Crabby-ness & Confidence ~ Lily's Log # 36

So today didn't go nearly as well as I would have liked, but there were a few bright spots.

Kiowa really wanted to be close, but it felt more like she was using my soft spot for her wanting hugs to get out of doing anything more than actually wanting to be close me. I have to admit, it was kind of a blow to my ego to realize that my horse can manipulate me emotionally! She was very crabby today, more so from the heat than anything else, I think. We did make some strides when she offered her back for mounting and we rode very briefly. That seemed to be enough, so we left it at that.

Lily started out very disrepectful, yanking and darting to the end of the 45ft line anytime I ask her for anything. I started to get frustrated, but then decided it would be better to change the game than to argue with her. I brought her in close and asked her for very small, concentrated movements (forehand turns, sideways towards and away from me, and yo-yo, all one step at a time) in order to get her to start engaging mentally. That seemed to help, so I sent her out about 10 feet from me and gave her little tasks to try which she attempted without the flailing she was doing earlier. Even her figure 8's are getting softer. I walked over and stood on the mounting block and, with just a "smooch", she came straight over and lined up for mounting. I rubbed her and she blew and chewed and I could feel her relax. I threw a leg over her (without putting my weight on, just my leg) and then laid across her back a few times. I have never been able to stay on for more than 5-10 seconds without Lily getting nervous, confused or impatient and moving, but the last time I got on, she let me stay for a full minute, solid as a rock! I actually got off before she thought about moving and she seemed so comfortable with the idea of my being on her. She had always seemed to introvert and/or become very skeptical of my being on her before. I could really feel the change in Lily today.

For all the challenges that the girls presented today, I am proud of where Lily and I left off and of myself for maintaining my calm and not getting frustrated with either of them.

A good day!