I strive to be more like my horse. He is a clear communicator to those of the same species, he is a good leader, recognizes dangerous situations, has a high level of self preservation which keeps him out of trouble, and has a respectable level of self esteeem. My horse is not overly egotistical, however he knows his worth and is not afraid to portray himself as who he is. He is honest with those around him and with himself.
Then...there are some horses that I really would not want to be like. Some are full of fear, disrespectful to others, unfair and show little emotion. These are the horses that have most likely been brought up in an unnatural environment for a horse. Those that have been spoiled, treated as overgrown lap dogs, and completely misunderstood by the humans surrounding them. These are the same horses that often end up in auctions, or passed around as a problem horse, or worse yet, euthanized.
And it is no fault of the horse they behave like this. We have a responsibility to our animals whether they are hamsters or horses. The horse owner that admits there is a problem with the relationship with their horse, and takes action any way they can by getting help is on the road to the right place.
Not everyone can afford to take regular lessons or send their horse to reform school. Not every horse needs reform school either. Most common it's the owner that needs more understanding of their horse. But in cases like Enlightening, she really needed to understand a few things first since she had missed some essential lessons from the herd.
I watched with interest yesterday when she pinned her ears at Turtle and drove him away. She had been on the bottom of the pecking order the last 5 days. She half heartedly nipped at him, I could tell she wasn't really confident about driving him away from her hay, but she gave it her best effort. And Turtle moved, much to her surprise. She's gaining confidence within the herd. Enlightening is working towards finding balance in her life.
In the end, I guess that's really what I'm looking for too. That, and being more like a horse in a herd.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The struggle with change and why it's important
Thanks to a new horse I have in for training, I felt inspired to make time to get back into the blog mode.
Most of us are in the know that horses can be metaphors in our life, can be a catalyst for change, and bring way more to our lives than meet the eye. This 9 year old Curly mare, Lightening, who I now call Enlightening, has been a great example of the change that can come when boundaries are set.
Enlightening's owner sent her to me for a week initially, after the mare bucked off her young grandchild for no apparent reason that made sense to the owner. I believe the horse had no intention to hurt anyone, but through her lack of respect she had no reason to carry this child any longer and acted on that impulse. Not a good situation for anyone.
This mare was pushy, opinionated, disrespectful and due to not being raised with other horses, she had no sense of what moving to pressure meant. My other horses gestured at her and she didn't respond. I "gestured" at her by swinging the tail end of my rope and the response I got was to barge into me. So that was the first problem we had to fix, then I figured the rest would come pretty naturally to her. And it has.
In 8 days, Enlightening has had a...well...enlightenment! She had been labeled an extroverted personality, never relaxed, her feet always moving, a real busy body. With her new boundaries set and an understanding of leadership from humans and her new herdmates, she is now a relaxed horse and has crossed the line to more introverted, calm horse who I believe is her innate horsenality. I've seen her hard eye change into a soft one, she licks and chews at each opportunity of new ideas, she sighs and carries herself with more softness and flexibility in her body.
To allow Enlightening to make these changes took a matter of only a few hours. But those hours weren't pretty. She was resistant to make those changes initially and I had to be as firm as another horse may be. Clear communication, and passive persistence on my part was the key.
Her changes have been made into her core. She has a feeling of safety being with the other horses and feels safer with people now. I believe she never had a leader in her life and was always running on adrenaline because of it. I can see how she has finally "let down". I can see it emotionally in her but also physically. She spent almost two days sleeping. I was on the verge of calling the vet she was so sleepy. Laying down on and off all day. As her owner and I stood with her talking she layed down flat, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Enlightening is here for another week or so and my hope is to blog each day about her progress. Perhaps it can raise some awareness of the fact that there are no bad horses, just ones that need boundaries set. The result is respect and trust.
Most of us are in the know that horses can be metaphors in our life, can be a catalyst for change, and bring way more to our lives than meet the eye. This 9 year old Curly mare, Lightening, who I now call Enlightening, has been a great example of the change that can come when boundaries are set.
Enlightening's owner sent her to me for a week initially, after the mare bucked off her young grandchild for no apparent reason that made sense to the owner. I believe the horse had no intention to hurt anyone, but through her lack of respect she had no reason to carry this child any longer and acted on that impulse. Not a good situation for anyone.
This mare was pushy, opinionated, disrespectful and due to not being raised with other horses, she had no sense of what moving to pressure meant. My other horses gestured at her and she didn't respond. I "gestured" at her by swinging the tail end of my rope and the response I got was to barge into me. So that was the first problem we had to fix, then I figured the rest would come pretty naturally to her. And it has.
In 8 days, Enlightening has had a...well...enlightenment! She had been labeled an extroverted personality, never relaxed, her feet always moving, a real busy body. With her new boundaries set and an understanding of leadership from humans and her new herdmates, she is now a relaxed horse and has crossed the line to more introverted, calm horse who I believe is her innate horsenality. I've seen her hard eye change into a soft one, she licks and chews at each opportunity of new ideas, she sighs and carries herself with more softness and flexibility in her body.
To allow Enlightening to make these changes took a matter of only a few hours. But those hours weren't pretty. She was resistant to make those changes initially and I had to be as firm as another horse may be. Clear communication, and passive persistence on my part was the key.
Her changes have been made into her core. She has a feeling of safety being with the other horses and feels safer with people now. I believe she never had a leader in her life and was always running on adrenaline because of it. I can see how she has finally "let down". I can see it emotionally in her but also physically. She spent almost two days sleeping. I was on the verge of calling the vet she was so sleepy. Laying down on and off all day. As her owner and I stood with her talking she layed down flat, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Enlightening is here for another week or so and my hope is to blog each day about her progress. Perhaps it can raise some awareness of the fact that there are no bad horses, just ones that need boundaries set. The result is respect and trust.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Call to Action
Please consider supporting The Center for America's First Horse
http://centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/a-call-to-action.html
http://centerforamericasfirsthorse.org/a-call-to-action.html
Monday, August 8, 2011
Besides organizing many of our events which are scheduled right around the corner and teaching quite a bit, I'm making time to get back in the saddle so to speak. Morado and I have really been getting it together and it's sure opened up a lot of new thoughts on training at a higher level than just starting them out. I've spent the last number of years bringing along young and unhandled horses, horses that had not been undersaddle, and those with some "issues".
My recommittment to continue developing Morado has spiked my enthusiasm to study dressage from a different viewpoint now. He is far enough along in his training that we are able to get beyond the basic level and start to visit collection and lateral work more indepth, and correctly.
Because of the foundation of natural horsemanship that Morado has been exposed to since he was an unhandled three year old, he is a willing partner with a lot of "try" in him. He has taught me as much as I've taught him. I will continue to leave my own agenda at home and follow his lead on when he is ready to progress to the more demanding movements required for dressage. For now, our focus is on balance, connection, and building his strength. After having at least 18 months off of little to no riding, his topline needs building. My requests for working more off of his hindquarters has been answered by him with willingness. For that, I am thankful. My presentation of more difficult work must be alright then as he continues to have a good work ethic and is happy in his work. That will always be my goal and I will gauge my success on his attitude.
I've been very fortunate recently to have a mentor and friend who has been a classical dressage instructor for many years. Her deep understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics, her intuitive strengths, and understanding and appreciation of the Colonial Spanish horses have made her an important part of my team. She lives and believes in the softer way, always keeping the horse first. She respects natural horsemanship in ground work and riding. A rare find for her level of expertise. I am grateful for her time and input. I finally feel that I have connected with the right person to bring Morado and I along.
With each ride I am reminded of why I work so hard for these unique horses. They have such heart and desire when interested in their training. It's up to me to not fail them by rushing them or lacking patience. That is something that natural horsemanship has taught me and how fortunate for the horses I was ready to learn that. I hope I can share that with others.
My recommittment to continue developing Morado has spiked my enthusiasm to study dressage from a different viewpoint now. He is far enough along in his training that we are able to get beyond the basic level and start to visit collection and lateral work more indepth, and correctly.
Because of the foundation of natural horsemanship that Morado has been exposed to since he was an unhandled three year old, he is a willing partner with a lot of "try" in him. He has taught me as much as I've taught him. I will continue to leave my own agenda at home and follow his lead on when he is ready to progress to the more demanding movements required for dressage. For now, our focus is on balance, connection, and building his strength. After having at least 18 months off of little to no riding, his topline needs building. My requests for working more off of his hindquarters has been answered by him with willingness. For that, I am thankful. My presentation of more difficult work must be alright then as he continues to have a good work ethic and is happy in his work. That will always be my goal and I will gauge my success on his attitude.
I've been very fortunate recently to have a mentor and friend who has been a classical dressage instructor for many years. Her deep understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics, her intuitive strengths, and understanding and appreciation of the Colonial Spanish horses have made her an important part of my team. She lives and believes in the softer way, always keeping the horse first. She respects natural horsemanship in ground work and riding. A rare find for her level of expertise. I am grateful for her time and input. I finally feel that I have connected with the right person to bring Morado and I along.
With each ride I am reminded of why I work so hard for these unique horses. They have such heart and desire when interested in their training. It's up to me to not fail them by rushing them or lacking patience. That is something that natural horsemanship has taught me and how fortunate for the horses I was ready to learn that. I hope I can share that with others.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
BUCK The Film
Tomorrow, July 22nd is the showing of BUCK to benefit the Center! I'm so excited!!! Oscar and Thunder will be arriving at the Essex Cinema around 5:00 to meet movie goers. It's been a great opportunity for us to promote the movie and The Center at the same time. Hope to see everyone there!
On another note...we are gearing up for the 2nd Equine, Arts & Eats Festival September 17 to be held at The Center. This benefit event features visual and performing arts, organic and local food vendors, and of course horse demonstrations and activities all day long.
We are offering vending space to artists, handcrafters, and those in the healing arts field. For more information go to our website www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org and click Equine, Arts and Eats!
On another note...we are gearing up for the 2nd Equine, Arts & Eats Festival September 17 to be held at The Center. This benefit event features visual and performing arts, organic and local food vendors, and of course horse demonstrations and activities all day long.
We are offering vending space to artists, handcrafters, and those in the healing arts field. For more information go to our website www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org and click Equine, Arts and Eats!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The biggest thrill/joy for me lately has been riding Morado again. After about 5 weeks of consistent time with him I have earned his trust to ride him confidently again. He is happy to work, and doesn't feel like he's really lost that much edge. I probably have though since it's been some time since I've schooled a horse that is as trained as he is. And he's not actually that highly schooled in the big picture, but has a very strong foundation. I am riding him in a bit again, although I do enjoy working on our bridless work.
Our Womens getaway weekend is coming up July 15-17. Should be a lot of fun. Trail riding, lessons, and I'm sure a lot of laughing and relaxing. Campfire at night too! I only have 6 horses that are available to use so if you are interested in coming and bonding with one of my horses, let me know sooner than later. Space for incoming horses is also limited to about 6-8. Camping space is not limited though. We have plenty of room for tents and parking.
Yard sale this weekend to benefit The Center. Thanks to Janis and Glenn for donating so much really nice stuff! Will be hauling more goods over so we should have a lot of treasures .
Our Womens getaway weekend is coming up July 15-17. Should be a lot of fun. Trail riding, lessons, and I'm sure a lot of laughing and relaxing. Campfire at night too! I only have 6 horses that are available to use so if you are interested in coming and bonding with one of my horses, let me know sooner than later. Space for incoming horses is also limited to about 6-8. Camping space is not limited though. We have plenty of room for tents and parking.
Yard sale this weekend to benefit The Center. Thanks to Janis and Glenn for donating so much really nice stuff! Will be hauling more goods over so we should have a lot of treasures .
Monday, June 27, 2011
Entering the zone...
Appears that the summer lesson season has hit at The Center. I have 6 hours of lessons to teach today and it's heavy the rest of the week. Thank goodness Tori and Eliza are available to help, along with Brandon (intern) who takes up so much slack around the place.
We had a riding lawn mower generously donated by land neighbors, Suzanne and Noel Dodge. Brandon spent 6 hours on it the first day mowing in places that I really wasn't so sure it could handle. It's looking like a park, with all the flowers in bloom and the freshly mowed fields.
Our woman's Vermont getaway weekend is going to be great fun! A friend is coming from Maine with her two Spanish Mustangs along with other folks from the area and beyond. It'll feel like a mini vacation for me too!
As much as I'd like to continue writing a long post today, the horses are waiting for me so I best get going to start the day...!
Appears that the summer lesson season has hit at The Center. I have 6 hours of lessons to teach today and it's heavy the rest of the week. Thank goodness Tori and Eliza are available to help, along with Brandon (intern) who takes up so much slack around the place.
We had a riding lawn mower generously donated by land neighbors, Suzanne and Noel Dodge. Brandon spent 6 hours on it the first day mowing in places that I really wasn't so sure it could handle. It's looking like a park, with all the flowers in bloom and the freshly mowed fields.
Our woman's Vermont getaway weekend is going to be great fun! A friend is coming from Maine with her two Spanish Mustangs along with other folks from the area and beyond. It'll feel like a mini vacation for me too!
As much as I'd like to continue writing a long post today, the horses are waiting for me so I best get going to start the day...!
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