videos

[gottawonder]

This first video is the freestyle River and I did for Halloween. While his energy level was REALLY LOW in this one, for what reason I do not know, I appreciate how well he tolerated the temporary hair dye I used on him, and my crazy outfit, and dragging the big "snake" around. He did everything I asked of him, even though he was REALLY SLOW. I learned how to edit the music so I could make it closer to four minutes to enter into our virtual show, and while it's not perfect, it's PRETTY COOL that I figured that out in one night. My husband had to do a lot of work finding free software and downloading it first. It takes a village. Or I guess at least a dynamic duo.

https://youtu.be/MORHQh6XmmM?si=l6fsbNDyGZ4yZ-4U



This is the fun obstacle course (not competitive) that R put together for Halloween this year. She does this every year, and comes up with fun, "spooky" elements like the inflated cat at the back and the skeleton hanging from the "gate", and of course, my big snake got a second use. River seemed to be in a pretty good mood for this one.

https://youtu.be/UJRQ4DF_XMA?si=9eOgVx6S_WrQs09C

Comments

[cf2princessawnw]

I've watched both videos. I know you've put a lot of work into your performance both in the Artistry and the actual Maneuvers. The main thing that I can tell is just what a great connection River has to you. He's 100% trusting, and I know that that work takes much longer than even the music editing and outfits. You should feel proud of all you've accomplished and find a way to celebrate it. It was really great when your husband was able to help with the software too so that he was a part of things and helping you where you needed it.
The part I liked about the obstacle course the best was the beginning with the ball and his kicking it. Seems like you all had fun including R who I'm guessing was taping it.

I'm sure you must be excited to see the possibilities of where you can further go in your Liberty work given what a strong bond you already have established. Best of luck with it

[gottawonder]

Thank you for watching and really taking them in. I try not to post too much stuff like this, but the freestyles always involve an enormous amount of work, and it's nice to share that with people because...this is what I'm doing with my life.

River and I have done a LOT of obstacle work now, to the point where he's very relaxed and comfortable with many different things. It made it a lot easier to introduce him to the big snake, because we had done work dragging things before. It only took him about an hour to be comfortable dragging it.

I do appreciate how far we've come, and I try to remember it any time I feel like we aren't making progress. When I came to R's barn about four years ago, River wouldn't likely have been able to do any of those obstacles without freaking out, much less do them with only a neck rope.

I do hope we can do more cool things in the future, hopefully do more Liberty work that feels very fluid and connected like we're wonderful dance partners.

The ball: River does have fun kicking it, but you should see some of the other horses at the barn when they get a chance to play with it! They try to pick it up with their teeth (it's one of those yoga balls inside a cloth cover) and shake it, and one horse likes to half jump on it and so on. I should try to get permission to record some of those, it's hilarious.

[cf2princessawnw]

👍🏻