RE: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
Hi Susan, >>>Yes, she does a lot of petting and stroking. He really started to let down at the end. He is smart and catches on to things quickly. Now, if I could just get him to be able to take a treat with a bit in his mouth... This comment tells me that he is holding a lot of tension in his body - when the tail is tight, generally so will be the mouth. Have you done mouthwork on Andi? How are his teeth and when were they floated? Can he eat anything with a bit in his mouth? The TTouches can really helpful in reducing the kind of tension that he carries in his body and have a different response that just stroking and petting - so if you can use the TTouch on him and perhaps some counterclockwise circles in the beginning.Some horses seem to have more wound up nervous systems in terms of their response to things and I think hold the fear at a cellular level - I think it is also affects how they retain information. I have seen it change as long as they are taught in a way that they can really learn and you can release the fear in the cells. The book "Molecules of Emotion" really explains how this works. It has been my experience that simply 'sacking out' these horses only floods their nervous system and they learn to just freeze instead of actually accepting what is done - which is probably. The other problem is that when an animal is tense and they feel pushed there is a hormone called ACTH - a stress hormone, which actually blocks learning so even if they do something sometimes they aren't really retaining the information. I think you can work through this with him, the biggest challenge is the rider not reacting to their startles - and that is where Sharon will be of a big help I am sure. Robyn Hood
RE: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> He looks to me like he goes into freeze when he is uncertain. ...the next step can be bolt. << That is exactly what he does. >>You might consider using the promise wrap on him, or a full body wrap when being ridden.<< I will do that. I used it on Whisper ant it helped. >> The other thing you could help with would be to do some tail work on Andi,<< Yippers, he is a tail clamper. I started his tail work yesterday before Sharon got here. Hopefully, he will respond to it like Whisper did. >> Sharon looks like a quiet, confident rider which will be helpful for you.<< Yes, there is something about 3 day eventers that makes them confident! Maybe a little pony is nothing compared to those huge cross country jumps. >> To me it is not just about desensitizing him but helping him be comfortable in the situations and able to relax through his body.<< Yes, she does a lot of petting and stroking. He really started to let down at the end. He is smart and catches on to things quickly. Now, if I could just get him to be able to take a treat with a bit in his mouth... Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
--- Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> Andi is beautiful. What color is he exactly? Grey or cremello or that pale palomino icelandics are sometimes?<< He is pale palomino in the winter. His summer coat is golden. The gold is starting to show thru where his bad clip job is on his chest and shoulders. Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
I thought sometimes he seemed to sway as if adjusting his balance tho I cant see why, maybe she is a different weight than you? maybe the saddle was slipping and he worried about it? He seems calmatose :) I mean totally deadbroke calm. How cool it would be to have a good trainer next door! If i had one she would probably move just so she could get rid of me haha. Andi is beautiful. What color is he exactly? Grey or cremello or that pale palomino icelandics are sometimes? janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
RE: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
Hi Susan, >>Sharon has the ability to read a horse and see what he needs emotionally. I have been somewhat reluctant to let any body ride Andi because of my previous trainer thinking he was being stubborn when he was really scared. Looks like Sharon is a great help for you and Andi. He looks to me like he goes into freeze when he is uncertain. The problem when the other trainer thought he was being stubborn and then push him forward is that the next step can be bolt. You might consider using the promise wrap on him, or a full body wrap when being ridden. He looks to me so tight in the hindquarters and tightens his tail and back. The other thing you could help with would be to do some tail work on Andi, first just with the saddle and then when Sharon is sitting on him. Sharon looks like a quiet, confident rider which will be helpful for you. To me it is not just about desensitizing him but helping him be comfortable in the situations and able to relax through his body. Great that you have help. Robyn Hood
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
Nice video Susan. Thanks for making time to post it. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
--- Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > His mane and forelock are gorgeous!<< Andi has Tina Turner hair - I remember her blonde times. I have pic of him in my mammo room, and I tell patients to turn their head and look at my blonde boyfriend, which is Andi Pandi trotting with his mane and forelock all flying. > Good job with the video; Sharon did a nice job.< Sharon has the ability to read a horse and see what he needs emotionally. I have been somewhat reluctant to let any body ride Andi because of my previous trainer thinking he was being stubborn when he was really scared. Andi trusts her and it is evident in the way he responds so quickly once he understands something. His first reaction to a lot of things is to run away, and this is what he needs to get over. Funny thing, his clicker training and touch the goblin have him fearless of his surroundings, I just need to do more of that type thing from the saddle. Flapping arms, swinging legs, emergency dismounts, etc. Sharon also has the ability to push me past my comfort zone and make me try things I don't want to do. My first emergency dismount yesterday was to the off side, and I have NEVER dismounted fro the off side because I am not that side coordinated and I don't practice things on my green horses, and all my horses have been green. Well, she cajoled me into it and it was easy!! She has a way of doing that without being a bully. She fills you with confidence, and she does the same for the horse. Must take that kind of personality to be a 3 day eventer! Personlly, I think they are crazy!!! Susan in NV http://desertduty.blogspot.com/ Riding for Breast Cancer Awareness Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/text5.com
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Andi's Lesson
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHbO8pteqyw His mane and forelock are gorgeous! Good job with the video; Sharon did a nice job. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
