I have been making some observations about the horses in the past few days.
I brought in two horses who are very special to me last night to get their feet trimmed. One of them used to be very uptight and high headed when I would bring him in.
The other one, a sweet mare, used to fuss and carry on the entire time she was inside.
Last night they were both calm, low headed and I could tell that they felt completely safe where they were. The gelding, who would get all uptight and worried when I stood near his "riding zone" on his body, last night pressed his barrel against my stomach and leaned in to me relaxed while I gently leaned against him, his eyes soft and his head low.
The mare seemed uncomfortable and was standing with her hind legs way underneath her.
I massaged an old injury site, breaking down her scar tissue. She handed me her leg so I could really get at it. I stretched out both of her hind legs and pulled her tail. After I was finished she stood all relaxed with her hind legs in normal position. It was interesting how she "spoke" to me and I listened, helping her.
Today, Nugget, the new guy was feeling anxious when he was getting his feet trimmed. I observed how he rested his head against me and instantly calmed down when I was beside him.
Story who is usually fidgety and difficult when her feet are being done, stood calm and quiet, resting her head against me when I came and stood near her.
I love that these horses all view me as their safety. I am thrilled that when I am around them, they feel drawn to my energy and that they can feel its soft, gentleness. They can truly feel my love and it is so amazing.
They are such amazing creatures.
Saturday 18 October 2014
Wednesday 8 October 2014
Never Set A Horse Up to Fail - A New Job for Nugget
There is nothing quite as humbling as being around equines. They continue to amaze, surprise and uplift me day after day.
A new horse has come into my care; his name is Nugget. He comes from a loving home, however due to circumstances he couldn't stay in his current living arrangement and his owner only wants the very best for him. He has been with me for just over a week and I cannot believe the progress he and I have made.
The first day I met him, I remembered the advice that I always give to others. To not set him up to fail and to have a completely open mind with him. Every single day, he shows me what a hidden gem he is.
He loaded in the trailer with only brief hesitation. This horse hasn't seen the inside of a horse trailer in over a decade. It actually didn't surprise me because whenever you assume a horse will or won't do something, they almost always surprise you.
He has gone from being herd bound and disassociated, to showing me what a huge heart he has. He is very smart and willing, a true gentleman.
He used to walk away from me when I went in his pen and now he waits at the gate for me. He used to rear and balk when he got to the barn door, now he enters willingly. He tried to walk over top of me, now he maintains a respectful distance. He only has to be told something once and he is immediately respectful and compliant.
Last night I tried a little experiment with him. I stood at his shoulder, and slowly backed up. He matched me step for step. I did everything with him at liberty, which means he could have run off at any moment. We ended up doing a very neat little mimicking dance together. He was bright and engaged and I can see how willing to please and kind he is. In taking the time to get to know him and allow him to settle in and feel comfortable, we are forming a relationship of mutual respect.
Because he hasn't been put into use for a long time, he and I have been doing lots of ground exercises and stretching, backing and getting him back in tune with his body.
He is a senior citizen, somewhere around 20 years old or maybe slightly younger, so I am taking extra time with him as I don't want to stress him unduly. In a short week, he has made real progress physically. In the beginning when he was disengaging his hindquarters, he wasn't able to cross his hind feet without literally stepping on himself. Last night, I was able to get him to cross over on both sides. His left hind leg was very trembly when I lifted it to clean his hooves and I am already noticing that it is improving and loosening up.
He is stunningly beautiful and very well put together. He has a huge, graceful floaty trot. He does have a swayed back, but I believe as he gains muscle and a topline, most of it will be gone. He has huge bone and great feet, a huge muscled hindquarter and a very nice head and neck. He is a registered appaloosa, although you would never know it looking at him. He is a dark golden palomino and has 3 or 4 small white spots on his body.
Once he has some regularly scheduled maintenance done, I will do a riding assessment on him but I am in no rush. I will post more on his progress once we are farther along.
A new horse has come into my care; his name is Nugget. He comes from a loving home, however due to circumstances he couldn't stay in his current living arrangement and his owner only wants the very best for him. He has been with me for just over a week and I cannot believe the progress he and I have made.
The first day I met him, I remembered the advice that I always give to others. To not set him up to fail and to have a completely open mind with him. Every single day, he shows me what a hidden gem he is.
He loaded in the trailer with only brief hesitation. This horse hasn't seen the inside of a horse trailer in over a decade. It actually didn't surprise me because whenever you assume a horse will or won't do something, they almost always surprise you.
He has gone from being herd bound and disassociated, to showing me what a huge heart he has. He is very smart and willing, a true gentleman.
He used to walk away from me when I went in his pen and now he waits at the gate for me. He used to rear and balk when he got to the barn door, now he enters willingly. He tried to walk over top of me, now he maintains a respectful distance. He only has to be told something once and he is immediately respectful and compliant.
Last night I tried a little experiment with him. I stood at his shoulder, and slowly backed up. He matched me step for step. I did everything with him at liberty, which means he could have run off at any moment. We ended up doing a very neat little mimicking dance together. He was bright and engaged and I can see how willing to please and kind he is. In taking the time to get to know him and allow him to settle in and feel comfortable, we are forming a relationship of mutual respect.
Because he hasn't been put into use for a long time, he and I have been doing lots of ground exercises and stretching, backing and getting him back in tune with his body.
He is a senior citizen, somewhere around 20 years old or maybe slightly younger, so I am taking extra time with him as I don't want to stress him unduly. In a short week, he has made real progress physically. In the beginning when he was disengaging his hindquarters, he wasn't able to cross his hind feet without literally stepping on himself. Last night, I was able to get him to cross over on both sides. His left hind leg was very trembly when I lifted it to clean his hooves and I am already noticing that it is improving and loosening up.
He is stunningly beautiful and very well put together. He has a huge, graceful floaty trot. He does have a swayed back, but I believe as he gains muscle and a topline, most of it will be gone. He has huge bone and great feet, a huge muscled hindquarter and a very nice head and neck. He is a registered appaloosa, although you would never know it looking at him. He is a dark golden palomino and has 3 or 4 small white spots on his body.
Once he has some regularly scheduled maintenance done, I will do a riding assessment on him but I am in no rush. I will post more on his progress once we are farther along.
Wednesday 1 October 2014
The Gift of Trust
There is that moment of magic between horse and human when the horse feels safe and trusting enough to want your touch.
I had that moment happen with my little mare Story about a week ago. I went to see her and took a moment to rub her under her jaw.
Up until that point she has submitted to touch but hasn't enjoyed it.
I noticed a change in her right away. She leaned into my hand and her eyes softened. She stood there quietly, enjoying the affection that I was there to offer. When I moved my hands to the top of her head, she stood quietly still, just enjoying the attention.
To me it was a huge breakthrough for her. She is giving me her trust inch by inch. It so rewarding to see how far she has come in the past 2 years.
Right from the moment she arrived, I instinctively knew that this was a horse who just needed time, something that is precious and important.
Some horses can be turned around in a very short time, but with others due to circumstance you need to earn it. I have had a few of these types and once they trust you, you have an amazing relationship. A bond stronger than most.
I know that it comes down to dollars and cents for people so many times horses are discarded because they haven't come around quickly enough. It really makes me sad.
When I go out with the herd, I spend lots of time gently touching their faces. What I have observed is how much they actually like it. I use very light pressure and massage their entire head, even their nostrils and gums. It's really neat to watch them lower their heads and now they will come up and rest their faces up against me and just stand all quiet.
I love going out and spending time with them, no agenda in mind other than being there. It is such a peaceful and wonderful experience. The only sounds are the odd sneeze or the birds singing in the distance. These moments are magical. They take turns coming up to greet me, most of them moving on after a few moments. Some come over specifically just to stand near and touch me with their noses. It is a great feeling to be chosen as their place of comfort.
It feel so lucky to have the honour of being in the midst of these amazing creatures who continue to amaze me and to fill my heart. They are such a gift.
I had that moment happen with my little mare Story about a week ago. I went to see her and took a moment to rub her under her jaw.
Up until that point she has submitted to touch but hasn't enjoyed it.
I noticed a change in her right away. She leaned into my hand and her eyes softened. She stood there quietly, enjoying the affection that I was there to offer. When I moved my hands to the top of her head, she stood quietly still, just enjoying the attention.
To me it was a huge breakthrough for her. She is giving me her trust inch by inch. It so rewarding to see how far she has come in the past 2 years.
Right from the moment she arrived, I instinctively knew that this was a horse who just needed time, something that is precious and important.
Some horses can be turned around in a very short time, but with others due to circumstance you need to earn it. I have had a few of these types and once they trust you, you have an amazing relationship. A bond stronger than most.
I know that it comes down to dollars and cents for people so many times horses are discarded because they haven't come around quickly enough. It really makes me sad.
When I go out with the herd, I spend lots of time gently touching their faces. What I have observed is how much they actually like it. I use very light pressure and massage their entire head, even their nostrils and gums. It's really neat to watch them lower their heads and now they will come up and rest their faces up against me and just stand all quiet.
I love going out and spending time with them, no agenda in mind other than being there. It is such a peaceful and wonderful experience. The only sounds are the odd sneeze or the birds singing in the distance. These moments are magical. They take turns coming up to greet me, most of them moving on after a few moments. Some come over specifically just to stand near and touch me with their noses. It is a great feeling to be chosen as their place of comfort.
It feel so lucky to have the honour of being in the midst of these amazing creatures who continue to amaze me and to fill my heart. They are such a gift.
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