Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello All, Just wanted to update you (almost a month later from the original question - how time flies) that every journey does begin with a single step. I cannot believe how this summer has flown by and how Henry & I have moved along in our journey together. I continuously journal in my blog which helps out a great deal to map our progress and where we started and where we are now. It seems so unreal that only 10 weeks ago I was coaxing a 2 year old into the barn. That seems so inconceivable now as Henry is just "so into the routine" and so part of his new family (the herd and humans). In 10 weeks, we have 5 of the Parelli games going very well (out of 7) and working on our 6th this week. Although I have absolutely put NO time limit on our training - I just might get 7 games in 3 months on a "blank slate". HUGE for me - I am in NO way a horse trainer!!! and Henry has been an absolute joy to work with (despite the challenging, putting on the brakes moments - LOL!!!). Iam LOVING the Fjord experience Thank you to ALL who helped me along the way when I posted the Question for PNH folks. PNH and non-PNH replied with awesome suggestions and I appreciated all replies. Heather & Henry Playing Naturally ... http://digilass.wordpress.com __ Instant Messaging, free SMS, sharing photos and more... Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger at http://ca.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/ Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Not very original, but when my mare was six months I started encouraging her into the trailer by placing a half an apple just far enough in the trailer that she had to reach for it. This went on for several months of moving the apple forward. (not every day) She was really stretching to get the apple and eventually put her front feet in. Then she was stretching to avoid the back feet but eventually gave in. She stood in the trailer to get the apple and I left the door open for probably six or seven times of her getting in. Then when she was fully in the next time, I shut the doors. There was some screaming and rocking but she quickly settled down with an apple. No trouble after that, altho she was cautious of getting into other trailers, not often. Jean Gayle Author of: 'The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 to 1949 Send: $20 to Three Horse's Press 7403 Blaine Rd Aberdeen, WA 98520 The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Vicki, what a great and interesting story! A friend of mine just sent two of her horses off for training. One is a LBI/LBE (yearling) and the other is a RBI/RBE (the mother mare). The filly took 20 minutes to load (and that was her FIRST time on a trailer!!!) and the mare > 2 hours (not her first time!). The gentleman doing the loading was the PNH trainer and he was just fabulous to watch. His cool, calm, demeanor and his attitude of "taking the time it takes, to take less time" was inspirational to state the least. When you have the opportunity to watch someone with a lot of savvy work it out - it's just inspiring to state the least. As an update, the past 3 days Henry & I have been doing alot of "undemanding time" and working on certain thresholds that he has (something that I "should have" worked out a few weeks ago). Never the less, better now than never. He really appreciated the undemanding time and has a more "keen" expression in his eyes. He also had his first visit today with the farrier (who is PNH) and Henry passed [i.e., he was a good boy] :-) Henry has been with me for 7 weeks now and is settling in so incredibly well. Loving the Fjord experience!!! Heather & Henry Playing Naturally ... - Original Message From: Vicki Johnston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Friday, August 1, 2008 7:24:42 AM Subject: RE: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks This message is from: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Another thought that I should have shared. Kjerstin had decided that she would not get on the trailer while at the Parelli center. I worked with her for two hours and finally started to feel my emotions coming up (not a good time to try and accomplish anything!) Then one of the instructors worked with her for a while before she decided that Kjerstin was going to need Kaffa - the head of the instructor staff and the recognized trailer expert! It was a big learning experience for me to watch Kaffa work with Kjerstin. It's not about the trailer! She was so fast in thinking of things to ask Kjerstin to do that were varied and very quickly placed one after another. Yes, I can do that, yes, I can, yes, yes, and so forth to build up a pattern of yes before going to the trailer. She got her on and she worked with her again the next morning and now she thinks the trailer is personal party palace! I have a hard time being as quick as Kaffa in thinking of varied things to build up a long pattern of yes, but it was definitely a confidence builder for Kjerstin and helped her overcome whatever was bothering her about the trailer. Vicki Mims, Florida The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Another thought that I should have shared. Kjerstin had decided that she would not get on the trailer while at the Parelli center. I worked with her for two hours and finally started to feel my emotions coming up (not a good time to try and accomplish anything!) Then one of the instructors worked with her for a while before she decided that Kjerstin was going to need Kaffa - the head of the instructor staff and the recognized trailer expert! It was a big learning experience for me to watch Kaffa work with Kjerstin. It's not about the trailer! She was so fast in thinking of things to ask Kjerstin to do that were varied and very quickly placed one after another. Yes, I can do that, yes, I can, yes, yes, and so forth to build up a pattern of yes before going to the trailer. She got her on and she worked with her again the next morning and now she thinks the trailer is personal party palace! I have a hard time being as quick as Kaffa in thinking of varied things to build up a long pattern of yes, but it was definitely a confidence builder for Kjerstin and helped her overcome whatever was bothering her about the trailer. Vicki Mims, Florida The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: "Ronda Nelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have a home aprox 10 miles from the Parelli center in Citra Fl. The house is empty now (I have it up for sale) but there are 3 bedrooms, two baths and 3 fenced horse acres. (no barn or shelters) There is also a RV electric hook up at the bottom of the pasture. Anyone interested in renting it for a bit can certianly call me. Ronda Nelson 541 592-5143 - Original Message - From: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 5:10 PM Subject: RE: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks This message is from: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Heather, I find that with Kjerstin, treats are a great motivator. She is left-brained extrovert, and when all else fails, she will try to tackle anything for treats. Of course, this tells me that I am not being provocative enough, because she really isn't that concerned, just deciding if she is bored enough to try and play me and see if she can make me think she is concerned. She is so, so smart, and a bit of a drama queen if she thinks she can fool me. She entertains herself that way - "Mom is so easy to fool, it's ridiculous!" A really good tool for us has been the Parelli ball. I only bring that out occasionally, and if I leave it out for her to check out, it has a mind of it's own and on a windy day, will explore all by itself. Then, I go get the ball and push it around and get her to follow. She usually gets so intrigued that she can't help herself. She has seen it move around by itself, but Mom can control it, so "can I?" She usually ends up following it, pushing it, trying to stomp it, and having a good time. So, I probably haven't helped a lot, but Parelli is loads of fun with Fjords. They are so smart, they just love it. I guess my advice is that if you haven't tried treats, see if that miraculously overcomes the hesitation. Kjerstin will try anything for treats, unless it involves a jump, which is too much effort for such a measly prize! She prefers to show me just how far she can stretch and still not fall on her face, which I usually find pretty impressive! I took Kjerstin to the Parelli center in Ocala for a two week ground class in Jan-Feb of 2007. It was truly the best vacation that I have ever had. The atmosphere at the Parelli center is very positive and supportive. I learned a lot and I really left there with a good understanding of Kjerstin's horsenality and it has proved to be worth every penny. We really bonded through the experience, and I have never had a horse that made me feel like she enjoys me as much as I enjoy her. If there is any way, you can go for a ground class, go for it. They now offer one week experiences, but the two weeks was well, well worth the time and the money. Have fun with Henry, and I promise you that you will find a lot of enjoyment in your Parelli time with him. :-) Vicki Mims, Florida The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks so much Vicki for your reply. I have tried a ball and that was a hoot. Henry pushed it, stomped it, tried to eat it, etc.etc.etc. and then within 5 minutes - was "what's next on your list"? His attentive span is one of a gnat and I have to come up with interesting stuff to do all the time to maintain his focus. And of course, I completely believe that I am being played half the time. I am just floored at this intelligence and I am sure he is counting up his points each time he has played me. In a response to Kate, I mentioned my "treats" experience. It is a work in progress! I would LOVE to go to Ocala one year. What a dream trip that would be. Again - many thanks for responding! Heather & Henry Playing Naturally ... - Original Message From: Vicki Johnston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:10:27 PM Subject: RE: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks This message is from: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> __ Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
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 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
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 Kate with Joe and Della (who completely support the marriage of treats and Parelli) * In a message dated 7/29/2008 6:42:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I do have to ask lightly (or lighter) at times, as Henry will sull up if asked with too "loudly". He certainly isn't dull and can be quite sensitive at times - but he can also be very "naughty" (for the lack of a better word) and ask me the question, if I really mean it (doing this, or doing that)! Sometimes it is hard to discern if he is unconfident of what I am asking, or confident of it and just not willing to do it, as per my request. I am getting better at "reading him" - so hopefully the more that I can interpret his body language, I can determine if he requires confidence building or motivation (Henry being predominantly a LBI)! **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr000520) The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
RE: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: "Vicki Johnston" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Heather, I find that with Kjerstin, treats are a great motivator. She is left-brained extrovert, and when all else fails, she will try to tackle anything for treats. Of course, this tells me that I am not being provocative enough, because she really isn't that concerned, just deciding if she is bored enough to try and play me and see if she can make me think she is concerned. She is so, so smart, and a bit of a drama queen if she thinks she can fool me. She entertains herself that way - "Mom is so easy to fool, it's ridiculous!" A really good tool for us has been the Parelli ball. I only bring that out occasionally, and if I leave it out for her to check out, it has a mind of it's own and on a windy day, will explore all by itself. Then, I go get the ball and push it around and get her to follow. She usually gets so intrigued that she can't help herself. She has seen it move around by itself, but Mom can control it, so "can I?" She usually ends up following it, pushing it, trying to stomp it, and having a good time. So, I probably haven't helped a lot, but Parelli is loads of fun with Fjords. They are so smart, they just love it. I guess my advice is that if you haven't tried treats, see if that miraculously overcomes the hesitation. Kjerstin will try anything for treats, unless it involves a jump, which is too much effort for such a measly prize! She prefers to show me just how far she can stretch and still not fall on her face, which I usually find pretty impressive! I took Kjerstin to the Parelli center in Ocala for a two week ground class in Jan-Feb of 2007. It was truly the best vacation that I have ever had. The atmosphere at the Parelli center is very positive and supportive. I learned a lot and I really left there with a good understanding of Kjerstin's horsenality and it has proved to be worth every penny. We really bonded through the experience, and I have never had a horse that made me feel like she enjoys me as much as I enjoy her. If there is any way, you can go for a ground class, go for it. They now offer one week experiences, but the two weeks was well, well worth the time and the money. Have fun with Henry, and I promise you that you will find a lot of enjoyment in your Parelli time with him. :-) Vicki Mims, Florida The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Thanks to all who have replied to date. I appreciate all responses as they open up new avenues how I can approach this challenge. I have found that I do have to ask lightly (or lighter) at times, as Henry will sull up if asked with too "loudly". He certainly isn't dull and can be quite sensitive at times - but he can also be very "naughty" (for the lack of a better word) and ask me the question, if I really mean it (doing this, or doing that)! Sometimes it is hard to discern if he is unconfident of what I am asking, or confident of it and just not willing to do it, as per my request. I am getting better at "reading him" - so hopefully the more that I can interpret his body language, I can determine if he requires confidence building or motivation (Henry being predominantly a LBI)! Anyhow - just wanted to thank all those who have responded so far. It is greatly appreciated!!! Heather & Henry Playing Naturally ... Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now at http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: Fiona Lindsay-Delfino <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Heather, I had a non fjord who did that too me. If it was something that was small and I could easily hold while holding the parelli lead line; I would pick it up and approach the gelding and rub him with the object and then would retreat. And slowly work your down to Henry's legs. Hope this helps. ~Fiona (Level One Graduate) 1700 Dogwood Mile Laurinburg, NC 28352 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (C) 603 359 0150 --- On Tue, 7/29/08, Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks To: "Fjord Issues" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Fjord Horse" Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 2:11 PM This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello All, Looking for advice from Parelli Students who have Fjords. I am working on Level One with my new 2 year old. He is smart - boy oh boy - that's for sure!!! and sometimes (well, quite often), I think he is playing me. Anyhow! when he is "unsure" of something, instead of the usual spook that I am used to from other breeds - Henry simply puts on the brakes and stands there. S - how do I use "approach and retreat" to get him used to strange objects, when the brakes are on. We're talking really good brakes - so the good ole' approach and retreat lesson doesn't work at all!!! Then ... to continue the saga. There are times where he will spook (or invert - head high, back dipped) and so I go to the friendly game and that is "OK" for him. Other horses I have worked with, relaxed totally in the Friendly Game ... Henry? could care less at times. So - in summation, if there are any folks (could be non Parelli students who know what I am talking about too) to get a braked Fjord moving through an object he wants nothing to do with - my ears are wide open!!! Heather & Henry Playing Naturally __ Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks
This message is from: "kngould" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I've gone thru level one, but not with my fjords; still I know what you are talking about. Both my guys just put the brakes on, but I can usually back them up, turn them around, circle and try the approach again, and hopefully get alittle bit closer each time. Finally they get tired of the whole circle around and try again, and I can usually get them to approach, touch, and ignore. - Original Message - From: "Heather Baskey" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Fjord Issues" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Fjord Horse" Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2:11 PM Subject: Question for the Parelli Fjord Folks This message is from: Heather Baskey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello All, Looking for advice from Parelli Students who have Fjords. I am working on Level One with my new 2 year old. He is smart - boy oh boy - that's for sure!!! and sometimes (well, quite often), I think he is playing me. Anyhow! when he is "unsure" of something, instead of the usual spook that I am used to from other breeds - Henry simply puts on the brakes and stands there. S - how do I use "approach and retreat" to get him used to strange objects, when the brakes are on. We're talking really good brakes - so the good ole' approach and retreat lesson doesn't work at all!!! Then ... to continue the saga. There are times where he will spook (or invert - head high, back dipped) and so I go to the friendly game and that is "OK" for him. Other horses I have worked with, relaxed totally in the Friendly Game ... Henry? could care less at times. So - in summation, if there are any folks (could be non Parelli students who know what I am talking about too) to get a braked Fjord moving through an object he wants nothing to do with - my ears are wide open!!! Heather & Henry Playing Naturally __ Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw