Keeping things BUT with an epic disconnect!

I've managed to ride everyday this week but Friday (I partied too hard Thursday night wooops). I wish I could say things are getting better, but if anything we are getting worse and worse. As frustrating as it is I'm trying to not let it get to me too much. We've been through rough patches before we'll get through this soon?

He's just being soooo resistant to everything! I know this horse inside and out yet I feel like here lately I don't even know the horse I'm on. On the ground he's fine. His flatwork is horrendous! The only time I can get some semi-decent work out of him is popping him over a couple of jumps but that's not really going to help in the long run. So I'm at a loss for now.

I suppose we'll keep trucking along and hope things improve in the next week...or somethings gotta give!

3 days in a row!

We've been off to a productive week so far. Three rides in a row!!!!!!!!!! Of course since he's been off for a little over a week they haven't been the best rides, oh well.

Monday and Tuesday were just flatwork rides focusing on forward and softness. They were moderately successful. But we still have a bit of work to do so that we can catch up to where we left off.

Today I decided to jump, when I got to the barn someone had set up a bunch of new jumps so why not! He was pretty freaking awesome. We had a slightly rocky start while he was figuring out his balance. But he put in some really nice jumps overall. Of course it didn't help that I had quite a bit of lack of control on the flat, but he was listening much better when I gave him something to focus on!

Here's to hoping we can keep up this good streak!

When I almost lost my ninja skills!

Last week I had several nice flat rides. Nothing spectacular. Nothing horrible. Nothing worth noting.

Yesterday however was all around an amazing ride, and I even almost ate dirt! I'll start off with Poncho had 4 days in a row off. Which means he's ready to rock and roll. He's a horse who doesn't handle the heat well but it makes him mega hyper. We warmed up on a nice loose rein. I couldn't get him to stretch down at the trot even though I was practically riding him on the buckle. We did some figure eights to try and get his head in the game. No dice. So I decided to just let him canter it out. 7 laps in a row! Now this is a really big ring. At least 200 x 350 I'd say. And it wasn't a slow canter, he was booking it.

After he had that out of his system he was in more of a yes ma'am kind of mood. We did some nice trot work then I let him walk for a couple minutes on the buckle before we did any jumping.

I'm proud to say we have officially conquered the flowers. Absolutely no hesitation approaching them today!!!!

the oh so scary flowers!

 After that I was feeling a little gutsy so we decided to tackle this....

The first time approaching it from each direction he refused it (not too surprising from him). The second time we soared over it!!!!! I was on top of the world until mid-air I hear my mom in the distance yell woo-hoo and start clapping. The second Poncho landed he bolted and started bucking the whole way down the arena! I narrowly missed flying in a gate. Somehow I managed to stay on! Of course we had to try the jump again so he realized it wasn't the jump that was scary. Luckily no theatrics the second time around. What a goober.

After that I just cooled him, hosed him off, and let him graze for a minute.

I just love my Poncho man so much!

Happy Mouth = happy horse?!

Friday was my day to work at the barn in the afternoon so I went out later (whilst hoping that my new bit would come in before I left - it did not). With all the storms we had on Thursday it was still quite windy when I got out there. The initial plan was to hack Poncho out in the fields but he was little up so we didn't make it too far. So we just did whatever in the ring for a little.

Saturday I was working the morning shift AND I finally got to use the new bit, which came in right after I left the house yesterday. Everyone was starting to file in right as I was getting on...so we w/t/c in the ring for a little and then got to hack out in the fields. He was still figuring out the bit but seemed very pleased with it so far.

Today I didn't get out in time to beat the heat but still had a lovely ride. He really, really likes the happy mouth bit. He was drooling all over the place and going nice and round! I tried tossing my spurs back on to try and refine my aids more, but he wasn't feeling it so I took them off quickly. Tracking right we were pretty spot on with everything. His w/t/c were all really nice and connected. Tracking left we were pretty disconnected so I  never even asked for that canter. I just worked on trying to get him straight and forward. To make everything fun though we popped over a couple of the jumps. A crossrail that he thought was going to kill him the first couple times (but then he jumped it like a champ!). Then a little vertical that is finally starting to make sense to him (he's been having a heck of a time judging it's height here lately, goober).

Well...that didn't quite go as planned.

"Great horses are not often easy horses. They have big egos and idiosyncrasies and quirks and foibles. Horses of a lifetime do exist, but only for riders so skillful, tactful, and courageous that they can unlock and then reveal the brilliance of their equine partners." - Denny Emerson

So I left off at Poncho was going to have 2-4 days off. So he had Thursday and Friday off. We got lots of rain so I just hung out with him some and doctored his STILL puffy fetlock.

Saturday rolls around and his fetlock finally is back to normal. I decided we'd just have a short w/t ride. Which we did. Nothing fantastic nothing horrible. However I was starting to notice an increase in his distaste for his normal bit. hmmmm.

Sunday I managed to get off work in enough time to scoot out to the barn before the thunderstorms rolled in AGAIN! But as I get there the BO walks up to let me know Poncho had escaped today. Apparently he just couldn't wait to be turned out after finishing his grain. So he "ran" from the back of his stall through the door, completely removing the screws from it. WOW. Not quite what I wanted to hear but I got past it. He seemed calm enough out in the field, so all systems were still a go. Calm as cucumber while we're walking to the barn. Then we get to the cross ties and all hell brakes loose. He just lost his mind. He wouldn't go in them, then when he would he's literally try to run me over to get out. 35 minutes later I had gotten him in long enough to brush him quickly before round 1 million started. Another 10 minutes and I got so annoyed I just tossed him back out in the field to cool off for a few. When I pulled him back out still much of the same but I got him in and calm for about a minute. So I gave him a treat and sent him on his way!

Monday I was so flabbergasted and upset about Sunday that I didn't even go out.

Tuesday I had a feeling he'd be back to normal so I planned on trying out a new bit my mom got for Midnite, since Poncho's protesting his. Of course he was perfect for the cross ties now...he just kills me sometimes. He was a tad skeptical about taking the new bit (a happy mouth mullen d-ring). He chomped on it for a minute or two and then was fine. There wasn't an incredible difference with it at the walk and trot. But when we cantered it was the most control I've had at the canter probably ever. Normally I feel barely in control he just barrels along but not this time. It was truly lovely! So I ordered him one once I got him.

Today I went out mega early to beat the heat. Since he liked the happy mouth I didn't want to ride him in a bit he hates...so I pulled the hackamore back out. I wrapped the curb chain in vet wrap to help soften it (he appreciated it very much). I can always count on him being relaxed in the hack it's just when we canter he gets really heavy so I tend to not use it on a regular basis. However until our new bit comes in that's what we'll use. I just tried to keep things positive and fairly short today. w/t was nice. He was much more compliant with our lateral work. Cantering on our right lead was nice and forward. Left lead we never got but he was calm and never got frustrated enough to run out of the ring so I let it slide this time. (hopefully that won't come back to haunt me next time!) Then I popped him over a little vertical a few times each direction. Tracking left he's much better jumping that right, which I find ironic due to our cantering issues. Oh well he always keeps me guessing!

Flowers will kill you, it's a fact apparently.

That's right. Flowers = death! At least Poncho thought so on Saturday and Sunday.

Some of the jumps had been redone on Saturday which included adding flower boxes to them all. No big deal one would think. However not the case for Poncho man. He refused the first time. Then for the next 3 times launched over the jump like it was 4 feet, it was a 2 foot cross rail. Geebers! We did finally manage to get a nice jump each direction though.

Sunday we hacked around the fields for awhile before heading to the ring. We tackled the cross rail again which he was perfect for. Then we moved to a vertical with different colored flowers - oh no, no, no! He refused the first time. Second time he knocked the rail down then hopped it. So we worked on just jumping over the flowers until he was comfortable. It luckily didn't take too long.

Other than the jumping his flatwork has been steadily improving bit by bit. However he did whack his LH ankle got a nice scrape and just a hair of swelling - which made him not want to pick up his left lead. But before scrape he was getting 8/10 times now!

Riding with other and JUMPING again!

Wow, what  whirlwind these last two days have been!

Yesterday when I got to the barn there were two other boarders there. Which meant that would be the first time Poncho has been ridden with other horses (except for Midnite) in nearly 9 months. I had no clue what to expect...

He totally surprised me though - he was a super star. Got straight down to business and strutted his stuff for the others. (Of course we need to look good for a lady horse!) We did mostly w/t. When we tried a little canter he got a bit to show offy, and we lacked some control. So we decided to save that for another day. Instead he had a blast splashing through all the puddles in the ring and watching everyone do their thing.

Today however Poncho was beyond amazing. We did w/t/c. His canter was getting so adjustable today and even on his "bad" lead he was super willing and compliant (not normal). However when we went to canter through a puddle that was a little too much for him (water even hit me in the face - WOOPS!). His trot work was to die for at times. Once we canter around a little his trot work just goes to a new level. I really need to just canter him a lap each way before trotting one day. He immediately accepts the contact and really steps under himself! I love it!!!!!!! Also we jumped today. Nothing big or scary. Just a 2ft cross rail. But he was so excited to do it. You would have though it was atleast 3ft. Goober.

Then after riding I took him back to the wash stall to show him it still isn't going to eat him. He needed a lot of convincing but finally did it - and lived!!!!!

Mini-Vaction and we're Moving On.

Since my lat post I left off as if I was going to ride and try to work through our issue. Well at the last minute I decided to give the Pony-O a vacation. I had looked at all my ride logs and noted that since the year started he has never had more than 4 days off in a row the whole year! Man has been working it! So I thought maybe his baby brain is just a little frazzled.

During his week off he was quite confused as to why he wasn't doing anything. Pampering didn't seem to cut it with the boy. He wanted more. He did end up getting his shots done-which I'd like to add he was the best he's ever been for. He's normally a demon pony trying to kill us all. But not that day.

After his week off full of pampering and such that Saturday I tacked up hoping for the best. While I was tacking up I got the notion in my head that I was just going to hop on there and walk around the barn (his notoriously scary spot). After a week of nothing it probably wasn't the best idea but I went for it anyways. He was perfect. We never went above a walk and we just moseyed around for a while. Sunday we upped the anti. I still hacked around the barn first. Then we warmed up in the ring he was about 80% with me on his bad direction. So I thought what the hey let's jump some. Oh my. After his first refusal, he always refuses the gate the first try no matter what, he was brilliant. We did have a couple of run-outs. But I'm not quite sure I would really call them that. He just wants to be on the rail and just go's for it, which makes us miss the jump. However everytime the next time around he always jumps it. Not the point though. He was just a jumping machine I was sooooo happy.

Monday and Tuesday he had off. Wednesday he got some shoes and ended up having off. Thursday we hacked in the gelding field where his eye turned up swollen and squinty afterwards. Which then led to weepy. I doctored the best I could and came back out later with help. Friday he had off his eye was better not 100%. Yesterday his eye was still a little swollen - needs to go down I can't afford a vet visit. :( However it was not bothering him in the slightest so I went forward with a plan to hack around the barn and then the gelding field.

He ofcourse spooked some at the honey suckle- they're out to get him. And he was going on the bit so nicely. We had a mostly controlled trot out there.

Basically I'm just keeping it really light since he's so sour about riding around the ring these days. I'm not super worried because in a week we're moving to a new barn!!!!!!!!! So excited.

Chaos ensues!!!!!!!

We've gone back to some more consistent ring work. The first day we went back in there, I thought at the time it was  a fluke, he was horrible. Just generally all over the place not wanting to bend, turn, stop, etc.

Wowzers was I shocked after how amazing he's been in the fields. Apparently the freedom went to his head. Goober. Since that ride we've been on a bit of a roller coaster. One day he's manageable the next not so much. The only thing I've found that he can "get to work" with is jumping. No matter how out of control he's being if I point him at a jump he almost instantly comes back to me.

So we've been having bouts of bolting out of the blue. It's only tracking left. Mainly at the canter, although the trot isn't all to pleasant just a prelude as to what will come at the canter. For instance after working hard to get the left lead he then locks on the whatever fence line is straight ahead of us and runs at. And he means it. Today we literally ran into the fence 3 times. I was able to manage on our last left lead attempt to careen him into a turn albeit it was UGLY and just awful but we did not hit the fence.

On to a more positive note is jumping is much improved. He's getting the hang of the gates. Ironically he has a harder time with a plain vertical than a gate. Our cross rails are obviously a piece of cake so we're slowly raising them up. AND his right lead is coming on in leaps and bounds. Today he kept the correct bend for about 80% of the time we were cantering on that lead!!!!!!!! We've still be hacking out just not for the whole ride mostly. Sometimes it's before sometimes it's after just trying to switch things up a bit. Keep him guessing.

Here's to hoping tomorrow we won't hit a fence.

http://youtu.be/DLfTm7xU9eY

I think we are getting it!

Yesterday we hacked out in the gelding field it was quite windy compared to how it has been lately. Poncho definitely noticed that. Ha. He wasn't bad but he was very fresh. Silly Pony.

Today we worked in the ring for awhile (I have VIDEO!) and then went to the gelding field. With that combo by the time we finished up in the gelding field he was one the bit and had slobber, if only I had that on video! Anywho I am over the moon with my spotted fellow.

http://youtu.be/Q323E20PzPE

Slightly bogged down by bug and humidity.

Goodness gracious has it been hot and humid here lately! And then the bugs seem to be out FULL force. Poncho ended up having Monday and Tuesday off.

Wednesday we were at the barn early, well as early as possible with work, although we still didn't really beat the heat. Since we've been riding more with my  Mom we were in the ring again. Luckily Poncho seems to be tolerating more. Whether it's because of the heat, bugs, or he's learning that he's just got to do real work sometimes I don't know but I'm glad for the change. He was moving out lovely. Our trot work was phenomenal, he's softening to the bit so much quicker. Our canter work was to die for - in my humble opinion. He got his left lead on the first freaking try!!!!!!!! It was mad fast but controlled and he was just having a blast, and so was I. So we kept on going.  There were some jumps set up so I figured he was great, might as well. We went over our first vertical in months. Not a raging success but it stayed up. We jumped another gate with two barrels on either side. That blew his mind a little. Then we went turned back for the vertical - that combo was too much for him we ended up knocking the vertical down. I didn't feel like getting off to fix it so instead we popped over the gate again. Then we cooled out for awhile.



Thursday he had off.



Friday was so hot by the time I got on we could only manage 10 minutes walking in the gelding field before we were both drenched.



Yesterday there was so much commotion going on at the barn. The people who a leasing out the use of the facility (two western pleasure riders), the BO and family were out and about, and two random girls plus the boarders who kept popping up. The ring was all moved around and the blue standards and gate were on the rail. That's a no no in Ponch's book. Then there was a golfcart and gator zooming around the ring. June beetles were bouncing off of us left and right. Poncho was flying high that's for sure. He had a few mini bolts and lots of jumping and spinning but was able to eventually trot around nicely in one direction. I could have probably gotten more out of him but with people being in the ring with us I didn't want to accidentally run anyone over.



Today Poncho was pumped and ready to put his game face back on. We went and investigated the blue jumps just to prove they were a-okay. His trot work was even better. We added in some sitting trot work with softening to the bit, he finds it much harder to soften during the sitting trot for whatever reason. His right lead canter is slowly coming together - we are slowly getting our circles bigger and bigger until we can do the whole ring. Our left lead took some effort to get. Once we got it he went FLYING. Oh my then we come around a bend and are facing the mounting block about 6 strides ahead. I asked him to move over so as not to collide with it. And he said no. So we lept over it. It was more like a big canter stride turned jump mid-air. I thought he was going to fall. I lost my stirrup and almost shot off the side. But somehow he pulled it together and I hung on. Even managed a decent canter after that - however I could not get my stirrup back ohwell. Then we trotted a little more. Headed out to the gelding field for a few. Went back in the ring. Did some more sitting trot work and cooled out.

 

We are rockin' it!

On Thursday we just hacked out in the gelding field to keep it simple. Initially I planned on only walking. However, Poncho be Poncho he decided on the last lap as we were coming towards to barn he was just going to trot and ignore any attempt at slowing. So we did transitions within the trot the whole way back. Silly pony.

Friday I ended up riding wayyy late that evening. My Mom decided she wanted to meet out at the barn when she was done at work. I ended up getting some video taken. But before I post it I'd like to point out a few things. 1. our left lead canter is nonexistent in this video. I just couldn't get him to pick it up for anything. And he gets wayyy hyper during cantering so slowing down can take awhile! 2. this is about the 2nd ride where he has jumped without refusals in a long time. So it's a bit rough around the edges. 3. this was our first "working" ride in about a week which = sloppy, sloppy me.
http://youtu.be/IjU1WOEfhS4

Yesterday it was just me. Poncho was wayyy hyped up from the previous night. He gave me one of our most exciting rides this year. When we were working on cantering he was just flying! I literally thought on several occasions we would run into/through/or even jump the fence. Wowzers. However I was able to pull him together. We got the left lead - eventually. We got a controlled canter - eventually. And basically I had a blast! Then we hacked out in the gelding field to cool out.

Today my Pony was a rockstar! He was softening to the bit a lot. (It's been progressing the last few rides). He was keeping a consistent pace. Our right lead canter looked way better than in the video. We stayed in circles and just moved the circles all over the ring. Our left lead we ended up getting much much sooner. And it was 10x better than yesterday's. He started off in such a controlled pace - still mad fast but about 1/2 of what I had yesterday. He still had his moments of "you can't make me" but he came back to me much sooner. To reward him we popped over the crossrail 2 times then on a whim I headed for another jump just around the turn. It didn't have a placing pole so he backed off for a second. I put leg on and we sailed on over. He was definitely thinking hard about that one. Ha. I'm hoping that by this time next week we can do a mini-course.

LOVE MY PONY!

Perfection to "okay" to scared to great, all in a week.

Poncho's first ride in his figure 8 was perfect. He was going on the bit and just moving out beautifully! I was over the moon impressed with him. Just a lovely, lovely, lovely ride. The next day he decided he was a bit tired of the ring and put on his pouty face. I also had lowered the bit a hole to try and make it more comfortable (however he said he likes it better higher - go figure). After riding in the ring for a while we hacked out in the mare field he looooved that. We even trotted all they way back up the field, although Poncho thought we should go faster. He obliged and trotted, just really fast.

Monday he was off, then on Tuesday we headed back out to the mare field for a change of scenery. However the cows were out next door. That blew his poor mind. He finally conquered the cow then they moved and we had to start all over. We ended up just trotting around the area by the barn and even though he wasn't 100% focused he was good.

Wednesday we hacked out in the gelding field with Mom and Midnite - just walked. Poncho was not too amused with all the slow work. So after he had Thursday off on Friday we headed back out to the gelding field to let him let loose. After trotting around the field (in all two-point for me) I let him just go down the field. And boy did he appreciate it. He was flying, not really just for the work we are doing now. After walking around for a few then I wanted to just trot back down the field. He didn't agree. About 1/2 way down I couldn't hold him back anymore. So he had a nice collected canter all the way back. Silly.

Yesterday he was a superstar! He was soooo hyper we had to canter it out before we could do any productive work. Although he still really doesn't want to pick up his left lead in there we finally got it. We even did some jumping! Only a little cross rail but it's the first time he's jumped without refusing when he has a bit in his mouth. I was just so so so happy! I didn't get the best trot work ever he just wanted to go go go . But I was still super pleased with him.

Today I was planning on just giving him a bath. Good thing too it turns out he pulled a shoe this morning. Apparently he had it when he was leaving the pond field this morning and pulled it in the few hours he was in the mare field with Midnite before we got there. Luckily the farrier is coming out Wednesday for another horse so Pony gets a new shoe. I couldn't find his lost one though, not for lack of trying. My mom and I were out there looking for over an hour today. Poncho and Midnite even helped us look for a while. It was pretty adorable! Nothing though! Needless to say on the way home I stopped to get some bell boots.

We're making accomplishments, slowly but surely.

We've managed four rides since the farrier came. The day after the farrier came we went to the pond field just to hack out some. Of course he decided the geese were going to eat him. Silly pony! He was doing some mini rears and then trying to run away. Then the flies got to him at one point we were running backwards up a hill while he was attempting to strike out with his front feet. Pony had some major energy to get out, that's for sure. The only solution to that is work, work, work.

Unfortunately he ended up with three days off, in a row, due to extra work then sunburn then major heat. But by Tuesday we were back on track. We ended up riding in the ring because we haven't gotten "down to business" in there except for one time this month. So ring day it was. I was super impressed with him. Instead of slapping on the spurs as a just in case I grabbed my whip. Just so he would know I had it and would be nice and forward. It worked wonders. However being in the hackamore means less directional control so when Poncho gets an idea in his head on where we should go it takes a little more time to get back on track. Nonetheless I was happy with how he went. We did some cantering it wasn't his best work but it's been forever since he's had structured canter work. We ended up only working for about 15-20 minutes it was sooo hot. He was sweating like crazy in just that short time too. Poor guy. But he was still so happy to just be working. What a geek.



Then on Wednesday we went back to the ring to try our hand at jumping again. Apparently with the hackamore jumping is a non-issue. He was perfect. No refusing. We didn't do much of it just because I didn't want to jinx it. His canter work had even improved from the day before.

Yesterday was an interesting day for sure. We hacked out in the gelding field just walked around so he could process his two previous work days. That was not the interesting part though. When we were done and leaving the field things fell apart - fast. The pony, Solo, that is out there with Poncho during the day came running out of nowhere as we were walking out. Came bursting out of the field over top of Poncho and me. I tried to grab as he went by -but couldn't. Next thing you know Poncho's bridle is broken and he's tangled in the riens. I had to lead him in by the ears. Luckily another boarder was there to help rangle rouge pony. Too much excitement for one day.

Also luckily I was able to get a replacement bridle in the same day. I fitted it to Pony Man today.

Just in the nick of time and the pinnacle of Poncho's weekend.

To start off I'd like to mention that Poncho has been "punished" by the barn. Apparently they think he's been liberating his friends from their grazing muzzles. Because apparently they are too stupid to realize they can rub them off, or pop them off (some have breakaway ones). Even though I have witnessed some of them do just that. But noo it must be Poncho ruining their best laid plans. So poor little man has been kicked into the "diet" field again (atleast it's only at night time - although that does mean he misses his friends). Poor, poor Poncho.

Moving on yesterday started out as a beautiful sunny day, a little cool but beautiful non-the-less. I got out to the barn around 11 and it was just starting to get slightly cloudy - no worries though. I went to get Poncho and he whinnied for me and came halfway to me (come on he can't give me coming all the way over - too much effort) so I met him halfway. He was so super calm while I was grooming and tacking up. To speed up the process he even stretched his legs out for me. It was priceless. I decided to ride out in the gelding field so we cut across the ring so as to not walk across to much gravel. (I think I'm going to have to put shoes back on him for the summer BOO.) Since he did just exfoliate his whole sole on his fronts. We lucked out and managed to snag a few minutes riding with another lady at the barn. I love the opportunity for Poncho to work with others and still keep his focus. He was a smidge uppity jogging and jigging sporadically. No biggie I mean for the last two weeks he's only been worked 3 days a week when he clearly needs and likes 5-6 days. Once our riding buddy finished we headed to the ring to blow off some steam with some nice trot work. I didn't feel like pushing the canter. Good thing too. He gave some lovely trot work and is improving on softening to the bit with each ride. After about 8 minutes of that we called it a day. And once I turned him out and was giving him a nice wither scratch (I might add he liked it soo much he groomed me back too so cute) it started drizzling. So I figured okay a little mist while I work Nite no biggie. Then it really started to rain. DAMN I didn't bring my rain coat. So I called up mom and she gave me the okay to not bother. Score. As I was leaving Midnite was hiding out in the run-in. Poncho true to form was out in the open getting poured on. What can I say he's a nature lover.

Today I was planning on hacking out in the mare field with Mom and Midnite. Poncho was ecstatic. He finally infiltrated the lady field with all their lady like smells. He was nice and forward and coming on to the bit. However Miss Nite decided she was not having it there could be no boy in her field. She got real cranky and unresponsive to mom. So we left and headed to the ring. Poor Poncho he was so upset that he had to leave since he had finally reached his ultimate goal. However in the ring he was a superstar. Even though it was majorly sloppy from all the rain (luckily mainly only on one side). His trot work was some of the best I've had in a while. His canter to the right wasn't half bad. To the left he just didn't want to give me the lead, he finally did but I had to work my ass off for it. Then we took a mini break. To keep up with his memory we were going to do the cross rail again. I clearly need to come up with a new plan of action for our rides now that we are adding a few jumps in. He gets so frazzled with his lead issue that jumping is just too much. After two tries and knocking it down I hopped off to fix it. Then walked around to regroup some. We came at it from the other direction this time. It took several tries he just wants to rush. (Que placing poles next time -coulda, woulda, shoulda) Finally we managed to get over it twice. It wasn't pretty by any means but I praised him like crazy anyways. We just have to work through this small mind block he's got going on and then we'll be golden. I know he can jump like a beast.

MAJOR catch-up!

Wow have I gotten behind. But I am not with out my excuses. First my laptop died. Second I got a new job - an oh so glamorous stall mucking job. Third I am also working with my dad to try get more money. So I have been pretty swamped. But still I have managed to get Poncho worked atleast 3 days a week.

Initally Poncho was horrible. Running all over the place and ignoringme completely. Luckily that only lasted for a few rides and then he was slowly working his way back to normal. He's still a bit crazy in the big gelding field but improving.

The secret to working on his canter is circles. So simple yet so easy to forget. He moves out beautifully on a circle. Although on the left lead he still has his issues picking it up but he will eventually pick it up for me now. PROGRESS.

We've also been working on coming on the bit more now - he constantly wants to fight against it no matter what. But he's slowly coming around to the idea a few steps at a time. When he gets it - it is perfect. So hopefully soon he'll decide the fighting is not worth it.

Also we've started to do some jumping to spice things up a bit. Apparently he forgot he could jump though. It took almost a half hour by my guess to get over it the first day. Goodness did that take some patience. Then the next day it didn't take as long but he was getting so strung out he couldn't jump. But I was able to get him to collect somewhat after a few attempts (we actually had to trot the jump) and then we had some success.

And that's the short version of everything. I had a huge list of things I wanted to mention but I'm currently at a loss of what they were.

Some more rides and some dissapointment.

I've squeezed in three more rides since my last post. On Sunday Poncho was spectacularly forward compared to the previous. He still was a  little hesitant about the bit. We got in some nice, nice work until a grey horse showed up. He was floaty over the poles. He was forward in the trot. He had a zooming canter. Now I found out over the summer than Poncho has an unhealthy obsession with greys. He is just head over heels for them. Example; we were cantering around at a good pace we go to pass said grey horse, Poncho starts really collecting his trot so he's almost hopping so as not to pass the horse. Then over the summer he would scream for them and try to grab the bit and run to them. Interesting I think. I don't know what it is about greys. But it sure is funny.

Monday It was just m. He was brilliant I can't believe there was no one there to see. His canter was pure perfection there's not much I can really say other than I was head over heels impressed with him. To give him a reward we hacked around outside of the barn a little. I had to open the gate from on his back, wow, was that comical. He figured out opening it but I couldn't get him to understand closing it. So that's for another day.

Tuesday was a bit of damper - not bad but in comparison not great. He is definitely bored in the ring, so am I but the stars haven't aligned to leave the ring lately. (but mark my words come Saturday we will be out of it) He was a lot less forward. He was kind of stumbly (he gets that way when he puts no effort into his work). So to liven him up I decided to jump. We got 5 refusals before I decided to just canter hard at the jump and he got the point then. Silly pony must have forgotten he can in fact trot jumps. We did also have some glimmers of him going on the bit. We also had some moments where he was bracing his jaw soo hard. It was a very back and forth kind of ride - but it came together in the end. Also when I got off  I noticed my chaps popped a hole by the zipper - so sad. Hopefully I can replace them soon.