. I like to give myself ample time between lessons so I have time to practice each release multiple times.
This weekend I completed the lesson on poll release and massage. I knew it would be challenging with Lucy. She hates to have her ears touched or her face fussed with. She does, however, like to rest her head in my arms. I was curious to see how it would go.
Most of the time, I do body work in the pasture. Sunday, I thought I would take Lucy into the barn and work with her in her stall. The barn was much cooler than the pasture and there weren't flies. Initially, Lucy was thrilled to go into her stall. She drank in the cool fly-fee air, sniffed at the shavings, and then realized she was alone. Her head flew into the air, "Where is everyone??!" She paced, and circled, spinning in place. I waited.
Lucy, Lucy, you are not alone. I'm right here.
I know, but OMG, there are no other horses in here!
Lucy, look at you. You are starting to sweat. Let's do the kidney meridian and take the pressure down.
It won't work. I'm stressed I tell you. STRESSED. Oh, okay. Ahhhhh.... keep going.... are you done already?
Next we did some neck flexion. Lucy rocks neck flexion. She tries to skip the lower neck release and go straight to the final stretch.
Look at me stretch to my flank. Aren't you impressed?
She doesn't get to skip/avoid the more difficult (for her) lower neck release. We went back and did that.
Last, we tried the new stuff.
She reluctantly dropped her head but the second I started massaging her poll, she flung it back up.
Don't touch me there. Ever!
I rested my hand lightly, skipped the massage, and got the release. It is going to take some time and work to get Lucy comfortable with that exercise.
The last release involved getting Lucy to relax her head into either the crook of my elbow or on my shoulder. Then, massage and release. She didn't like having her head on my shoulder but she did relax into the crook of my arm and close her eyes. Not for long, mind you. But long enough to get a big release.
I took her back to the pasture where she promptly rolled.
Brett has started the course as well. We think the work will be very beneficial for Mufasa.
I worked a bit with Jackson in the pasture later in the evening. He thunked his head on my shoulder, let it go heavy and closed his eyes. Every horse reacts differently. That's part of the fun, challenge and satisfaction.
This weekend I completed the lesson on poll release and massage. I knew it would be challenging with Lucy. She hates to have her ears touched or her face fussed with. She does, however, like to rest her head in my arms. I was curious to see how it would go.
Most of the time, I do body work in the pasture. Sunday, I thought I would take Lucy into the barn and work with her in her stall. The barn was much cooler than the pasture and there weren't flies. Initially, Lucy was thrilled to go into her stall. She drank in the cool fly-fee air, sniffed at the shavings, and then realized she was alone. Her head flew into the air, "Where is everyone??!" She paced, and circled, spinning in place. I waited.
Lucy, Lucy, you are not alone. I'm right here.
I know, but OMG, there are no other horses in here!
Lucy, look at you. You are starting to sweat. Let's do the kidney meridian and take the pressure down.
It won't work. I'm stressed I tell you. STRESSED. Oh, okay. Ahhhhh.... keep going.... are you done already?
Next we did some neck flexion. Lucy rocks neck flexion. She tries to skip the lower neck release and go straight to the final stretch.
Look at me stretch to my flank. Aren't you impressed?
She doesn't get to skip/avoid the more difficult (for her) lower neck release. We went back and did that.
Last, we tried the new stuff.
She reluctantly dropped her head but the second I started massaging her poll, she flung it back up.
Don't touch me there. Ever!
I rested my hand lightly, skipped the massage, and got the release. It is going to take some time and work to get Lucy comfortable with that exercise.
The last release involved getting Lucy to relax her head into either the crook of my elbow or on my shoulder. Then, massage and release. She didn't like having her head on my shoulder but she did relax into the crook of my arm and close her eyes. Not for long, mind you. But long enough to get a big release.
I took her back to the pasture where she promptly rolled.
Brett has started the course as well. We think the work will be very beneficial for Mufasa.
I worked a bit with Jackson in the pasture later in the evening. He thunked his head on my shoulder, let it go heavy and closed his eyes. Every horse reacts differently. That's part of the fun, challenge and satisfaction.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Fat, Dappled and Happy
I love that it is staying light until almost 8pm. Brett and I were able to ride when I got home from work tonight at six. We were both excited to try out the new sand in the arena.
Both Mufasa and Lucy were happy to come out. I noticed dapples on Lucy the other day; a sign of good health. As I tacked her up, I noted that she is a tad too healthy. The girth was a good two holes shorter than usual. Lucy's belly is quite round.
Lucy, I said, are you sure you didn't jump out some night and get knocked up?
How rude. Of course I didn't. I'm a respectable girl.
Yeah, right. I've seen you lift your tail for Jackson, and Flash, and Mufasa not to mention Taco and Coyote across the road.
Up at the dressage court, I walked Lucy out into the new sand so she could check it out before I got on. It wasn't necessary. She walked next to me, relaxed as can be.
What's the big deal? I see sand. I've been looking at sandy arenas my whole life. Boring.
We didn't ride long. The sand is quite deep and both horse were huffing and puffing a bit. Lucy was not off at all. Clearly, the lack of cushion before had been what was causing her pain. She felt wonderful. My happy, forward girl was back. (No, Lucy, we aren't going to canter yet. Don't get so excited.)
After I removed her tack, I did a few minutes of body work with Lucy. She wasn't particularly cooperative.
What are you doing? Can I eat those dandelions? I need to turn around. Fidget, fidget, fidget. I stayed with her although I wasn't sure that I was getting any release at all.
Afterwards, I walked her back to the pasture and took off her halter. She stood next to me and yawned. And yawned. And yawned. I was ecstatic. Yawning is the biggest release you can get. In the Masterson bodywork course, I learned that some horses won't give the release during the bodywork but will immediately after you finish.
Lucy walked over to her favorite rolling spot and started sniffing the ground, a sure sign that a roll is imminent. Instead of rolling, though, she stood rooted to the spot and yawned some more.
Then she walked off to graze.
Happy healthy horse. Happy me.
Both Mufasa and Lucy were happy to come out. I noticed dapples on Lucy the other day; a sign of good health. As I tacked her up, I noted that she is a tad too healthy. The girth was a good two holes shorter than usual. Lucy's belly is quite round.
Lucy, I said, are you sure you didn't jump out some night and get knocked up?
How rude. Of course I didn't. I'm a respectable girl.
Yeah, right. I've seen you lift your tail for Jackson, and Flash, and Mufasa not to mention Taco and Coyote across the road.
Up at the dressage court, I walked Lucy out into the new sand so she could check it out before I got on. It wasn't necessary. She walked next to me, relaxed as can be.
What's the big deal? I see sand. I've been looking at sandy arenas my whole life. Boring.
We didn't ride long. The sand is quite deep and both horse were huffing and puffing a bit. Lucy was not off at all. Clearly, the lack of cushion before had been what was causing her pain. She felt wonderful. My happy, forward girl was back. (No, Lucy, we aren't going to canter yet. Don't get so excited.)
After I removed her tack, I did a few minutes of body work with Lucy. She wasn't particularly cooperative.
What are you doing? Can I eat those dandelions? I need to turn around. Fidget, fidget, fidget. I stayed with her although I wasn't sure that I was getting any release at all.
Afterwards, I walked her back to the pasture and took off her halter. She stood next to me and yawned. And yawned. And yawned. I was ecstatic. Yawning is the biggest release you can get. In the Masterson bodywork course, I learned that some horses won't give the release during the bodywork but will immediately after you finish.
Lucy walked over to her favorite rolling spot and started sniffing the ground, a sure sign that a roll is imminent. Instead of rolling, though, she stood rooted to the spot and yawned some more.
Then she walked off to graze.
Happy healthy horse. Happy me.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Random Friday
1. Kyle and his girlfriend, Ana, are coming this weekend. There is a big wine festival at the wineries in our County so we will be very busy all weekend. If the blog is quiet, you will know I've been out having too much fun.
2. Mufasa continues to improve with his trust issues. He waits for Brett at the gate and has even gone so far as to push Flash out of the way so he can get to Brett first. Brett is loving his "new" Mufasa -- and Mufasa seems pretty happy with life, too.
3. Jackson continues to be my funny valentine. He's such a silly, sweet horse that I don't mind all his issues with his feet. I'm hoping to put him in the mare pasture (where the ground is soft and there aren't many rocks) this weekend. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 70s so he won't feel like racing around (and he doesn't do that much anymore anyway).
4. Camille continues to heal. She had a slight setback when her incision got infected but she is back on antibiotics and doing well.
5. I've started the Masterson body work course and have found it to be fascinating. The horses all react differently to the releases. I was sure that Mufasa would walk away from me and resist. Instead, he relaxed and even nuzzled me in thanks a couple of times (yeah, it made me cry). Jackson who I expected to stand still and drink it in -- walked off and fidgeted before releasing. I find that I especially love the bond that is created during the work. I have to be very focused and closely read the horse; the horse has to trust me. Very cool.
Have a good weekend everyone.
2. Mufasa continues to improve with his trust issues. He waits for Brett at the gate and has even gone so far as to push Flash out of the way so he can get to Brett first. Brett is loving his "new" Mufasa -- and Mufasa seems pretty happy with life, too.
3. Jackson continues to be my funny valentine. He's such a silly, sweet horse that I don't mind all his issues with his feet. I'm hoping to put him in the mare pasture (where the ground is soft and there aren't many rocks) this weekend. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 70s so he won't feel like racing around (and he doesn't do that much anymore anyway).
4. Camille continues to heal. She had a slight setback when her incision got infected but she is back on antibiotics and doing well.
5. I've started the Masterson body work course and have found it to be fascinating. The horses all react differently to the releases. I was sure that Mufasa would walk away from me and resist. Instead, he relaxed and even nuzzled me in thanks a couple of times (yeah, it made me cry). Jackson who I expected to stand still and drink it in -- walked off and fidgeted before releasing. I find that I especially love the bond that is created during the work. I have to be very focused and closely read the horse; the horse has to trust me. Very cool.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Random Friday
1. I picked up my tall boots from the cobbler earlier this week. He added zippers and a leather gusset -- they look fantastic and fit perfectly. The leather was too stiff, and the amount of stretch needed too great, for stretching the boots. I'm super pleased with the result (and SO much cheaper than a new pair of boots).
2. When we moved into the house I found a very shrubby, overgrown lilac planted underneath the kitchen window. I've never had much luck with lilacs in the past; Southern California didn't get enough chill in the winter to create spring bloom. I pruned this one aggressively, knowing that I was sacrificing any potential bloom for last year. I noticed buds on it earlier this week and they are starting to open. I am ecstatic!
3. Mufasa continues to do well. He's in a five steps forward, one step back place. This past Tuesday Brett sent me a very frustrated text saying that he couldn't catch Mufasa in the top pasture. He did, eventually, but it concerned him. The next evening, I was home in time to help with chores so I went with Brett up to the pasture. Mufasa, again, walked towards Brett then changed his mind and walked a few steps away. Brett and I reviewed the work Mark did with Mufasa the first day. Brett walked towards Mufasa and Mufasa walked away, passing by Brett. As soon as Mufasa's butt was past Brett, Brett swung the rope (don't point your butt at me). Mufasa went, "oh," and swung his head to face Brett. He did it one more time, then waited quietly for Brett to approach. Brett didn't halter him right away but spent a moment or two connecting. Progress is a good thing.
4. I did some research on the Masterson method of horse bodywork. I was pleased to see that it is relatively easy to learn and that it is endorsed by USDF and USEF (so its legit). I've done basic T-touch with the horses but anything beyond basics is way above my memory capacity. I cruised around the website and found a sample lesson on lateral cervical flexion to try for free. I read the instructions, watched the video, and then tried it out on the horses -- all of them. Lucy was tight up by her poll, Flash was tight by his shoulder, Jackson wasn't tight anywhere, Pistol tried to groom me -- and Mufasa (who Brett worked on) was good about it too. I've decided to do the online course.
5. The last few times I've ridden Lucy she has been resistant to trot -- and then felt slightly off. I couldn't tell if she was sore or just resistant so I lunged her. As I suspected, she is a bit sore on her feet. It isn't like Lucy to be resistant or to suck back. We have had very little rain (as you all know) and the ground is drying up and getting hard. Our farrier comes next week and I'm going to ask him to put shoes back on Lucy's front feet.
2. When we moved into the house I found a very shrubby, overgrown lilac planted underneath the kitchen window. I've never had much luck with lilacs in the past; Southern California didn't get enough chill in the winter to create spring bloom. I pruned this one aggressively, knowing that I was sacrificing any potential bloom for last year. I noticed buds on it earlier this week and they are starting to open. I am ecstatic!
3. Mufasa continues to do well. He's in a five steps forward, one step back place. This past Tuesday Brett sent me a very frustrated text saying that he couldn't catch Mufasa in the top pasture. He did, eventually, but it concerned him. The next evening, I was home in time to help with chores so I went with Brett up to the pasture. Mufasa, again, walked towards Brett then changed his mind and walked a few steps away. Brett and I reviewed the work Mark did with Mufasa the first day. Brett walked towards Mufasa and Mufasa walked away, passing by Brett. As soon as Mufasa's butt was past Brett, Brett swung the rope (don't point your butt at me). Mufasa went, "oh," and swung his head to face Brett. He did it one more time, then waited quietly for Brett to approach. Brett didn't halter him right away but spent a moment or two connecting. Progress is a good thing.
4. I did some research on the Masterson method of horse bodywork. I was pleased to see that it is relatively easy to learn and that it is endorsed by USDF and USEF (so its legit). I've done basic T-touch with the horses but anything beyond basics is way above my memory capacity. I cruised around the website and found a sample lesson on lateral cervical flexion to try for free. I read the instructions, watched the video, and then tried it out on the horses -- all of them. Lucy was tight up by her poll, Flash was tight by his shoulder, Jackson wasn't tight anywhere, Pistol tried to groom me -- and Mufasa (who Brett worked on) was good about it too. I've decided to do the online course.
5. The last few times I've ridden Lucy she has been resistant to trot -- and then felt slightly off. I couldn't tell if she was sore or just resistant so I lunged her. As I suspected, she is a bit sore on her feet. It isn't like Lucy to be resistant or to suck back. We have had very little rain (as you all know) and the ground is drying up and getting hard. Our farrier comes next week and I'm going to ask him to put shoes back on Lucy's front feet.
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