Blah, blah, blah. This is the 4th day in a row my bowels have bothered me. Perhaps it's the heat? Too much to eat? Lack of sleep? I'm in too deep? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps? Spring became the summer, and it's been hot as a Neil Diamond concert here - 105 degrees yesterday, probably more in the sand arena. Nic and I haven't been doing anything intense lately because of the anvil of the heat wave, so there isn't much to report.
The big drama lately hasn't had anything to do with training Nic, but rather, with work. Interpersonal conflicts, etc, so anything worth writing about that's associated with Nic has taken a back burner in my thoughts these days.
Mr. Sister suggested riding Nic on a long rein for 2 weeks with the intent to make her stretch down, seek the bit, and promote self-carriage. I'm all for it, right or wrong, meek or strong - the horse was held up too long by Trainer, and now seems to not hold herself, and instead brace against the bit. Napalm's idea of riding her with her neck higher up does not seem to promote any bracing or reduce self carriage in the horse, but I can't see why releasing her to a longer rein would be counterproductive, especially since I'm not as well versed in this methodology as Napalm, and don't want to screw it up and cause more damage.
I figure we have nothing to lose at this point, so why not take a breather over the next 2 weeks (and through the heat wave) and test out the stretching on a loose rein. At least she can't brace her neck, seeing as how there is nothing to brace against. She is still sweating on her topline, so I know those muscles are getting worked.
I took a lesson with the barn owner, Lula May, a couple weeks ago, during Napalm's absence. Napalm was in Raleigh to try to qualify some horses for the 2007 FEI World Breeding Championships.
The next time I see Lula May and Napalm, I may run by them the idea of riding Nic on a long rein (stretching) for 2 weeks.
