Monday I had a great day with Arianna. She was super focussed and calm. We played in the round pen first.I really feel we've got a great rapport and communication now through the parelli games. We practised at the mounting block and Arianna stood quietly a patiently whilst I leant over her and rested my leg over her neck, wither, back and on her rump. Then we cuddled and I scratched her all over.
I love my girl so much! |
We walked through the yard and came upon lots of curious other horses and then a peacock which walked directly past us only 4 feet away! Arianna was amazing!! She walked next to me like a puppy, with a big smile in the rope. When we turned around to come back I realise an electric gate had closed behind me and I didn't know the code! So we ventured out on to the road and I followed my sense of direction home.
We ended up being out for around 40 minutes and on the way we encountered barking dogs, lots of dustbins and even a couple of very large lorries past us! I could not fault her! She mirrored my feet the whole way, never breaking her rhythm or getting tense once. Such a good girl!
Day 15
I'd got it into my head that today was the day to finally actually sit on Arianna and I brought my good friend Lisa with me to help. We started with our usual groundwork first and then played at the mountain block as we'd done last time. She was a little less inclined to let me stay in zone 3, but then she settled and I lay on her and lay my leg over her again. Lisa came in to be near for back up and I slid on.
Such an awesome feeling! |
I was grinning from ear to ear!! She stood and turned her head right around to both shoulders investigating my boots!! I scratched her a loved on her and she seemed super calm about very relaxed about it. The next bit is a bit of a blur but I think I was sat there for a few minutes and we took some pictures. Next thing I knew I'd face planted in the sand!
I was a little confused at first but when I focussed again Arianna was looking down at me, nuzzling me obviously worried at what had happened. I'd split my lip and had a bloody nose so I cleaned up in the bathroom but I was still pretty confused so we put Arianna away. I'm so thankful Lisa was there with me! Once I was feeling a bit better I went back to the paddock to check on her. Bless, I think she was genuinely sorry and followed me all the way up the steep hill back to the gate. Then she game me a big kiss through the bars!
I felt so bad, I felt like I had totally let her down, as I so badly wanted her to have a great first experience with me on her. I beat myself up most of that day, trying to remember exactly what happened and blaming myself, trying to work out what I must have done that had upset her. Today I'm feeling embarrassed more than anything! I'm pretty sore and my lips and nose are still a bit swollen but my pride is bruised more than anything. I hate falling off and haven't come off in ages so it was a healthy reminder to be careful and always wear my helmet!
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