The Evolution of Horsemanship Through Connection
Apr 1st, 2010 by Carolyn Resnick Method
It was so nice to be able to offer the free conference call on the U.E. Exercises and my free winter program. The U.E. exercises are a perfect thing to focus on for the winter month’s because it requires minimum activity and can be so easily adapted to doing several of the exercises from a stall or paddock.
It is so exciting to reach people from around the world and discover at last, people who are interested in bringing out the true nature of the horse and connecting with them through a personal bond, giving their horse freedom of choice, and a more than equal say in the partnership we share with them. It is also most important that the programs we offer to our horses and students are flexible enough to suit the conditions of the moment and the personalities and abilities of both the horse and their human. I feel I am doing something truly worth while and on the cutting edge for man’s humanitarian evolution.
These exercises were developed from my struggles to find a new way to bring clarity and understanding to the horse about the driving and rein aids given to them by children when they were in competition. Over time these exercise I developed became my staple for any form of training. I felt they were the evolution of the art of horsemanship for the classical training and Dressage world. That was my private thought. I now feel they are fundamental to any form of connection with a horse.
I never imagined that anyone would want to do the U.E. exercises at this point of their development. I feared the U.E might be viewed with misunderstanding, because I have not spent enough time explaining their purposes to you well enough to do them the justice that they deserve.
I would mention them from time to time in my classroom on the blog and the next thing I knew, you wanted to know more about them. At the time, I thought that no one would want to spend the time that they would take or that you guys would believe that they could be the answer to optimum collection and performance under saddle. I did not think that I would be able to teach them productively from the format of the blog without teaching in person.
With your persistence and suggestion that I was holding back, or not wanting to share them with you, it opened my mind to offering them free. I was surprised that you would trust their outcome enough to practice them. I was also spurred on to share them with you because of the Rollkur incident that came up. I could not believe my eyes, that some riders could be so ignorant that Rollkur could be seen as an artful way to approach a horse or partnership. I knew the U.E. were the answer to the willingness for connection with the horse that would replace the need of Rollkur.
Try approaching the exercises like a body worker or sports massage therapist would approach a client who is getting an interactive sports massage for relaxation and flexibility. Imagine you are that masseuse finding the spots of resistance and stiffness in the body and then using the appropriate pressure it would take to create the release and relaxations for that client by checking in with the client to see if the pressure is not too hard or if they could in fact use more pressure. You are looking for the resistance in your horse and then working with the horse to get the horse to release and relax.
The Waterhole Rituals are creating and working with the receptiveness of the horse and the U.E. are working with the resistance to create relaxation and willingness.
There is a freedom that I find in sharing what I know about horses with you that is uplifting to us both. The blog is developing into a community of like minds sharing original experiences, where we learn from horses by allowing the spontaneous things that happen, to bring out our natural abilities and to proceed with our horses to create the dance we wish to share.
I want to thank you for receiving my blog and programs with as much enthusiasm, respect, and appreciation as you have. Next week we will be focusing on the Waterhole Rituals and of course, I will continue to support you in your growth with the U.E exercises.
Have a Happy Easter. I will be spending the day in joy connecting with spring and being with loved ones.
Carolyn
No related posts.
Yesterday we did the UE (the first one) again, after several weeks not doing it. And, to my surprise and joy, Zahira was totally relaxed and was really tired and at ease afterwards. Our best one so far, and what a big step!
Thank you so much, Carolyn!
Hi Tonnya
I had that question also in mind. But even without food, one of the geldings does it. I never had problems with him around that. He covers the mare. When I’m practising some grounddressage he does the same and with the UE also (not when he start trotting with his head down).
He and another one do it also when I’m brushing them with my fingers or with a brush. Since a few months the second one allows me to brush him at liberty but it took him a while to allow me doing this. I didn’t correct him by saying feed down or stay, instead each time he did put hit feet down by himself, I rewarded him with my voice and a carrot. He doesn’t do it with ground exercices. May be he still feels some exitement???
To all of you: have a nice day!
tine
checking in
Kerrie,
Thank you so much for your reply. Greifing is also a gelding.
I have seen him a a bit like a stallion this early spring, but no mares here..
But the thought of food and ‘excitement’ linked together is one that I have never thought about.. Very nice to hear about your experiences.
Im not alone !!!
Christian, thank you for sharing. I love the ‘sideeffects’ of UE’s
I have 2 geldings who normally let it all hang out when I’m grooming them, a process I try to make pleasurable for all my horses, and also when I rub their coats and tickle spots in situations where they are very calm and relaxed. I’ve always regarded it as their way of showing affectionate relaxation and simply ignored it. After I take them away from the grooming area to ride and/or play on the ground, it simply goes away as they start to move about. Both these horses did the same thing when they first “caught on” to the early UEs and dangled during the beginning exercise when they were standing still or walking just a step or two, but as we start to walk around they almost always suck it up. None of my other geldings do it, but I just started working with a two year old gelding with a high testosterone level and he is doing it too, some of the time, when he is very relaxed and comfortable. I think it is a show of affection, although of course there is no way to know for sure. It never gets out of hand, so to speak. Reminds me of the wonderful Mae West line, “Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you glad to see me.”
Tonnya,
We have seen the same thing here on horses in Mexico. We have not seen it lead to any aggressive behavior. I think it is how a horse expresses relaxation around a person. I’m curious what other people see.
I am learning other things about horses too, including how hormonal geldings can be. There are reports of them covering mares, although no young can be produced. Perhaps it is the specific nature of surgery performed here. I wonder if anyone else has seen any of this. Our gelding indeed was already to mount a mare two weeks ago – through a fence – but I shooed him away.
Oh, the things we don’t learn in school…
Hi Carolyn!
During the Eastern I have start working with the UE. I have two different horses two work with. The mare get so relaxed she dropps her head to the ground at once. The gelding is the opposite. Every day I work with him he becames more and more relaxed.
I have decided to join “In a box” program, I think I´m ready for it.
I have learnt so much since I found this blog and now I want to take one more step.
Now the weather is getting warmer here in Sweden and the snow is melting away and the spring is on it´s way
Best wishes!
Carolyn,
Grateful to hear all is well after your most recent “roller coaster ride.” Earth, to me, is very much alive and dynamic!
As always, thanks for generously sharing your insights and tools with us. I believe this way of being with horses is helping me remember how to BE.
Muchas Gracias!
Carolyn, I write to you with this because I have asked the vet and all the horsy-people I know and no-one know what this is about:
Its my horse Greifing. When I feed him carrots he always let his penis roll down (sorry maybe not the right term). No problem, but then its starts getting a little bit ‘firmer’ so that suddenly his penis is stiff (well not quite usable for breeding..but anyway..) He keeps it that way as long as the carrots keep coming and will only withdraw it when he has to trot.
I have seen it once when he was fed indoors and once when I did UE’s with him. I understand the relaxation but ???
I should say the he (and his entire breed) loves food. But is there a connection between food and ..well… ‘exitement’ ?
He is also a bit of a bully during meal times towards the others (after I leave). Any idea – Please. Do I handle him in any different way ?
Thank you so much
Hi Carolyn and others, I came across this website, have you ever seen this? http://www.theatreducentaure.com/
As if you’re stepping into a different, higher reality…
Dear Christian,
Thank you for the report. I have passed on these exercises to our local horse dentist and he has reported to me that they have helped him to work on horses that he use to have to sedate.
It is always helpful to hear of the added benifits that the U. E. is bringing to the table for people.
Thank you for your continued suport to pass on to others their benifits.
Happy Easter,
Carolyn
We just had an earthquake of 6.9
no damage here at our place. It looks like no damage in most areas. but that was a big lasting roller. My mother was in my car parked and it really caused her some concern. She said she was not sure the car next to her was not going to roll right on top of our car and then it was over.!!!
That is wonderful Christian !
Checking in to wish everyone a Happy & Blessed Easter
Mitzi
Happy Easter everyone !
I echo all the previous comments expressing gratitude to you, for you, Carolyn – thank you !!
Beth and Cookie,
in Virginia
Wow Christian, what a wonderful positive side-effect of the UE
!
Happy Easter, Carolyn and everyone.
I know, I’ve sung the praises of the Ueberstreichen Exercises here before in how they’ve helped my mare with suppleness and coming through in riding, in unlocking her poll and base of the neck. But today I had a totally different proof of their value. I had the dentist out to float her teeth. Last time, a good year and half ago, she wasn’t terrible, but there was a lot of resistance around having her head handled. One time she sort of threw the dentist across the isle. Today I just did the first UE with her before and between the floating, and she melted into the speculum, eyes half closed just like during the first UE, and the whole experience was so pleasant for everyone. Not a moment of struggle, in fact, Lili was collaborating to show which teeth needed to be floated. She was relaxed throughout the procedure, with one hind leg cocked. All the people from the barn who were watching couldn’t believe her comfort level. I hadn’t thought of this application of the first UE, but now it’s so obvious to me. Carolyn, I can’t say how happy I am that you decided to share these exercises with us over the winter. And I will make sure that I get them going on my colt before he sees the dentist for the first time.
Christian
Just checking in! Happy Easter to all:)!
Hallo All,
Half through easter here in Denmark and enjoying the wheather – cold but sunny with my horses.
I just wanted to say that I simply love the UE’s.
Besides working on my horses’ resistances it also gives a wonderful feeling of ‘togethernes’. I do them in the stable and outside.
My ‘horsy-life’ has not been the same after the UE’s and the WHR.
I have done the ‘In a Box’ programme and I still listen to the MP3′s.
Happy Spring beginnings !
Carolyn and Blog family,
Happy Easter to all. We have learned so much from all of you with your thoughtful comments and discussion. Everyday is a gift. Each day seems to add to the gifts of the next bringing new experiences and new beginnings . . .Enjoy
Thank you all for sharing your stories and insights. Thank you Carolyn for not holding back! Happy Easter and Blessed Spring (finally) everyone!!
Laurinda
Carolyn, thank you for the detailed description. Will play with that tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Dear Carolyn and Mark,
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the phone call last Sunday.
It was very well facilitated and easy to do! I felt inspired all week in all my interactions with my horse Silver–not just in what I was trying to do specifically with UE but simply in the “being” and “noticing” at all times– even feeding.
After experiencing computer aversion for so many years, I never imagined
being so drawn in to a learning blog.
Thank you Carolyn-this must be a testimony to your intention and authenticity
as you write and the the way the blog is organized and functions.
I still get a little confused with how to interact with the blog–but– I will persevere.
More soon!
Deborah Raoult
Dear Candle, 13
Have her walk at your side and then use your body language, voice for halt if you need help after that use the rope. Let her come to a stop in any position of her choosing. Once she is stopped on a loose reing and is willing ask her to move first her nose, then her neck and then shoulders out of your way so you can get to the fence she is standing in front of. We want the horse to see the purpose of why she is moving the front half of her body over and back. The tapping of the fence shows your horse that you were wanting to reach a specific place on the fence that her body was standing in front of.
Focus your energy first on moves her nose over and then, her poll, then the neck and then the sholders and I like to see my horse step across the front legs but in the begining do not be so detailed about how she chooses to use her legs. Let them take care of the details from practice and when you see that her legs are getting the idea of the cross over you can help her at that point.
In the beging she might choose a backwards step across. This is perfectly all right. She will develop her self. I do not care how her rear responds. My focus is on the front half. Her neck should have a slight curve creaed for the nose move first to the fence.
Dear Carolyn,
To you and the whole group. A Blessed Easter to you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior.
Toni
Hello Carolyn, Group;
I have not checked in for a while, but have been reading the blogs and have been getting much good information from them.
Recently, I decided to not do any “training” with my horse. (Actually, every time I interact, I am training.) Anyway, per many of Carolyn’s suggestions to the group to just share territory, I decided to do just that. I share territory, lead from behind (that has made a big difference in my Mustang), and hang out.
Lyle, my Mustang, is trying to figure out this “new game”. He is very quick to understand, and then try to bend the “rules” to suit himself. I have chosen to remain low key and consistant. He has responded so well, that, when asked, he actually circled me at a trot, at liberty, and showed no desire to leave me. He is in a four acre pasture, and has plenty of space if he desired to leave. He received a huge amount of fussing over him, and a big fat treat!
Even though the grass is turning green, Lyle always runs to the barn when he sees, or hears me coming. He will also leave his hay if I ask. It warms my heart, and I can see and feel our partnership deepening.
Thank you Carolyn for your gentle guidance, and clear instruction.
Toni
Hi Carolyn,
I was just checking in and wanted to wish you and everybody Happy Easter!
Thank you Marja for the info on the call replay.
Unfortunately that link doesn’t allow me to download an mp3 and my computer’s speakers don’t work. Does anyone know if there is an mp3 of the call? I really want to listen.
Evergreen
Dear Carolyn and everybody: have a happy and joyful easter!
Here in the UK it is raining like crazy for the last week and longer and doesn’t want to stop really, but nevertheless Saracen and me have a good time. The UE exercises are a success for the two of us and even though I didn’t fully understand the sense of them, except that they will improve the relationship and help reaxing, I just trusted that whatever you offer will be of great use for the horse. You explained a little bit that it will help the horse to have more clarity about suppling and halting aids and I think, even though I am still not fully clear about this explanation, I see improvement in practice.
I add more and more groundwork to our exercises, sidewalks and gymnastizising and Saracen is more and more supple and collects more and more naturally. It is very satisfying to be part of that and finally have a very clear direction and clear goals in my training.
I wish everybody a great time with the insider circle and the in the box program. I hope at the right time me too will be able to join in!
Thanks for the generosity and enthusiasm you bring to everybody!
Evergreen and Constance: you can listen to the recording of the UE call here. I will too, because I forgot all about the live call…..
I’m also happy to have found this ‘warm bath’ place here, thank you Carolyn. This year everything seems to come together for me and my horses. My attitude and intention has changed a lot, from not really being able to let my horses show me their way, to my totally being open to who they are, what they feel and want. Our bond is so much better now, and all my goals have disappeared like snow in the sun. The road to harmony itself has become my goal (if you can still call that a ‘goal’
).
!
Also I found the Academic Art of Riding, which wonderfully fits in with your method, cause it’s based as well on trust, empathy and developing the horses’ and trainers’ qualities step-by-step.
It feels like everything is exactly the way it should be and the parts of the puzzle are falling into place all by themselves. It makes me happy
Hello!
I am interested in the mp3 download of the UE call also since I was not able to listen live. It has been fun to create a page for the IC group and begin connecting with the others who are as excited as I am to continue to learn from you, your horses, each other and each other’s horses! I will be able to listen to some calls live and others I will have to listen to later and so wish that I had a video camera to record some of our play so for now it is recorded in my heart and I will love to share what is really lovely for us. I am so grateful to you and to Mark and Tessa and Jeanette for making this possible for all of us! Thanks to your teachings and the wonderful coverage on HorseConscious, I do believe more humans every day are seeing a richer, deeper relationship that is possible with horses—and all life.
Have a blessed Easter and spring season!
Love,
Connie
Hi Carolyn
I don’t know enough words to send in which I can express my trust and respect for the way you approach horses and for what you give us.
Thanks and a happy easter to you and everyone!
tine
Hi Carolyn,
Really enjoyed the talks with you and got a great deal out of them. Didn’t make the Insider Circle but looking forward to In the Box.
I have a question about the one-line driving. Actually, several questions. First, do you use a verbal cue to halt or just body language alone? Second, when you tap the fence, is your purpose to have the horse stop straight, or to turn the horse’s head to the fence, or to actually move her shoulders away from you and get her to take a step towards the fence with her inside foreleg, crossing over like the first step of a turn on the haunches? Third, if the horse stops promptly and stands straight when you are walking at her hip and stop your feet, do you still walk to the front of her and tap the fence and turn her head to the fence? It all seemed very clear when you were explaining it, but when I actually went to do it I found myself confused about the basics. My 8 year old TB mare Abigail was patient with me and willing to try whatever I asked. Even though I was not, in my uncertainty, very consistent, she was happy to try to figure out the game and when I stopped I felt I had her attention and amiable cooperation. We had a particularly lovely ride afterwords.
Hannah, my 4 year old Belgian PMU rescue mare (a magnificently light-footed creature with dressage in her future), did something to her hock in the pasture a few days ago (maybe a sprain, maybe a kick) and I have confined her to a small paddock for several days of R&R and observation. This also gives me a convenient opportunity to play with her. Today I brought some work into her paddock and sat down to read it. She immediately came over and nudged and stood over me. I let her push me with her nose, and lip the pages, and stand over the top of me, pressing her huge warm sweet-smelling chest against me. I am pretty tolerant about being touched, but when she pushed too much, I waved her off with a little wiggle of my hand and some get-away-from-me energy. To my surprise, we had a long gentle conversation about how close she could stand and how much and what kind of touching I was comfortable with when I read my papers. Eventually, she rested her big head on the top of my head and just stood there breathing, perhaps dozing, not moving, for about ten minutes. When I got up to leave, I felt we were really connected. This evening after feeding her, I put a saddle on her for about the fourth time ever. She stood still like a champion when I swung it up and snugged up the cinch (my big western saddle is the only one I have that is wide enough and I bought the longest girth they make. The saddle weighs a ton and she is big, so swinging it up on her back requires timing and cooperation). I led her around for a while, letting her graze, before taking it off. Her cooperative feeling of the morning seemed to prevail in the evening. What a pleasant experience for both of us.
You go, everybody! Thanks Carolyn, this is great. You should be so proud of the effect the UE will have on teaching true collection instead of the artificial and tormenting things that sadly pass for horsemanship.
Very excited here too for the WHR to begin.
Hi to Pat! Te mando muchas felicidades y un abrazote!
Carolyn.
The UE exercises were the perfect thing to do when there was 40 inches of snow on the ground!. I couldn’t do the walk/halt and walk/trot/halt exercises in a circle so I did them up and down the barn aisleway and on the driveways that were cleared of snow. I also did some one lining with Xcel on the driveway, with the piles of snow on either side. Xcel was great and then later was much better one lining in the arena, which is not fenced in. Just so I could do the insider circle, I used electric fence tape and jump standards to create a “fenced” in arena inside my sand arena. I have worked Xcel there twice now and he is pretty good! It is easy to take down again so I can ride my other horses normally. Xcel totally understands electric fence though this is not electrified. I think it will work great. It was 80 today! Summer is here early!
Jan
Happy Easter and spring to you Carolyn and to everyone …….
I had a blissful day with Shiloh my filly today grooming her and grazing ….
The rest of the herd wanted time as well and the little mini stallion has fallen into place not trying to rule the roost anymore…… The only downside to my day was my boxer Madison copying one of the horses rolling ,but of course she found a fresh bit of manure to make herself smell pretty ……. a shower with mom when she got home did the trick ……… I will be spending the holiday with my herd family sharing territory and bonding in the sun …… alas my family have gone skiing for the w-e yipee mom/grandmom can play with the herd……… Namaste Sherry
I have just finished reading your wonderful blogs – thank you. A question completely off topic. What did you name your new dog (ex Mojo)? How have your rituals complemented his training?
Hope you have a safe and happy Easter
YIPPEE!!! I got to join the Insider Circle in time. I am glad to be able to join in with such a group of like-minded people from all over the world and be able to put faces and horses with names I see always written on Carolyn’s blog. It’s such a feeling of community when you feel all alone in this new and exciting exploration. At least I have Kerrie nearby………………and we met HERE!!!!!
Pat
Thanks you so much, Carolyn, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge, and your trust that we can follow your lead. You’ve given me a depth of connection with my horse that I did not have before, as well as a depth of relaxation on both our parts.
Carolyn
Yes, do have a wonderful Easter. I want to let you know about something with one of my horses. He is not one I have worked with much, nor does it have to do with the UE exercises, but somewhat the waterhole rituals.
Monkey, my Thoroughbred stallion (born and raised here) is rather stand-offish. Many times when he is out I cannot put a halter on him, but can do leading from behind and he goes into the barn and into his stall.
I’ve done a bit of the waterhole rituals with him, sharing space, and I do give him a treat once in a while. Well, yesterday when I got home from work, the horses had broken down some fence and the herds were mingled.
I started walking up to Monkey with a halter, stopped when he raised his head and looked at me, and he came right over to me and let me halter him. I was very happy.
Thanks Carolyn
Winter was pretty brutal here, and it was a lot just to get out, do the rituals, and get back inside before I froze to death. We went from winter, to summer, in a day. Unbelievable. I was able to set up, and fence in my whr’s area. My UE’s were sporatic, depending on how much feeling I had in my hands this winter. Now that spummer has arrived, I was able to bring Eclipse out and do the UE’s with no stress from being cold. She almost “fell” right down the rabbit hole. I loved just waiting with her, feeling her surrender, and relax. In one word, bliss. Something I noticed too, as she went into her horse meditation, so did I. My mind was simply in the moment, right where horses live.
Hi Carolyn:
Happy Easter and happy spring!
I had the 4 yo tb chestnut mare that I rescued, treated for EPM and starting working on the water hole rituals with. She was the one who ran “wild” in the arena and you suggested that I take her down there on a line for 8 days and let her just eat hay and then take her down for another 8 days and unhook her line and let her eat hay. WOW. it really worked. She now loves the arena and is coming to me for some stimulating work at liberty. The arena is quite large and she really can get away if she wants. I find that she will do one circle around me and will stop when cued and then loses interest and goes off to graze on the little grass strip. She is allowing me to move her off a spot without extreme reaction and then if I sit and ignore her to read, she comes up and wants to do something. Very limited attention span and I just let her leave and do not pursue her at all. I am very excited.
i also did this with my 19 month old PRE gelding who also ran “wild” in the arena and he is behaving the same way. He loves to play and We are just exploring rolling the barrel and having him do waterhole rituals with me there.
Thanks so much.
I did not get to join the Insider’s program, I can’t believe it filled so quickly! Or… yes I can, but I will try to follow the wonderful suggestions you have given over the winter and continue on.
Thanks again.
Rosemary
Carolyn,
Have a wonderful holiday.
Thank you for all your great information & knowledge, as well as your generosity to share it so willingly.
I feel like I am finally getting information that is useful & appropriate for working with my horses.
There is a wealth of information linked to you, that I am exploring, & I can’t seem to resist!
Dear Carolyn and members,
I did not do so much of the UEs over winter because my younger guy just couldn’t seem to relax enough with me in front of him. However, since spring and some mild weather I have been more active with them and started again on the UE1. He is now showing becoming so much less resistance. I’m not asking for the tuck yet, becasue he is so sensitive and over does it. I’m just asking for the relaxation and he seems to be finally enjoying it! Yea! So, I plan to go through all the UEs in due time. I have no question of their value and so appeciate you sharing them with us.
Easter Blessings to all!
Regina
Hi Carolyn,
Is an mp3 download of the UE call available? If so, how do I find it?
Finally the snow is gone and I can start again with the exercises. Yesterday the farrier was here and I did a few UE with her beforehand and it reminded her to relax when I asked for a poll bend. I can see it in her eyes. The UE’s are for more than just riding.
Thanks,
Evergreen