Wherein the Canter Goes to Sh*t!

2/26/2012

I came home from Saturday's ride and stopped in the bathroom. I glanced up and saw this. I cracked up laughing. Yep, Sydney. I heard you!

This is my toilet paper butler. He holds the really spare roll. You only grab his if the cupboard is bare because without him, you'd be ... well ... up Sh*t Creek without a paddle.

Here's what he normally looks like.

Sydney was terrible on Saturday. Sigh. The trot work was great, the canter work was not. I literally wrestled with him for the better part of an hour over the damn right shoulder. I did every exercise I know to make that circle. Ultimately, I got it, but it took way too long and I think Sydney might think he has a new trick up his sleeve. After riding, I hiked on over to JL's and ran it by her. She called it Sydney's Trick of the Week. I asked for a lesson on Sunday instead of Wednesday to FIX THIS RIGHT NOW! She agreed.

I hope that as you read this I'll be fixing the on-again, off-again right shoulder blow out. My lesson is at 4:00 p.m. PST.

Do you remember this? What I actually do ...

I was so there Saturday afternoon ...

Sydney has started another naughty trick. This is the one where he jerks away from me when I turn him out. It started with a little joyful head toss, but the next time he flat out jerked away. The last time I turned him out I was ready for it. I wrapped the lead rope around his neck and JERKED him as he tried to bolt. Whoa. That got his attention. I know this is yet another issue I now have to work through. There will now be daily lessons on how we stand while the halter comes off. Yuck.

Val

2/26/2012 01:28:18 am

Sydney's behaviors are reminding me of a person who is so dead set on rejection that they sabotage themselves. Didn't you say that he has moved from owner to owner a couple times? It is like he is saying, "Here are all my naughty things. I just know that you will not be able to stand this one. Ditch me and get it over with." Little does he know, you are far too experienced and far too determined to let that happen. Unfortunately, you do have to work through his challenges, which I understand is not fun, but I am sure that before long he will realize that you are not going to give up on him! Keep up the good work. Your dedication is commendable.

Karen

2/26/2012 01:55:00 am

Thank you so much, Val. Your comment almost made me cry.

I think you are 100% correct. Sydney's personality has transformed completely over the last 6 months. He started out pretty compliant, but not warm or friendly at all. Recently, he has started to really watch me closely. His eyes are on me all the time while he's in the barn. And they're soft and friendly. He loves to rest his muzzle in my neck or hair, and he ever so gently lips at me.

If I take Speedy G out, Sydney whickers at me when we come back in. I know it's at me because he comes to the gate quickly in anticipation of his turn. He enjoys being saddled and can't get the bridle on quickly enough. He wants to work, I know he does, but I do think he's turning to what he knows, avoiding what he thinks will be difficult work by escaping.

I know he wants to be relaxed and happy. I can see it around the barn. I don't think he trusts me yet to make his under saddle life relaxing and happy. Your insight is very encouraging.

While I am frustrated, I do like him a lot and very much want to make his life a better one. I am not into passing on horses and do stick to it. In the end, every horse I've ever owned has come around, and I've had some difficult ponies. I hope Sydney will give me the chance.

Thank you!

Erica link

2/26/2012 04:54:40 am

I totally agree with Val. And it is extremely refreshing to see someone sticking with a horse that seems to have one issue after another. It is too bad that horses have become a thing that get dumped when they "don't work anymore."
Keep on trucking!

2/27/2012 08:34:46 am

Thanks, Erica. I am feeling discouraged right now, but I am pretty sure we can work this out. I genuinely appreciate your atta girl. :0)

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage