(A sign at Founders Ranch showing the elevation of the ranch. Laughing Orca Ranch is only about 4 miles north and is at 6,996 ft elevation)
The slicker/hat obstacle was one I felt very confident about…..well, at least the slicker half of it, because we had practiced this one at home and we had even done it perfectly during the April ACTHA CTC last year. But I knew we’d have trouble with the hat pick-up second half of the obstacle, because Apache has always been nervous about sticks pointed at her, I believe, because of her time spent pastured beside a school where the kids would walk past and throw sticks and rocks at her and the other horse she was pastured with. The rotten brats probably got a kick out of seeing the horses running around.
(Roni and her mare Halley Cat picking up the hat with the very big stick. The hat is out of the photo. They did great!)
(A fun sign at Founders Ranch, with arrows pointing every which way, All of the countries below have had representatives at Founders Ranch for SASS Competitions. The sign is a way to recognize and honor their participation)
So, now I’ve got a horse that is afraid of people coming towards her with sticks or if she sees someone picking up rocks (she still eyes me suspiciously if I pick up anything off the ground).
(A decorated wagon at Founders Ranch SASS. The hill above one of the shooting ranges is where Apache and I rode along part of the CTC trail. She was really interested in those metal targets as we rode past.)
But I was still proud of her for acing the slicker grab, because it was quite windy on top of the ridge and the wind was blowing the slicker all around, and it was hanging off a high branch, above most horses, and next to a bright pink chair, which caused some of the horses to spook.
Apache had no problems with standing still while the slicker blew around, so I could grab it off from off the branch and place it on her withers.
(Hey look! Apache was doing a Turn on the Forehand. lol!)
But, like Fernvalley commented in my Moo Cow Bridge post, Apache gave me some “Apachetude” when I asked her to walk up to the man with the big stick. She became stiff and strong and refused to turn, and was snorting and blowing, so we called it good and walked away.
We weren’t there to prove anything or get stressed out. We were there just to rebuild some lost trust in one another and to enjoy a fun trail ride together.
You gotta problem with that?
11 comments :
every ride will get better , I like the ring of that new word"Apachetude"LOL
Lisa, I'm LOVIN' these updates!
You and Apache have made astonishing progress. Don't forget that.
Every situation is a learning opportunity, but that doesn't mean you need perfection before you say 'that's good enough' and come back to it another day :) Sounds like you guys did pretty good to me!
I always wonder what kids are up to with the horses. When I was a kid, the worst thing I'd do is climb a fence to be near them, pet them, etc. It would never have occurred me to harm them.
That even just sounds like so much fun. I'd love to get Heather to set up such a thing for us to do.
I love how you keep your eye on YOUR goal and don't try to add stress to yourself and your horse by actually trying to win or to get a certain score. Winning is regaining trust.
It's a journey, we can lose sight of letting both our horse and ourselves grow...
You were both great.
I too am loving your updates Lisa!!!
Your doing such a good job!
You and Apache make a great team :)
This sounds great! Yeah, I really need to set up a place that we can play like this.
Looks like you and Apache were having a great time building trust in one another again. Love the "Apachetude"!
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