My last post asked, “What Do You Want?” Perhaps
coincidentally, in her blog today fellow Barnmice.com member Jackie
Cochran posted “Well Horse, What Do YOU Want?” Now, isn’t that the
million dollar question! Safety, comfort and play, says Pat Parelli. Yes, and we should always first rule out physical discomfort when faced with undesired behaviors. But figuring out exactly how much play, challenge, fun, and rest your particular horse prefers isn’t always easy.
For the last two weeks, Brody and I have
been engaged in a more-intensive-than usual training schedule I’ve
dubbed “Road to the Ride”. Once
I got the go-ahead from the vet to ride Brody for the first time,
getting him respectful and responsive enough for riding to be a safe and
positive experience provided a whole new level of motivation for me. And Brody is LOVING the new regimen! Perhaps
it’s my increased focus, maybe it’s incorporating more of Clinton
Anderson’s exercises, and maybe I’ve also managed to learn and improve
some in year since bringing Brody home.
Six months ago I found myself stranded a
plateau of confusion (“My Horse Doesn’t Like Me” 12/15/10,
www.backyardhorsemanship.com). Brody
and I were progressing in our Parelli play, but I would unexpected find
him sour too frequently and he clearly was not accepting my leadership.
While I’m fully aware that I still have a distance to go and it’s too
soon for Brody to have internalized the recent positive changes in a
lasting way, there’s been impressive improvement. And does seem a lot happier. Every time I go out into the paddock with the halter and lead rope, Brody willingly sticks his nose right in the halter. If I haven’t been out to work him in a day, he’ll whinny to me between meal times. We both look forward to our nightly visits, when I bring a treat and give him loving rubs and scratches. These days we’re both getting what we want, and life is good.
