Tango's Training Journal.

NoniMe · 08-23-2007, 11:03 AM

So, the money became available for Tango to be in 30 days training (and perhaps more; we'll see). The trainer I've chosen for him is one I've watched a lot. I've seen him work 2 year olds, back them for the first time, and teach them manners. He is a gentle, smart, good man, and has gone out of his way to help me with Tango even when Tango and I weren't in training. I adore his style, I think he's about as cool a guy there is, and Tango likes him. His assistant is a dear woman, too...and she's about as great as he is, although she's still learning.

And the training will all done at my barn, and I will be watching and learning as much as possible. These first few days will be spent finding the holes in Tango's ground work. To identify potential issues, to find the holes, and to teach me about what 'personal space' is, how to get Tboy out of it, and to work on the very basic basics.

We worked on disengaging his haunches, his fores, and flexing for a while. We worked on having him listen to Steve, the trainer. It was so excellent to watch them in the small round pen - I am a visual learner, and learn far seeing than reading. I learned 4 different ways to back Tango up, keep him out of my space, and to call him towards me when it's time for him to come in. I learned about looking at Tango's bum for the pressure point, and how to release it fast and faster when Tango has done even the least little attempt at what the trainer is asking for. Steve did the frantic frog, the dead body, and reverse side mounting. Tango stood for all of that just sweetly and nicely. Steve said someone has done a lot with him, desensitizing wise. But Tboy still has a long way to go.

Tango is very, very smart. He is also pretty protective over his entire right side - and the trainer is thinking that we are going to have a bit of an issue to get Tango used to being worked on that side. What's interesting is that Tango's response to cues are far faster when on the right side than on the left; but it's fear rather than 'responding' calmly.

The trainer rode him around in just a halter and lead rope (with the saddle). Told me his canter is one of the smoothest he's felt in a very long time. Told me his transitions need work - apparently, Tango lurches from w-t, and from t-c. There's no physical reason for this, so we will be working on getting the transitions smoother and less lurching (Tango sort of throws his head up, and literally throws himself into the next gait). It's not a protest from him, it's just how he goes. So we will be working on that.

Tango is not soft at all. He's very stiff. Of course, I'm not exactly sure what that means, but when I compare him to other horses, I see it. Again, I can't explain it, but it's visible. And again, it's more on the right side than the left.

So after about 60 minutes of ground work, Tango got saddled up, and the trainer rode for about 10 minutes. Then it was my turn. I asked the trainer if Tango isn't too tired yet, and Steve looked at me. "Get on your horse," he said, "this is your turn, your time. He's fine."

So I put on my riding brain, and walked into the round pen. And loved on Tango and told him it was my turn, and told him to be good for me. Tango looked at me like "well, duh."

No mounting block, so Steve took hold of my belt, and helped me up. I did the half-mount, and then just swung my right leg over. Didn't look for the stirrups, just sat there, admiring the view from Tango's back. Took a few deep breaths, and then, picked up the reins. Squeezed my lower legs, and told him 'walk on.' And he DID! Just a nice walk, a slow meander. Steve told me to raise each arm to the sky, to relax and stretch on Tango while my boy was walking - to keep him walking while I stretched out and moved around in his saddle.

So I did...and it was hard! To keep my boy moving while I was moving 'round on his back was not easy. Reached his poll, and petted his ears. Reached his tail, and patted his bum...hard, but I managed it.

Then we did one-rein stops. And then, we went into a trot. I can't seem to keep Tango in the trot for too long, but that will come. He's used to posting, and when someone is sitting down on his back, he stops. So I have a lot to learn, but when I could remember to do the post (my version of it, anyway

), Tango was fine.

Twice he decided that I had asked for a canter, and moved up. Steve's right - his canter is so easy to sit and relax in...but I know better than to leave him at that gait, so I'd cluck and try to get him back to the trot.

I rode maybe 30 minutes, and Tango seemed thrilled that I was finally on his back. Confused at my cues, of course, but still, happy. He stood beautifully when I dismounted, even when I stumbled a bit because he's so tall and I'm not. But that will come together, too...

Steve thinks that Tango will pick up everything very quickly, and that he's a willing horse and a very smart horse. Steve also thinks I'll pick things up quickly, too...but I'm not so sure. Steve's talking about getting him into the big arena by the end of the 30 days, with me on his back. Which is a great goal, no doubt, but...well...I have my doubts. Not about Steve and Tango, but about me. We'll see...

All in all, Tango's training has begun. And so has mine. And I couldn't be happier.

Best-
Noni

Hideaway · 08-23-2007, 11:09 AM

That's awesome! Sounds like you both enjoyed your ride and maybe a little more confident after it all! I know exactly what you're talking about with stiffness. He'll work through it just as you've worked through everything else! You're doing a great job with him!

SCGaiter · 08-23-2007, 11:10 AM

Congratulations Noni!!! Sounds like quite a night! I am so proud of you and Tango! Keep up the good work!!!

ambrey · 08-23-2007, 11:14 AM

Don't doubt yourself! You can do this, Noni! I know he scared you, but with the trainer there it will all be OK!

Hey, is he single? Sorry, I had to ask

NoniMe · 08-23-2007, 11:36 AM

Thanks, you guys. No, Ambrey, he's not single...and even if he were, there's this professional thing.

Hideaway, thanks for knowing what I mean - I can spot it, but I can't articulate it. And yes, we'll get softer (I am stiff as a board, too, so we both have things to work on. LOL!!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCGaiter

Congratulations Noni!!! Sounds like quite a night! I am so proud of you and Tango! Keep up the good work!!!

It was a great, great night.

I think that what was most interesting is that when he cantered, I grinned...it's a smooth gait, and I liked it. And while I know we're not supposed to go there yet, I didn't really want to stop him.

I stopped him anyway.

My confidence got a good shot in the arm yesterday. We were in the small round pen, and he had just been worked a long time with the trainer, but still...it felt really, really good to be on his back, and know he was mostly listening to me. That was really good for me, you know?

Best-
Noni

b-mark · 08-23-2007, 05:15 PM

Ohhhh that's wonderful news!!!! Congrats, hun - and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

roberts617 · 08-23-2007, 05:24 PM

That's great news Noni! I am glad that things are going so well for you and Tango, you have done very well with him!

BornToRide · 08-23-2007, 06:13 PM

Congratulations!!!!!

You are gonna come so far and I cannot wait to hear about the progress!!!!

mrebele · 08-23-2007, 06:22 PM

Keep up the good work, Noni. I enjoy reading about your adventures. You are an excellent writer and have a way with words. I can almost picture that I am there with you, watching the training. Make sure that you continue posting in your trainig journal. I'll be looking for it.

Martha89 · 08-23-2007, 06:50 PM

Yay!!! Woo hoo!! I'm so glad to hear that things are coming together for you and Tboy! So, what bridle did Steve put on him?

NoniMe · 08-23-2007, 11:41 PM

Oh, man, Tango is such a good horse and Steve is a great trainer. I am the weak link in this chain. But I'll learn...I swear, I'll learn.

We are following a plan the trainer has developed - similar to Clinton Anderson's, but added to and enhanced by his experience and so I can do everything, too. I swear, the trainer spends far more than an hour with me...probably close to 2 hours last night, and nearly the same tonight. My head is so full of stuff I'm spinning. So was Tango...but he is remembering stuff, and I'm learning it for the first time.

We practiced what we did yesterday:
~free lunging, for warm up (NOT to tire him out, just to get him listening)
~desensitizing, with the lead rope.
~disengage haunches
~flex both ways
~back up
~disengage fores.

Tango is far quieter and quicker in his responses than yesterday - I was surprised at the progress. He was also incredibly easy to lead out (not like he's hard usually, but we're using a new technique and he was a bit confused yesterday. Not today...).

Then we did the new stuff:
~Lunging on the lead rope on voice cue (cluck (w), cluck-cluck (t), and kiss (c) )
~You Move, Not Me
~Desensitizing to loud noise and movement (frantic frog)
~Run and rub (run up, then rub).
~Send and Sqeeze (between the trainer and an object; with an obstacle there and shortening the distance).

Then Steve saddled Tango. Tango stood like a stone - never moved, and when Steve came over to the fence for the saddle, Tango followed him. Steve threw (deliberately) this heavy roping saddle onto Tango's back, and Tango didn't even flinch. A bit more lunging to get Tango used to the saddle, and then came the bit.

And Tango took it with absolutely NO evasion whatsoever. Nothing. Didn't move his head, didn't step back, nothing. Just offer/accept, and voila! (Sorry, Martha, we're using Steve's for training...but yours fits, and we'll use the set you sent over tomorrow

).

Up Steve went, and brought Tango through his gaits. Walk, one rein stop, walk-trot, walk-trot-walk, and then cantered him around the whole ring (we were in the big round pen - it's really large). Looked at me, and said "your turn...he's really quiet today."

I sucked in a big breath, and said, well, all right. Hitched my jeans up, climbed over the fence, and walked over to Tango. Kissed Tango on the nose, told him "be good for me, all right?" and got the one foot in the stirrup. Onehop, twohop, threehop UP and there I was, on his back. Leaned over him, not swinging my leg just yet, and petted him. Loved on him, and then brought my leg 'round. Sat there, not in the stirrups, just sitting on Tango's back in the sunset. If we had ended there, it would've been perfect. But no, Tboy and I had some work to do.

"We're going to play Simon says. Stop thinking, and just do what I ask. Ready? Walk him out" calls Steve, so I did. I squeezed, clucked, and Tango walked out. Steve said "stop", so we did a one rein stop. Steve said "go," so we walked. "Trot" and we did. "Stop" and we did. Trot again, and then, Steve said "canter." "You're insane" I thought, but kissed Tango up into the canter. And grabbed the saddle horn, and then just rode him. Turns out later I didn't hear Steve say "stop" until the third time

...but when I did, I one rein stopped, sat deep in the saddle, and exhaled. Tango stopped quickly, quietly, and gently.

At this point, Tango decided he was done for the day...and headed for the fence. Of course I was staring at it too, because it hurts when Tango brings my leg against it. So we worked on pushing him through it, bringing up the energy and really making him go elsewhere.

So Steve told me to steer now (up until now, I was just the passenger). With one hand. No right hand at all (as that's Tango's sensitive side). With two fingers - if I needed to hold on, I was to grab Tango's mane. Look where I want to go, not necessarily where I'm going, and as soon as Tango is even starting to go there, get off his face completely. And do it at the trot. While posting.

That was hard. At one point, Tango, being the wonderful horse that he is, was faced with some equipment on the ground. I didn't realize it, but there it was, in our path. Well, there we were, trotting along, and all of a sudden it felt like Tango tripped. I rocked forward, and got back into the saddle, and stopped him. I asked Steve what happened, as Steve was laughing. Apparently, Tango decided instead of going around the stuff, would sort of jump it.

Before I could get scared of that, Steve had us go into figure 8's while trotting and me trying to post, and we did about 4 of them completely. I was thrilled, out of breath, and ready to stop. No, Steve wanted one more exercise.

"Canter him around the whole ring without stopping. Let him go as fast as he wants to in the canter, and don't stop til I tell you." Gulp. All right. Well. And we were off. Walk to trot to canter, and then I was riding right in time with Tango, centered, one hand on the rein (well, two fingers on the rein), and we went and went and went and it felt incredible and easy and smooth and Tango was listening and relaxed and I could feel the breeze on my face and I was riding my horse!!! And then Steve said "stop." So I sat deep, one reined him, and Tango again was perfect. We had done a great, controlled canter one and a half times around the ring.

We stopped then...and my dismount was much much better (meaning I didn't fall under my horse...this is a good thing...), and I went up to Tango and hugged him and then hugged Steve. I asked Steve why he had us canter so long.

Steve said "you need to get desensitized, too...that's the gait you're most scared of, so before you're ever going to be comfortable on your horse, you have to know that you can ride that gait and that you can stop that gait. And see? You can. You're more in tune with that horse than you give yourself credit for."

So. Well. I am going to be sore (I already am), but I am ecstatic. It's hard, riding with one hand staying off Tango's face, but because of the jaw issue, it's the way he needs to be ridden. I will admit, I grabbed his mane when he jumped, but other than that, I didn't clutch the saddle horn (too much) and we cantered and I stopped him even after a while at that pace and he's such a great horse and a sweet boy and a very willing horse. And am I blessed?? Am I incredibly blessed with Tango as my mighty steed and Steve as my trainer? Yeah...I am so blessed.

He got a whole handful of peppermints after we were done. Day two, and it was a great day.

Best-
Noni

ambrey · 08-24-2007, 12:03 AM

What a wonderful post to read, Noni! Your happiness just bubbles through. I'm so glad you and Tango found the person who works for you! I hope Smokey and I can find someone!

Ponderosa Starr · 08-24-2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoniMe

Steve said "you need to get desensitized, too...that's the gait you're most scared of, so before you're ever going to be comfortable on your horse, you have to know that you can ride that gait and that you can stop that gait. And see? You can. You're more in tune with that horse than you give yourself credit for."

So. Well. I am going to be sore (I already am), but I am ecstatic. It's hard, riding with one hand staying off Tango's face, but because of the jaw issue, it's the way he needs to be ridden. I will admit, I grabbed his mane when he jumped, but other than that, I didn't clutch the saddle horn (too much) and we cantered and I stopped him even after a while at that pace and he's such a great horse and a sweet boy and a very willing horse. And am I blessed?? Am I incredibly blessed with Tango as my mighty steed and Steve as my trainer? Yeah...I am so blessed.

He got a whole handful of peppermints after we were done. Day two, and it was a great day.

Best-
Noni

I am so PROUD of YOU.... What a wonderful, feeling you must have now.. Talk about a Natural High! Can't get much better than that!!

Many hugs and I am looking forward to seeing you soon, on your mount and enjoying becoming a darn good, soon to be GREAT horsewoman.. You are on your way to be coming an incredible rider..Horsemanship will come with ease for you now, more than you realize.....

Steve sounds like a terrific trainer.. I am so glad you found him..

Saelym · 08-24-2007, 12:44 AM

Sounds like he's doing great, keep it up!

CJ'sGirl · 08-24-2007, 01:10 AM

I have to tell you I really enjoy reading your posts, Noni. You put so much of yourself into your writing it is wonderful to read. I feel like I am right there with you-boy is his canter smooth!

It also helps to read your posts as I have some fear issues as well. You and Steve are talking me out of them!

Thank you for your writing style and for sharing your experiences. I have learned so much from and because of you. Congratulations!!!

Carri · 08-24-2007, 05:32 AM

Noni, this is so great! He sounds like a wonderful trainer!

dreamcleaner · 08-24-2007, 06:59 AM

Good job.

You canter?

*gets on knees and bows*. "You are a god, well a demi-god

b-mark · 08-24-2007, 08:02 AM

Oh Michele, I'm SO happy for you! It is absolutely awesome to read of your success! I'm so totally jealous, though! LOL

It sounds like you've found a wonderful trainer - congrats! And see? You are cantering now! And posting a trot! No more flopping

You'll be a pro in no time flat. You have this awesome connection with Tango - and I truly think that's half the battle right there.

Oh, and give the T-Meister an extra couple of peppermints - just because!

KatieMae · 08-24-2007, 08:12 AM

I'm extremely happy for you! While I'm still stuck watching my horse graze in her pasture, and with no horse to ride, I get to live vicariously through you for the time being

I always knew you two would go somewhere.

JoAnne · 08-24-2007, 10:20 AM

sounds great! and by the way you are a really good writer and could write for horse magazines or a book!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Spirit's Training Journal	eieio	Training	157	09-25-2007 01:53 PM
Tango's Going To School!!	NoniMe	General Horse Advice	21	08-23-2007 05:54 PM
Yet another training journal.	BornToRide	Training	0	08-11-2007 11:21 PM
Bo's Training Journal	tuffsmom	Training	7	07-07-2007 10:19 PM
Training/showing Journal	AfleetAlex	Training	3	04-09-2007 12:39 PM

08-23-2007, 11:03 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,238	Tango's Training Journal. So, the money became available for Tango to be in 30 days training (and perhaps more; we'll see). The trainer I've chosen for him is one I've watched a lot. I've seen him work 2 year olds, back them for the first time, and teach them manners. He is a gentle, smart, good man, and has gone out of his way to help me with Tango even when Tango and I weren't in training. I adore his style, I think he's about as cool a guy there is, and Tango likes him. His assistant is a dear woman, too...and she's about as great as he is, although she's still learning. And the training will all done at my barn, and I will be watching and learning as much as possible. These first few days will be spent finding the holes in Tango's ground work. To identify potential issues, to find the holes, and to teach me about what 'personal space' is, how to get Tboy out of it, and to work on the very basic basics. We worked on disengaging his haunches, his fores, and flexing for a while. We worked on having him listen to Steve, the trainer. It was so excellent to watch them in the small round pen - I am a visual learner, and learn far seeing than reading. I learned 4 different ways to back Tango up, keep him out of my space, and to call him towards me when it's time for him to come in. I learned about looking at Tango's bum for the pressure point, and how to release it fast and faster when Tango has done even the least little attempt at what the trainer is asking for. Steve did the frantic frog, the dead body, and reverse side mounting. Tango stood for all of that just sweetly and nicely. Steve said someone has done a lot with him, desensitizing wise. But Tboy still has a long way to go. Tango is very, very smart. He is also pretty protective over his entire right side - and the trainer is thinking that we are going to have a bit of an issue to get Tango used to being worked on that side. What's interesting is that Tango's response to cues are far faster when on the right side than on the left; but it's fear rather than 'responding' calmly. The trainer rode him around in just a halter and lead rope (with the saddle). Told me his canter is one of the smoothest he's felt in a very long time. Told me his transitions need work - apparently, Tango lurches from w-t, and from t-c. There's no physical reason for this, so we will be working on getting the transitions smoother and less lurching (Tango sort of throws his head up, and literally throws himself into the next gait). It's not a protest from him, it's just how he goes. So we will be working on that. Tango is not soft at all. He's very stiff. Of course, I'm not exactly sure what that means, but when I compare him to other horses, I see it. Again, I can't explain it, but it's visible. And again, it's more on the right side than the left. So after about 60 minutes of ground work, Tango got saddled up, and the trainer rode for about 10 minutes. Then it was my turn. I asked the trainer if Tango isn't too tired yet, and Steve looked at me. "Get on your horse," he said, "this is your turn, your time. He's fine." So I put on my riding brain, and walked into the round pen. And loved on Tango and told him it was my turn, and told him to be good for me. Tango looked at me like "well, duh." No mounting block, so Steve took hold of my belt, and helped me up. I did the half-mount, and then just swung my right leg over. Didn't look for the stirrups, just sat there, admiring the view from Tango's back. Took a few deep breaths, and then, picked up the reins. Squeezed my lower legs, and told him 'walk on.' And he DID! Just a nice walk, a slow meander. Steve told me to raise each arm to the sky, to relax and stretch on Tango while my boy was walking - to keep him walking while I stretched out and moved around in his saddle. So I did...and it was hard! To keep my boy moving while I was moving 'round on his back was not easy. Reached his poll, and petted his ears. Reached his tail, and patted his bum...hard, but I managed it. Then we did one-rein stops. And then, we went into a trot. I can't seem to keep Tango in the trot for too long, but that will come. He's used to posting, and when someone is sitting down on his back, he stops. So I have a lot to learn, but when I could remember to do the post (my version of it, anyway), Tango was fine. Twice he decided that I had asked for a canter, and moved up. Steve's right - his canter is so easy to sit and relax in...but I know better than to leave him at that gait, so I'd cluck and try to get him back to the trot. I rode maybe 30 minutes, and Tango seemed thrilled that I was finally on his back. Confused at my cues, of course, but still, happy. He stood beautifully when I dismounted, even when I stumbled a bit because he's so tall and I'm not. But that will come together, too... Steve thinks that Tango will pick up everything very quickly, and that he's a willing horse and a very smart horse. Steve also thinks I'll pick things up quickly, too...but I'm not so sure. Steve's talking about getting him into the big arena by the end of the 30 days, with me on his back. Which is a great goal, no doubt, but...well...I have my doubts. Not about Steve and Tango, but about me. We'll see... All in all, Tango's training has begun. And so has mine. And I couldn't be happier. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

08-23-2007, 11:09 AM
Hideaway Started Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,048	That's awesome! Sounds like you both enjoyed your ride and maybe a little more confident after it all! I know exactly what you're talking about with stiffness. He'll work through it just as you've worked through everything else! You're doing a great job with him! __________________ Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

08-23-2007, 11:10 AM
SCGaiter Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florence, South Carolina Posts: 218	Congratulations Noni!!! Sounds like quite a night! I am so proud of you and Tango! Keep up the good work!!! __________________ But Mommy- I WANT one!!

08-23-2007, 11:14 AM
ambrey Started Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,167	Don't doubt yourself! You can do this, Noni! I know he scared you, but with the trainer there it will all be OK! Hey, is he single? Sorry, I had to ask

08-23-2007, 05:15 PM
b-mark Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 700	Ohhhh that's wonderful news!!!! Congrats, hun - and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! __________________ Gina & the critter crew http://www.sunshine.gawdproductions.ca

08-23-2007, 05:24 PM
roberts617 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 5,151	That's great news Noni! I am glad that things are going so well for you and Tango, you have done very well with him! __________________ He who never made a mistake never made a discovery! Samuel Smiles

08-23-2007, 06:13 PM
BornToRide Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,470	Congratulations!!!!! You are gonna come so far and I cannot wait to hear about the progress!!!! __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

08-23-2007, 06:22 PM
mrebele Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 431	Keep up the good work, Noni. I enjoy reading about your adventures. You are an excellent writer and have a way with words. I can almost picture that I am there with you, watching the training. Make sure that you continue posting in your trainig journal. I'll be looking for it.

08-23-2007, 06:50 PM
Martha89 Halter broke Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 81	Yay!!! Woo hoo!! I'm so glad to hear that things are coming together for you and Tboy! So, what bridle did Steve put on him?

08-23-2007, 11:41 PM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,238	Oh, man, Tango is such a good horse and Steve is a great trainer. I am the weak link in this chain. But I'll learn...I swear, I'll learn. We are following a plan the trainer has developed - similar to Clinton Anderson's, but added to and enhanced by his experience and so I can do everything, too. I swear, the trainer spends far more than an hour with me...probably close to 2 hours last night, and nearly the same tonight. My head is so full of stuff I'm spinning. So was Tango...but he is remembering stuff, and I'm learning it for the first time. We practiced what we did yesterday: ~free lunging, for warm up (NOT to tire him out, just to get him listening) ~desensitizing, with the lead rope. ~disengage haunches ~flex both ways ~back up ~disengage fores. Tango is far quieter and quicker in his responses than yesterday - I was surprised at the progress. He was also incredibly easy to lead out (not like he's hard usually, but we're using a new technique and he was a bit confused yesterday. Not today...). Then we did the new stuff: ~Lunging on the lead rope on voice cue (cluck (w), cluck-cluck (t), and kiss (c) ) ~You Move, Not Me ~Desensitizing to loud noise and movement (frantic frog) ~Run and rub (run up, then rub). ~Send and Sqeeze (between the trainer and an object; with an obstacle there and shortening the distance). Then Steve saddled Tango. Tango stood like a stone - never moved, and when Steve came over to the fence for the saddle, Tango followed him. Steve threw (deliberately) this heavy roping saddle onto Tango's back, and Tango didn't even flinch. A bit more lunging to get Tango used to the saddle, and then came the bit. And Tango took it with absolutely NO evasion whatsoever. Nothing. Didn't move his head, didn't step back, nothing. Just offer/accept, and voila! (Sorry, Martha, we're using Steve's for training...but yours fits, and we'll use the set you sent over tomorrow ). Up Steve went, and brought Tango through his gaits. Walk, one rein stop, walk-trot, walk-trot-walk, and then cantered him around the whole ring (we were in the big round pen - it's really large). Looked at me, and said "your turn...he's really quiet today." I sucked in a big breath, and said, well, all right. Hitched my jeans up, climbed over the fence, and walked over to Tango. Kissed Tango on the nose, told him "be good for me, all right?" and got the one foot in the stirrup. Onehop, twohop, threehop UP and there I was, on his back. Leaned over him, not swinging my leg just yet, and petted him. Loved on him, and then brought my leg 'round. Sat there, not in the stirrups, just sitting on Tango's back in the sunset. If we had ended there, it would've been perfect. But no, Tboy and I had some work to do. "We're going to play Simon says. Stop thinking, and just do what I ask. Ready? Walk him out" calls Steve, so I did. I squeezed, clucked, and Tango walked out. Steve said "stop", so we did a one rein stop. Steve said "go," so we walked. "Trot" and we did. "Stop" and we did. Trot again, and then, Steve said "canter." "You're insane" I thought, but kissed Tango up into the canter. And grabbed the saddle horn, and then just rode him. Turns out later I didn't hear Steve say "stop" until the third time...but when I did, I one rein stopped, sat deep in the saddle, and exhaled. Tango stopped quickly, quietly, and gently. At this point, Tango decided he was done for the day...and headed for the fence. Of course I was staring at it too, because it hurts when Tango brings my leg against it. So we worked on pushing him through it, bringing up the energy and really making him go elsewhere. So Steve told me to steer now (up until now, I was just the passenger). With one hand. No right hand at all (as that's Tango's sensitive side). With two fingers - if I needed to hold on, I was to grab Tango's mane. Look where I want to go, not necessarily where I'm going, and as soon as Tango is even starting to go there, get off his face completely. And do it at the trot. While posting. That was hard. At one point, Tango, being the wonderful horse that he is, was faced with some equipment on the ground. I didn't realize it, but there it was, in our path. Well, there we were, trotting along, and all of a sudden it felt like Tango tripped. I rocked forward, and got back into the saddle, and stopped him. I asked Steve what happened, as Steve was laughing. Apparently, Tango decided instead of going around the stuff, would sort of jump it. Before I could get scared of that, Steve had us go into figure 8's while trotting and me trying to post, and we did about 4 of them completely. I was thrilled, out of breath, and ready to stop. No, Steve wanted one more exercise. "Canter him around the whole ring without stopping. Let him go as fast as he wants to in the canter, and don't stop til I tell you." Gulp. All right. Well. And we were off. Walk to trot to canter, and then I was riding right in time with Tango, centered, one hand on the rein (well, two fingers on the rein), and we went and went and went and it felt incredible and easy and smooth and Tango was listening and relaxed and I could feel the breeze on my face and I was riding my horse!!! And then Steve said "stop." So I sat deep, one reined him, and Tango again was perfect. We had done a great, controlled canter one and a half times around the ring. We stopped then...and my dismount was much much better (meaning I didn't fall under my horse...this is a good thing...), and I went up to Tango and hugged him and then hugged Steve. I asked Steve why he had us canter so long. Steve said "you need to get desensitized, too...that's the gait you're most scared of, so before you're ever going to be comfortable on your horse, you have to know that you can ride that gait and that you can stop that gait. And see? You can. You're more in tune with that horse than you give yourself credit for." So. Well. I am going to be sore (I already am), but I am ecstatic. It's hard, riding with one hand staying off Tango's face, but because of the jaw issue, it's the way he needs to be ridden. I will admit, I grabbed his mane when he jumped, but other than that, I didn't clutch the saddle horn (too much) and we cantered and I stopped him even after a while at that pace and he's such a great horse and a sweet boy and a very willing horse. And am I blessed?? Am I incredibly blessed with Tango as my mighty steed and Steve as my trainer? Yeah...I am so blessed. He got a whole handful of peppermints after we were done. Day two, and it was a great day. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

08-24-2007, 12:03 AM
ambrey Started Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,167	What a wonderful post to read, Noni! Your happiness just bubbles through. I'm so glad you and Tango found the person who works for you! I hope Smokey and I can find someone!

08-24-2007, 12:44 AM
Saelym Started Join Date: May 2007 Location: Courtenay, B.C. Posts: 2,340	Sounds like he's doing great, keep it up! __________________ Forever in my heart. Miss Achievement-- May 10th, 1993 - November 7th, 2008.

08-24-2007, 01:10 AM
CJ'sGirl Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Locust Grove,Va Posts: 237	I have to tell you I really enjoy reading your posts, Noni. You put so much of yourself into your writing it is wonderful to read. I feel like I am right there with you-boy is his canter smooth! It also helps to read your posts as I have some fear issues as well. You and Steve are talking me out of them! Thank you for your writing style and for sharing your experiences. I have learned so much from and because of you. Congratulations!!! __________________ God blessed me with two gorgeous Quarterhorses and one gorgeous,understanding husband.The only thing that makes life sweeter is the love of three wonderful children.

08-24-2007, 05:32 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,608	Noni, this is so great! He sounds like a wonderful trainer! __________________

08-24-2007, 06:59 AM
dreamcleaner Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ontario Posts: 2,359	Good job. You canter? gets on knees and bows. "You are a god, well a demi-god

08-24-2007, 08:02 AM
b-mark Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 700	Oh Michele, I'm SO happy for you! It is absolutely awesome to read of your success! I'm so totally jealous, though! LOL It sounds like you've found a wonderful trainer - congrats! And see? You are cantering now! And posting a trot! No more flopping You'll be a pro in no time flat. You have this awesome connection with Tango - and I truly think that's half the battle right there. Oh, and give the T-Meister an extra couple of peppermints - just because! __________________ Gina & the critter crew http://www.sunshine.gawdproductions.ca

08-24-2007, 08:12 AM
KatieMae Seasoned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: C.FLA Posts: 4,139	I'm extremely happy for you! While I'm still stuck watching my horse graze in her pasture, and with no horse to ride, I get to live vicariously through you for the time being I always knew you two would go somewhere. __________________ You can only blame your problems on the world for so long Before it all becomes the same old song.

08-24-2007, 10:20 AM
JoAnne Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 2,442	sounds great! and by the way you are a really good writer and could write for horse magazines or a book!