A lesson from a life with an amazingly sweet Mustang mare.
Nags will always be a mustang first and a horse second. New things will always be noticed and suspicious. But a calm version of me and a gentle ask to face it gives her all the confidence she needs.
And a chance for a cookie is helpful, too.
#mustang #blmmustang #horse #traininghorsetothink
Summer camp and private lessons are keeping me pretty busy in the Pacific Northwest!
Thinking its time to make a permanent migration, back to my laughing place.
Am I really the teacher? Sure I offer information and guidance to the people who come to me to learn, but I would have to say I am more of a mediator. The teachers live in my pasture, and I translate what they bring to the table.
At first when the youngest of the charges I have this week asked to go and spend time with my horses while they grazed in the pasture my instinct was to air on the side of caution, and say no. But before I could answer I was reminded of the herd I spent countless hours with by myself in a field in Kaycee, WY. How could I denie her the opportunity I had, and how could I denie my herd the opportunity to teach? I trust both parties and knew that the lessons would be like no other she would get in an arena or with a lead line in hand.
In our computer dominated lives, there is no substitute for dirt and horse hair. There is no greater teacher to just be in the present moment than in a herd of horses enjoying the sky above and the Earth below.
I do teach, I teach people to open up to the real teachers, the horses. And the outcome is pure magic.
Damn, I'm lucky.
One of the perks of being childless is being able to kidnap your friend's offspring and give them experiences they wouldn't otherwise get to have. Of course I mean my herd, they are to be shared and cherished. They offer lessons that may go unnoticed with our technically charged lives.
Not much horsemanship happening at home...
Great first day to the HHC III!
Niagara wore an Elaine twice today! So, she got her new favorite treat.
Trainer's Log
Haydate: 92653.47
Returning to work with Jethro I was met by an eager student who entered the classpen when I opened the gate and said, "Let's go."
I am pleased to report that he not only wore the rope halter but the Dually as well.
He enjoyed being brushed more than the curry and nearly fell asleep as I brushed from muzzle to back foot.
I am also tickled to have instructed/witnessed his guardian, Val, and his first true interaction. It was easy to see that both parties not only enjoyed the connection but both felt it was a long time coming.
Other accomplishments include; disengaging hind end, head drops, neck yields, and playing with and wearing a saddle pad.
Never forget the power of self-exploration. Sometimes, it is better to let a horse play their way into desensitization.
