I’m in a horse development program something like Karate. It’s called Parelli Levels Program. We are given tasks to do in four different areas: Finesse, Free Style, On-Line and Liberty and we get different color ropes when we pass a Level. I’m working on getting my black rope with Fancy. It’s the highest level for a non professional. I have passed L4 Finesse with Fancy.
Because I am a self confessed bragger, I offer you the video of Fancy and my Level Four Finesse “Swan Lake” audition: https://youtu.be/_Luz9CkYjO4?si=bSMFRwgk-yhLht9r
Hint, read the description so you will understand.
Now I have to do all the required tasks for Free Style without using a bridle. You can have the bridle on your horse, just don’t use it. There is cantering, walking jumping and trotting tasks along with side pass and back. You can also use one or two carrot sticks.
Fancy and I are ready! We can do all this. I’ve got her neck rope on, bridle is there for safety. We practiced. I lied about being ready. During our cantering practice, Fancy’s GO personality came out. Her slowing down personality during the canter failed to show up. Pulling back on the rope as the signal to slow down wasn’t working. Dang.
On the truck and trailer ride home, my right arm bicep muscles, were very sore. What? Could I actually been pulling back that hard with the neck rope to slow her down.
later it occurred to me I wasn’t holding my carrot stick. I was going too fast to think about using a carrot stick to turn anyway!
Good Lordy! I’ve missed a signal. Fancy secretly knows how to slow down when my body asks, but she likes to GO. The rope pulling on her neck doesn’t exist.
I’m a poor horse developer! My arm is really sore. I’m mad at my self and it hurts to lift my right arm higher up on the steering wheel.
Stay tuned for further adventures with mad Susan. We are taking a Christmas break!
