Post by Sue Palmer on Nov 9, 2009 20:48:43 GMT 1
Received this email recently, wanted to share it because I'm so proud of the work my students do! Original callout was because the owner had bought the horse 6 weeks ago but been unable to get on him since - obviously I did physical checks first, and in this case advised some physical therapy alongside the behavioural work.
Hello again,
Just an update for you....done 3 more sessions this week, the last one today, and took your advice re: not using the driveway....
Decided to work him in the stable on a 1-2-1 basis, as I have had a lack of available friends this week. He will now stand happily next to the mounting step after about 2 minutes, (although I do have to take the step to him as opposed to him walking towards it - but if it works, thats all that matters to me) and he will let me de-sensitise with the stirrup, rub my leg around his middle, put my foot in the stirrup, and lean on the saddle without so much as batting an eyelid. If he does take a small step away, he is coming straight back with only a little encouragement. I think I am ALMOST at the turning point! We have been doing 15-20 minute sessions, as I think he responds well to a shorter session.... I did attempt to pull myself on today, but that was a little step too far for him and he did move away, but after returning him to the standing point and doing 2 more repetitions of leaning over with my foot in the stirrup and rubbing his off side belly/leg, he was standing as quiet as a mouse again. I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel - I would say now it is only a matter of a week or 2 before I can actually get on.
Cant wait to send you the first photo of us as horse and rider!
Will keep you updated, and thanks again for all your help and advice.
Hello again,
Just an update for you....done 3 more sessions this week, the last one today, and took your advice re: not using the driveway....
Decided to work him in the stable on a 1-2-1 basis, as I have had a lack of available friends this week. He will now stand happily next to the mounting step after about 2 minutes, (although I do have to take the step to him as opposed to him walking towards it - but if it works, thats all that matters to me) and he will let me de-sensitise with the stirrup, rub my leg around his middle, put my foot in the stirrup, and lean on the saddle without so much as batting an eyelid. If he does take a small step away, he is coming straight back with only a little encouragement. I think I am ALMOST at the turning point! We have been doing 15-20 minute sessions, as I think he responds well to a shorter session.... I did attempt to pull myself on today, but that was a little step too far for him and he did move away, but after returning him to the standing point and doing 2 more repetitions of leaning over with my foot in the stirrup and rubbing his off side belly/leg, he was standing as quiet as a mouse again. I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel - I would say now it is only a matter of a week or 2 before I can actually get on.
Cant wait to send you the first photo of us as horse and rider!
Will keep you updated, and thanks again for all your help and advice.