O is making great progress with long lining. She thinks it is a piece of crumb cake. Therefore, it was time to up the ante and try double lunging!
I've not actually ever double lunged O before. I also hadn't ground driven her with the lines up on the higher surcingle turrets, so that was a good test to see how she felt about the lines sliding around over her back. True to form, she didn't care.
I've lunged her with just the lunge line on one side going from the bit to the surcingle and back to me, but she really hated that (it made her bend properly) and she curled dramatically behind the bit and ran.
I've lunged her with just the lunge line on one side going from the bit to the surcingle and back to me, but she really hated that (it made her bend properly) and she curled dramatically behind the bit and ran.
This is her second time ever double lunging. Yesterday was her first. She understands the idea much better with two reins, and while she does get a little curled and strong a few times, she figured it out quickly and it was easy to bend and adjust her and keep her neck stretched out better. She can get very hot and strong on the lunge, so it was great that I was able to keep her so mellow. For only her second time doing it, I was pretty happy.
(Note to self: check video to make sure all video transitions are uniform. I don't know why it messed those up but I'm way too lazy to go back and fix them!)
I also managed to locate a reputable driving trainer within a decent driving distance! I'll be giving her a call to speak with her about further progression!
That is so cool!! She has picked it up really quick. Such a good girl!! Good luck with the trainer. :D
ReplyDeleteShe looks great!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I'm taking driving lessons at the end of the month, I'm excited to try something new :)
ReplyDeleteWarning: Driving can be very fun, very expensive and VERY addicting! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the trainer. Are you interested in showing or competing? CDE's are the driving horse equivalent of eventing. It is a wicked blast!
I just got done going through the DVD by Clay Maier (Claymaier.com) and I would definitely recommend it. He has some genius ideas about the tire set up and his process is quite good. It's also less than half the cost of the Nate Bowers/Parelli DVD that didn't even include the first hook (I still feel ripped off ... some good ideas, yes, but not really what I was hoping for, dang Parelli...).
ReplyDeleteI would suggest using your lower rings on the surcingle for the reins to encourage a longer and lower frame. Yes they will be up high when you're in a cart, but you also run a greater risk of her tying herself in knots and pulling the surcingle sideways if she gets strong. Of course having them dropped and the line coming around her haunch may present you some difficulty at first dealing with the reins, but I personally prefer it.
Looking forward to continued progress!