But considering where we started (such a hot mess) and the whole EPM episode that basically stripped all of his muscle away, it is pretty good. During my last lesson my favorite dressage judge was so mesmerized watching him that she forgot to tell me what to do for awhile. During my first lesson with her, I am pretty sure she was wondering what the hell I had bought (she is far too kind to ever tell me that).
Just attempting to walk
Not a whole lot changed, until I finally was able to get a saddle that fit to his standards (they are high). Then slowly he started to settle and wonder what I wanted him to do instead of just panic and checking out. We still had our ugly moments frequently, but it wasn't 99.99999% of the time. Over the last year the ugly moments have been decreasing. And he is far less likely to have a temper tantrum. Sure he is still tight and reluctant to work over his back, but he acts like a horse now.
Immediately after new saddle
3 months after new saddle
15 months post new saddle (aka last month)
I absolutely swear by saddle fit now. The change in him was enormous. Then taking the time to do so much walk work really helped him relax and built up the trust. It sucked doing it and I get bored and wish things were moving more quickly, but the changes in him are proof that slow and steady is the way to go.
The final slot is from a show in a new place, and he was not nearly as settled as he is at home (I just don't have home video for comparison), but he is tracking up and far more relaxed than he was a year ago at home. It truly amazes me what this little horse has managed to overcome.
You both have overcome a lot. I totally get the 'two years' thing. I lived my own version of that.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard building a relationship but you guys have come so far. Once you fully have her trust and confidence you guys are going to be awesome!
DeleteIt's really intense to see all the side by side GIFs like that -- wow! You've done an amazing job with him.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised when I put them together. I might have sat and watched them for awhile 😂
DeleteBrantley has really taught me that time doesn't exist. I couldn't even sit on him for the first year... then I was in such a rush to catch up I completely destroyed everything we had worked on and had to start from scratch. You've done an amazing job. Take the time it needs and you won't have to fix it later.
ReplyDeleteOh we will still have problems to fix later. I don't have the knowledge to prevent that but hopefully it will be an easier process.
DeleteHe's come so, so far. It's really amazing to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks! He has been challenging but fun.
DeleteAs Leah said, seeing it side by side is hugely impressive. Maybe you could come to Canada and teach my mare to walk ;)
ReplyDeleteOnly in the summer. I'm too big of a baby for the winter. But I would love to meet your crew!
DeleteWatching him finally figure out how to *walk* has been awesome. Time is relative with horses and they all have their own little idiosyncrasies to deal with. Stinker is lucky he has you!
ReplyDeleteThanks! He really is a fun horse once we got past the OMG PANIC stage
DeleteDude, I feel the pain of slow progress, I've had my mare for 2.5 years now and we're only walk/trot, and we didn't have EPM to deal with! You've done a great job with Stinker though! Some horses just take longer and comparing their progress to any other horses just isn't fair. Plus, there are a lot of horses that seem like they are doing well and moving along quickly, but then end up burning out or revealing big holes in their training, nothing wrong with slow and steady as long as you are enjoying the journey.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a frustrating and emotional journey, but I do look forward to seeing him every day.
DeleteYeah, damn girl. The change is enormous.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteAll those gifs to compare are great. It took me like 2 years to be able to canter with Nilla. And I don't mean well. We still don't canter well. I mean to be able to ride her while she was cantering at all. Some horses just have their own time table.
ReplyDeleteI'm betting it will be another two years before we are cantering. Year per gait instead of a year per level 😂
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