Posted in Advice on Aug 31st, 2010
Hello. As you may know, I have a very close and long-standing relationship with Neda De Mayo, who does wonderful work at her American Wild Horse Sanctuary, Return to Freedom, in Lompoc, California.
Neda has been a long time student of mine and has introduced a number of people to my Method during her workshops. As were putting together today’s blog, we came across a very interesting question from the Insider Circle which I wanted to feature. As you will read, this person was indeed introduced to my work via Neda and Mark told me that he was on the same workshop and that’s how he found out about me too! So I’d like to thank Neda and say that if you ever get chance to visit the sanctuary, I really recommend it. They run a variety of different events and workshops there too and of course it’s a wonderful cause to support too.
In fact, large parts of my Waterhole Reflections DVD were shot at the ranch and it really is beautiful up there, especially in the Spring when all the flowers are out, so go take a visit.
OK, so on to the question, which… Read more
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Posted in Misc on Aug 17th, 2010
Today I am going to share another question from an Insider Circle student about some typical expressions horses have and how the Waterhole Rituals can help you understand them and work with them.
While participating in a clinic at Return To Freedom with Neda De Mayo (2007, I believe) I was introduced to your way of being with horses and have been practicing ever since. HUGE breath of fresh air! I have no words to describe the gratitude I feel.
My questions are:
- Horse pins ears when walking toward food, with or without me walking with him. What does this mean and how would you shape his behavior, or does it matter?
- Sour expression, pinning ears while companion walking. What does this mean and how would you shape his behavior, or does it matter?
- Head slinging when sending away quickly. What does this mean and how would you shape his behavior, or does it matter?
- What are your insights on mutual grooming as a herd behavior? Does it matter who initiates it? Who usually initiates it, lead, dominant or lower in the order? Is this a ritual that can be used to strengthen the bond and shape
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Posted in Observations on Aug 8th, 2008
Hi. I’d like to continue today with my thoughts on racehorses and how we can help them.
One big problem I see is how to get people to give up a lifestyle of joy and celebration around the love of horseracing when its history is full of legends, heroes and greats. There are many honourable traditions of horseracing and many families live these traditions, worship famous trainers, jockeys and horses that love to run like Eight Belles.
Let’s not forget about the money, personal self worth, joy and drama that surround the racing industry. It seems like a mammoth undertaking to try and change it, doesn’t it? Much like riding a horse towards a jump that you know you can’t make and on the other side is the unknown… could be it’s an eight-foot drop ending in a hopeless crash. It’s pretty scary and maybe the smart thing would be to stop trying. But you can’t do that either because of the anger, guilt and gnawing in your stomach.
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Posted in Q&A on Jun 9th, 2008
Hi. Today’s blog post is a question from Dee in California about the difference between respect and dominance with your horse. Dee writes:
To me, as a new horse owner, there is a fine line between gaining respect and being dominant. I really don’t understand the difference. When I try to get my horse to stand still by the round pen railing so I can mount him bareback, he either steps backwards or swings his hindquarters away from the fence. Every time he moves away, I send him out for a few more rounds in each direction and then finally he remains still so I can mount him. I feel like I am scolding him for not doing what I asked him to do. I don’t enjoy making him work so hard, but it seems like it is the only way to accomplish what I am trying to do. My horse is like a puppy. He is my new best friend and he is adorable. I have never been happier. Do I have to be dominant in order to gain respect?
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