It Only Takes a Whisper
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- SonDanz
- caballus
- kezza63
- caballus
- syringa
- kezza63
- kezza63
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» SonDanz - Me and my horse
G.B.J.S. , I have been reading all your articles. I find them all interesting. I have done some experimenting with your methods. The horse in your pocket one, for example. Just pretending to be interested in the rocks or whatever. Took out a sugar cube as if to eat it. Guess who comes over. Today walked into corral with groombrush and comb, here he comes, so I combed his mane ect, he stands and is very cooperative. I then walk away about 30 feet and beckon him to come which he does, give him a sugar cube and good boy and leave. This is such a new way of thinking for me. This is a horse that resents a take charge attitude, I'm the boss kind of thing. Will see how it goes? Dianne Dianne-- posted by SonDanz
» caballus - Re: Me and my horse
In response to message posted by SonDanz:Hi Dianne! *S* First, my apologies for the delay in my reply to you. It's been a bit crazy around here with vacations, wedding plans (daughter!)plus trying to maintain the season's horse activities! I do apologize.
Yes, this is a different way of thinking for both horse and handler! Many conventional horse people have never heard of such things. But, it only reinforces the importance of understanding the equine mind and manner. The more one understands the way horses are wired and think, the better one can work with the horse in an effective, gentle, non-violent manner. After all - horses are, basically, a gentle grazing animal. They are not aggressive. They are *defensive* but that is something different from aggression, isn't it? If a horse exhibits aggressive behavior it is essential to understand that this type of behavior stems from the defense position.
Horses are wired to "follow the leader" ... whether it be human or equine. If, in a herd of two - the human and horse - the human does not exhibit the behaviors of "leader" (not "alpha" but "leader" - there *is* a difference) then the horse will take that position. It HAS to by instinct. Instinctively the horse has a very regimented social hierarchy. There simply has to be a leader. A consistent, assertive, kind leader is one to which horses "naturally" gravitate. A leader who puts forth safety, consideration, kindness and assertiveness. Mind you - assertiveness is ENTIRELY different from 'aggression" ... there should NEVER be aggression when working with a horse. The human should always, always, display an assertive character. As with the horse, human aggression stems from one thing -- fear. If a human is exhibiting aggression with a horse then that person needs to really examine his or her foundations and figure out where his or her own fears lie. Tough stuff!! A horse is truly the "mirror" of ourselves ... that, too, can be pretty rough to digest.
Sounds like you're on the right track! Keep it up and if there is anything with which I can help, please feel free to contact me at santa@kersur.net
*S* --Gwen
-- posted by caballus
» kezza63 - Nervous Pony
I have just purchased a gorgeous pony a real sweety ,for my daughters .I like to take things real slow and noticed that he was nervous and very tense even jumpy at times, although very well behaved. I decided to track down his history a little more and found a previous owner. "He said he was a bad pony that he would not load on the truck one day at a show ,so he took him down the back of the showgrounds and gave him the treatment!!",when he finally got him home he put the pony in a yard and gave him the full treatment , but it just make him worst ,"he is just a downright bad pony." The next owner on the 2nd day put their child on him and he bucked her off so they sold him. I have decided I am not going to give up on him .My daughters and I have started the Parelli method of natural horsemanship with the pony. Ground games and lots of love and petting ,I rub him all over everyday with my hands and his halter. Now that we understand why he is so nervous ,our goal is to have a happy confident pony that my daughters can ride. Already we love him dearly if anyone has any ideas or experiences with beaten horse's and gaining their trust , we would love to here from you.-- posted by kezza63
» caballus - Re: Nervous Pony
In response to message posted by kezza63:Hi there. Well, one thing I can think of is very important ... always go only as fast as the pony can handle. There is no need to cause him further fear and mistrust in humans. If he shows apprehension that is about to make him have to move his feet, back off. Give him a bit of room and minutes to "think about it" then try again. Whatever it is you are doing. Also, I would work "Connections" on him immediately. Not "driving" him in the roundpen, tiring him out and causing him fear, but merely asking him to move and staying with him. If *he* decides he wants to stop or change direction, get him going again in the same direction. A couple of rounds in one direction, a couple in the other, not for too long. But, make sure that it is *you* telling him where he may go, how fast and in what direction. By getting to his feet, you will get to his mind and change whatever notion he might have about being the "leader". This is easily integrated (and should be done prior to any friendly games) ... with PP program. The "Connections" is what is going to make or break your relationship w/him.
Good luck and keep us posted!
*S* --caballus
-- posted by caballus
» kezza63 - Re: Re: Nervous Pony
In response to message posted by caballus:Thanks for your help , I will go back and go over the "connections" . I think we are making progress , very slowly . In the first 3 weeks he stood under a big tree at the bottom of our paddock and only came out to drink , we fed him under there as he would not eat anywhere else.
We would put his halter on and take him out into our house yard or park to graze and just add interest to his day , he is happy while we were with him , but as soon as we would leave him he would run back to us or if he could not see us then back to his paddock. He still does the same out of his paddock although he has gained confidence in his paddock. He now leave's his tree to graze. When ever he see's us he call's out , he really wants our attention. I just hope I can get him to the stage that he will be a safe mount for my daughter's .Do you think he will loose his nervousness?
-- posted by kezza63
» kezza63 - Re: Re: Nervous Pony
In response to message posted by syringa:Thanks for your reply , I feel we are making progress , he definitely seems more settled . I will try and borrow a camera to put a pic of him on as he is a real cutie. He is definitely getting lots of love . we don't have a stable yet and every time it rains my daughters bring him up under our verandah , he loves the attention.
-- posted by kezza63
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