One step forward, 2 steps back....

[b-mark]

*sigh

D*mn (sorry!)
Ok, I hadn't worked with Mark in a week. Hes been in a god-awful mood, I needed to buy a new bridle - yadayada. Plus, I spent some time with Sophie (my daughter's mare) - oh dear, took her for a THREE hour ride last week to make sure she was OK to take off property. The old girl did beautifully - open field, dense woods, past cows (THAT took a bit of doing), cantering on the dirt road with a truck appraoching - she's good to go. I just couldn't quite walk for the next 3 days

Now Mark. Worked with him last night. Lunged him without a whip - just on hand signals and body. He did great. We walked, backed, turned on forehand, rear - he did good. He was a bit nervous every time a gust of wind came but calmed right back down with just a 'whoa, it's Ok, boy'.

Last exercise, as always, was practice mounting. No biggie. He stood like a statue - head down, in parallel park. I asked him 'so... you wanna go for a quick little ride?' He turned his head, his eyes and ears on me - cool.

I'm up in the stirrups 4 times 1/2 way up. He's good. So I attempt to swing over. Not sure what happened, but he lunged forward. Which put me kinda on his butt. Stupid me (and typically slow reflex) I try to hold on and pull myself forward instead of an emergency exit. Well, that's when he started bucking (can't really blame him, probably) and I went flying. Again.

Well, my left leg and right arm/shoulder are pretty busted up - another week of hobbling

And all of my friends tell me to 'get rid off THAT horse'. Fat chance. We've come so far and dammit, I'm not giving up now.

Thanks for letting me vent!

[ricoman]

I HATE when that happens!!!

I always turn the horse's head towards me when mounting, that way he can only swing his butt away from me. I also don't let his head go until I'm settled in the saddle. I then flex his head to the other side before asking to go forward.

[Appylover]

Soo sorry for you!!! Dont give up now!!!

I always turn the horse's head towards me when mounting, that way he can only swing his butt away from me. I also don't let his head go until I'm settled in the saddle. I then flex his head to the other side before asking to go forward.

I do that! Try it next time b-mark!!

[NoniMe]

Darlin, I don't have any advice about the mounting situation.

I can totally empathize about how you are feeling right about now. But let me tell you something - it will be all fine tomorrow (even if you're gimpy). He probably couldn't figure out why you were climbing onto his bum instead of where you usually do. And he will have forgotten about it tomorrow.

I'm going to pass on the advice I've gotten...tomorrow is another day, and he will forget about it if YOU forget about it. If you approach and 1/2 mount as per usual, he will go with the program (I think...) with the full. If you come hesitantly and tentatively, he won't have confidence.

Hold his head until you're in the saddle...hold those reins. And if you ever think you need to emergency dismount, darlin, do it. There's a reason you're thinking that, and to noodle it through to figure it out while it's happening isn't going to help. So let go if you need to.

But the most important thing I can suggest is to remember that he has behaved nicely as recently as today...and to build on that, not on the pain and fear that is there now (I know this...because I have this all the TIME!!!).

Tomorrow, take some good aspirin, and do what you can to come back to where you mounted today. Take a hot bath, and go after it again in the morning. Lord knows, I've been there - wondering what the heck I think I'm doing, and then...well, then I get there and Tango looks at me and it's all in yesterday...and can only come in today if **I** bring it.

You are not alone. And you really didn't take two steps back...what you did was do a bit of a sideways hop...keep working, keep doing what you've been doing, and keep loving him and riding him...and it will come right.

I'm in your corner. I know how you feel. And I know this is just a little bitty baflooy thing. You can do it, darlin...I know you can.

Hugs to you.

Best-
Noni

[Mule Fool]

Here's another little mounting tip. Make sure your horses feet and weight are set up square so it's easier to take your weight when you mount up. Sometimes if they're not set up right they feel they have to move just to get balanced under you. Take the stirrup and pull fairly hard away from the side of the horse. If he's not balanced you'll see him kind of shift his feet wider apart to balance himself. Then you can mount and he'll be more likely to stand still.

[b-mark]

Thanks guys!

You're right Noni, it IS another day and we'll just have to pick up where we left off.

He actually HAS been standing for mounting - I really think he got spooked somehow - I always do a weight in the stirrups before I even think of getting up - just to make sure everything is cool. And I watch him closely - for any sign of trouble - *sigh

Well, once I don't hurt so much anymore I'll get back to it - will let you know how I make out!

[RollingThunder]

This is specifically why the Jeffrey method of teaching mounting is so good. Do yourself a favor and google it, as some of the thing you learn there could really help you with Mark, and more importantly, help Mark with you.

[dodib]

Hope you will feel ok ...........at least nothing major injured!
Sounds like you are doing really good with him--these stupid things happen sometimes

[Nikknock]

Ouch on the bumps and bruises. But don't despair...like everyone else said, there is always tomorrow. Keep it up and you and Mark will work through all this and before to long all the rough spots will be a very dim memory.