*sigh* So, since my last post in April I have taken Mercy to 2 Ricky Quinn clinics, the one in April and another one in August. I will admit, I got a lot out of them but I also fell more and more discouraged about my relationship with Mercy. She *technically* does everything I ask of her, but with a nasty expression on her face and there is absolutely no 'try' anymore.
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And I know it's me who made her change. I have been really frustrate with how things have gone since I started riding her again (after a 6 months lay-off period for a significant leg injury). She is naughty on the trails, still bucks almost every time I ask her to lope, and is generally uncooperative under saddle. I tried bringing her back slowly, literally starting at the basics again, but something had changed in her. So I tried challenging her by expecting her to at least know where we were before this accident happened. That's where I think I went wrong.
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She isn't the same horse. Mentally or physically.
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I pushed her too hard, too fast. Even though that is what I thought she needed. Now, even when I am being as light as I possibly can be with her, things quickly escalate out of hand. She tries bolting, bucking, taking the bit away, and generally tries to out think me, even when doing simple stuff like move the hindquarters.
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And now winter is here. I can't get home before dark and the trails are soon going to be too slick to do anything more than a walk.
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I don't really know what the next step is. I would love to talk lessons from a local trainer, but he is not very willing to do haul-in lessons. And I cannot afford full time board and training.
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My plan for now is to try and haul out once or twice a week to a local indoor arena. Because if I don't keep trying nothing will get better. Ever.
.JPG)
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