Surbie
Well-Known Member
So sorry for your loss Red.
I just bought my first cob! Introduction + feed advice + photos!
- Thread starter Red-1
- Start date
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
So, a week has gone by since mum passed.
While I was stressed this last 2 weeks, Rigsby went very 'off' with me. Scowling etc. I decided that it is because he is, actually, quite sensitive. I can quite see why people thought he was a rig, if ever feels you have been unfair to him (such as unexpectedly touch a leg, ask him to back off, do his girth too quickly, not be quick to fetch him in... anything where he perceives he has been hard done to) he squeals!
It could also be that we had been doing regular walks out in-hand, and with me having visited mum with Covid, that had to stop as I was isolating.
I was feeling low, not sure he helped, but I decided to use positive reinforcement for whatever I wanted, just because it demanded less emotional reserves. It has actually been a huge success!
Rigsby has mallenders and CPL, and was not good to clip. But, now with positive reinforcement, we clip a leg every day. I touch with the clippers, if the leg stays still he gets a treat. He has soon caught on to that one! If I do find a scab (or catch the pisiform bone) he will still squeal and snatch, but now, when I play fair, he plays fair. He even looks forward to being clipped!
I have also had advisement that his feet now do look, after all, as if he will make a ridden horse. He has shed a shed load of sole, the new outline is convex rather than concave. It all looks a betters stronger shape. I was given permission to do a little trot on the arena to start to build his work up. We have done 10 days like this, but we just do mostly walk with 3 circles each rein in trot if on long lines, or one circle each rein if ridden.
TBH, at first his trot was... worrying. He was resentful. His ears back. The gait was lumpy. It was on the forehand, there was no steering. The first time I asked he was really cross, but he got over that quite quickly when he found I was not impressed.
Once I could actually get a trot, I managed to time the 'good boy' and downward transition for any time he made an improvement, and it is getting better! Sometimes, both on long lines and twice under saddle, I have felt everything sort of engage and his back come up, and it all becomes co-ordinated and amazing.
Today Mr Red was home, he came to watch me ride. Today Rigsby was the best yet. Lovely walk, engaged both ways at trot, upward transition off the voice command. Just a warm up at walk, one circle at trot either way. Mr Red laughed when I said that this was the extent of his work so far (3 months into ownership) but had to admit he looked better than he thought he would. I think Mr Red thinks 10 minutes is too short, but I am doing slowly slowly.
So, that is where we are at now. Better feet, a good weight, improved manners on the ground, him training me to use treats
, improved long lining, improved under saddle - he also looks amazing! In particular, with clipping each leg twice a week, his skin is looking fantastic. No scabs, just the odd flake behind the knee and the creases above the fetlock are still there. I don't suppose it matters how slow we go really, it is currently in the correct direction.
While I was stressed this last 2 weeks, Rigsby went very 'off' with me. Scowling etc. I decided that it is because he is, actually, quite sensitive. I can quite see why people thought he was a rig, if ever feels you have been unfair to him (such as unexpectedly touch a leg, ask him to back off, do his girth too quickly, not be quick to fetch him in... anything where he perceives he has been hard done to) he squeals!
It could also be that we had been doing regular walks out in-hand, and with me having visited mum with Covid, that had to stop as I was isolating.
I was feeling low, not sure he helped, but I decided to use positive reinforcement for whatever I wanted, just because it demanded less emotional reserves. It has actually been a huge success!
Rigsby has mallenders and CPL, and was not good to clip. But, now with positive reinforcement, we clip a leg every day. I touch with the clippers, if the leg stays still he gets a treat. He has soon caught on to that one! If I do find a scab (or catch the pisiform bone) he will still squeal and snatch, but now, when I play fair, he plays fair. He even looks forward to being clipped!
I have also had advisement that his feet now do look, after all, as if he will make a ridden horse. He has shed a shed load of sole, the new outline is convex rather than concave. It all looks a betters stronger shape. I was given permission to do a little trot on the arena to start to build his work up. We have done 10 days like this, but we just do mostly walk with 3 circles each rein in trot if on long lines, or one circle each rein if ridden.
TBH, at first his trot was... worrying. He was resentful. His ears back. The gait was lumpy. It was on the forehand, there was no steering. The first time I asked he was really cross, but he got over that quite quickly when he found I was not impressed.
Once I could actually get a trot, I managed to time the 'good boy' and downward transition for any time he made an improvement, and it is getting better! Sometimes, both on long lines and twice under saddle, I have felt everything sort of engage and his back come up, and it all becomes co-ordinated and amazing.
Today Mr Red was home, he came to watch me ride. Today Rigsby was the best yet. Lovely walk, engaged both ways at trot, upward transition off the voice command. Just a warm up at walk, one circle at trot either way. Mr Red laughed when I said that this was the extent of his work so far (3 months into ownership) but had to admit he looked better than he thought he would. I think Mr Red thinks 10 minutes is too short, but I am doing slowly slowly.
So, that is where we are at now. Better feet, a good weight, improved manners on the ground, him training me to use treats
, improved long lining, improved under saddle - he also looks amazing! In particular, with clipping each leg twice a week, his skin is looking fantastic. No scabs, just the odd flake behind the knee and the creases above the fetlock are still there. I don't suppose it matters how slow we go really, it is currently in the correct direction.ITPersonnage
Well-Known Member
Love this. It's the two way conversation that makes a relationship ! You and he deserve to have a lot of fun, please keep the thread going
Spanny
Well-Known Member
Love this. It's the two way conversation that makes a relationship ! You and he deserve to have a lot of fun, please keep the thread going
This! I am so enjoying following your journey with Rigsby - your patience and empathy with him is inspiring and it's wonderful to see how he's blossoming because of it.
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Yesterday was a day of ups and downs.
Firstly, I was out of isolation, YAY, so Rigsby and I went for a walk in-hand round the village. He is a breath of fresh air, beholden to no one, his own man. Lovely walk out in the winter sunshine. Lovely to reconnect with the outside, mud, strangers and unpredictability. I think it lifted both our spirits.
It was also good as this was the first time I was able to see how much his latest trim, done a few weeks ago, has altered him again. No stomp to his walk, much more confident in his feet. He is landing flat to heel first, the first time the fronts have been anything even towards a heel first landing. Also, after his latest trim a few weeks ago, his feet have been deepening and his frogs growing. I had seen this improvement on the arena, but couldn't say how he would be on the road. I am so happy we are taking it slowly, allowing his natural stride to change from stomp where he was stubbing the toe down early, to a fuller length of stride where he is confident to land. Not there yet, I have another 5 weeks before his next trim (I do run a rasp round in-between times, Fiona does the balancing and improving, I then maintain what she has done as best I can). So, until the next trim I am sticking with a little bit of trot on the arena, mainly walking out in-hand but I may sneak a ride or two round the block as a Xmas treat!
Then, a trip to mum's care home to clear her room. It was quite cleansing for me actually, the room was still lovely, clean, peaceful and sunny. A really nice atmosphere and lovely staff too.
After so long locked in at home, it felt weird to be out again!
Tomorrow I go to Lincoln to see a solicitor for help in dealing with all the legal stuff. Legal stuff, of this sort, is not my forte. I have been under so much stress, for so long, that I think I am better to let someone else do the paperwork, at best then it is likely to be correct! I had to check what tier they were in and everything, Covid is making stuff hard!
Firstly, I was out of isolation, YAY, so Rigsby and I went for a walk in-hand round the village. He is a breath of fresh air, beholden to no one, his own man. Lovely walk out in the winter sunshine. Lovely to reconnect with the outside, mud, strangers and unpredictability. I think it lifted both our spirits.
It was also good as this was the first time I was able to see how much his latest trim, done a few weeks ago, has altered him again. No stomp to his walk, much more confident in his feet. He is landing flat to heel first, the first time the fronts have been anything even towards a heel first landing. Also, after his latest trim a few weeks ago, his feet have been deepening and his frogs growing. I had seen this improvement on the arena, but couldn't say how he would be on the road. I am so happy we are taking it slowly, allowing his natural stride to change from stomp where he was stubbing the toe down early, to a fuller length of stride where he is confident to land. Not there yet, I have another 5 weeks before his next trim (I do run a rasp round in-between times, Fiona does the balancing and improving, I then maintain what she has done as best I can). So, until the next trim I am sticking with a little bit of trot on the arena, mainly walking out in-hand but I may sneak a ride or two round the block as a Xmas treat!
Then, a trip to mum's care home to clear her room. It was quite cleansing for me actually, the room was still lovely, clean, peaceful and sunny. A really nice atmosphere and lovely staff too.
After so long locked in at home, it felt weird to be out again!
Tomorrow I go to Lincoln to see a solicitor for help in dealing with all the legal stuff. Legal stuff, of this sort, is not my forte. I have been under so much stress, for so long, that I think I am better to let someone else do the paperwork, at best then it is likely to be correct! I had to check what tier they were in and everything, Covid is making stuff hard!
AmyMay
Situation normal
You write so beautifully Red Xxx. Hope all goes well tomorrow x
PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
Handing over legal stuff seems sensible to me. I'm sorry it's hard. Glad Rigsby's feet are getting better.
Annagain
Well-Known Member
You’re totally right to get an expert in to deal with the legal side. It’s an extra stress you don’t need at the moment and with covid the less running around you have to do, the better. Hoping you and Mr Red have a peaceful Christmas, with a couple of little rides round the block on Rigsby for an extra treat.
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
I just realised, I haven't done any photos for a while. Took these this morning. I think he is changing shape, still can see the outline of his back ribs, all ribs if he bends or takes a deep breath, just right for him.
It was tricky lungeing on 2 reins and taking photos with my phone at the same time. It feels a bit special now he is allowed a bit of trot.
It was tricky lungeing on 2 reins and taking photos with my phone at the same time. It feels a bit special now he is allowed a bit of trot.
wren123
Well-Known Member
Lovely photos, I hope you're OK at the solicitors.
Wishfilly
Well-Known Member
He is looking gorgeous! So exciting that his feet sounds like they have improved loads!
PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
He looks great. Wish I could get a belly line like that on my dobbers.
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Had a blah Christmas Eve morning, trip to the local town to pay for mum's funeral. But... then there is Rigsby.
He 'got it' at trot today.
I mean, I am sitting like a sack of spuds, but he went like a dream. 2 circuits each way at trot under saddle now.
He 'got it' at trot today.
I mean, I am sitting like a sack of spuds, but he went like a dream. 2 circuits each way at trot under saddle now.
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jnb
Well-Known Member
Looking good....wish I had your school, I have only hacking (fabulous but very wet & muddy and steep and full of bl**dy day trippers currently)
TPO
Well-Known Member
Whoot whoo ? you are both looking great!
You are not a sack of spuds by any stretch and Rigsby is looking fab ?
You are not a sack of spuds by any stretch and Rigsby is looking fab ?
J&S
Well-Known Member
Definitely responding to treatment. Hope you have a fun time with him over christmas and New Year.
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Yay, Rigsby and I made it out for a Xmas ride today. I didn't think it would happen. It was only his Third ride out since March! We just did 1 mile, most of his road work still should be in-hand, but for Xmas, I made an exception.
Hats off to Mr Red for coming along the main road part in the car to take photos!
Hats off to Mr Red for coming along the main road part in the car to take photos!
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Your smile is infectious!
chaps89
Well-Known Member
Aww. Love his little Santa hat and snuggly nose in the second photo. I'm so glad you have him to help you smile at this difficult time.
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
Very, very happy for you. ?
Wishfilly
Well-Known Member
I love the little Christmas hat. You both look like you are really enjoying yourselves. Photo number 2 is a keeper I think!
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Miss_Millie
Well-Known Member
I've so enjoyed reading your entire thread. Rigsby has such a kind face. He looks to be a dream pony to me <3
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
I rode Rigsby on the arena this morning.
I already said ^^^, I had lost my direction a bit lately with schooling with everything that has been happening. Not that we haven't had nice rides, but I have perhaps not been very prescriptive.
Yesterday, the ride out on the road showed how much work is still to be done. he blatantly ignores the leg (to be fair, I don't think he even knows of the importance of listening) so his steering is ropey (hence Mr Red doing the main road part with us). I am also aware of how I seem to be toes down in all photos, in an attempt to wriggle my heel into his furry sides to get a result.
Today I only rode 15 minutes, but we did a lot of work on helping him to be self reliant to stay on track (in speed, energy and direction), to listen when a leg is applied (meaning I can't carry him constantly on the leg, 'cos if I do, he numbs to it and can't hear it). Also learning to actually move sideways off the leg (again meaning I can't carry him constantly on the leg, 'cos if I do, he can't hear me...).
A Fabulous schooling session. We also did one circle and one circuit on each rein in trot, and it was better. Our first actual circle! Riggers is ace!
I already said ^^^, I had lost my direction a bit lately with schooling with everything that has been happening. Not that we haven't had nice rides, but I have perhaps not been very prescriptive.
Yesterday, the ride out on the road showed how much work is still to be done. he blatantly ignores the leg (to be fair, I don't think he even knows of the importance of listening) so his steering is ropey (hence Mr Red doing the main road part with us). I am also aware of how I seem to be toes down in all photos, in an attempt to wriggle my heel into his furry sides to get a result.
Today I only rode 15 minutes, but we did a lot of work on helping him to be self reliant to stay on track (in speed, energy and direction), to listen when a leg is applied (meaning I can't carry him constantly on the leg, 'cos if I do, he numbs to it and can't hear it). Also learning to actually move sideways off the leg (again meaning I can't carry him constantly on the leg, 'cos if I do, he can't hear me...).
A Fabulous schooling session. We also did one circle and one circuit on each rein in trot, and it was better. Our first actual circle! Riggers is ace!
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
the joys of schooling green horses, when your first 20m circle is a major milestone ?
J&S
Well-Known Member
.Yes, I can well remember riding a 20 mtr circle one 1/4 at a time!
TPO
Well-Known Member
Merry Christmas Red & Rigsby ? you both look very happy
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
He is a good thing from 2020!
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Today was the day of mum's funeral.
Rigsby came into his own.
First of all, we had to get out to do chores for him. Everything was frozen, including his soaked hay I had to use a kettle to defrost it. He was suited and out, it was thankfully a hard frost today rather than the threatened snow. We are a remote village and I dreaded being snowed in.
The funeral was not what I had planned for mum but, to be honest, none of her journey since the fall was what I had planned. It was, however, nice. There were 8 of us, a small procession from the village. The service was small as the Crem is limiting services to 20 minutes at the moment due to high demand. Everything went as it should.
Rigsby, yes, he came into his own. We got home and, despite being given extra hay, he screamed for more. The dogs were also happy that we were back. The animals are a great comfort.
It is gone 1pm and the school is still frozen, so Rigsby won't be worked today. he will be fine with that. He is the same worked or not.
I am here, raising a glass of brandy to mum.
Rigsby came into his own.
First of all, we had to get out to do chores for him. Everything was frozen, including his soaked hay
I had to use a kettle to defrost it. He was suited and out, it was thankfully a hard frost today rather than the threatened snow. We are a remote village and I dreaded being snowed in.The funeral was not what I had planned for mum but, to be honest, none of her journey since the fall was what I had planned. It was, however, nice. There were 8 of us, a small procession from the village. The service was small as the Crem is limiting services to 20 minutes at the moment due to high demand. Everything went as it should.
Rigsby, yes, he came into his own. We got home and, despite being given extra hay, he screamed for more. The dogs were also happy that we were back. The animals are a great comfort.
It is gone 1pm and the school is still frozen, so Rigsby won't be worked today. he will be fine with that. He is the same worked or not.
I am here, raising a glass of brandy to mum.
rabatsa
Confuddled
Hugs.