Horse not paying attention
May 5th, 2008 by Carolyn Resnick Method
Time for another question. This one is from Alexandra who wrote to me from Germany.
I read about you in the german magazine “Cavallo”, then I bought your book ” Tochter der Mustangs “. I am very enthusiastic about the way you work with horses. I own an arabian horse mare, she is 17 years old. I am scared to do anything wrong, so I often do things, she wants to do. If she wants to graze, I let her graze. If we go for a walk, she always overtakes me. I can wave my whip or the knot, she slows down for a moment, then she overtakes me again. She doesn`t pay any attention to me… I am looking forward to your answer very much!!
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Dear Alexandra,
My advice for now is stop letting her decide her direction. Ask her to stand at your side and wait till she relaxes. When she is relaxed, begin walking in a direction of your choice and not hers. The minute she wants to be in charge and tries to pass you, stop and lead her back to the spot where she stood quietly and wait till she settles, then begin again. This spot she learns to relax on will increase its influence over her as well as sober her up in general. You then can build power spots on new locations.
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Dear Hana,
I see nature is a big part of your family life. Your children are so lucky to have a guide to develop their appreciation and respect for all things.
Your visit to the horses and your conversation with them influences the horse’s day as well.
Thank you for your kind letter and acknowledging Stina’s uplifting support and connection with these worthy and humble beings.
Thank you for taking the time and connecting with me. My day shines brighter for meeting people like you and your family.
Please stay in touch,
Carolyn
I like your additional advice on spending time in the paddock with your horse(s). Very important. I spend a significant amount of time moving amongst my herd of 6 in the biggest pasture. I like to spend time watching herd dynamics and doing “hand brushing”. I use a massaging technique and desensitize my horses at the same time. They welcome my gentle but firm touch. I roam through the bunch, rubbing bellies, picking up random feet and brushing excess hair off with my hands.
I also have a technique for catching the hard to catch horse (that frustrates my hubby, he says he’s never seen anyone catch as easily as me) but it comes from watching the herd dynamics. As the horse runs away, I don’t chase. I hang back with the rest of the herd, pet a few horses and circle around them. The horse always comes back, wanting to join the herd, and I step forward, cutting the horse off, shaking my head like a boss mare. I become the boss mare (and this works on the her too) and effectively “control the herd”. It never fails that the horse eventually defers to me and comes up to be caught.
You can learn a lot from watching…