CONNECTIONS: Re: What does "Join up" mean to you?

» Alisha - Re: What does "Join up" mean to you?

I have watched novices to professionals use the round pen to create a connection with horses.An interesting aspect of hook up is that under the guidance of an accomplished horseperson, even the novice is successful.

Another interesting thing is what it reveals about the horse and the human as individuals. Personality and horse-anality problems become evident quite quickly.

As an example, a horse that may have been considered passive is suddenly resentful. A human that is timid will be pushed by the horse.

Myself, I have accomplished join up using a stick with a plastic bag on the end, a soft rope and nothing more than my body language.

Understanding how horses relate to each other and how we, as predators, appear to them is paramount to success.

Overall, I consider this technique to be the most valuable tool to initiate a relationship with a horse regardless of age, gender or breed.

Hope that helps.

-- posted by Alisha