Drive #9

The other night I drove Mazy again. As we were going around and around, I started asking for smaller circles, tighter turns, more lengthening in the trot and more serpentines for straightness and response from her instead of her trying to anticipate anything. 

What we didn't work on was any of our collected gaits. Gotta say this. Girlfriend seems to enjoy driving far more than being ridden. Maybe it's just the fact I'm not on her back trying to make sure all of My body parts are where they need to be, cues subtle and correct with perfect timing.... Easier said than done. *sigh*

As we were finishing up, one of the other boarders showed up to feed.  Talking to him later when I explained that Mazy has only been driven a handful of times he said, "I never would have guessed. She looked really good out there."

As we were finishing up, Mazy was moving along in a very bold and forward working trot. A gait she probably could have done for miles with ease. What happened next was beyond awesome. When I gave the cue the stop was coming next, Mazy dropped her rear end like a reining horse going into a slide, her body folded up like an accordian and by the time I said 'whoa' she had planted all four feet squarely on the ground. It was definitely something I'll never forget. I heaped on the praise as I reached forward to scratch her on her gorgeous butt. 

That was a good place to stop working so I asked her to walk around a little and brought it back to our spot where I put to and unhitch. She stood like a rockstar as she does and never flinched until I had removed the cart, harness and finally removed her bridle. She deserved her time in turnout after that. Proud pony momma moment! 

New digs and a refresher

After some time off, a move and a bit more time off... It has been a month since Mazy has been worked at all. No lunging, long line work, riding or driving and yet for a young impressionable pony like she is- she has taken it all in stride and picked up where we left off.  

Mazy hadn't been working since the little rat at the barn had been doing everything in her power to disrupt everyone's schedule and inconvenience everyone and anyone, every way possible. It was just easier to turn her out and wait for the move. My friend had found a different barn in a more pleasant part of town, our ponies would have more turnout, they had a smaller arena with better footing and it was covered. The drawback was the cost was a touch more, but well worth it. We would also be sharing feed and tack rooms with all of the other boarders.... Not sure how well that would work. 

As the end of the month drew near, plans fell thru and it looked like we would be stuck dealing with the drama another month. 😞 Then things changed for the better. Another woman who had left the barn called to ask if we were still moving and could she have our stalls when we did. Where she was at was too far away for the 2 trips a day to feed... That barn happens to be closer for us and as it turns out- literally swapping stalls at the two barns worked out well for everyone. Yay! 

With the new stalls came a private feed and tack room per stall. The arena is good sized for riding and driving and while having the jumps out there may not happen, the footing is good and there are no mosquitos. It isn't covered but it literally poured last night for probably 20-30 minutes and yet we were able to drive Mazy when I got there. 

For the purpose of keeping everyone safe in the process, Mazy was lunged before harnessing up. She needed a brief reminder to mind her manners and walk a few laps before trotting or cantering but quickly acquisced and worked like she should. Harnessed up and ready to go, I walked Mazy back out to the arena where the cart was waiting. She stood like a rock while I put her to and again after our drive while I unhooked and removed the cart and harness. She literally did not budge. Love that about her. 

Since we are in a new arena I wanted to be sure our steering and brakes were both functioning so I put the reins on the lowest hole of the curb settings on the bit. We started out at a walk, turned both directions making big circles and then started to work our way around the entire arena. At one point Mazy got a little worried about something outside the fence, but a little reminder to move on and words of encouragement to relax her, brought her focus back to her job and that was that. When the neighbor stray showed up and was barking along the fence, she raised her head in concern, but again- a few words and a reminder to ignore it and she moved on. 

All and all it went well and for her 8th time being driven, Mazy is doing exceptionally well.  Enough so that there has been some outside interest in her and I need to get video. Mazy has been a project pony all along and it may be time for he to move on soon.