water element - keeping your horse warm this...
TRANSCRIPT
Water Element - Keeping your horse warm this Winter By Robyn Grice
Winter, for our horses is a phase of rest and of storing energy. The phase in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms is ‘Water’ which encompasses the meridians Kidney and Bladder, highly involved with body fluids. This season will challenge the health and balance of the horse; he/she must use her inner resources at this time and reserve energy for warmth and the seeking of nourishment. The kidney is seen as the ‘Root of Life’, it houses the equines original essence which is inherited from the dam and sire. Kidney essence can become injured and can dissipate too quickly resulting in premature ageing and death. Severe illness or injury can do this, or abuse, neglect, poor nutrition, over-work, stress, over-vaccination and being worked hard at too early an age. The emotion of fear is associated with kidney, the most compelling emotion of survival. Without fear the horse may not survive, too much fear and the kidney essence can be inhibited. A subtle balance is required here for good health. Kidney essence promotes bone growth and development, fertility, water metabolism, ear health and good hearing. When kidney or bladder chi are not in balance, especially during the winter months, the horse may have some lower back pain, not heal readily from an injury (especially if bone is involved), experience excessive fear or no fear at all, suffer from extreme lethargy, experience urinary tract problems and possibly have reproductive issues. There are many holistic equine modalities in most areas, do your horse a favour and make sure he/she is in balance and can be healthier in Spring!
Robyn Grice Red Horse Animal Acupressure
PO Box 180, Bermagui. NSW 2546 Ph 02 6493 3240 Mob 0405 920 360
How To Get The Most Out Of Courses By Debbie Lander
You’ve finally made the commitment – paid the money and the date is nearly here. So how do you get the most out of the course? Here are some useful tips, which are applicable to any learning situation. It all starts and ends with your attitude! I know that you’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true. Pat Mesiti, founder of Youth Alive, says
“Your attitude determines your altitude”. So what should your attitude be to experience the best learning? Try these “Magic 7 Filters “to enhance” your ability to learn:- 1. Be open to information – you usually
go to training because you’re not satisfied with where you are.
2. Be prepared to accept and try – remember you chose the course!
3. Believe that the instructor wants to help you – remember they can only help you if you are prepared to accept their help.
4. Understand that you may not get it at first – if you don’t, simply ask for help or another explanation
5. Remove your excuses – every instructor has heard “but my horse does it this way, or my horse won’t do that”. “Yeah but” says to the instructor you do not believe them.
6. Understand that at some point you will probably get frustrated, angry or emotional. Learning is not always an easy process. Learning challenges us and puts us outside of our comfort zone. Accept that, and think “good I’m being stretched”.
7. Be prepared to change – Einstein said "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
There are essentially 4 stages of learning: 1. Unconscious Incompetence – the state where we have no idea what we should be
doing. We’ve all seen someone with a horse who hasn’t the faintest idea of how to handle them – often known as blind ignorance.
How To Get The Most Out Of Courses By Debbie Lander
2. Conscious Incompetence – this is the stage where we understand that we are
ineffective (and is often accompanied by frustration, fear, sometimes a sense of hopelessness). People often see this as a bad thing whereas in fact it brings us to the point of wanting to get better skills and knowledge. It can also be preceded by denial or blaming others. If you are at this point then you probably need to go to a course or get lessons.
3. Conscious Competence – this is the best state for learning. We have developed a solid skill and knowledge base and use this to increase our skills and knowledge. At this stage we are able to analyse something (a task or activity) by breaking it down. This is the optimum stage for learning.
4. Unconscious Competence – having mastery of a set of skills and knowledge and being able to apply them through your subconscious mind. An example is walking – for us able bodied people we don’t think through and plan each part of the process we just walk. Our subconscious does the work for us. We might think I have to hurry and automatically our body responds. This is the place where many great horsemen get to. The downside of this state can be that you may not be able to analyse each component.
Here are some practical points to minimise stress and to get you to the course prepared and ready to enjoy it and learn:
1. Get organised – if possible pack all of your gear the night before. 2. Check the location / address and whether the course will be on rain, hail or shine
at least a few days before. 3. On the day allow yourself plenty of time to
load your horse and arrive early enough to settle your horse in (feed / water etc).
4. Make sure you have a mobile contact number of the course organiser – nothing worse than not being able to call because you are running late or caught in traffic.
5. Make sure you have completed your travelling horse statement – if you get pulled over you will get fined if you don’t have one.
6. Check your vehicle (tyres, fuel, and radiator) and your float at least the day before.
7. Take clothes for all weather (maybe even a spare set). Take block out and insect repellent for you and your horse.
8. Take food and drink for you and your horse 9. Take your best “attitude” for learning, and
use the “Magic 7 Filters”. 10. Always look on the bright side - have FUN –
and enjoy the learning process! Debbie Lander has a Bachelor of Adult Education and over 20 years experience teaching adults in the IT sector and public education.
For details on any of these events or if you would like to host your own event please phone us on 1300 664 269, email us on [email protected]
International Horsemans Institute
2008 EVENT CALENDAR by Location The International Horsemans Institute offers a proven, simple, effective and systematic learning program supported by DVD’s, demonstrations, ongoing mentoring, and a range of courses, which is applicable to both leisure and vocational horsemanship that will help you become the best horseman you can be. We have successfully helped thousands of people in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US to rapidly and dramatically improve their skills and their relationship with their horses.
Let us help you! Contact us today! Or come and see us at a demonstration
Location Date Course Type Duration Tuition Fee
Venue
Canberra 28/29 June Advancing Course 2 days $330 TBA Cowra Horse Expo
9/10 August Demonstrations 2 days Free Cowra Horse Expo
Griffith 21 June Multi-Level Workshop 1 day $165 TBA Griffith 22 June Demonstration 1 day $30/$15 RDA Centre Griffith 19/20 July Introductory On Ground 2 days $330 RDA Centre Griffith 2/3 August Introductory Riding 2 days $330 RDA Centre Hawkesbury Horse Expo
23/24 August Demonstrations 2 days Free Hawkesbury Showgrounds
Orange 30 May / 1 June
Riding Advancing Course
3 days $440 International Horsemans Institute
Orange 13 - 18 July Multi-level camp - TBC 5 days $1,100 /770*
International Horsemans Institute
Orange 30/31 August Introductory On Ground 2 days $330 International Horsemans Institute
Orange 5 - 11 October Multi-level camp 5 days $1,100 /770*
International Horsemans Institute
Orange 11/12 October Introductory Riding 2 days $330 International Horsemans Institute
Sydney 5/6 July Introductory On Ground 2 days $330 Spurway Stable, Llandilo Sydney 26/27 July Introductory Riding 2 day $330 Spurway Stable, Llandilo Sydney 18/19 October Introductory On Ground 2 day $330 TBA Sydney 1 /2 November Introductory Riding 2 day $330 TBA Germany – Oberohoe
10 - 14 September
Camp - Certificate 2 /3 5 days Booked Out
Germany – Oberohoe
28 Sep - 02 Oct
Camp - Certificate 3/4 5 days Booked Out
South Coast Mossy Point
29 Dec – 2 Jan 2009
Multi Level Beach Camp 5 days $1,100 /770*
Limited Numbers - Booking now
South Coast Mossy Point
5 – 9 Jan 2009 Multi Level Beach Camp 5 days $1,100 /770*
Only 1 room left
* Note Full rate ($1100) and Early Bird 1 rate ($770) listed and applies to Camps - contact us for other rates
or visit our web site www.internationalhorsemansinstitute.com.au
Safety Fun Friendship and Results …… in less time than you imagined
“Highlander Park” Winston Way, Molong NSW 2866
It’s on again! Bigger, Better and Earlier than ever, Dec-Jan 2009 STOP PRESS – Course 1 -90% full, Course 2 – 75% full
BOOK now so you don’t miss out
Welcome in the New Year and Enjoy the BEST combined holiday and Horsemanship Camp imaginable!
The International Horsemans Institute presents not One but TWO Beach Camps at The Oaks Resort Country Club - Mossy Point on the beautiful South Coast of NSW. Indulge yourself with one or both 5 day course(s) and with not one but two International Horsemanship Instructors Birger Gieseke (Germany) and Tony Lander (Australia) The first - 5 day course starts* on Monday 29th December 2008 and concludes on Friday 2nd January 2009. The second 5 day course starts* on Monday 5th January 2009 and concludes on Friday 9th January 2009. In addition we have secured the resort from Sunday 28th December until Sunday 11th January 2009 to enable you to enjoy a few days relaxing at the resort. * Please note – arrival on Sunday departure on Saturday.
This camp is a unique opportunity to combine a holiday with a multilevel Horsemanship Camp. • 2 world renowned Horsemen to lead you • 3 meals per day fully catered • 5 days of focussed horsemanship with your horse • 20 like minded, horse lovin’, fun sharing people • Kids Playground • Swimming pool, • Tennis Court • River • 300 acres minutes from the beach • Tons of fun, relaxation, enjoyment • 9 hole golf course, (you can bring your partner if
you want!) • Minutes drive from Mogo Zoo, Old Mogo town and
other South Coast attractions Why not end this year AND start your next year exactly the way you want, accelerating your horsemanship and have an unforgettable holiday at this very special event! End each day with a glass of champagne, cold beer or fresh juice!
Tuition Rider Position full price - $1100 (inc GST) Extra Family Member riding 50% discount $550 Early Bird Discount - Pay by 30th July $770
Pay by 30th Sep $880 Pay by 30th Nov $990
Accommodation and meals are extra. Book now or contact us for details on 1300 664 269 or email [email protected]
Phone 1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644 Email [email protected] www.internationalhorsemansinstitute.com.au
“I had a fantastic time and actually feel safe now when I’m with my horse. Now I
enjoy being with my horse”….said Georgina
Georgina had just completed a workshop
with IHI Principal, Tony Lander
We would like to give YOU the same feeling as Georgina
Safety, Fun, Friendship and Results
Come and Join us at Spurway Stables, Llandilo 2 Day Introductory Ground Course - 5th & 6th July 2008
2 Day Introductory Riding Course – 26th & 27th July 2008
The International Horsemans Institute is pleased to provide you with the chance to get started with Natural Horsemanship. The 2 courses will allow you to develop the understanding and practical skills to communicate with your horse on the ground and in the saddle. The communication you develop with your horse will allow you to build a partnership based on tolerance, trust, respect and harmony. To assist you to reach your goals with your horse, Tony will present the system he has learnt, developed and refined over hundreds of courses. In presenting those courses, Tony has literally changed both horse and human to such an extent that they can both feel safe and actually enjoy each other’s company. You will be able to communicate effectively with your horse on the ground and you will be able to control your horse’s feet while you are in the saddle, with one rein or with two! Numbers are limited, book now by contacting International Horsemans Institute on
1300 664 269 or 0417 688 644 email [email protected] for more information Other 2 day introductory courses will be conducted at: Griffith 19th -20th July and 2nd -3rd Aug - RDA Dalton Park Orange 30th - 31st Aug and 11th - 12th Oct - IHI
“Highlander Park” Winston Way, Molong NSW 2866
Phone 1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644 Email [email protected]
Phone: 02 6769 4328 www.leconfield.com
BECOME AN AUSTRALIAN
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& JILLAROO
SCHOOL Established 1983
TAMWORTH We Teach :
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• Training working dogs
• Natural Horsemanship
• Whip cracking & Lassoing
• Calf throwing & marking
• Fencing
• Swimming the horses
We help you find jobs and
give you a
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5 Days at
$550
Natural Horsemanship with Heart
www.wranglerjayne.com.
baby let the good times roll
by Wrangler Jayne
Those of you who know me, and who read my article regularly know that hav-ing fun rates high on my priority list! And that doesn’t just mean fun for the human, it means fun for the horse too. And just because you take what you do seriously, it doesn’t mean you can’t lighten up a bit.
FUN AND RULESA horse that is having a good time and is allowed to express him or herself is a much more willing and animated partner .. assuming of course some rules have been laid down and are followed ! There are rules ‘between friends’ and how both members of the partnership have responsibilities in order for things to be safe and enjoyable. There is no reason why learning and teaching should be boring or repetitious, in fact research has shown that students who laugh often and don’t take themselves
too seriously achieve the best results, faster. Given that our horse is a ‘stu-dent’ this principle certainly applies to them, so take time regularly to ensure
that your horse is having a good time with you. They will learn much more quickly! In my experience, a horse has usually grasped what you want of them within 3 tries ... after that you are merely refining and extending. If your horse doesn’t get it after 3 times, maybe the direction he’s getting isn’t clear to him.
OUR HORSE TALKS TO US!How do we give our horse a good time, and how do we know when they are enjoying themselves? Easy! Horses are so expressive, all you’ve got to do is look at their face and observe their demean-our ... you’ll recognise it the difference between sour, bored, stimulated and enthusiastic!
SURE KILLERSCertain things are sure killers of fun for you and your horse. For your horse:Demanding a perfect job;Being critical;
Losing your temper;Losing your patience;Doing something over and over and over;No variety;No reward (ie rest, relax, affection or treats);No friendly game before a session;A tight-ass attitude;Aggression with tools;Confusing signals;Being treated like a motorbike.For you:Trying to do it perfectly when you are not ready;
Self-crticism;Feeling frustrated;Boring repetitions;No variety;No self-praise or feeling of acheivement;No bonding time;A tight’ass attitude;Guilt;Fear;Confusion;Your horse obviously not having a good time! (exhibiting undesirable, dangerous or right-brained behaviour)
HELP! Mostly, to break the ‘no fun’ routine, you just need to have a different attitude about your time with your horse. Sometimes I see students get so determined and hooked onto a lev-els program, they’ve sacrificed their principles for their goals... and the fun has all but gone out of it. Achievement and recognition are important - yes, however always remember not to sacri-fice that which is ultimately what makes the real difference; heart. If you’re keen to bring a bit more fun into the relationship then just exercise your imagination, and s-l-o-w down ...
WHEN SLOW DOESN’T MEAN SLOWI’m a big advocate of slowing things down and getting the details right. Take the time it takes to set things up for suc-cess. Consider each move you are making, each part of your body you are using, carefully choreograph yourself. If you tend to go quite quickly with everything, and rush your moves, or are a bit slack on the setup, slowing down and being more particular about yourself will actually help your success. I’ve seen hundreds of students make immediate, incredible improvements through this method.MIX THINGS UPVariety is the spice of life! Remember your horse is like a 3 year old child - in so very many ways. And people nowa-days are ‘I want it now’ and ‘what’s next?’ junkies. Patience is not something that is promoted, and horses can really test our patience if we are not prepared for it! One way to keep things fun and fresh is to change the subject often. “Got that?” ... “Okay, let’s do something else!” Some horses re-ally need lots of mental stimulus and variety, and it can be hard for a more traditional teacher to adapt to the needs of a horse like this. Just keep thinking of your horse as a toddler, and you’ll be on the right track! Even an old horse that doesn’t seem to want to do much can come alive and have fun if you are provocative enough! Experiment, play with toys, get them moving, go
into different environments. If you’re not having a good time, chances are your horse isn’t either.WELL, WHAT NOW?Okay, make a list of what’s fun for you. Then make a list of what you think is fun for your horse. (If you’re having trouble, get the Think Like a Pony book from Natural Equip-ment).If learning or teaching new things doesn’t rate high on your fun list, then get creative with your less structured time, to create a balance.
People and horses ultimately do what feels good ... and they do best at what they enjoy ... when you allow yourself and your horse to play and have fun, you might even discover some talents you didn’t know you both had! © Copyright 2008
Wrangler Jayne. Andrew Kopp, Mast
Visit www.wranglerjayne.com.auto find out how you can have more fun, and be a better teacher for your horse!
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WHEN YOU VISIT THE SITE!
‘The Essentials Series’ $79 eachGround Skills for Success, Safety and Softness ! 2 disc sets
Part 1 “Touching your Horse with your Heart” $79 (2 hours)Part 2 “Communicating with your Heart” $79 (2 hours)
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The 3 part set SPECIAL $199 (SAVE $38)TO ORDER
www.wranglerjayne.com.au OR www.naturalequipment.com.au
“I’ve been waiting for DVDs like this for a long time! As a stu-dent of natural horsemanship
for months now, it wasn’t until I saw Jayne’s DVDs and applied everything that Jayne shows, that I got real results. I finally understand exactly HOW to do things, and importantly, WHY.
Thanks a million, Jayne, for filling in the blanks and mak-ing my natural horsemanship
journey so much EASIER!” Robbie, Townsville, Qld, Australia.’’
www.wranglerjayne.com.au Horsemanship with Heart
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For Sale
Swinging Fender Saddle
Size 16 inch. Medium Gullet. Double girth.
Suede Seat. Australian Leather.
Immaculate Condition. Comes with extras.
Price to sell at $1200
Contact Cherie PH 07 38036945, Mob 0431543177 Marsden, QLD.
STEVE MOLNAR COMMON SENSE HOOF CARE
Kind & Respectful Handling of Horse’s
EXPERIENCED FARRIER
ALL ASPECTS OF HOOF CARE
COMMON SENSE HOOF CARE
31 Heaton Road
QUORROBOLONG NSW 2325
Phone 0415 258 399
Fax 02 49986 485
Email: [email protected]
“We cannot change what Nature gave them, but we can make some improvements.”
For Sale Mal Fishenden Roping Saddle 15"
QH tree comes with matching breastplate and
back girth.
$2500
Located at Jerrys Plains
Ph Amie on 0265764371 or 0438050376
HEY NATURAL HORSEMAN!!!!
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PLENTY OF SHADE, DAM, RIDING TRACKS, TACK ROOM, FEED ROOM, SHOWER, W.C. REST AREAS AND EASY PARKING FOR THE BIGGEST FLOATS.
WE ARE SITUATED ONLY MINUTES FROM THE FREEWAY, SET IN A VERY TRANQUIL SETTING, 10 MINUTES TO THE AUSTRALIAN PARELLI SAVVY CENTRE. THE PROPERTY IS FULLY SECURE, OWNERS LIVE ON SITE. YOUR HORSE CAN HAVE THE CHOICE OF SEPARATE PADDOCK OR SMALL GROUP SITUATION, PRICES ARE REASONABLE AND CAN BE TAILORED TO SUIT YOUR BUDGET. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE.
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Or email us at [email protected]
JOB DESCRIPTION – RIDING COACH – Full Time This very busy & personalised Riding for the Disabled Centre is seeking an outstanding new coach to join our small & enthusiastic team servicing the Alice Springs and surrounding Central Australian areas in providing horse riding and horse husbandry lessons to participants, training and organisation of volunteers, and the maintenance of RDA horses and equipment to a variety of clients. Qualifications & Experience Pre-requisites • Level 1 NCAS, EFI or Pony Club Coaching Qualifications (or related equivalent) preferred or willing to obtain • Min 6 months coaching with proven success • Experience with coaching all ages & working with beginners through to advanced level • Professional rider experience highly considered although not essential. • Ability and experience with working with disabled clients highly considered although not essential. On the job training can be provided by our level one coach • Current First Aid Certificate or willing to obtain Personal Job Pre-requisites • Passionate & enthusiastic about equestrian coaching & the development of all your students and horses • Sincere enjoyment in working with people, including children and people with disabilities • True self-starter with a warm and open personality. • The capacity to be an outstanding member of a small & passionate team • Open to learning new techniques & teaching strategies as part of a progressive team constantly striving for industry best practise in a rapidly changing field • Great communicator with all age groups • Very organised & always punctual • Enjoys taking responsibility for planning & running events and seeking new opportunities. • Is able to finish late on weekdays & work Saturday morning – all according to scheduled hours. May also be required for occasional Sundays. Job Description To work with other members of the team in providing consummate & personalised coaching services for private and group lessons for children & adults of all standards as well as associated riding & administration activities - all to the highest of industry and professional standards. This includes: • Positive relationship development with all students, and if applicable, their parents or carers • The taking of private and a wide range of group lessons while always being passionate about the results & the enjoyment of your students • Being available for daytime, after school & evening lessons or activities • Managing & taking responsibility for junior & adult equestrian competitions • School Holiday Camp planning, development & management • Developing & driving further opportunities for growth at all levels of the business, including customer satisfaction. • Actively developing & growing your list of coaching clients Job Status – Full Time (40 hours per week) Start Date – Immediate start for the right candidate Salary Package – A base salary with a genuine incentive bonus scheme commensurate with candidate experience is offered for this position. Visa sponsorship requires a commitment of 2 years employment from the successful applicant. For more information on the visa sponsorship process please go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/rsms/index.htm Hours & Leave – paid annual leave, sick leave etc are negotiable as part of the salary package. Only applicants with a clean record in all aspects of working with children will be considered. Applicants must be willing to undergo a police check. References will be required. Applications: If you are interested please send your application and current resume to [email protected] or call Karen Eva Stirk on 0418853898 during business hours for more information.
Bagging (Descalzo system) – A technique used for desensitisation of the young horse.
"Now just stand still, this is called bagging down. I saw mum doing this the other day, apparently it is supposed to desensitise us or something. To be honest I don't really get it"
“Are you doing OK, I am supposed to stop when you relax – Are you relaxed yet?”
“This is pretty advanced, now I am going to drag it over your ears OK?”
“So, do you have the idea?”
“Yep, no problem. So I’ll do you now”
Helping Fearful HorsesWhat is a Fearful Horse?
A fearful horse is one that reacts in a protective manner when unsure of its safety in any given circumstance. This reaction may be to avoid the situation totally or, if it feels trapped, to strike, rear, kick, buck, bite or just adopt a protective stance. I won’t go too much into the prey animal rhetoric but basically wild horses survive by being quick to react when they sense danger. Any of these reactions can be dangerous to both horse and handler and need to be overcome for a horse to be safe and useful or a pleasure to be around.
We Owe It To Our Horses To Help Them Overcome Their Fears!
Unlike horses with respect issues (see my article on spoiled horses) we can help a fearful horse lose this behavior forever. One of the great attributes horses have is an ability to learn to deal with almost any situation once we prove to them that their well being is not at risk. It never ceases to amaze me what a horse can learn to accept (and how quickly it can accept things) when taught properly. Like most issues with horses it is easier to train for these issues when the situation has not been made worse by human interference. There are only two ways to deal with fear issues. The right way or the wrong way. Fearful behavior can as easily be made worse as it can be overcome.
Fearful horses are often labeled mad or uncontrollable and end up neglected, or dead. We owe it to our horses to help them learn to live with scary things and whilst fear levels and reactions vary from horse to horse they can all be improved.
What Are Horses Afraid Of?
Potentially horses can be afraid of pretty much anything. Here is a small list of a few things I have found. There are many more:
• PlasticBags• Dogs• Abunchofkeys• Strangepeople• Horsefloats• Traffic• Showjudgesandribbons• Leaves• Theirownfootprintsinafreshlysmudgedarena• Smallponies• Cattle• Donkeys• Pigs• Whips• Alpacas• Balls• Otherriders• Tarps• Cats• Trains• Crowds• Badhorsetrainers
• Water• Sand• Buildings• Bushes• Bicycles• Suddenmovements• Theirownreflectioninamirror• Fireworks• Rifleshots• Guineapigcages• Wormingpaste• StrangeFood• Dentalequipment• Deadanimals• Garagesales• Rugs
Whilstwecanhaveveryquietandsafehorsesthelengthofthislistaloneshowsuswhynohorseshouldbeconsideredas100%bombproof.Manypeoplehavebeeninjuredby“Bombproof”horses.
NoticeIdidnotinclude“men”inthislist.AsmuchasseveraltimesaweekIamtold“myhorseisscaredofmen”.Iprovethiswrongonaregularbasis.Horsesmaybefrightenedoftheattitude,orbodylanguage,emittedbypeopleingeneralbutdonotdiscriminatebetweensexesinhumans.
HowDoWeHelpOurHorseOvercomeFear?Gainingahorsesrespectisalwaysthebestplacetostart.Ahorsethatrespectsusasaleaderwillalwaysbemorecomfortableinaspookysituation.Horsesarehappytomakeusresponsiblefortheirsafetyiftheytrustusandareconfidentthatweareaworthyleader.Readthearticleonspoiledhorsesatianleightonhorsemanship.com
Workonmakingyourhorsesoftandeasytohandlefromtheground.Learngoodgroundworkandworkatituntilyourhorseissoftflexibleandresponsivetoyourrequests.Youwillnotregretputtingtimeandeffortintothis.Itwillmakeyourhorseeasytohandleandimproveitineveryrespectfromfloatloadingtoriding.Wecannotbegintotrainahorsethatwecannoteasilyhandle.Iwillnotgointomethodsetcinthisarticleasitisasubjectonitsown.
Bythetimeyouhaveyourhorsesrespectandhaveithandlingsoftlyandeasilyyouwillhavealreadyinadvertentlysolvedmanyfearissues.Fromthenwecanstarttosetourhorseupinscarysituationsandbeginhelpingthemdealwiththem.
Someimportantrules:• Nevertrytodesensitizeahorsetospookysituationswhilsttiedup.Oldstylebreakersusedtodothis.Itwascalled“baggingdown”andmanyhorsesareinjuredusingthispractice.Todothisproperlyandsafelyyouneedspecialsafefacilitiesproperequipmentandatonofexperience.Trappedhorsesreactmuchmorewhenfrightenedandoftenfearofwhateverisincreasedandnotovercomeifthisismessedup.• Nevertrytointroduceahorsethatislooseinayardtospookyobjects.Theycanjumpout,fall,andbreakbonesandhurthandlersandthosenearby.Don’tdoit.
• Donotattempttodesensitizehorsestospookyobjectsuntiltheyaresofttohandleandshowagooddealofrespectfortheirhandlers.Withouttheseinplacedesensitizationcanbeadangerouspracticeforbothhorseandhandler.Horsesmayeitherescapeandrunthroughfencesetcorrunoverthehandleroftencausinginjury.Becareful.
TheDesensitizingProcessOnceyourhorsehasachievedthehandlinglevelsdescribedabovewecanthenstarttoworkonhowourhorsereactstoaspookysituation.Wecanbegintoteachthehorsetocontrolhisinstinctstoreacttoafearfulsituation.
Step1Groundworkyourhorseinasafeareawithgoodfootinguntilheissoftresponsiveandfocusedonyou.
Step2Withyourhorsefollowingyouontheendofa12’trainingropewalkaroundtheareayouareworkinginwithnosetpattern.Justwalkquicklyandconfidentlyuntilyourhorseisfollowingyoueasilywithhisheaddownandrelaxed.
Step3Forthepurposeofthisarticlewewillfocusonarugshyhorseandovercomehisfearusingaplastictarp.Pickupthetarpandcarryitwithyou.Letthehorsefollowattheendoftheleadropeuntilheisagainsoftandrelaxed.
Step4Letsomeofthetarpfallontothegroundjustbehindyouasyouarewalking.Don’tmakeadealaboutitjustkeepwalking.Ifyourhorsebecomesresistanttotheleadropeturninsmallarconewayandthentheothertokeephisfeetmoving.Donotreactifhebecomesfearful,continuewalking.
Step5Keepwalkinguntilthehorseisrelaxedwiththewholetarptrailingbehindyou.Tryandkeephimonalooseropesothathedoesnotfeeltrapped.Ifheneedstomovefromsidetosideletthishappenaslongasheismovingforward.Itwillnotbelongandyourhorsewillfindithardtoresistthetemptationtoputhisheaddownandinvestigatefurther.
Step6Stopeverynowandthenandletthehorseinvestigatethetarp.
Step7Starttoshakeorrattlethetarpasyouwalk.Keepwalkingagaininsmallforwardarcsuntilyourhorseisrelaxedandcanfollowyouinstraightlines.
Step8Whenyourhorseissuitablyrelaxed,dropthetarponthegroundasyouarewalking.Walkaroundandoveritandarounditpretendingthatitisnotthereuntilthehorseiscomfortableandrelaxed.Lethiminvestigateitasoftenashewants.Givehimshorttimestodothisthenkeephimwalking.
Step9Withasoftfeelaskyourhorsetostepoverthetarp.Ifhegoesaroundit,don’tworry;justaskagainhewilldoitinduecourse.
Step10Pickthetarpupandbunchitup.Approachyourhorsewithit.Findthepositionwhereyourhorsestartstofeelnervousandstopthere.Backoffjustalittleuntilhestandscalmly.Whenheisrelaxedmoveitcloseragainrepeatingthebackingoff.Soonhewillstandyoualmosttouchinghimwithit.
Step11Placethetarponthehorse’slowerneckwhilstitisbunchedupinyourhand.Keepyourhorsesneckbentslightlytothesideyouareworkingon.Ifhemoveslethimcirclearoundyouandassoonashestopstakethetarpawayalittleandlethimrelax.Ifheoverreactsheisnotreadyforthisstep.Rememberdonotevermakeyourhorsefeeltrappedbytryingtoholdhimstill.Convincehimthatifhestandsstillthekillertarpwillgoaway.Asherelaxesincreasethetimethetarpcanbeheldthere.Doallthisonbothsidesofthehorse.Whencirclingandwalkinginpreviousstepsmakesureyouchangedirectionsfrequently.
Step12Rubthebuncheduptarpfurtherbackalongthehorseuntilhetenses,takingitawaywhenheisstill.Continuethisuntilyoucantouchhimallover.Don’tforgettoworkuphisneckandheadalso.Makethetarpbiggerasherelaxesandbeforelonghewillacceptyouputtingtheopentarpalloverhim.Bepatienttakeaslongasittakes.
Step13Onceyourhorseacceptsthetarpsittingonhimandyoucanwalkhimroundinthatfashionitstimetoputhisrugon.Beconfidentandplaceyourrugonthehorse.Lethimstandandtakeitoffagain.Replacetherugandwalkhimaroundafewstepsineachdirection.Stopandremovetherugagain.Lethimstrandforaminuteandreplacetherug.Doupthestrapsandlethimstand.Whenheisrelaxedwalkhimoffinabentfashion.Rememberheisfeelingthelegstrapsetcforthefirsttime.Lethimstopeverytimeheiscomfortable.Introducesomegroundworkwithyourruggedhorseuntilheistotallyrelaxed.
Step14Turnyourhorseoutinasafeyardifyouaregoingtokeephimrugged.Makesurethatyougivehimtimetobetotallyusedtotheideabeforeyouturnhimoutintoapaddocketc.Ithelpsifhehasfeltthewindgettingunderhisrugafewtimesbeforewedeemhimsafetobeturnedoutrugged.
Alltheabovestepscanbeundertakenwithaplasticbagonastickfirstifyouaremorecomfortablewiththat.Thiswillmakethetarpprocesseasier.
Thesestepsmayseemlongwindedonpaperbutinrealitytheprocesscanbeveryquickwithaproperlysetuphorse.Ihaveachievedputtingthetarpalloverthehorseatclinicsetcmanytimesinfewerthan15minsbutrememberittakesaslongasittakes.
Theaboveisaguideonly.Pleasebecarefulandifyouarenotfeelingconfidentthendon’tattemptit.Haveaprofessionalteachyouhowtomakeyourhorsesapleasuretohandleandtobesoftandrespectfulandconfident.Wetakenoresponsibilityforhowthisinformationisinterpretedorused.Anyinteractionwithhorsescanpotentiallybedangerous.
©IanLeighton2008