My initial thoughts were "oh yeah, I totally get this, but just like she feels about Katai, really I am so very happy with Midge that I could never replace her no matter how wonderful another horse sounds."
Then yesterday's ride happened. And I started to reconsider ;)
For the millionth time, B decided forward was optional. I'm just so done with that discussion. So, I did the ask nicely, Tell Firmly, MOVE YOURSELF NOW OR DIE!!! thing repeatedly. It's frustrating to me that each time this happens, B always needs it to escalate to stage 3 before (with snarly grouchy mare face, naturally) she really moves. I hate beating on her, and I think she knows it.
I've broken her response down into a 5 stage loop for you:
Stage 1 -Leg. "Can't hear you."
5. Stage 5 - Remind with leg."Can't hear you"
Thank goodness she's adorable when she's sleeping...or I'd be shopping ;)
HAHAHA! I so know this feeling. I also get cranky pony faces, tail swishes, hoofie stomps, and small bucks occasionally. But then I take him out trail riding or hunting, or he decides to be a SUPER GOOD BOY in a lesson... and I take back ever wanting to just set him free in the wilderness to fend for himself.
ReplyDeleteOur ponies were truly separated at birth ;)
DeleteLOL. We should never let her and Emi get together...they'd have way too much to talk about.
ReplyDeleteExactly. This list of ponies B is not allowed to associate with is getting larger all the time :)
Deletethat poor poor pony, oh how she must struggle with such a tortuous existence!!
ReplyDeleteHer fictional character = Eeyore.
DeleteWait, do I actually OWN a Welsh cuz that explains it.
ReplyDeletePossibly. He does sound like an honorary member, at least ;)
DeleteHahaha those photos are awesome XD
ReplyDeleteBay welsh mares unite, when I saw Alannas video of Emi kicking/bucking at the whip I was thinking that could be my mare. Although, honestly at 11 I think we finally have it sorted. Part of it was using a vibrating whip aid behind my leg as advocated by the equitation science people. Basically, if the whip aid hurts she shuts down.
ReplyDeleteWe've tried the vibrating whip aid and it worked for a short time, then she just started ignoring it. But yes, I do need to be more creative, because the line between responsive and shutting down seems very thin with these girls.
DeleteWe have to "remember" transitions at the beginning of EVERY. SINGLE. RIDE. ;) Gav is a fan of the full-of-pony-attitude-tail-swish.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny that they're all so alike :))
DeleteFunny pics!
ReplyDeleteHa Ha Ha! Poor you with such an evil pony. I still kind of want her though....
ReplyDeleteI think she makes a better pet than a riding pony :)
DeleteLol, this is the best photo demonstration of pony I've ever seen :) She is so cute but I totally hear you on the cute but evil pony thing, as you know haha.
ReplyDeleteWe need some kind of support group, seriously.
DeleteAww man. You are better than I am. This is exactly why I could not carry on with Paloma. It's so frustrating isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteIt's incredibly frustrating, and I totally get why you'd sell Paloma. I love your new boy :)
DeleteOh dear, Pony Probz. Brantley has a habit of being seemingly miserable when I ask for transitions in the arena. Even from the walk to the trot he'll come off the rail, pin his ears, and be like... "F*@$ OFF!" And then he'll go... But on the trail, UNICORN HORSE!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for the unicorn days, right?
DeleteBobby loves the "I can only go forward as a llama" game. And he's not even cute when he's sleeping! :P
ReplyDeleteI feel like trotting around being a llama must be so uncomfortable for them. But, obviously the benefits of showing your human how you really feel must outweigh that.
DeletePonies. XD
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
I'd be down to nap with her all day!
ReplyDelete