Calmer on the Right

This was our first play session since I decided to train Xena 60% on the right side, and 40% on the left. I concentrated on being softer in my commands, and for the most part we played versions of the Circling Game℠ with frequent changes of directions, so that Xena was moving in an arc most of the time.

The Parelli™ program recommends frequent changes of direction for right-brained extroverts like Xena because of its calming affect. It worked well for us tonight — Xena coped well, and did a very pretty trot to the right on several occasions.

What We Did Tonight
7:40 to 9:45 p.m. = 2 hours, 5 minutes  Counting the Minutes

• Undemanding Time at Xena’s Stall
  The arena was busy with private lessons using several trotting poles, so we stayed in her stall until about 8:50 p.m. Mainly I just leaned against the wall while she ate her hay. It was nice because she checked-in with me every 3 or 4 minutes.

• Walking & Circling
  In the arena I concentrated on keeping us moving. The mares have been in the barn for two days due to bad weather, so I wanted to give Xena an opportunity to run around (the mares were tuned-out in the arena during the day). We played
  Yo-yo Game℠, falling leaf game and Circling Game℠ with frequent changes of direction at the trot — I’ve figured out the trick of folding the rope and stepping backwards to ask for a change of direction.

  Xena had a few fast paced moments, but each time I asked her to turn-in, take a little break and try again. The breaks seemed to be important tonight as it gave her a moment to relax and reconnect with me.

Yo-yo Game℠ and Circling Game℠ are service marks, and Parelli™ is a trademark of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc.