Ursula- I have been "lurking" on the list since its inception, but I felt I had to reply to your question re: Parelli NH methods and Fjords.
First, let me introduce myself and my bud, Bogey to you and the list. We live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but Bogey, who is coming six, came from Keith Brighton at Bear Creek Farms in Montana. Bogey, a red dun, is my first Fjord after many years with Swedish warmbloods. I'm sold on Fjords and hope to have many more when I retire in a few years. I am 50 yrs old, and a "young" grandmother. I am also a dressage rider, and recently, an avid trail rider. Bogey does both admirably! A better trail horse I don't think I could have found. Virtually bombproof. Anyhow, back to Parelli's NH. I started with NH a couple of years ago when I still had the warmbloods. Oh, I forgot to mention I do a lot of volunteer work at a non-profit therapeutic riding facility where Bogey is boarded. One of my volunteer duties is to close up the barn each evening and "tuck in" about 2 dozen horses. I have used the porcupine games to back these guys and gals into their stalls when I close their doors for the night (they are allowed to "hang out" over their stall guards until I close up). These horses, and each new recruit to the program, learned very quickly that when I lay my hand on their nose, they need to back straight into the stall. At ten o'clock at night, I don't have the time, nor the inclination to wrestle 24 horses back into their stalls so I can close their doors. Of course, timing is important, but Bogey was no more resistant to backing than the many Arabs, Apps and QHs owned by the program. Where I have noticed a definite difference, and found more resistance though from my Fjord, is when the porcupine game is "played" laterally. Granted this is a small sample of one, but it surprised me... I have been using PH methods in addition to "clicker" training which I stumbled on in my dog training forays. Clicker training has been really effective - perhaps because the Fjord is so smart?! - and I am in the process of teaching Bogey to fetch a milk jug and bring it back to me (maybe, I just don't have enough to do!!). I use clicker training both on the ground and mounted. To find out more about this method, visit Alexandra Kurland's website at http://www.crisny.org/users/kurlanda or e-mail her at [EMAIL PROTECTED] She has been extremely helpful to me in answering my zillion questions about clicker training the horse. To close, I have found both the PH and clicker methods (they are beautifully compatible training methods), to be the only way I will work with an animal of any species. (I have even used it with my cat to keep her off the kitchen table!) These methods are respectful, kind, and consistent in their results. Both methods are based on the positive reinforcement techniques of Skinner's behavior theory (for the information of any psychology bugs out there). No punishment is ever used. I know I've rambled on here, but I am sold on these training techniques...I hope I've piqued some interest out there for a "kinder, gentler" way of working with animals and especially our beloved Fjords. Good Luck! -----Original Message----- From: Ursula Jensen [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 9:51 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: this and that This message is from: Ursula Jensen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello all...there have been some real good items discussed in the last week...Dave made a good point about fitness, may I add that not letting your Fjords get too svelte ( I'm sensitive about the word fat:) ) over winter. Brian kept our herd a lot trimmer this winter and it has made bringing them back into shape a lot less work. I know that's a hard thing for all of us as these horses have a way of coaching extra rations out of us. Another discussion mentioned Lyons, Parelli and Hemfling etc. which makes me wonder how many Fjord owners are using these more 'natural' methods in their training. Personally, I feel it's the only way to go for Fjords but have found also, that some of the activities such as Parelli's 'Porcupine Game' have interesting reactions. Wheras another breed would react/respond instantly and/or actively, the Fjord will endure much more pressure. Who else has found that? Another item I found interesting was the wiggling of the lead rope to get the horse to back off. My young colt really doesn't care how hard you wiggle the rope, he just stands there. I sure do like the idea of giving our Fjord friends a lot more credit and respect by using some of these more humane methods. I was part of a Natural Horsemanship List until recently and it brought forth many good discussions and information. Hopefull this List will have the same impact for members. Here is something I discovered today....I am sick of all the hair on my jackets when going out to brush the horses. I sprayed 'Static Guard" on my coat today to see if it would help...& by gosh it was so much easier to get rid of the hair. I just shook my jacket and the hair fell off.... Dee Anna...good article on bits...I know you like the research end of horsemanship and can see where your knowledge can be a real asset to this list.That kind of info benefits everyone. There also has been some mention of the Blue Earth Show and the NFHR Evaluation. Just wanted to mention the western equivalent: The Libby Show in Libby Montana in Sept. For those of us out here in the west it's a showcase for our Fjords and a real family oriented experience. The show focuses on a relaxed atmosphere catering to all levels of competition and highlighting the versatility of the Fjord. It's held in conjunction with the local Nordicfest.The Pacific Northwest Promotional Group sponsors this event and has drawn competitors from as far away California,New Mexico, New Hampshire, Vermont, British Columbia, Ontario and the mid-west..just to mention a few. Have NFHR members received their fjord Herald? Some good articles in there, eh? (thought I'd throw the 'eh' in there to make sure you know I'm from Canada. Happy Easter Fjording to you all. Ursula Jensen, Trinity Fjords, Lumby B.C. PS. I'm using Eudora so if I need to change anything in the formating, I would have absolutely no clue as to how....my son Aaren set me up with this and I know how to get in and out and basic use of the program...please let me know if it's a problem. |-------------------------------------------------------| | Ursula & Brian Jensen from Trinity Fjords | | E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
