In February 2011 Xena and I will have completed 2 years of Parelli groundwork training, and I expect we’ll be working at Level 3 Online and Liberty. I think it’s time to formalize a plan for restarting her, and myself as her rider.
Xena was started as a young horse during her years in Alberta with Sue, but she was rarely ridden. Then came her years as a PMU mare and later as a frightened rescue at Barb’s barn, and Xena was basically too wild to ride. She did have several weeks of professional training and riding, but she didn’t cope well and in the end the experience left her trembling and traumatized. The last rider was bucked off within moments, and she’s now been unridden for 3 or 4 years.
Xena, as a Rideable Mare
The pre-Parelli Xena was described as explosive, very agitated, and that what she needed was a strong, confident, gentle rider. Today she’s a very different mare; she’s so confident and trusting and I have complete faith in the bond between us. As long as I protect her confidence, I know that we’ll both be okay.
I plan to ease Xena into the concept of riding, by patiently helping her to understand each skill individually. Pat Parelli describes this as isolate, separate and recombine, and I know it works because I’ve used this method with Xena from Day One.
Me, as Xena’s Rider
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Xena’s past trainers were far better riders than me. But I have her trust, and I think that will compensate for whatever skills I may lack.
I’m a novice/intermediate level rider, and yesterday I called my favorite riding coach and arranged to start up weekly riding lessons again. I gave up riding a year ago, because I wanted to devote all my time to Xena’s groundwork. And honestly, I didn’t miss it. But now, I think riding will take on a completely new meaning for me, because it will be with a mare I adore.
Xena's YouTube Channel