Lucy's Parelli Journey

Sunday 18 May 2008

Benji and I had a nice play today. He has still not yet moulted properly so whilst he grazed online I gave him a really good groom. He now looks less fluffy but there are still a lot of patches that just won't budge, he must be boiling when it's sunny! He trod on his rope a few times and I was anticipating an explosion because Lily would've gone mad if it had been her but no, he wasn't in the slightest bit bothered and was even stretching with his nose still on the ground trying to reach more grass. Before his gut exploded due to being over it's capacity limit, I then decided we'd practise games 1 and 2.

Friendly game -
He was much more relaxed when I was playing the friendly game with the c-stick and string and held his head lower than usual. This was a huge positive because I have been working hard on desensitising to the c-stick and string when I have my life down. I was able to touch him everywhere with the stick without any fuss. I stood a little further away that I usually do because I am working on personal space and he was confused to begin with but was fine with it afterwards.

Porcupine game -
I played the porcupine game with the mindset of rewarding him for the littlest try and it worked brilliantly. Porcupining his hind end was a little difficult but I passively persisted and won. :)
I was able to back him and yield his forequarters using just phases 1 and 2 again. When I was backing him up from the chest I noticed he had his own little porcupine game going against me by using his head to move me away so I ignored what he was trying to do and used bodyblocks with my free arm when he got too close. He looked irritated when I did this but he licked and chewed and did it less.
The more I play with him the more I pick up on these little games that are to constantly test my leadership and it's really funny. The most occurrent one is when he puts his mouth on my hand and starts to mouth it and my instant reaction is to move my hand away to avoid being hurt; I've lost the game! When he does that I try and ignore my brain telling me to move my hand away and do what Linda recommends with active-mouthed horses to be over friendly on the side of his face and almost 'clumsy' and he quits. I find all these little behaviours fascinating and I think they are the reason why we are finding some parts of level 1 hard because he doesn't respect me or see me as a leader yet. More things to lick and chew over!

To end the session we did a small driving game by going backwards through the gateway and he did it very well. I was even able to move the c-stick up and down and move the 12ft line in my other hand left to right at the same time - it felt pretty weird! Haha

An awesome, short but Savvy session.

posted by Lucy at 8:12 pm -

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About Me

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.

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Lily

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The Philosophy

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