| Finally, it has clicked! |
We have successfully cracked the forequarter yield! Whilst playing, we had got the porcupine going really well I had a thought that when you teach sideways in level 1 it is by the fence. *cue Lightbulb going on above Lucy's head* What a simple change and yet I finally got some nice forequarter yields, wahoo!
Today I got out the car, came in through the gate and as usual Benji comes over and when he touches me I give him a treat for catching me. I rubbed his forehead and worked my way down his neck and as soon as I looked down to my ropehalter he walked off. I followed him and tried again and he half-heartedly trotted off! At this point I knew I had two options 1) Turn into a huge mess, blame myself for having a curse of not being able to catch horses, go home and never go out again OR 2) To go over, get my carrot stick and get him interested in me by yielding his hindquarters when he's not paying attention. It worked really well, he came to me and was willing to be caught and when I left his ropehalter on and 12ft line over his withers and walked off he followed! So I'm going to do this each time I go to catch him if he seems reluctant.
All these changes must be very difficult for him. Most of his life he has been a companion and he has mostly only come in for grooming, routine horsecare and cuddles so now he's in a new home where I am asking him to do some work (it will be work whilst we are still in level 1 'cause it is boring to horses) atleast every other day. That in itself is a huge change and if I were him I'd prefer to stay in the field and eat too so I'm not blaming him.
What a great session, we're on the road to level 1 graduation in no time!  |
|
|
|
|
My name is Lucy Middleton, I'm 17 years old and from the United Kingdom.
I started Parelli in January 2008 and it has been an incredible journey so far.
Pre-Parelli I did the best with what I knew but now I know better; I want to do better!
This is my blog to document my progress as a natural horseman.
Want to 'follow' my blog, fellow blogspotters? Add my url to your list on your dashboard to stay upto date!
View my profile
|
I am owned by this gorgeous piebald cob mare, Lily. She's an interesting character, fun to play with and is a great teacher.
There's more about her on her own page.
|
It's not about disposable horses; it's about relationships for life.
It's not about quick fixes and artificial aids, it's about savvy; true understanding and expertise.
It's not about winning and others losing; It's about win-win: you and the horse need to feel good.
It's not about me me me; It's about changing the world for horses, becoming a person of knowledge and influence, and sharing what you know.
It's not about fear and doubt; It's about unconditional love and trust.
Love for the empowerment of others and trust that you'll never ask the horse to do something that would hurt or diminish his dignity.
Reveal your horse. Discover your potential. Live your dream.
-Parelli
|
|
|
|
|
Profile designed, made and coded by Lucy Parelli Student.
|
|
posted by Lucy at 