Level 2 Lessons
Using the 22' line and carrot stick and string as needed, we started
with obstacles arranged here and there in a large field,
including:
- while standing behind a jump standard, circling our horse, disengaging
hindquarters and backing the horse between two poles. I wish I had a way
to diagram this.
- squeeze game over a jump and back
- yoyo back over a pole
- porcupine sideways while straddling a pole
- driving sideways while straddling a pole
- porcupine or drive sideways so horse ends up straddling a pole
lengthwise, then walk off forward or backward while still straddling
lengthwise the pole
- sit in chair and yoyo back between two empty soda bottles on the
ground and forwrd again, then send around twice with circle and squeeze
over two barrels on their sides set up directly behind (and off aways)
where you're sitting in the chair, then disengage and send backwards
through the two bottles again
- squeeze over a logs jump (series of upright 2' diameter logs side by
side) while sitting in a chair facing away from the jump
**********
Then we played the games with variations, again on 22' line (keeping the
line touching the ground, acting as if it wasn't there, in preparation
for Level 2 at liberty tasks).
- friendly with a large toy ball, including playing toss and catch over
the horses' backs
- friendly with carrot stick and string, rhythmically whacking it on the
ground and gently flogging the horse, from all zones
- porcupine from nose, backing in circles and curves, generally using
that to get from here to there around obstacles and other horses, etc.
- porcupine zone 2 with stick, to move forequarters at least 1/2 circle
- porcupine zone 4 with stick, to move hindquarters full circle
- porcupine zone 3 to move sideways away from you
- porcupine from zone 5 to move forewards and then backwards
- drive from zone 3 while standing close to horse to move horse straight
forward
- yoyo back and forth over a pole
- drive zone 4 to move horse toward you while you are running backward
and horse is trotting toward you
- circle at the trot and change directions maintaining the trot
- friendly while you're standing on a raised object (chair, log, etc.)
and drive horse sideways to you
**********
Then we moved to some riding tasks, focussing on steering with eyes,
belly button, legs, direct rein, carrot stick... looking to get a good
reaching step sideways with the front, and looking to get that with
lower and lower phases.
Level 2 Imagination Tasks:
I backed my horse into my horse truck from the end of my 22 ft rope. He had
to back up the ramp, stop at the top and turn sideways ready for me to shut
him in.
A study group friend of mine got her horse to step onto and stand on a
wobbly platform and got him rocking it around, then she climbed onto him.
Another did a trail class gate bareback and bridless...with just a string
around her horses neck.
For mine I loaded my horse into the float with brightly coloured door strips
hanging over the entrance.
A friend hung out her washing bareback and bridleless then took it off the
line all whilst hanging onto a washing basket. See folks you CAN combine
your housework with your horse. BTW she hung out a queen size sheet for
added difficulty.
Another was mounted on one horse standing on a platform then asked
another horse to get onto another platform on the 22' line. Took a fair bit
of skill and being clear about what you are asking.
Another had her horse play fetch with a carrot stick.
Very amusing story here. Whilst working on a task one day and having to up
the phases she dropped her c/s. Next thing she knows the horse has picked up
the c/s and handed it back to her. Very useful to teach your horse this.
Think of the possibities when you are out there bareback and drop your c/s.
Mine would probably not be considered very imaginative for most horses but my horse
started out being very bothered by ropes on or close to his rear.
I taught him when I would swing my lariat he was to come to me and walk through the
loop. As he walk through I closed it around his flank and lead him backwards in a
circle by the rope.
For my imagination task I unsaddled and unbridled
my horse while I was still on him, and took my stuff
and put it on the fence. Then walked to the gate and
hopped off.
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