Green Bean Owners, Unite!

7/10/2015

Apparently, there are at least three other owners out there struggling with their own green bean ponies. I have to say thank you for their support as it often feels like I am the only completely incompetent horse owner out there.

Every time Izzy acts like a Junior Idiot (that's what my BFF calls him), I wonder why my horse is the only one that can't walk and chew gum. After hearing from so many other owners, I feel comforted knowing that we're not idiots (at least not all of the time) and neither are our youngsters.

While I have never actually given birth myself (thank God), I imagine that raising horses is similar - we block out the horrible parts and only remember how wonderful our babies become.

Trail riding has really helped. I've started more than a couple of young horses out on the trail, so I know what I don't wanna looks like. I also know when to encourage them past the scary thing and when to let them be pulled along by a companion.

In the arena, I'm not always sure what is just baby theatrics and what is you're pushing me too fast. The trail rides are helping me to recognize the difference between I don't wanna and this is too much. As a result, I am feeling more and more confident about telling Izzy that yes, yes you can when he fusses at me in the arena.

We've started some trotting in the arena again, and he's being much more relaxed. I am learning to just sit there when he starts to throw a big fit, but I now know I can keep riding and asking through the smaller tantrums.

Izzy is starting to stretch over his back and swing again. Riding him twice a day has also helped because I can do a little and then put him away. When I take him back out, he's looser and more willing to work.

When I rode the other day, I was annoyed after round one, but then I got to thinking about how frustrated many of you get, and I realized that his shenanigans aren't personal or signs that he's basket case - he's just acting out like a kid would do. It really softened my attitude and helped make ride number two all about saying no, no, no ... YES, good boy!

Austen link

7/9/2015 10:39:54 pm

Does restarting a baby racehorse count? Cause I've done a LOT of that!! :)

I think you're doing just fine. Baby horses are kind of dumb and forget they have legs at least once a day. Any less than that, and you have a baby horse Einstein on your hands!

Amanda link

7/9/2015 10:52:26 pm

I've started several, and they've ranged from fairly idiotic to totally easy.

Mia link

7/9/2015 11:07:33 pm

You're much braver than I am. When my pony throws a hissy fit I only have 3 feet to fall. But you're way up there on that sky scraper you call a horse. :)

Tracy link

7/9/2015 11:28:12 pm

I have so much respect for you and other bloggers who are working with greenies. It's not something I've ever done, nor do I have the inclination to do so (mostly because I just don't think I have the patience or the skill!)

Judy

7/9/2015 11:46:31 pm

It is awesome to "watch" you help build confidence, trust and ability into your beautiful green bean! I'm afraid I was the green bean in my riding relationships. I was never taught to ride or very much about horses, just jumped into horse ownership with lots of love and stupidity! My horses taught me the ropes....of course I had to unlearn some things as more experienced riders taught me the difference between a frightened horse that needs encouragement and a practiced con artist that needs a different kind of "encouragement"!

emma link

7/10/2015 12:18:14 am

i've gotten a couple ottbs going in lesson programs, but that's about it. challenging - but rewarding. sounds like your current approach is working out well for both of you!

Sarah link

7/10/2015 02:36:00 am

It is hard work and I must admit I'm glad not to be in that club anymore! I think the trail work is brilliant - good for Izzy, and great for you feeling more confident in being a leader and not questioning his learning shenanigans. BTW are you still coming to El Sueno at the end of the month?

Bakersfield Dressage link

7/10/2015 07:50:44 am

Yes, Sarah. The show is the 25th/26th. I should have a lesson with Chemaine on Friday. Would love to hang out with you!!!

matilda

7/10/2015 03:18:16 am

My experience wasn't awful or easy, but somewhere in the middle. I had a few falls but he tried really hard to do what I asked. I liked it later when I knew all of his bad and good instead of finding out the hard way like I have on other horses.

Kim Thavarajah

7/10/2015 10:53:48 am

Where is the vote for: yes, and every time I learn something new.

7/10/2015 11:18:51 pm

LOL - I think that goes without saying, Kim. With each youngster I've started, I've DEFINITELY learned at least one thing. It doesn't mean that I want to try again. :0)

Teresa link

7/10/2015 09:34:39 pm

All my horses have been green - that's how I afforded the quality I wanted. Carmen is the 'most trained' horse I bought but I'm finding her harder because I have to start all over. I believe that she's had some very inconsistent work and different training over her 5 years. She's incredibly sensitive so it's interesting. She's also my first mare and they are different than geldings. But i hear you on the differentiating between the 'I don't wanna' to the "it's too much".

the other piece I find is that until I know what they'll do when they lose it I am more careful. Once you know how they tend to react it's easier to prepare.

7/10/2015 11:20:44 pm

Your last sentence - YES! The trail rides are helping me figure this out. No matter how jacked up and explosive he gets on the trail - he doesn't actually follow through. Knowing what he is or isn't going to do makes it a lot easier to work with him. :0)

Mel link

7/25/2015 01:11:30 am

I didn't vote because my experience should be rated as "yes, and it was a piece of cake but I think I got really lucky."I admit that I read your blog posts about Izzy for the same reason you enjoy hearing about other greenbean horses - I have a feeling ML is not going to nearly as easy as my other two horses - just from a function of her being much younger, and not have the life experience. To watch you work through his problems gives me hope that I'll be able to do the same. After all, our older steady eddy's all got there somehow!

Comments are closed.

Not-So-Speedy Dressage