ANONYMOUS POSTER: >My post was rejected (on a Classical Dressage List) out of hand because it smacked of clicker >training, although it was never mentioned. Just the mere notion that >one would 1) start over, 2) break the problem down, and 3) positively >reinforce steps in the right direction was considered NOT CLASSICAL. >Frankly my answer to that is OIY VAY!! Of course it is!!!
MY REPLY:
I agree - absolutely!!! In fact, I will go as far as to say if "Classical" is all about using equipment and gadgets, then I have no interest in it and will stop right now all the while blowing raspberries.
When I work with a horse I want that horse to be tuned into "me" and be willing to "lie down" its life for me -- and ultimately, the same attitude is returned to the horse from me. It's not fair to expect the horse to do all the work! *vbg* The way to achieve this kind of relationship is to make sure that the human is doing everything possible to communicate clearly and understandably to the horse. I know the frustration *I* feel when someone is trying to explain something to me and I'm not fully understanding what is being conveyed -- I get frustrated and the "conveyor" becomes angry then the focus turns to hurt and confused feelings instead of the task at hand. The same applies to working with horses. Once frustration and discord come into play in a task or a relationship, the focus shifts to that discord. If the human is not willing to take a step back to try to clarify and, instead, deems the horse "stupid" or "worthless" or "dull" then the human will reap exactly what is due.
When working with any animal it is the responsibility of the HUMAN to conduct the symphony, if you will -- offer correct, concise cues at all time either from the ground or from the saddle. It's not up to the horse to try to make the humans life easier -- that's our job. If it means stepping back to lesson #1 for review and working our way back up to lesson #8, then that's what is needed. Throwing on equipment and gadgets to try to fill in gaps of missing education is not going to clarify anything. It will only add to the confusion pile. Reinforcing the behavior that is desired only
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