Step by Step

CC's new digs: a 120 acre farm adjacent to a state forest providing an additional 1000+ acres of riding.  We have to get started under saddle!  But first, CC needs to get over her bit resistance.  Previously, she refused to close her mouth around the bit.  When the vet pulled her wolf teeth, he found she reacted to his slight pressure on her nose just as she did to the bit.  Vet and trainer both started suggesting the possibility of scoping her to see if there is a physical problem.  That would not be my approach, an d fortunately for CC, I as the owner get final say.  My decision: I moved her to a new barn much closer to home and I am now CC's trainer.  Our first small foray into training: use a headstall with no noseband so the only thing CC has to deal with is the bit.  I let her wander around the round pen with hay available and she soon settled down to the more important business of munching.  Bit?  What bit?  With just a few such sessions, she's much more accepting of the bit.  Yesterday, after she had the bit in her mouth for about half hour while wandering her paddock, I moved her into the round pen for our first attempt at round pen communication.  The seminar I took last month introduced me to that amazing dance.  In the seminar, though, the horses already knew the stuff.  CC doesn't.  It's up to me to teach her.  At the same time I'm teaching me.  This could be interesting.  So what happened yesterday?  CC stood there looking at me.  Which is actually a good thing.  I want her attention on me, not on the handsome Skippy watching us (see him in the photo?).  Next step: well, yeah, a step.  Please?  CC's approach with me is to just stand there.  She doesn't get crazy or mean or spooky.  She just calmly stands in one spot.  Ever feel a silent horse snicker?  Yeah, that's what she does.  Stands there and looks at me and I know she's just laughing her ass off inside.  When she first arrived here in Connecticut, she very calmly refused to get off the trailer.  Just stood there looking at me.  What are you gonna do about it, she asked.  We had to take the trailer apart to get her off.  Then, once she got used to all the other horses, she decided staying with them was better than leaving them.  I'd put the lead rope on her and start to walk and CC would not.  There she stood, just looking at me.  Her 1000 pounds or so against my - well, considerably smaller self.  My brute strength clearly wouldn't work.   That's what led me to natural horsemanship.  I love the concept and I grinned myself silly when I took the seminar.  One seminar and auditing another (which means I watched others work) and I am ... on my own with a little bit of understanding.  Yep, this could get very interesting.  So what happened yesterday?  I got CC moving and turning and stopping when I wanted.  And paying attention to me.  We ended with a good stop and CC not only turning to face me, but actually taking a couple steps toward me at my invitation.  I'm pleased.

My newest sock project also started out laughing at me.  I cast on the damn things 5 times and each time size was ridiculous and mistakes slapped me silly.  Then yesterday, after the good time with CC, knitting magic kicked in and the stitches just flowed forth.  Not very fast, mind you, but progress nonetheless.   I'm liking this sock now.  The specifics: Lorna's Laces Jeans, size 2 Addi Turbo 47" circs, Magic Loop method, garter rib stitch from Sensational Knitted Socks with a rolled edge top.

Comments

[Martha]

Boy, that's a whole different method of training than when I was a kid. Although I suppose the dominance-based training may have been better for me than it was for the horse--it taught me that I could boss around large animals and not take any guff, but it didn't give the horse any opportunity for communication. I do have to say, though, that once my horse and I got to know each other, she became just as bossy in her own way.

[Kim]

It is going to be interesting to watch this progression. I have found with dogs, that the type of method you are using works best for them. Positive reinforcement allows the animal to be proactive instead of reactive. :-)

[Laurie]

Love the Jeans. Five was my record number of starts.

Interesting training, quiet opposition of wills.

[Cathy]

I do love training youngsters - such a dance. I look forward to your journey. Moving CC was such a great idea.