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My dad rang me on the way to work to say that Benji was out in the big field. Last night I'd sectioned off an area for him to stay in overnight for the next few weeks whilst there's a lot of grass to give him a break. Well he didn't think much of that idea and broke some more fence posts. So we had an early play today.
He wasn't in a playing mood because he just wanted to get back to his mares (his ho's) but because I'm busy this week finishing up my Arts and Humanities course (then a break 'til February, woohoo!) and getting things ready for Tyler's birthday/our 3rd anniversary I didn't know when I'd get any chance to play.
We played friendly game on the move and he went completely right brain like we'd never done it before *sigh*... I mean, oh boy! although it's hard to feel enthused because we've been trying to fix this for ages. He tried bolting off a few times and when I asked him to walk he thought I was restricting his movement and either bronced/double-barrel-kicked, not sure which. My emotional fitness was being tested but I knew if I kept stopping when he behaved like this; I'd have another learned behaviour to undo. It took 20 minutes and plenty of licking and chewing but we got a relatively calm friendly game on the move in walk on both sides. Although I'm expecting another difficulty with it because he just does not want to accept it. I must admit I was suprised when he either bronced/D-B-K'd but when thinking about it he was feeling trapped so it's understandable, I'll have to think about what made him think I was saying 'stop' rather than 'walk'. He licked and chewed after one of his bolts because I couldn't control the front end and kept friendly-gaming the back so that is something that I can guarantee I'll have to deal with again, silly me.
We then did sideways and usually I ask without a carrot-stick but I remembered that Arran said working without it if he's fearful of it will boost our relationship but it'll depleat faster if I reintroduced it so to use it all the time. He was obedient and understood but his eyes were wide and starey so I stopped after 3 good sideways steps, he licked and chewed. Then one time he was blinking whilst doing 3 good steps I gave him a treat afterwards so from then on he was doing sideways a little then being bolshy and demanding treats. I had to change my leadership and show him that the treats are handed out for good behaviour and not when he wants them. After a bit of a better attitude we moved on and moseyed around before I turned him out.
Probably not the best of ideas to ask him to play when he's sulky but this is what winter is about; if you can find time inbetween non-horsey life, field management and feeding... Play! Although instead of starting with friendly game on the move I should've done something we both find easy to see which side of the field he woke up on. "Play with the horse that shows up." |
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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
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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.
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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
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Profile designed, made and coded by Lucy Parelli Student.
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