It's basically too hot to ride comfortably here in Indiana, but Ruby and I are trying to squeeze in a few days of work here and there....she gets bored, and I feel depressed if we aren't able to work for a long period of time. We still do the usual things: grooming, some ground work, but riding develops such a strong connection!
I am now using my old Appy mare's Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle on Ruby. I hesitated at first because I thought Ruby might object to the various pressures that the bridle places on her head. I also thought she might not care for the direct contact, as we have been working on a loose rein in her bosal.Yesterday was the third time I've used it on her, and she did beautifully! I believe she prefers it, as it helps her to balance.
The first day in it, I started on a loose rein, and just tested her - slowly drawing up more rein for closer contact, easing her through turns, getting her used to it. I could see and feel the wheels turning in her mind. Like a mule, she needed time to feel it out and map it out in her head and body. Once a mule has it down, they remember it forever!
On the 2nd day in the bridle, I drove her forward into my hands with my seat and legs, and she stepped right up! We walked, trotted, and cantered. She even flat walked better in this bridle! I'm hoping to get her to pick up the single-foot, once again, so I need to develop a cue for it.
We've been working on cantering, and yesterday (day 3 in the bridle), she cantered in the most steady rhythm she has done so far, and she brought her neck and belly up from under a bit - I could see and feel it. She has begun to collect herself - great news! We cantered only one time around the outdoor arena, but that was good enough. I only rode for about 10 - 15 minutes, due to the heat, anyway. The ground is like cement, as well, and I don't care to make her work too hard on it. (I can tell when she's not quite completely comfortable on certain terrain.)
She is much better able to focus and get down to business in this bridle. In the bosal, I had to work a little to get her to focus - to keep her from the various area distractions. But not so now. I'm very excited about what we can do now. Just wish it would cool down a bit, and rain!
But my belief in the Dr. Cook's bridle has just been re-confirmed. I love this bridle, and I feel that Ruby likes it, too.
Another product testimonial - I've been using Natural Fly Spray from NaturVet (purchased from State Line Tack). It's inexpensive, and all natural (I like to avoid chemicals whenever possible). It didn't receive glowing reviews on SLT's website, however, I find it to be quite effective. In our stable, where flies are abundant, and where almost no fly spray is very effective, I find this one to do the job well!
