This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Kate Joe's horseanality sounds so much like Henry's!!! LBI that can be unconfident (but not fearful - yes there is a difference!!!) and RB in unfamiliar surroundings. I know he is not looking at me as the leader "yet" (my marshmallow personality shining brightly!) and I am trying my darndest at times - but his horseanality is different/new/intriguing for me and I am still trying to learn how to "read" him (i.e., unconfident/fearful/confident but not motivated, etc.etc.etc.). Then, when I push him - he can at times push back and I must mirror/match and oh my! this has been a great learning experience, that's for sure. But - each day gets better and better. Last week, we "joined up" at liberty in the outdoor sand ring (no round pen where I board) and Henry stuck to me like glue. It was magical to state the least. Then, at other times (last night - LOL!) - he takes root and is firmly planted. Tonight - we were more "connected" with fewer "plantations" and more joining up (on line, but with incredible slack in the line) towards the end of the night. It's the sudden taking root to the ground that throws me (it can come out of nowhere). "In the beginning ..." I tried treats, but Henry was pushy and rude about it - so I cut them all out. Now, 6 weeks later - I have re-introducted treats "from time to time" and only if he has done something really great. He is not pushy anymore with the treats, but I exercise caution to not go down that road. I can see treats being a great motivator for him. In fact, I did it once (experimenting) when he was "planted" and didn't want to enter the arena. Pulled a cookie out and that neck stretched out as much as it could - LOL!! before he decided that if he moved his feet - he might just get that cookie (and into the arena he went!). But again, because of his pushiness in the beginning, I am being cautious about the usage of treats. Hopefully, I can build up enough savvy to use them with purpose :-) Thank you so much for your reply - it is greatly appreciated. Heather & Henry Playing Naturally ... ----- Original Message ---- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 9:38:23 PM Subject: Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] These guys can be surprisingly tough. I assumed from the start that Joe was a confident horse (before we came up with the whole LB / RB schema). It turns out he was actually very unconfident, but not fearful. So when he would plant and refuse, it was not because he was afraid, but he was not confident - and there's a difference!! Once the new lingo came out, he is definitely a LBI, but shifts to a RB in unfamiliar surroundings. And when he gets bored, flips to RBE - boy howdy those are fun times (although it makes me want to run for cover). I am really a fairly wimpy individual, so most of "Joe's" issues, turn out to be my own lack of pony leadership skills (I'm good with people, no really, I am!!) Treats have been the secret weapon against boredom and most planting. When he was first introduced to the wooden bridge, he would not step on it for love or money. Days of approach and retreat, playing games he was good at near and around the bridge - nothing doing. Until I reached in my pocket one day and found a frosted mini-wheat. Joe was on the other side of the bridge when I pulled it out thinking "what's this?" He stepped up onto that bridge as happy as could be to reach the mini-wheat. Never had a bridge issue after that, but the value of treats hit home. I'll end now out of respect for my non-Parelli Fjord friends, but I could discuss this all day <g> Kate with Joe and Della (who completely support the marriage of treats and Parelli) __________________________________________________________________ Instant Messaging, free SMS, sharing photos and more... Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger at http://ca.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/ The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
