Monday 12 November 2012

Some things to think about

So how has it been going with Lucie since I've done the clinics, what have I learned that I can bring into our relationship? Doing these clinics, and interacting with other people and horses, after so long working on my own, gives me confidence, and a leader needs to be confident; my body language has improved and is becoming almost instinct to ask with body and focus first

I can now be assertive without over-reacting; I am more relaxed because I know that what I am asking is reasonable, and that I am asking for it in a way that the horse can respond too. If they don't, then I know I'm not asking the right question, or I'm asking it wrong.

I can be more relaxed because I'm not questioning myself. I have learned to wait and watch; to stay cool and say "how interesting" if it doesn't go as expected. If I show that I'm not going to over-react but stay calm; for instance, when Lucie has a right-brained moment; I can just wait until she stops moving, then wait a bit longer... Not go straight to a higher phase or put more pressure. Then ask again. Slowly.

Some insights and strategies:

Focus on the task. Accept the horse's distractions and attempts to digress; say "yes, that's fine; but I stll want you to do this".

If they get that we are there for them, they will understand and forgive even if we mess up badly.

Remember that horses live in the moment.

Reading when she is unconfident or dominant. Look for the less  obvious signs; is she tense, or relaxed? Eyes, neck, stance. Some of the signs, such as ears pinned, can be either lack of confidence or trying to dominate to avoid doing the task. Some horses can swing back and forth between these. You have a 50% chance of being right and doing the right thing. If what you try doesn't work, try something else.