This morning I was greeted at the doorstep by three young deer, and I am unsure who was more surprised, them or me! This gave me a really good feeling for today and then I remembered it was Linda Parelli's demo day and it certainly felt as if Christmas and my birthday had arrived at the same time! This was a rumour still at this stage however!The day started in the usual fashion with Remuda with Tina and Megan. They confirmed the Linda rumour and then we simulated how pressure can encourage an increase or decrease in motion and we practiced change of direction on a circle in conga-horses.
Day Nine of Liberty and Horse Behaviour
The demonstrations today were Sideways Game and the Squeeze Game (the last two games). Carmen did the demonstration and then Jesse took a student's horse to show problem solving techniques. I gleaned the following important points:
Sideways Game: Level 1 is from zones 1 and 3, using a fence to stop forwards motion and the windscreen wiper technique in zones 1 and 4. Level 2 would be without the fence, the 22ft line and over/beside obstacles. Level 3 is moving up to the 45ft line, at liberty, with your feet still and both towards and away from you. It seems that the most powerful tool for the Sideways Game is to create a positive pattern, for example, sideways to a barrel then stop, then sideways to another barrel and stop - repeat. The biggest problem seems to be drifting forwards - simply stop, ask for back up to original position, then re-ask. If the problem is drifting backwards - simply continue until one sideways step is made, then release.
Squeeze Game: Level 1 is between me and a fence, over a log or through a gate. Level 2 could be through water, under a tarp or trailer loading. Level 3 could be jumping or trailer loading from a distance and at speed. The ultimate squeeze game is riding - a predator in zone 3 on top and on both sides! Perhaps the squeexe game should be really good at zone 3 before mounting?!?! The squeeze game differs from the circling game in that it is 'invite, turn and wait' not 'send, allow and bring back'. It is best to be progressive with the squeeze game to encourage confidence and by using markers for your turn and wait phases, your horse will understand the pattern better.
In the afternoon we had the Linda Parelli demonstration which was fabulous. There are loads of photos for you to view if you are interested. She was very playful and the whole session had an enormous sense of fun. Remmer and her were definitely playing and not working. It was a masterful display of how to engage the mind of a left brained introvert and get energy and effort willingly offered. Linda then did a Q&A session where we could ask anything. There were lots of questions about her horses, her journey, her recent lessons with Walter Zettl and whether Pat Parelli had ever ridden her horses. Her answers were entertaining and the insight was very interesting. We may have this treat repeated in the other courses coming up, which I am really looking forward to.
Play with Roget went very well. I am learning how to meet his play needs without allowing him to go too far! It seems to require great control over the amount of energy I project, especially in the circling game, when he is very sensitive. We do have the most amazing bring back however, he turns and comes running with a look of 'didn't I do good?' on his face - which can only make you grin back!
1 comment:
Love the photos, it looks a very picturesque place your staying at. Nature at your door so to speak. You look to be having a fantastic time, learning loads about your interaction with horses. A little to technical for me. I just like to ride, althouh not having ridden for years I'd have to start from the begining. Take care of yourself. Love Mum xx
p.s I'll measure my big head then get back to you. Cheers
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