I've been a little quiet of late, partly because I've been busy (I do work, you know!) ... and partly because, well, because country life is becoming sorta mundane now. It's not feeling nearly as bizarro as it first did, and I've even warmed to the friendly redneck locals in Lithgow. I don't even notice that they have no teeth now!
Having said that, as spring approaches, I realise I've really bitten off more than I can chew with this garden. At this stage I don't own a mower, and it's all starting to look out of control. And however many hours I spend in the garden contributing to the bonfire pile, I know I've barely scratched the surface. Scratch being the operative word, goddamn thorn bushes!
I've also been spending more time with my horse. In fact, this past weekend, I spent two whole days with him at a training clinic held across the way at Hartley Vale.
The instructor was a guy called Mike Bingham, and he's a rare breed of horseman with gentle yet logical methods of getting the measure of your horse. He encourages people to see the world through the eyes of their horse - in other words, you as the rider become an extension of your mount.
Mike's methods were particularly effective with Cass's ground work. I must admit that my pony has literally been walking all over me - I've been letting him get away with being a right bastard, blaming my inexperience as a horse owner.
But the solution is simple - all I have to do is treat Cass as if I was another horse. If he walks right on top of me, back into him; if he refuses to lead (which he often does when he's feeling lazy), get up him. If he pins his ears back at me in distaste, let him have it back. It's not about force, it's just about letting him know who the dominant mare is - ie, me!
Mike also has some interesting theories about riding. For instance, to stop your horse clean, RIDE him into it, using your legs. Then, when you release the pressure on your calves, your horse should immediately stop. We were all stunned to see how this worked, with each and every horse.
I also learnt about head and neck carriage, and how every movement of the horse is dependent on that part of the body. Until he gets his neck right, he can't get his back-end right.
All technical stuff... but it was an awesome experience, I learnt a stack, and I think Cass finally has a bit of respect for me!
Having said that, as spring approaches, I realise I've really bitten off more than I can chew with this garden. At this stage I don't own a mower, and it's all starting to look out of control. And however many hours I spend in the garden contributing to the bonfire pile, I know I've barely scratched the surface. Scratch being the operative word, goddamn thorn bushes!
I've also been spending more time with my horse. In fact, this past weekend, I spent two whole days with him at a training clinic held across the way at Hartley Vale.
The instructor was a guy called Mike Bingham, and he's a rare breed of horseman with gentle yet logical methods of getting the measure of your horse. He encourages people to see the world through the eyes of their horse - in other words, you as the rider become an extension of your mount.
Mike's methods were particularly effective with Cass's ground work. I must admit that my pony has literally been walking all over me - I've been letting him get away with being a right bastard, blaming my inexperience as a horse owner.
But the solution is simple - all I have to do is treat Cass as if I was another horse. If he walks right on top of me, back into him; if he refuses to lead (which he often does when he's feeling lazy), get up him. If he pins his ears back at me in distaste, let him have it back. It's not about force, it's just about letting him know who the dominant mare is - ie, me!
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| Cass learning a bit of respect from Mike! |
I also learnt about head and neck carriage, and how every movement of the horse is dependent on that part of the body. Until he gets his neck right, he can't get his back-end right.
All technical stuff... but it was an awesome experience, I learnt a stack, and I think Cass finally has a bit of respect for me!
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