It’s a beautiful winter’s morning. I’m planning to film our first video, actually the first video I’ve ever shot, of our worming practice, parallel walking and grooming her face. The arena will be the ideal location as it’s bright, and the easiest environment for Xena, as I’d like her to be at liberty for part of the video. I have my fingers crossed that no one has plans for a morning ride!
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What We Did Today
9:15 to 11:30 a.m. = 2 hours, 15 minutesCounting the Minutes
- Warm-up
We do a quick run-though of the Seven Games℠ and our Parellel Walking Game, which helps Xena become mentally connected to me. This way when I allow her to be at liberty, she’ll choose to follow me around the arena or stand in one spot and watch me; either way, she’s catchable. If I release her too soon, she’s more connected to the barn than to me, and catching her is more time consuming.
- Parallel Walking Game
I decide to film the Parellel Walking game first, walking the length of the arena in both directions. Personally I’d prefer not to be in the video at all, but it’s kind of unavoidable. Although it is interesting to watch myself, as I can see several things I’d like to improve upon. Xena looks great and I’m able to capture a bit of her frantic run, (without asking for it) which will work well as a ‘before’ shot.
- Grooming Her Face
Next, with Xena at liberty I film as I groom her face with a towel. She stands perfectly, never moving a step out of place. We do quite well with the game and I’m happy with the video.
- Worming Practice
By this time one rider has entered the arena, and while we film this last game, two more riders begin their warm-up. Considering that this is the first time I’ve shown Xena the practice syringe, and there are three riders walking behind us, I think we did great. I need to re-evaluate the steps of worming and break it down to smaller chunks, as Xena is obviously worried about the syringe — for the moment.
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