I keep saying it but Chance REALLY is a great teacher! He has been telling me all along that nobody is ever going to MAKE him do anything. But he will be happy to do whatever is asked because he wants to. All he requires is that he is asked with respect and softness. Libby's advice to give him his foot when he pulls was priceless. When he knows he can have it back he is always very willing to give it back again. I have programmed myself to be ready for a stressful farrier visit, so I hold right on to the knot of the halter, hold his head and the farrier holds his feet and the poor horse is suffocating. Today I stood with 2-3 feet of slack in the lead line while Chance's feet RESTED in the farrier's hands. The farrier was able to do a thorough job on his feet for the 1st time in 8 months!
Why is it that we think we can actually force a horse to do anything? Is it because of the size difference? Is it out of fear? Frustration? Yes, there are times when a person needs to firm up on a horse. But it has to be done right. Maybe with a horse who has had been handled rough in the past needs extra softness. He knows the difference and he will only shut down when the pressure is too much. He could fight back, but chooses not to. And he still likes people. How lucky we are that horses are so forgiving!
Why is it that when I have thought about softness I only practiced it from the saddle or when doing ground work. Why wouldn't it apply to his feet?! Why wouldn't it apply to everything! When I go to the paddock Chance always comes to great me. Even if he is eating hay way on the other side. He stops whatever he is doing and meets me at least half way. There is no halter, no ropes, nothing physical. He does it because he WANTS to. I can't say enough of what a wonderful gift that is. I can't ever let myself forget this or take this for granted. The things we are going to be able to do are limitless.
I can see the trail rides we will go on in my mind, now it's time that they become a reality! And I think today is the day that I might just really be starting to believe it. Because Chance and I both want it.
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3 comments:
I love where your going with your horsemanship. Obviously Chance loves it, too! I hope to see you soon, at Libby's or at Mark's clinics?
Thank you for saying that. I was feeling pretty defeated last week and then something good happened. It makes me realize that I must be doing something that is working. It's nice to see the changes in Chance. He seems happy. I will be stopping by Piper Ridge to see Libby on Sunday. I would love to go to one of Marks clinics. Do you have a schedule?
Mark's schedule is on his website: www.markrashid.com. I will be there with horse May 22-24 and auditing 26-28. I hope to see you tomorrow and again in New Hampshire.
I sure understand about those discouraged moments. I'm having them right now with a specific horse with a specific situation. I am ready to say to Mark, if it takes all three days, I want your help to figure out how to help this horse. I know it's about me, but I haven't quite figured out WHAT!
Out again now to go experiment, and go for a ride!
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