I'm guessing it's two things, one the fact that he's an ex-race horse thoroughbred and two that we have been neglecting him focussing on Ella's training to bring her up to speed. I haven't known Eli for years but what I do know of him is that he is a well broke horse who has an enormous heart and is gentle. So, to see him so worked up and anxious is unsettling. On the other hand this could be a sign that the glucosamine is working and he's feeling better with the dissipation of stiff joints and arthritis like symptoms. At times like these and with regards to Ella in foal I wish they could talk.
Our instructor Robyn is awesome. She met us in the barn while Eli was turned out in the arena burning off steam and walked threw with me the way to re-establish ground manners then proceeded to tack him up and hop on ( without lunging ) she pointed out how he was hot and wanted to go therefore took him into a controlled trot and noticed that when coming around a left turn she has to hold him back that is how strong racing is bred and trained into him. It's been years since he's been off the track, but the memories are still very present.
After their exercise we brought him back in and put his blanket on, he was a whole lot quieter! I know now he loves to work, strives on direction and structure and really needs a job to keep his mind occupied and focused. I wouldn't say he's a beginners horse, even if he was when we got him it goes to show that not being consistent in a routine will quickly lead to a need for a intermediate or advanced rider. I say that because he reverts back to wanting to race as opposed to reverting back to something like dressage or jumping ( maybe I'm wrong, just my opinion ) for that I am very thankful for Robyn and her training ability and riding skills/experience. She makes it seem so easy and builds confidence in the horse AND the rider! With Ella and the pressure system I would mostly work on a 1-3 scale, but as Eli is a completely different horse ( hot blooded, yet sensitive ) sometimes I need to meet his energy at a 5-7 scale, Robyn showed me how without having me skip to a 8-10 when I didn't need to ( if I were to guess on my own )
Obviously it's in my best interest to work through the scale from 1-10 on my own and determine the proper level of intensity needed, but doing that and being accurate on what you are doing to correct the behavior combined with the timing ( equally as important ) is easier said than done and to be honest most times I struggle with the what or how more than anything.
I have noticed a change in Eli since getting Ella, but I'm thinking it's more the shift in focus on who's being trained/ worked with than him changing ( situational ) so I have faith that with routine and consistency the old Eli will resurface. It's nice to see no matter what he's still the same with regards to communicating to us who makes him feel comfortable and who doesn't. I have no doubt he respects and appreciates Robyn which is too, equally as important. Ive seen him with people he doesn't know or trust. He doesn't want to be the dominant leader, but at times I struggle and when he feels he has to be he wants to leave the barn and becomes difficult whereas I become frustrated and it does not make for an interaction that will produce gratifying results for either of us. I need to do a lot more work myself. I want him to feel safe and therefore relaxed.
We tried Ella's saddle on and it seemed to fit. The 52" girth wasn't quite big enough ( that's Eli's size and he's still got some height on her, another sign she's pregnant perhaps? ) I am going to pick up an extension, should ad 6" or I can move up a size to a 54". Then I'll try it out sitting to make sure it fits and we should be ok.
Back out in the paddock we gave them their feed, some hay, mucked the paddocks a bit and spent some time hanging out. I noticed the two filly foals looking over the fence at Ella, not sure if they were interested in the feed or thinking there's a Momma lol. They certainly are cutie pies!!
Difference between the Thoroughbred and Standardbred:
Link: Thoroughbred & Standardbred Horse
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