Today, lunging to warm up prior to a quick pootle round the yard she got her legs out of sequence, and naturally (for her), because she had made a mistake, she had a little panic.
I find it terribly sad that this bright, intelligent, very able little horse gets so worried. I can't help but feel it must be a learnt behaviour. We are working very hard to help her unlearn it, and she is getting better, but it is still very sad.
On a happier note she is enjoying her little hacks and even the sessions in the arena. Still completely hooked on milk thistle, so we go out for a walk every morning so she can stuff herself with it.
My dearly beloved previous horse taught me very well that I had to stay in balance and 'walk the hips' or she wasn't going anywhere. Very polite, but firm, she just stood until I had literally got my 'rear in gear'.
Grace is benefiting from this education - I know I get a lot of funny looks as I do my best rice pudding x jelly wobble, but it keeps Grace happy. As Stunt Man has commented, she is a little ball of india rubber, bouncy, flexible and full of life. Too much talent to try and bottle it with a rigid back and stiff hips.
Grace conditioning her hooves on limestone chippings |
Sadly this reaction is quite common, I'm working with a similar horse at the moment (also a Quarter Horse). Keep doing what you are doing, she'll come right in the end.
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