First ride since the 'Big Bang'

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 07:06 AM

It took me two hours to feel safe getting on the Peach and riding but I did it! She's fine getting tacked up but listen to this! As I was getting the headstall and bit organized in my hands to offer it to her, she reached over and took the bit in her mouth! I WAS SHOCKED! In my head I was saying, "Hey wait! I'm not ready yet"

Then I got her accustomed to having the saddle on and off, we walked between tightening the cinch (ran into the house in the middle to get the baby powder! Thank you to fishing_trex for the suggestion!) and then
* putting hand pressure on the both stirrups,
* then my foot in the stirrup,
* then me standing on a stool and putting my foot in the stirrup,
* then bouncing in the stirrup,
* then standing up in the stirrup... man, it was 90 degrees and I had to take a break to get some water, thought I was gonna drop over, I was working hard enough for the both of us, good thing she's a small horse with all of the walking around from side to side I did

* then swinging up and sitting for a moment and then getting down
* then getting up and just sitting there and wanting to just sit there and feel how good it was but she started to back up, so I sat down in the saddle, like to "quit riding" and lifted the reins and she stopped. I might of said "whoa" but I don't remember

* then I aimed my belly button to the right and looked over at the fence and she walked over there, then I raised the reins and quit riding and she stopped.
* then I aimed my belly button to the left and touched the left rein and she went to the left, then I lifted the reins, quit riding and she stopped.
Then all of a sudden I felt her tense up, her head went up and because both feet were quiet and on solid on the ground I got the heck off!

I was so relieved I quit for the day

Later that day I went out to get Ziggy and that poop walked right into me, had to do a block but it was a drive-by, then after I got the halter on and as I was leading her back to the corrals with Peaches following Ziggy walked on my foot! I said something like "Gosh Darnit!"

And Peaches came around and was aiming her back feet at Zig to let her have it! My little girl came to my rescue to protect me from my rescue

I am so happy for me

This settles it, I'm not keeping Ziggy and I'm not selling Peaches and I can train her! We can do it together. Of course now its the end of summer, it will be winter and she'll forget everything by spring

but sooner or later we'll get 'er done

**seerfarm** · 08-19-2008, 08:01 AM

Way to go Version!

Ever how small you make think the steps are, they are still the foundation for bigger and better things.

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 08:14 AM

Yes, ma' am, you are surely right about that. Its all of those little steps done well that add up. We forgive each other as we would want the other person to forgive us

And she knows it too! Its just so absolutely cool to have a relationship with her. Its taken three years of working at it without really knowing what it would be but I can hold her head in my arms.

Now Gerald is insisting I keep training her and not give her to a professional. This is the same man who wanted her put down because she was brain damaged

But this girl can be trained. I can feel it. Shoot, you shoulda seen her calm down each step as I rubbed on her. I didn't talk much, just quit when she was good and rubbed when she wasn't okay. She understands that and it feels 'home' to me.

And I didn't even try to pick up her feet and clean them. Only brushed the outside. She picked up her foot, but I didn't hold it. I didn't want to mess things up with something that would be a whole nother training issue. We'll get to those feet later.

pvf · 08-19-2008, 08:21 AM

I'm glad that you didn't give up.. Way to go Version!! Although I missed the Big Bang

I hope you are ok.

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 08:28 AM

Gerald 'did' the big bang last October, it was how we got up close and personal with 'buddy sour'

I haven't ridden her since. And really before that its all been in the round pen but she caught on to what we were asking really well. Goofy thing is that I always direct reined and this 'belly button' aiming is much easier, who knew she knew?!

Carri · 08-19-2008, 10:55 AM

WAY TO GO!!

YEA! I am so proud for you and Peaches! It takes a LOT of courage to get up there again after something like that. Good job!

ahlihaff · 08-19-2008, 11:22 AM

Yay version; you did it, and it went well. Good for you and Peaches.

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 11:27 AM

Thank you. I'm so proud of Peaches, so very, very proud. She was a trooper. And to take the bit like that! Wow! She could only of done it because she knew she was supposed to. This really shows me that she remembers what each thing is for. And I didn't have her tied up for any of this. She was completely free to move, which she did of course, and I calmed her down before continuing. I think she really appreciates this approach. Two professional trainers quit on her and I think its because they didn't go her speed

jtfer1968 · 08-19-2008, 03:51 PM

Way to go!!

Midnightbobby · 08-19-2008, 03:59 PM

Good job on the success!

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks Mid. Ya know, one of the successes was that I could hold on to and appreciate the good stuff of that day, in fact some of it was incredible! And I didn't let the not so good stuff ruin it. That in and of itself was one of the biggest successes of the day. Even as I look at my foot and see the swollen toes all black and blue

dproaps · 08-19-2008, 04:47 PM

Good job Version, getting there!

By the way, what was the big Bang? Guess I missed it.

version1955 · 08-19-2008, 05:28 PM

Well I didn't call it that when it happened but that thread about the beginning of the universe inspired me

We were training her in one of our corrals and decided that we'd move up to riding her to riding in the larger, adjacent corral. We put the other horses in the smaller corral so if things went well we could ride out into the pasture.

Well Gerald misunderstood me and he simply got on and headed out of the corral into the pasture

I think because he is a confident rider and wasn't expecting her to be upset she got scared, he didn't notice, then she panicked and rodeo'd so hard that when Gerald hit the ground he was knocked unconscious. And NO, he wasn't wearing a helmet. Still won't consider it. So obviously there is nothing in there to hurt!

Anyway, I hadn't prepared her for leaving her buddies... enough. So I've been spending the last several months leading her away and step-by-step we've gotten to a pretty good place where she trusts me. Don't know how much, but there is definitely a bond.

I get to go home again next weekend. And I'm afraid I'll be alone then too. But she can be lead away from the other horses and that's something I could never do before, so we're definitely making progress. If I have the time I think I'll take her for a walk around the property, we live on 160 acres so we have room to roam. And maybe I'll put the other horses in the corral again and ride her in the larger one next to it, except I'll pay more attention to how she's feeling

Or I'll chicken out

dproaps · 08-19-2008, 09:22 PM

Ok, I get the whole big Bang thing! Good way to describe it. Sounds like my experience coming off Dragon, can I borrow the phrase?

version1955 · 08-20-2008, 06:36 AM

You may with my blessings "rained down on your head 10-fold"

And you may also use "doody-head" as often as you wish without the need to fill out another application or pay a fee

scrapchick · 08-20-2008, 06:40 AM

Kudos to Version!

A J · 08-20-2008, 04:53 PM

Great to hear your progress! Sounds like she just needs someone to take their time and work through things with her at her pace - I'm sure you two will make a great team!

SunnyKS · 08-20-2008, 05:12 PM

I will use this just for you and your special occasion:

version1955 · 08-21-2008, 06:42 AM

Awww, you remembered

Yes, that happy face is my all time favorite. And let us not forget Fluppy

cuz doggies are the best people in the world

thumpersgirl · 08-26-2008, 10:38 AM

Congrats on the progress Joanie! It sounds like you and Peach are doing well.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Jakes first big trail ride!!	cascy	Trail Riding	18	07-06-2008 10:43 PM
Daughters big ride!	cascy	Trail Riding	22	11-17-2007 12:32 PM
Anyone trail ride a big draft?	Orchid	General Horse Advice	17	05-04-2005 02:20 PM

08-19-2008, 07:06 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	First ride since the 'Big Bang' It took me two hours to feel safe getting on the Peach and riding but I did it! She's fine getting tacked up but listen to this! As I was getting the headstall and bit organized in my hands to offer it to her, she reached over and took the bit in her mouth! I WAS SHOCKED! In my head I was saying, "Hey wait! I'm not ready yet" Then I got her accustomed to having the saddle on and off, we walked between tightening the cinch (ran into the house in the middle to get the baby powder! Thank you to fishing_trex for the suggestion!) and then * putting hand pressure on the both stirrups, * then my foot in the stirrup, * then me standing on a stool and putting my foot in the stirrup, * then bouncing in the stirrup, * then standing up in the stirrup... man, it was 90 degrees and I had to take a break to get some water, thought I was gonna drop over, I was working hard enough for the both of us, good thing she's a small horse with all of the walking around from side to side I did * then swinging up and sitting for a moment and then getting down * then getting up and just sitting there and wanting to just sit there and feel how good it was but she started to back up, so I sat down in the saddle, like to "quit riding" and lifted the reins and she stopped. I might of said "whoa" but I don't remember * then I aimed my belly button to the right and looked over at the fence and she walked over there, then I raised the reins and quit riding and she stopped. * then I aimed my belly button to the left and touched the left rein and she went to the left, then I lifted the reins, quit riding and she stopped. Then all of a sudden I felt her tense up, her head went up and because both feet were quiet and on solid on the ground I got the heck off! I was so relieved I quit for the day Later that day I went out to get Ziggy and that poop walked right into me, had to do a block but it was a drive-by, then after I got the halter on and as I was leading her back to the corrals with Peaches following Ziggy walked on my foot! I said something like "Gosh Darnit!" And Peaches came around and was aiming her back feet at Zig to let her have it! My little girl came to my rescue to protect me from my rescue I am so happy for me This settles it, I'm not keeping Ziggy and I'm not selling Peaches and I can train her! We can do it together. Of course now its the end of summer, it will be winter and she'll forget everything by spring but sooner or later we'll get 'er done __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie Last edited by version1955 : 08-19-2008 at 11:23 AM. Reason: I originally had Ziggy kicking herself !

08-19-2008, 08:01 AM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,833	Way to go Version! Ever how small you make think the steps are, they are still the foundation for bigger and better things. __________________ The man who questions opinions is wise. The man who quarrels with facts is a fool.

08-19-2008, 08:14 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Yes, ma' am, you are surely right about that. Its all of those little steps done well that add up. We forgive each other as we would want the other person to forgive us And she knows it too! Its just so absolutely cool to have a relationship with her. Its taken three years of working at it without really knowing what it would be but I can hold her head in my arms. Now Gerald is insisting I keep training her and not give her to a professional. This is the same man who wanted her put down because she was brain damaged But this girl can be trained. I can feel it. Shoot, you shoulda seen her calm down each step as I rubbed on her. I didn't talk much, just quit when she was good and rubbed when she wasn't okay. She understands that and it feels 'home' to me. And I didn't even try to pick up her feet and clean them. Only brushed the outside. She picked up her foot, but I didn't hold it. I didn't want to mess things up with something that would be a whole nother training issue. We'll get to those feet later. __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-19-2008, 08:21 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,446	I'm glad that you didn't give up.. Way to go Version!! Although I missed the Big Bang I hope you are ok. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

08-19-2008, 08:28 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Gerald 'did' the big bang last October, it was how we got up close and personal with 'buddy sour' I haven't ridden her since. And really before that its all been in the round pen but she caught on to what we were asking really well. Goofy thing is that I always direct reined and this 'belly button' aiming is much easier, who knew she knew?! __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-19-2008, 10:55 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	WAY TO GO!! YEA! I am so proud for you and Peaches! It takes a LOT of courage to get up there again after something like that. Good job! __________________

08-19-2008, 11:22 AM
ahlihaff Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western MA Posts: 3,635	Yay version; you did it, and it went well. Good for you and Peaches.

08-19-2008, 11:27 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Thank you. I'm so proud of Peaches, so very, very proud. She was a trooper. And to take the bit like that! Wow! She could only of done it because she knew she was supposed to. This really shows me that she remembers what each thing is for. And I didn't have her tied up for any of this. She was completely free to move, which she did of course, and I calmed her down before continuing. I think she really appreciates this approach. Two professional trainers quit on her and I think its because they didn't go her speed __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-19-2008, 03:51 PM
jtfer1968 Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,000	Way to go!! __________________

08-19-2008, 03:59 PM
Midnightbobby Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 702	Good job on the success!

08-20-2008, 06:40 AM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,837	Kudos to Version! __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-19-2008, 04:39 PM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Thanks Mid. Ya know, one of the successes was that I could hold on to and appreciate the good stuff of that day, in fact some of it was incredible! And I didn't let the not so good stuff ruin it. That in and of itself was one of the biggest successes of the day. Even as I look at my foot and see the swollen toes all black and blue __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-19-2008, 04:47 PM
dproaps Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dickson, Tennessee Posts: 1,511	Good job Version, getting there! By the way, what was the big Bang? Guess I missed it. __________________ Those who suffer with the suffering are dancing to the rhythm of God.

08-19-2008, 05:28 PM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Well I didn't call it that when it happened but that thread about the beginning of the universe inspired me We were training her in one of our corrals and decided that we'd move up to riding her to riding in the larger, adjacent corral. We put the other horses in the smaller corral so if things went well we could ride out into the pasture. Well Gerald misunderstood me and he simply got on and headed out of the corral into the pasture I think because he is a confident rider and wasn't expecting her to be upset she got scared, he didn't notice, then she panicked and rodeo'd so hard that when Gerald hit the ground he was knocked unconscious. And NO, he wasn't wearing a helmet. Still won't consider it. So obviously there is nothing in there to hurt! Anyway, I hadn't prepared her for leaving her buddies... enough. So I've been spending the last several months leading her away and step-by-step we've gotten to a pretty good place where she trusts me. Don't know how much, but there is definitely a bond. I get to go home again next weekend. And I'm afraid I'll be alone then too. But she can be lead away from the other horses and that's something I could never do before, so we're definitely making progress. If I have the time I think I'll take her for a walk around the property, we live on 160 acres so we have room to roam. And maybe I'll put the other horses in the corral again and ride her in the larger one next to it, except I'll pay more attention to how she's feeling Or I'll chicken out __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-19-2008, 09:22 PM
dproaps Coming two Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Dickson, Tennessee Posts: 1,511	Ok, I get the whole big Bang thing! Good way to describe it. Sounds like my experience coming off Dragon, can I borrow the phrase? __________________ Those who suffer with the suffering are dancing to the rhythm of God.

08-20-2008, 06:36 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	You may with my blessings "rained down on your head 10-fold" And you may also use "doody-head" as often as you wish without the need to fill out another application or pay a fee __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-20-2008, 04:53 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,356	Great to hear your progress! Sounds like she just needs someone to take their time and work through things with her at her pace - I'm sure you two will make a great team! __________________ Try not, do. Do or do not. There is no try.

08-20-2008, 05:12 PM
SunnyKS Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,462	I will use this just for you and your special occasion: __________________

08-21-2008, 06:42 AM
version1955 Kid Safe Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Minnesnowdah Posts: 6,630	Awww, you remembered Yes, that happy face is my all time favorite. And let us not forget Fluppy cuz doggies are the best people in the world __________________ gonna do what I can instead of complain and fret about what I can't Joanie

08-26-2008, 10:38 AM
thumpersgirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,388	Congrats on the progress Joanie! It sounds like you and Peach are doing well. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies; they're good for nothing, but make you smile when you push them down a long flight of stairs.