This message is from: "Werner, Kristine" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi Ann You should indeed attend the Pat Parelli course, if you can. I was there as a spectator and got more out of it than if I had had my horse there with to distract me. The "gamey" aspect is truly the key - I could tell that Kai was astounded by some of the simplest things, which of course I never would have come up with myself. For example, that he should not turn away from me when I am standing beside him, brushing him or whatever. If he turns his head to the right when I am standing left, I simply "touch" him with the crop on my side. He then turns toward me - looking for the irritant - realizes its me and then I leave him alone. Soon, all of that touching becomes bothersome for him and he starts chewing and paying attention to me. These are small issues of utmost importance (according to Parelli & others). Another thing that seems to have changed Kai´s mind about things is the idea that I can persuade him to go backwards. It is generally said that this is an important part of gaining dominance over the horse, whose first thought and reflex is motion to the fore. Parelli encourages using a lead and slapping it with the "carrot stick" he "invented" (a non-flexible orange colored crop w/ a whip) to send the horse backwards to the end of the line. The animal should then stay put until prompted to come forward. Another way to move your horse backward is to apply hand pressure to the horse`s nose and push him backward - the amount of pressure depends upon his compliance with your command. I tried this method out on Kai - a light press sufficed - and sent him around the flat - 20 or so steps. Boy, was he confused. "What`s going on?" he seemed to querie. I practiced this several times during a one or two week period. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was beginning to understand the necessity of his subjection to me. The reality that someone or thing could prompt him to go backwards so easily - and that he did not resist. This was new. Because Kai´s defiance streak underscores a rascally but sweet nature (he is only 4), I felt that these exercises were necessary to prove my "superiority" over him. On the other hand, after those several sessions of backwards propulsion, I realized that Kai, who is also very sensitive and by no means dumb, had understood the lesson and began to take my commands for him to step back as a kind of punishment. Therefore, I have made it a practice to have him backup when I would otherwise have to go around or duck under him (the horse should ALWAYS budge for us and not the other way around - something the horse is constantly aware of but that we tend to forget) or if the way is blocked etc.. Nowadays all I need to do is say - "backup, backup Kai" and he knows what it`s all about. Super ! And the greatest thing is that he doesn`t seem to be bothered by that command any carries it out gladly. It is so wonderful to have the feeling now that we understand each other. And all because of this simple little exercise. He is happier, I am ecstatic. There were so many other games taught in those sessions - if you can, attend ! It will open your eyes to the world of horse thinking. They are clever and they are always conscious of what`s going on around them and reason on the basis of our actions, of which we are not always aware ourselves. But this course will help you in that regard. Marsha: You are right, too, I guess: feelings are bruised so quickly and inadvertently. I was recently told what not to do and it made me mad at first - later, of course, I had to admit that my "mentor" was right. Feelings and especially pride should not get in the way of safety, though, for goodness sake. Imagine smugly sitting around, spectator to an accident that you could have prevented. That is crazy - irresponsible and without conscience. Regards, Kristine > -----Original Message----- > From: Mark and Ann Restad [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Dienstag, 6. Oktober 1998 20:21 > To: Fjordhorse List > Subject: re: blessing, and sharing knowledge > > This message is from: Mark and Ann Restad <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > In response to Kristine Werner, thank you for encouraging all to share > > what they know. I am interested that you enjoyed your Pat Perelli > course with Kai. It may actually be a possiblility to attend one up > here, so i am interested. I was thinking that the "game" aspect of a > > lot of it would appeal to Dro/y; he is too smart and really gets bored > > easily. Besides, if I don't initiate the games, he will! Keep me > posted with Kai. > Re blessing the animals, I know that if I took Dro/y to be blessed, he > > would be sure that HE was the one that would bless or not bless, thank > > you very much! > ann