About this Blog

Meet my very 1st horse, Lazarus.
I couldn't wait for Santa anymore or ask one more time for a pony for my bday (after age 30 it got embarrassing). I took matters in my own hands and I finally decided to pick a pony that needed a new home. Laz found me as I contemplated with this idea. He was sweet yet very sassy, fresh off the track, Thoroughbred (OTTB).
Join us for our re-training, rehabbing from laminitis and testing all parts of mixed up horsemanship and partnership, and luck...

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Invisible Monsters

What is funny with Lazarus....or I don't know if 'funny' is the word, maybe different or A-typical, but it sure is strange that he doesn't spook at things you think he would. 
 "A hammock, nah...seems nice.  A tarp, nah, seems like water and I like water.  WAIT?! What was that....do you see it?! I don't either but I'm SCARED, let's get outta here!!!!!!"
Our lessons of walking around the arena, the front yard and now the entire property pose different invisible monsters that I just don't see. It makes it impossible to try and guess when he'll act up. Now I should thank my pony for alerting me when the face eating monsters are hiding, right?! But, I'd rather not.  I would rather Laz chooses to spook in place, and then THINK about:  "why would I be scared....my Mom is here, my BO is here..and I'm pretty much safe all the time so I should just chill and walk nice."
Oh well, in theory that would be nice and maybe he'll get there. He is acting braver and more responsive to my growls when I'm telling him, 'watch it!'  He tends to rush up on me when he's scared or flighty.  I don't might him being a TB and UP, but we are working on doing that spooking nonsense on a level 20-30 instead of a 100, and to not run over me.  He knocked into my leg yesterday and I backed him up about 5 big steps and told him to knock it off.  Other than that, he did VERY well.  When he does spook/get scared of something, he tends to act like he doesn't see me when the BIG spooks come, which is really what scares me. A lot of you have sent me articles about the dominant eye...and I think it's his left. He likes to have his left eye on things, it seems...but again; A-typical.
  We walked about 1/4 mile around the property (where he hasn't been since October) and we even survived when the pastured horses came galloping up to us, and then galloping away.  Boy, did Laz want to take off! Instead I had to check him and I'm pretty sure at one point I said "I AM YOUR MOMMA...LISTEN TO ME!!!"
And he did! :)  I'm feeling better about handling him, not that it isn't intense and scary at times, but I'm learning about this high personality too and how to handle it....well, at least for now, on the ground. In the saddle will be a whole new beast, gulp. 
Below is a video from the same day, where he was feeling more comfortable.
We walked through the barrels and onto the tarp  (this was our first time walking on tarps) and he did great. Didn't even think about it. 
That is what I mean...a typical.


Ok and this video was from a few weeks ago.  I've been having problems with uploading videos on to my blogger for some reason! Grrr, but finally got this to work.
He did so well with the ball but he was really relaxed that day in the arena as well, so he was a better pupil and more open to new things. I will say, when the BO first bounced the ball in, he and I both freaked, lol! 
You can see the end result was bravery!

6 comments:

  1. Maisie has little trouble with man-made objects or things like tarps, plastic, etc., but is troubled by natural spooky things - deer running, ducks flying up, etc. Dawn is sight-spooky - she sees things - perhaps like your boy - and can become scary on the ground as well. Our Lily (now retired in Tennessee) was sound spooky - noises got her going. Norman the pony (also retired) was scared of nothing - he'd been everywhere and done everything - but was initially terrified of large rocks - go figure!

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  2. I would suggest getting clinton andersons book downunder horsemanship. I promise you will not be disappointed in it. Helped me heaps, especially when dealing with horses not my own at other barns that want to bowl me down.

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  3. I know it seems so weird. Sometimes Olly will tough out the scariest things and then spook at a 150ft metal electric tower...that we have ridden by for months...silly TB's. Good job staying calm and hiding your insecurities. You and Laz are gonna be great!

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  4. I just started reading your blog and I have really been enjoying it! Lazarus is beauitiful!!

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  5. Kate-I think Laz is a combo of sound/sight spooky, he does a good job protecting himself..lol!
    Sydney, I love Clinton so I'll totally get that book!
    Pru-what do u tell your beautiful BigRedHorse when he does spook and you are in saddle? Is it a bolt? Laz does this half rearing up like I'm ready to EXPLODE on the ground, so I'm assuming it will be similar in the saddle and it's been SO long since I've ridden him!
    Ashley-WELCOME! I'll pop over to your blog asap! :)

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  6. My computer won't let me send you an email. Can you email me at littlemissy@mail.com so I can forward you that article?

    Thanks :)

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