Did you ever wonder why you had to repeat the washing process when your mum washed your hair as a kid? Lather it up, rinse it out and find your eyes burning as watered down shampoo ran across your face...only to have more shampoo squirted up there and another sure 'bout of the back in your eye burning sensation. It seemed like a never ending, painful process that served little purpose, because just when you thought your hair was clean, it was time to wash it again.
Steve Holt! is a little like that right now. We're in a holding pattern of sorts...where we appear to be making a little progress only to find ourselves back where we were two days earlier and starting all over again. I've become somewhat discouraged when watching the video clips. At times I think I can feel a bit of progress, but then I watch and wonder just what it was I thought I was feeling?
I had music selected should I qualify for the finals; it was a combination of Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace and Toby Mac's Extreme Days. I'd wanted to only use Amazing Grace, but Darling pointed out that Steve Holt! wasn't near slow enough to make it work, so Extreme Days was blended in. I thought it was a fitting title for the Extreme Mustang Makeover, don't you? But while Steve Holt! surely has the speed, right now there's no control. I played the music while riding this weekend and it didn't come close to working.
Now...the music in the video here today...that might work.
Tonight Darling went to youth group with her cousin. It was up near the fairgrounds and the arena is open to ride in on Wednesday nights, so I hauled Steve Holt! up to gain a bit of exposure to a new arena. The place was crowded with a lot of folks who are 'gamers'; that is to say, they do barrel racing or pole bending or other fast paced events. Mixed into this crowd were a handful of fast paced 4-H kids racing around and having a grand time. Steve Holt! wasn't too sure what to think at first. I led him in a couple of circles and let him relax, then climbed on.
Oh...where was this horse while the video camera was on?! Sure, his jog was more trot, but he listened and worked at dropping his head. He also picked up leads again, did a couple of simple changes without panic, and crossed the arena from one corner to the other and performed a lovely stop with his hind quarters (as opposed to planting his front end and trying to toss me over his head!) Basically...it was one of those relief rides that tells me I just need to relax.
Steve Holt! is a little like that right now. We're in a holding pattern of sorts...where we appear to be making a little progress only to find ourselves back where we were two days earlier and starting all over again. I've become somewhat discouraged when watching the video clips. At times I think I can feel a bit of progress, but then I watch and wonder just what it was I thought I was feeling?
I had music selected should I qualify for the finals; it was a combination of Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace and Toby Mac's Extreme Days. I'd wanted to only use Amazing Grace, but Darling pointed out that Steve Holt! wasn't near slow enough to make it work, so Extreme Days was blended in. I thought it was a fitting title for the Extreme Mustang Makeover, don't you? But while Steve Holt! surely has the speed, right now there's no control. I played the music while riding this weekend and it didn't come close to working.
Now...the music in the video here today...that might work.
Tonight Darling went to youth group with her cousin. It was up near the fairgrounds and the arena is open to ride in on Wednesday nights, so I hauled Steve Holt! up to gain a bit of exposure to a new arena. The place was crowded with a lot of folks who are 'gamers'; that is to say, they do barrel racing or pole bending or other fast paced events. Mixed into this crowd were a handful of fast paced 4-H kids racing around and having a grand time. Steve Holt! wasn't too sure what to think at first. I led him in a couple of circles and let him relax, then climbed on.
Oh...where was this horse while the video camera was on?! Sure, his jog was more trot, but he listened and worked at dropping his head. He also picked up leads again, did a couple of simple changes without panic, and crossed the arena from one corner to the other and performed a lovely stop with his hind quarters (as opposed to planting his front end and trying to toss me over his head!) Basically...it was one of those relief rides that tells me I just need to relax.
9 comments:
He looked pretty darn good in that video! I love how unconcerned he appeared about dragging that tire around. And his stops are looking much more like a stop than they were just a few weeks ago. Not to worry, you're making progress :)
Tracey the two of you look good. Look how far you've come. Yeah to you.
Tracey, I think you need to cut yourself some slack. You have come so far with him in such a short amount of time. He looks more polished now than some of the "finished" horses around here. He's a big boy with a big stride but he uses his body, bends really nicely, and moves laterally with ease. You've done a terrific job with him so far!
LOL Tracey, I have to watch the Little Men's hairs at LEAST twice every night simply because of allt he black dirt they pick up out playing everyday!!!
Steve will get there girl. Have faith!!
I think you and your horse look terrific! He has a nice bend to him, not afraid of the tire; good job!
Thank you, ladies! I guess I'm just after that polished look and tend to fret when it's not 100%...or 70%, for that matter, lol...
No, he's not afraid of that tire. Nothing much rattles him outside of lead changes or slowing down when he's feeling like moving. But he's getting there...slowly.
Ya'll are looking really good. I think it's normal to feel like you are taking a few steps back before you move on. I remember reading an article one time that explained the process...you're closer than you think. He's got it - just processing. I've seen this with one of mine more than the other. Nothing to fret about, you're doing great!
I think the two of you look real good. He really has come a long way. I know it doesn't feel like much time left, but look at what you've accomplished in this short time. You already have a nice foundation on him...WooooHoooo!!!
Been busy Tracey and haven't stopped by for a couple of weeks I think...time flys!!
But, SH is looking great!!! Look at how far you've come. He's bending nicely, following his nose, his leads are nice, his circles are round. You just keep doing what you are doing and it'll all come together.
Music...pick it closer to Makeover time...don't pick it now...don't sweat the small stuff!!
Post a Comment