My beautiful pony!

I had another beautiful day with Shadow and definitely going to be beaming ALL week....!

I woke up early because it was so beautiful today and sunny and got to the yard early to get all the chores done ( was my shift, so needed to do make morning feeds, get all bowls, clean waters, bowls and check fields etc) which takes the good part of an hour, so wanted to get that done early so I could poo pick then spend quality Shadow time!

When I arrived, Shadow was by the fence and he looked quite sleepy! As I've been neglecting him recently, I thought I'd make it up to him by itching his FAVOURITE spot, between his legs- he goes crazy for it and loves it!





Some of the younger girls at my yard have perhaps mocked me when they've seen my bum bag and actually said to me today about whether I should be doing that and said to others about the treats I give Shadow ( even though they told the girls that I clicker train) anyway, I had Shadow in today and they had their horses in. The first thing I was really proud of, was last time I had Shadow in with them, back in Summer when we first began clicker, he broke the fence- he didn't have a haynet and he flipped out. They got cross and said he was really naughty etc, which is when we began working properly on standing still! I used to NEVER be able to groom him without him fidgeting or moving or wanting to eat the brush.

Well today, he had no haynet ( the other horses did) I know it sounds perhaps unfair, but we don't have much hay at the mo as we're waiting for the delivery and the last hay we had was going out for them tonight, plus it was a good test too. He stood perfectly, he did move everynow and then which of course is fine, but no fidgeting or creating that the horses opposite him had hay- he didn't kick about with his feet or legs and I was quite proudAnyway; after they'd been saying about clicker, I perhaps had a bit of a n egotistic moment and decided to show off... I wasn't going to let it get the better of me, just wanted to subtley prove a point. So I got on my bumbag and saw them snigger and undid the lead rope and walked back, telling Shadow to wait, then said ''Come here'' and he came, C/T, and he went over all the things we've been taught- not so much intentionally but to avoid standing on things- so to stop going on the log and slipping, I said ''Over'' and he did it and then ''Back'' and ''Stand'' and then perhaps Shadow really proved how smart he is LOL! He went to eat the grass and I said ''Ah no'', he bought his head up and got a good boy and treat, and so he put his head half way down towards the grass and stopped, I stupidly repeated again ''Ah no'' and it wasn't until about the 7th ''Ah no'' that I realised Shadow wasn't going to eat the grass, because he was waiting! Clever boy! He got bored of that after a while as I think it gave him neck ache, but I did chuckle

The best bit though was seeing the girls, they were watching ( or pretending to not watch ) and as I went to put Shadow back out; one of them asked ''Could you tell me a little more about clicker, as I think it'd be helpful''

Result

Played with Shadow in the field and waited for his owner to get down as we planned on going for a short ride up to the woods with Cassie, Luca and Lacey ( field mates), Cassie is a baby and we take her out for little walks, I've never met a horse quite so laid back as her, she really is the sweetest natured and most relaxed, nothing bothers her. Luca and Lacey came out too. Shadow decided to take the lead to begin with, and wanted to go in front. Although it was good that he was excited and not holding back despite that there was the motorway and lots of noise and birds etc and in the woods, it was something which I needed to work on, is getting him more responsive to my seat. Shortly after getting through the first bit of the woods, he seemed to relax more and then we had my least favourite bit- the horse crossing. He went behind the lead horse, and waited patiently for the lights to change. To get into the car park of the woods, you have to walk over this step over bit, and in it was a bit of mud and a puddle. Lacey went over and Luca was in front and is scared of it, Shadow had been waiting and then suddenly decided enough was enough and stormed through and barged his way through. I said ''Ah ah!'' and asked him to stand and waited for the other two. Walked through the car park when Shadow caught sight of a dog. Shadow has never had a negative experience with a dog before, and we have dogs at our yard and he isn't phased by most things, but really hates dogs. This family were actually quite a pain because they moaned about the horses ( despite we were on the horse path and it isn't meant for dog walkers and they were on the wrong trail) and let their dog off the lead and thought it started barking as we were going past the narrow step over, where there are ponds either side with deep water. Shadow freaked and bolted forward and instead of going over the step over, took me through very thick branches- my face is covered in scratches as well as my body, it hurt like hell and if I'd let go ( I was holding on the side and fortunately said to Shadow to move over) I would of fallen in the pond or rolled off into it. It was a close call and I got off Shad who was actually shaking a bit and asked Kelly to hold him and I did tell the dog owners to be more considerate and go on the other path and pointed out that they were on the wrong trail. They got all cross with me, and as I was walking, they thought it'd be hilarious to scare Shadow ( who they could see at this point was scared, PLUS I had a young horse tabard on) and threw a squeaky toy for there dog at Shadow. He got scared again, I calmed him down, gave him to Kelly and really shouted at them. I was fuming at this point and at their inconsideration. They thought they were pretty funny, and I told them to grow up because their behaviour could kill someone or a horse, or their children. That definitely shut them up and then they went the other way.

Walked for a bit more and then got back on and went back over to the narrow bit and went through nicelyShadow was relaxed on the way home and so chilled. He really enjoys going out and I hope that minor incident hasn't put him off totally, although I doubt it has as there was dogs back at the yard and he was fine. I was really glad I bought my clicker with me, as it helped to reward him for being so well behaved and he was so happy as was I. Well I felt he was happy, when he's cross or distressed, he won't move and is very reserved, he is tense and tries to bite things. He was so relaxed and forward goingI love him lots!









More images






The typical ''Gimme clicker or I eat you'' situation


''Cos I love ya''.

Just to confirm I'm not dead...but lost in my own little world!

I've not written and I'm sure my HUGE amount of followers have wondered where I've disappeared too. I've missed writing my feelings down this past month as I've literally had no time to do so; for numerous reasons!

1) I've basically lost my laptop to the new 'Club Penguin' phase which my younger brother and sister are crazy about and they fight over it, so for a quiet life, they get my laptop and they won't budge off it, but honestly I have enjoyed spending time doing other things.
2) It's pretty much down hill at school; all my exams, coursework is suddenly picking up the pace- I've got a huge business assignment to do; with a three hour follow up exam on the assignment- I've had Geography, Physics, Spanish exams scattered, lots of English work- we're doing the Literature course now; so it means lots of novels and poems to begin to analyse and depict- so we've got lots of work to fit it all in; plus I've got two years worth of Maths to learn because I'm rubbish at it! I've been busy and for once in my life have been DOING homework when set ( well for most of my subjects...)!
3) Exams and homework has meant little Shadow and clicker time; each time I've spent with him this year has been busy- so little time with him doing clicker. This will change this week- I can assure you now!


I've really began to pick up the pace in my other passion outside of horses; Spanish. I love languages and I study it at school- but I have a particular affection for the language. I love the Hispanic people- their togetherness; their optimism; their culture; their spirit; their horses... and I love their language too! It's so much fun being able to speak in another language; I always feel good when I can understand things and break text down; so I've been inclined to be rather 'sad' and have been watching 'The Simpsons' and 'The Rugrats' in Spanish...it's pretty fast for me; but it's progress nevertheless! I've bought two books; 'Easy Spanish Reader' which is pretty straight forward and gets more harder as you go through; which I've had little struggle with so far and then 'Read and Think Spanish' which is a book with a culmination of articles- in Spanish; about Latin America and Spain- traditions; culture, food, people, tourism, cinema/literature; travel; geography; history and music; that is still quite advanced but it has lots of useful vocab and more complex sentence structures!

I did a listening paper ( the new specimen ones which are always a bit shoddy) and didn't do as well as I'd hoped- I reckon I'd have hit a B grade on it; which I know isn't TERRIBLE- but I'm aiming for A*! I tried to not be disheartened- in the sense I've not revised at all; I've only really began the course last September ( 2010) and so I've done no practice papers before; so I suppose that's not too bad going! Definitely room for improvement though, so my room has been decorated with sticky notes!


I had a good day today, I went to the GCSE Poetry Live convention in London's 'We Will Rock You!' theatre, and although one or two of the poets were a little dull for me; overall they were really inspirational. Simon Armitage was funny and I really enjoyed what Gillian Clarke had to say; she made some really important points and things which makes you just think for a while; she moved me in one of her poems too. I think overall, John Agard just pipped Gillian to the post- I loved him, definitely saved the best to last. When I did the language course; his poem 'Half-Caste' was really enjoyable and he made so many important points about racial discrimination but how the term 'half-caste' is one of quite an offensive nature- it was great to hear him read it how it is MEANT to be read and although I don't need to study it anymore; it's such a great poem to listen to. He also said something which may possibly stick with me for the rest of my life;

''There are only 26 letters in the alphabet- but if you put the words in the right order, you can make something beautiful''

I think for any writer, aspiring writer or someone ( like me) who just enjoys writing or reading, it really is a wonderful quote. Language is a beautiful thing. It really is; and I feel that poetry is one form of expressing yourself- I'm no poet, but I like writing because I can express myself; far better than talking.

I noticed this with the poets too; there were some ( John and Simon for example), who were in fact quite 'interesting' speakers- their voices varied in pitch and so did their accents, but others had slightly monotonous tones but their poetry was moving and had such a deeper meaning if you see beyond the metaphors and anecdotes for what they are really trying to portray to the reader.

I wanted to end my post with Gillian Clarke's poem; 'The Field-Mouse'

he Field Mouse

Summer, and the long grass is a snare drum.The air hums with jets.Down at the end of the meadow,far from the radio's terrible news,we cut the hay. All afternoonits wave breaks before the tractor blade.Over the hedge our neighbour travels his fieldin a cloud of lime, drifting our landwith a chance gift of sweetness.

The child comes running through the killed flowers,his hands a nest of quivering mouse,its black eyes two sparks burning.We know it will die and ought to finish it off.It curls in agony big as itselfand the star goes out in its eye.Summer in Europe, the field's hurt,and the children kneel in long grassstaring at what we have crushed.

Before day's done the field lies bleeding,the dusk garden inhabited by the saved, voles,frogs, and nest of mice. The wrong that wokefrom a rumour of pain won't heal,and we can't face the newspapers.All night I dream the children dance in grasstheir bones brittle as mouse-ribs, the airstammering with gunfire, my neighbour turnedstranger, wounding my land with stones.

“When I am gone, remember me with smiles and laughter, as that is how I will remember you. But if you should remember me with tears and sorrow, I may not remember you at all.”

Sorry I've not been on here much, as I've been so busy at present. 

The inevitable happened yesterday; I suppose I've been trying to brace myself for a few months now, but I lost my dog. He was 15, thought he was 2 and my best friend. We grew up together from Day 1. 

Yesterday I was devastated, I just cried and cried for him and today I cried too. But I suppose I've been optimistically thinking about it. He was old, in pain and he struggled to hold himself up sometimes, he had toilet issues and it was better to do it now, before he got worse. But I wish he hadn't been taken away from me. 

Our last moments together were so special. He layed next to me and we had the biggest cuddle, I didn't care whether my school coat smelt of dog, or whether I'd get in trouble for it. I knew that our moments together were far and few, but I didn't expect that when I went, it'd be the last time I'd see him. I'm just glad that I had such a lovely cuddle with him before it happened. 

Writing this had made me cry again and I've tried to not cry- but everytime I think of a happy memory, it makes me sad again. My emotions are fluctuating like a rollercoaster, one minute I'm okay, and then the next I  just want to bury myself in a hole. 

Life can be so cruel and sometimes I wonder why we're all here? We all end up 6 feet under and when we do, it causes sorrow and tears. But it's good to grieve for those we've lost, crying is a funny thing and emotion. Perhaps tears represent our saddness leaving our body, as we remember beautiful memories. Some of us don't cry, some of us just sit there in silence. Silence can be good too. Silence can be comforting as well as awkward. 

I'm not really sure what to conclude today; I just wanted  to write something and suffice to have any form of conclusion really. 

it's the little things!

The sun was shining and it was tropically hot ( 10 degrees!), no wind and it had been raining but no more ice

I've been reading Ben Hart's ebook on shaping plans so have been structuring a 'SMART' goal and target. My SMART target is 'to be able to mount Shadow from a mounting block or from the ground, at home or outside of the yard'.

I've not had Shadow in from the field really for a few weeks due to snow, ice hazard and illness, so I've only really flicked him off and picked his feet out. Today I decided I'd get him in before we did some clicker, to pamper him.

On our way in from the field, Shadow suddenly pricks his ears, starts breathing heavier and stopped in his tracks. I had a look round and told him he was a good boy and then realised that by one of the fields, was a hay bale covered in one of those yellow tarp covers. There are quite a lot of puddles at the yard where it's been raining/snow and ice has melted, and the next thing, he took a step backwards and soaked me as he legged it. When he stopped, I walked up to him and slowly told him he was a good boy. I unclipped his leadrope ( in case he did run off again, I didn't want him tripping) and left him there and I walked up to the hay covers. I stood and started touching it and then walking past it. Shadow watched me and the look on his face. I called his name and he slowly started walking over. I know it sounds silly but it was that sort of moment where I felt he trusted me, because he was coming up to me, he came over and we had a sniff off the cover, I told him he was a good boy and I was kicking myself for not having my clicker- fortunately, he finds strokes rewarding- so got lots of that... and we walked back to the tying rings and he got a nice groom.


Started clicker training and our first session was with recapping ground-tying. It appears I've conditioned him to my hand cue, but not to my voice cue- and I feel that my voice will be more effective when it comes to the likes of mounting. So today was conditioning Shadow to the word ''stand''.

We had a bit of an issue with my lack of organisation- I had removed his haynet and put it over the middle of the rings so he couldn't get it....stooopid Amy! We had some nice work and then suddenly he caught sight of the hay net and that became more interesting than the clicker training. So; I remembered something Jeanette said to me the other day about 'cueing' head up and when they can eat. I will admit I did find this hard because Shadow obviously found the hay a lot more rewarding, but I did manage to encourage his head up and remove the haynet before any further hay net issues arose!

Finished on a good note and I left him with his haynet whilst I had a quick bite to eat and went for a wee. Came back and groomed him again for a little bit more and then forgot to remove the haynet- surprisingly, Shadow actually didn't seem to be bothered. We had a cracking session and I'm gutted my camera had died ( always the way) so I hadn't the chance to film it at all. We achieved our first 5 steps of the shaping plan. Which was how I had planned to end the day. He is now conditioned to the word stand and let me walk away, he stood for over 10 seconds required without me using my hand up to ask him to stand, only my voice. So I felt this was a perfect place to end and I jackpotted him and left it at that. Let him finish his hay and then was going to take him back to the field and poo pick...

We've had this issue in the past, and I will be honest, am not sure how to solve it really. Shadow leads in from the field like a dream, but 90% of the time, will plant himself and won't lead back to the field. I tried tickling his sides, I tried removing the haynet totally, letting him finish his haynet, but 10 minutes in, we hadn't got no where.

So I made a makeshift 'target'. I got a short crop, a glove and elastic band and created a rather strange looking target. Shadow clearly liked the look of it and I was getting him to bump it. It certainly got him moving- however; this is where our problem was. He became a little bit aggressive with it. He wanted to touch it the whole time, and would run at me if I was holding it, he would snap at it and then started trotting all over the place. I will say, it did actually scare me quite a bit so I'm sure this impaired my focus. But now I've gotten home and reflected on it, is it because he's still not totally conditioned enough? I always have used the 'touch it' cue, but perhaps he's not yet conditioned to it? How can I extinguish this frustration and how can I overcome the leading issue? Is there an exercise I can do in the field or during his time in ( he's fine to lead in) which will benefit leading back to the field at all? Any tips would be greatly appreciated or any ideas as to why this is, would be even better.

The next thing Shadow did was so silly and to most people such a silly thing for me to get excited and happy about... but it's me so I don't care ! I was poo picking and Shadow was following me around and he stopped and was just staring at the trees. Anyway, I said 'What's up Shad's', he turned his bum to the poop scoop and pooed in it. Now, it must be something in the air ( i.e Star cueing herself), but what a clever pony and also VERY helpful! He stayed with me for a bit and then got a bit bored and started grazing
.

“Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.”

What is this new leaf I'm turning over in my life!? 


I feel I've been a nicer person, but more importantly, I've been trying to achieve some of my goals. 
One of my life goals, is to learn the piano. I love piano pieces and I would kill for a piano at home; my friend at school is very good on the piano and we've been practicing at lunch times with it; doing one of my favorite songs ''Always Attract'' by You Me at Six. Okay; so I'm still getting to grip with the keys but I can play D G G D G F+ D G G D G so far... so I know where D and G are for sure ;)! I have managed to get a little quicker on the piano, but I don't expect miracles- but I didn't give up. So for me, that's progress. To stop throwing in the towel if I can't do something. Hopefully by putting perseverance into practice on an instrument, it will spare Shadow having to deal with me trying to find myself a little bit more! 




Am nervous as I get my English Literature ( final ) results next Thursday! So am feeling slightly nervous! I felt the exams went okay, but I am keeping a level head over it ( more so as I don't want to upset Karma or tempt fate...!)


It's nearly the weekend and I've got my shaping plan at the ready! Our 'SMART' goal is too; 
'Stand still when being mounted- either on the ground or from a mounting block- at home or outside of the yard'. 


A SMART goal is creating a shaping plan using the following steps; 
Specific- the goal must be accurate and allow us to identify clearly all the elements of the final goal.
Measurable- If we can measure the outcome of the goal, we will assess whether we have completed the goal.
Attractive- We are unlikely to be motivated at working towards a goal which is 'unattractive'. Consider the benefits and the consequences of the goal.
Realistic- Our goals should be realistic enough for our horses to achieve them.
Time-bound - A realistic time scale for successful completion of the goal. 


Shaping plans have always been my downfall, so hopefully these can help me re-organise things and we can get back on track! 




I feel our goal is realistic enough. We're still needing to refresh the use of the cue in ground-tying ( my voice is still not the reinforcing cue), so I need to condition him to my voice cue- once this is in state, we can then continue working toward our goal. 


The time frame for the goal is to have it completed by February 28th 2011. I feel this gives us enough time, weather and time permitting to spend enough time on it. I'm not totally set on the goal, as I can't predict how long it will take, but this is my rough estimated time of completion! 

‎''The past is a ghost, the future a dream, and all we ever have is now.”

I love quotes a wee bit too much; but I don't care 'cos they provide me with philosophical meaning at the best and worst of times, when all else is at loss.

I've been reading Ben Hart's e-book's and re-reading his one on shaping plan, I bought myself a pretty little notebook and it's now my 'shaping' book. I enjoyed reading how he highlights the importance of creating a shaping plan- I'm guilty of never really planning it and doing it in my head- and it makes me a prime candidate for falling into the category of forgetting stages- particularly crucial ones and missing things out- as well as not being able to write it down, log it and record progress. ( I'm quite a forgetful person as it is naturally!).

When I create shaping plans, I am in essence planning my future- but whilst I'm a huge advocate of living in the present moment, and living each day as it comes, I'm also contradicting my beliefs- I spend a lot of time dwelling on my past- not so much any more, but every now and then, I reflect upon my past. I think this is both good and bad. Bad because it impairs my appreciate for the present moment, but it is good because I can highlight where I went wrong, I can make sure I don't make those same mistakes again and find my way.

I look at my future and tend to worry about it too much sometimes- it's a habit I wish I didn't possess- I like to ponder on my future and help create a strategy to work towards my goals- but I don't wish to spend all my time planning for next year- when I have now to focus on and create.

Hopefully, by becoming a lot more organised ( another resolution of mine!) I can begin to develop our work a lot more, so it has more structure, consistency and we can track our work a lot more efficiently!

Sometimes one could say that spending all the time on the ground, not getting up and going riding is tedious but to me, it isn't that any more- I'm having so much fun planning things out and not really knowing where life is going to take us.

So here's to living for the moment!

Another year bites the dust...

It was a little weird last night; as we watched the countdown on BBC as we watched the last minute of 2010. 

I usually don't see the big deal made over New Year's- another year which never seems any different, but as I watched this countdown- it felt really weird. It felt like I was leaving things behind in 2010 and ready for whatever is lying ahead for me and Shadow this year. 

But anyway; one of my New Year's Resolutions was to be nicer to people and I woke up feeling happy. I felt happy last night too. I'm not usually very good with children younger than me ( and they don't tend to like me- babies cry, kids kick me). But I felt nice- I made the baby smile and it was a first. It made ME smile too, I wanted to sit and play with the baby, which is unusual for me. So; perhaps I'm turning over a new leaf?!

I was nice this morning too, to someone who I used to totally clash with, but now I've realized what a hard time she must be going through and need to drop my grudges and my defences. 

I can't wait to continue with Shadow and see where this year brings us. I can't wait to find out what this year will lead too. A lot of people said they had a crap 2010 and I know a few people did; but so many people moan about how bad it was. But was it really? Why aren't people grateful and happy enough? Life could be so much worse for us and we have to keep optimistic and happy about the things we DO have- not the things we DON'T have. 

So; here's to another good year!