Hard slog tonight
My horse was in a foul mood this afternoon! He is usually a sunny kind of character but today he truly couldn't be arsed. He wanted to go out to play in the feild. Period.
He actually reverted back to some of his worst behaviour traits and was fidgity when being groomed, he wouldn't stand still to be tacked up and then pulled like a train and almost put my back out with his rudeness.
Ack! Now, I know some might be wondering if he was feeling under the weather but I can assure you that this was a Georgey temper tantrum at it's finest. He had decided how his day was going to go and it didn't include me trying to do some serious schooling! Occasionally we go through this with him. He is a strong character who has high intelligence (welshes are renowned for it) and when they dig their heels in they are practically unmovable!!
But I gritted my teeth and ignored the pain in my shoulders and back as a half ton of pure muscle leaned on my puny arms as I tried to get him working correctly. Every now and then he threw his head down pretending a fly was bothering him and almost had me over his head. He isn't stupid - he knows he is in control and because of his whip issues I can't even give him a tap when he needs one.
It was a battle of wills which I eventually won after about 45 minutes of circle, transition and lateral work. Normally it takes about 15 minutes max before he becomes dressage diva horse. So, after my epic battle he worked really well for the last 15 minutes and of course was rewarded with big pats. I led him back to the yard and he gave me sly digs in the ribs as if to say 'I was a good boy right? You haven't forgot my apple right?'
I think he realised he had overstepped his mark because he was a complete suck-up after that. Couldn't have been cuter or more adorable if he tried. He got his apple, then proceeded to groom my hair and generally give me big, slobbery kisses on my face and neck.
When I turned him out he stood with me at the gate for a big fuss before kicking up his heels and galloping off to Magnum.
:::sighs:::: Good thing I love him right??
He actually reverted back to some of his worst behaviour traits and was fidgity when being groomed, he wouldn't stand still to be tacked up and then pulled like a train and almost put my back out with his rudeness.
Ack! Now, I know some might be wondering if he was feeling under the weather but I can assure you that this was a Georgey temper tantrum at it's finest. He had decided how his day was going to go and it didn't include me trying to do some serious schooling! Occasionally we go through this with him. He is a strong character who has high intelligence (welshes are renowned for it) and when they dig their heels in they are practically unmovable!!
But I gritted my teeth and ignored the pain in my shoulders and back as a half ton of pure muscle leaned on my puny arms as I tried to get him working correctly. Every now and then he threw his head down pretending a fly was bothering him and almost had me over his head. He isn't stupid - he knows he is in control and because of his whip issues I can't even give him a tap when he needs one.
It was a battle of wills which I eventually won after about 45 minutes of circle, transition and lateral work. Normally it takes about 15 minutes max before he becomes dressage diva horse. So, after my epic battle he worked really well for the last 15 minutes and of course was rewarded with big pats. I led him back to the yard and he gave me sly digs in the ribs as if to say 'I was a good boy right? You haven't forgot my apple right?'
I think he realised he had overstepped his mark because he was a complete suck-up after that. Couldn't have been cuter or more adorable if he tried. He got his apple, then proceeded to groom my hair and generally give me big, slobbery kisses on my face and neck.
When I turned him out he stood with me at the gate for a big fuss before kicking up his heels and galloping off to Magnum.
:::sighs:::: Good thing I love him right??