yoga4ann's blog

I went out to the barn right after lunch.  A few clouds were scudding across the blue sky.  The sun was hot but the trees were rustling in the wind.  It was a perfect day!

Africa was grazing in his pasture when I drove down the lane and waiting at the gate when I walked out of the barn with his halter.

I'm hoping this horrendous heat subsides soon.  I have spent more undemanding time with Africa this week than anything else.  It was just too hot for anything else.

My oldest daughter and her family are visiting from Florida so we went out to visit with Africa.  My grandsons love to rub him and feed him treats.  Africa was elated with all the hands offering cookies.

Then we showed off abit with a little "stick to me".  He was super, following at walk, gait, stop, and backup.  Can't wait to get out again and continue our Liberty play.

It may be synchronicity, but for sure I'm getting a message.  I read Linda Parelli's blog (Peeling Back the Onion Layers) dated July 23,2010.  She was writing about the session she gave in Ohio at the Celebration on Sunday.  The student had "no neutral" and was micromanaging her horse.  As I thought about what Linda said I knew I was doing the same thing; "send, coax, coax, draw, draw, push, push."  In other words, as Africa and I are playing at Liberty, I'm micro-managing him.  I'm not giving him the responsibility to do whatever patte

I know how it happened but I didn't realize how much it would make a difference.  While working on how my body language influences Africa, I found myself more calm and confident. I'm using the carrot stick with less force or emphasis.  I'm more patient and can help Africa move into position without moving myself.  I'm learning to influence the correct zone.  Africa is responding calmer.  He pays attention and asks questions.  He is not running off in fear or confusion.

Magical!! That's how I describe it.  There is mystery and majesty in the connection between the horse and human relationship.  It has taken two days (so far) to integrate all the "ah-ha" moments.

I'm writing about the 4-day clinic I had over the weekend.  Jesse Peters, a 3-Star Parelli Professional, came to Michigan again and I feel like I've grown exponentially.

I'm so excited!!  Africa loaded into the trailer after four times with approach and retreat.  We were headed to the farm where Jesse Peters is doing a four day clinic.

I always worry that Africa will decide that he doesn't want to load in the trailer.  Today I approached the activity with a more positive attitude, focusing on being calm.  I tried not to think about what I would do if he didn't get in.  I was feeling more confident.

How do I begin?  My head is so full of thoughts about this past weekend.  I had the opportunity to be a volunteer for the Columbus Celebration and then attend the Gold Summit on Monday.

As I look back it's been almost a month since I blogged.  The end of the school year is so hectic and add to that shopping for the new house addition seemed to take up so much time.  Africa and I crammed in some time together but not as much as I would have liked.  Now the school year has ended AND I'm retired!!! 

I find my thoughts going to Africa and to planning our time together even when my schedule keeps me from him.  Our connection carries on at all times.  I justify time away by telling myself that it is good for both of us to have space.  But then the guilt surfaces and I feel as though I am neglecting him.  We will pick up our time together again when school is out in three weeks.

Our home addition is almost finished and we have had to spend more time with the details.   It hasn't afforded much time with Africa.  Plus it has poured rain and been very cold for several days.  It's funny how in the winter we endure much colder weather but by spring fifty degree temperatures are COLD. 

Africa and I have spent mostly undemanding time in the last couple of weeks.  It has been a nice change of pace after concentrating on our audition.  Eating grass, being together, and grooming has been our routine. 

Ah-ha!  Amazing realizations came to me today.

My plan for our session included review on-line and then move to liberty.  We play in the arena, which I can close-off when no one else is using it. Africa has the whole space to move around in.  While I set up for weave, figure 8, sideways over a pole, and step on the pedestal, Africa played with his big green ball.

Africa is a star!  Day 4 of trailer loading and four feet on a pedestal.  He is getting lots of practice backing out and today he stayed in the trailer until I asked him to back out. 

For the first time, with help lifting his back feet on the pedestal, he left one on the pedestal while I lifted the other. Four feet!  He stood there without moving even when I walked away.

Woo-hoo!!