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Kristie

@beyondthevertical

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Beyond the Vertical Equestrian
Horsewoman w/ blindness
ONH 💜
The Partnership Process ✝️
Helping to develop horses & their people to thrive together

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Since it’s that month again….

A look at a close but not actual representation of what I see out of a small central portion of my right eye, as well as I can make one.

Yes, I only have a small central portion that’s in sorta but not really focus but gets really blurry on bad days. I’ve been trying to recreate it the best I can but it’s so hard to get it right or explain what my right eye has in its limited vision.

With nothing on the left that means no depth perception either. At least the horses and I have that in common. Lol.

February is low vision awareness month… I’m generally not one to celebrate disabilities as I feel God made us this way for a reason so we can help others. However sometimes I feel it’s important for others to get an idea of what is seen in my world. At least no one has wrinkles right?!? Visually impaired life has its challenges and days of depression but over all I’m blessed to be here and be able to do as much as I am able to. I push myself hard (that’s a whole other story) but I’d rather go after things than sit back and wish I had. Experiences don’t all have to be seen in focus… they can be taken in, in so many ways. So here’s a glimpse into my world…

#lowvision #visuallyimpairedlife #visuallyimpaired #onh #opticnervehypoplasia by @beyondthevertical

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8 months ago

Great mid week ride… I love how the work keeps creating trusting, confident happy horses. I like getting out of the arena occasionally though I love the detail work of training. These horses are so good for the soul.

#horsegirl #andalusianhorse #trailrides ##horsecrazy by @beyondthevertical

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5 days ago

Sometimes Remi just needs to let it all loose, stretch out and move… other days he could care less. I knew he needed this today instead of work and boy did he. Happy boy!!

@michellerojo he’s definitely feeling good. Not perfect but feeling good!

#ottb #ottbsofinstagram #horseofinstagram #happyhorse #ottblove by @beyondthevertical

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18 days ago

After a week of high temps and humidity we are back to work and Cabri’s progress is coming along…

Very proud of this filly and the way she came back to work. A bit of spice because why be boring when trees are being trimmed but otherwise lovely in her work on becoming more self regulated.

Once again nudging her headstall she seems to enjoy the riding so we went for that as her cool down and relaxation but sprinkled in a few transitions of groundwork into the saddle. Upon asking for a bit more she opened up her walk and took a few steps of trot so I took that and moved on back to what she understood better. I’m glad she’s feeling good about the riding. This offers us a chance to never teach bad habits if we can ovoid it by taking each piece and making sure it’s understood then moving on. As she grows up I’m liking her new way of being more, still has her opinions but becoming so sweet and honest.

Good job Cabri.

🐴👩🏽‍⚕️ @jackiekasinger

#horselife #horsetraining #aztecahorse #darkhorse #horses by @beyondthevertical

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20 days ago

I’m not a huge fan of the word and concept of desensitization, I’d rather reframe the perception of the introduction of new objects in what I call “Stupid human tricks.”

Introducing scary things where the horse is in control and gets to be curious helps create play rather than worry. Including play with the tools when appropriate can ease tension and guide them more towards release within the body and mind. Let them understand the object rather than “learn to deal with it.”

Blaze is a great example of this process. Love his self redirection of anxiety with the objects we’ve been working with. Not to mention he’s hysterical…. A comedian this one is.

📸 & 🩵 @michellerojo

#horses #horsetraining #desensitization #quarterhorse headshakers by @beyondthevertical

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a month ago

Let’s discuss tolerance (freeze response) vs curiosity & understanding.

There are a lot of horses that seem to be ok with scary things being around, on and interacting with them however taking a really close look at those horses you will find some things in that tell a different story than them being “ok” with those objects. A clenched jaw, worried eye, foot placement or muscle tension tell a story of a horse tolerating yet ready to go if needed. These horse will most likely tolerate scary thing for a long time and one day they don’t. A blow up can happen at any time with a horse that has been taught to tolerate not understand. It may never happen but in most cases a behavior comes “out of nowhere” and that’s really not the case it’s been building inside the horse. This is such an unfortunate situation for both horse and rider or anyone that handles the horse.

A horse that is curious and understanding has a relaxed jaw even licking and chewing, releasing air/blowing out, head down, a relaxed eye, back foot cocked/relaxed, and is seeking out the object to explore it at times. This is when rewards come… seek out these behaviors, give them time to manifest.

Clear cues, rewarding curiosity and allowing full understanding of what’s being asked can avoid this tolerance problem. Timing rewards is huge so the horse can think between asks and allowed to process will also be key in successful results.

Reframing old ways in a reframing case takes time however those keys to unlocking what your horse can truly be can increase trust, connection and allowing full understanding your horse to really want to work for you.

#trust #horsetraining #reactivity #horses #groundwork by @beyondthevertical

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2 months ago

“Colt starting” a better option than the word “breaking” however I prefer “partnership process “ because…. Let’s make it so the horse actually wants to be around you, connect with you, feels relaxed within itself, want you aboard and participate rather than live its life in fear, reactivity and learned helplessness.
Your energy and patience are priceless, use them to create something beautiful.
Cabri is coming along so well in her progress that the training has become fun and meaningful for her. Can’t wait to see how she blossoms going forward.

#horsetraining #coltstarting #firstride #younghorse #partnership by @beyondthevertical

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2 months ago

Some days it’s just the right time to move forward and try a new thing.

Today was one of those days so I reached up and removed Stuff gars hackamore and said let’s go with just the neck rope. I have a leather neck piece that is soft and easy to use. Proofing balance and self control was the takeaway for today and just solidifying connection. Definitely a success and very happy with this beautiful girl and her progress. This will make things easier for her momma as the self carriage/regulation is stronger and she is communicated with in multiple ways for a safe ride.

I love how riding is an ever evolving process and we never get to perfection. It makes for such a beautiful experience for both horse and rider.

#neckroperiding #pov #horsetrainerlife #trust #horsetraining by @beyondthevertical

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2 months ago

As I’m watching one colic case get better each day this becomes so much more important.

Hot and unusually humid for our area weather can increase a horse’s risk for colic, especially when hydration, age, work load and feeding schedules change.

There are a few ways you can help support digestive health by:

~ Providing clean, fresh (cool if possible) water
~ Encouraging water intake especially with work.
~ Making feed changes very gradual
~ Keeping routines as consistent as possible
~ Monitoring appetite, manure production, water intake and behavior even if it seems minor.

Every management decision can make a big difference in supporting your horse’s comfort throughout the summer.

#colic #horses #equinedigestivehealth #horsehealth #horseknowledge by @beyondthevertical

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2 months ago

Making the first few experiences with a human aboard should be happy, relaxed and positive and today was no exception.

Cabri did fabulously today as we keep adding pieces to the puzzle of being ridden. I stepped up for a first sit last week then again today. Getting mounting down in a calm steady way is of upmost importance so I don’t skip these pieces especially for certain personality types in horses. I love how much changing and growing this filly has done as it’s creating a great atmosphere to move forward in. Can’t wait to keep her story going and see how she adjusts to new experiences with a rider.

Breaking down into smaller pieces anything you want to teach can give you a better, more clear opportunity to allow the horse to learn.

A proud mommy moment for @jackiekasinger with her little girl.

#horsetraining #coltstarting #firstride #azteca #aztecahorse by @beyondthevertical

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2 months ago

My big barn buddy is back. He tolerates me getting close and walking by him. Tonight he wanted to hunt though so I let him be.

#owl #owlobsession #sunset #owlphotography #owllovers by @beyondthevertical

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3 months ago

This young filly has come a long way, grown so much and is becoming so sweet. With all the nice changes and her communication becoming lighter yet acknowledged, she’s embracing more bravery and making great decisions for herself and staying more in relaxation on her own. Don’t get me wrong, her sass isn’t completely gone it’s just softening and that’s making things easier for her.

I ended today’s session stepping into the stirrup and doing lay overs and yes with everything still on lol. This girl definitely appreciates good timing and her releases. If you let her think things through she’s going to get it. So each time she went out to work with her “clothes” on we do belly or chest scratches after. She especially loved those at the mounting block as it was getting warmer. Most likely last day getting to wear your mask kiddo, onto the bonnet and getting to see that pretty face because we’ll be changing headwear.

Good job today Cabri, @jackiekasinger, her momma, gets more proud moments.

#horses #aztecahorse #horsetraining #horselife #horselover by @beyondthevertical

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3 months ago