When it’s snowing sideways in a 20 mph wind or sleeting here in Vermont I am not that inclined to head out from the barn on a trail ride. This time of year it’s dark by the time I get to the barn after work and – on weekends – between the weather, bad footing, and a lack of friends who will ride out in almost any conditions as I will, I don’t get out as much as I’d like.
As a result, at this time of year I am often relegated to riding in the indoor arena. I am very grateful that there is an indoor at the barn where I board, but it gets a little boring going around in circles and figure eights day after day.
To fend off cabin fever, my horse and I have been mixing it up a bit with some Liberty work as well as bridleless riding. I have been perusing a variety of natural horsemanship websites and auditing live clinics when I have the opportunity. As you can see from these videos I am a rank beginner and really have no idea what I am doing, but am having a lot of fun with it.
There are a few moments in this video when Tupelo is totally checked out and our backing up needs a lot of work, but I think overall he is pretty engaged.
I have learned from natural horsemanship folks that when your horse makes a mistake, just let it go. Redirect him/her to something else and try again later. Tupelo really tries to please me so, when he doesn’t do what I want, I figure that he is not understanding what I am asking. Later I will go back and work on the problem areas individually and try to be more clear about what I am asking.
I used to wonder if Liberty was just training the horse to ape you. But if you watch horses out in the field they play with each other, and I think that maybe Liberty is as close as we can get to playing with our horses. Tupelo just naturally follows me around wherever I go and when I up my energy, he responds in kind (sometimes!).
The other thing we’ve been trying is riding bareback without a bridle. Tupelo Honey, who is as sweet as his name implies, is very responsive to my leg. I am trying to teach him to also respond to my hand on his withers, so here I am using both. When we get near Kerrie (who is videotaping) it falls apart, but we pull it back together!
He seems to understand that when bareback trotting he needs to keep a nice slow pace. This is probably not out of consideration for me, as I might like to think, but because if he trots too fast I bounce around on his back which can’t be too comfortable for him. I have not quite mastered steering at the trot but still enjoy it.
I am quite proud of these figure eights with no saddle or bridle!
Like I said, I am no expert at Liberty or bridleless riding, and I definitely will not win any prizes. For me it’s just for fun and helps build my relationship with my horse. I believe that any ground work that is done with patience and gentleness is good for both of us. It enhances our relationship and mutual trust. In fact, last weekend Tupelo went through a very difficult obstacle on a trail ride that most horses would never do. I credit the Liberty and bridleless work we have been doing with his willingness to follow where I asked him to go.
What do you do with your horse in winter to keep from going crazy?
Monica
Thanks for the comment! By the way, you show up as “Anonymous” so I don’t know who you are. You are welcome to remain anonymous, buy just wanted you to know. You are obviously a friend who is not in Vermont, so I certainly miss you too!
Looking good Monica! You’re so lucky to have the same horse to ride every day! Really helps to build a relationship of trust. Miss you!