MORE QUIET CONVERSATION “PRACTICE”

Every time we interact with a horse we are, in essence, training it. We have to combine awareness, techniques, intuition, consistency, feel and timing to make each interaction a success. We also have to embrace “respect” as a virtue. We need to respect the horse for what it is and the horse should in turn offer respect to us.

Farrier is here tomorrow. The ground is still squishy in many places. The round pen is more oval due to places of deep mud. So today was all about work on our “quiet conversation” skills. We did about 80% of the exercises in the round pen without the need of a lead rope, halter or training stick. We REALLY need to get a video of this because just writing about it does not do this work justice. With just body position, energy and focus we had a “conversation” with Cearra, She move off a simple point. She yielded her hind end to a focused look and slight step away from her shoulder. She backed up. She offered a forequarter yield with some slight pressure via positioning near her shoulder. She transitioned up and down gaits and “locked on” nicely too. It was very cool.

After that session we took a “Leadership Walk” which is always fun. Good for the mind, body and spirit of the horse and the human.

It was a good day!

Tomorrow Cearra gets new shoes. Saturday is the G.S.H.C. Potluck Picnic, Practice & Play Day!