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
