Post by rj on Dec 22, 2009 15:39:44 GMT 1
Don't worry, a year & a half isn't as long as it seems, I am sure, if you add up the hours spent riding/being with him, in that time. Most of us only manage an hour a day - if that.
'Holding his hand' - OK may be misinterpreting what you mean, but if it's a sort of 'it's OK fella, I'm here, nothing to worry about, there there...' kind of thing, that's not leadership.
I was thinking more along the lines - with appropriate preparation of course! - of
'right, I am about to ask you to work: We are leaving the yard now (precise aid, expect immediate response), we will be walking at this speed, in this direction. Now we are going to stop, stand and have a look around. Now stand, then back up precisely 6 (or whatever you decide) steps then straight forward into a trot. Are you listening to me? Good lad. Ah I saw your ear flick in that direction, so you are losing your focus on me. I would like you to flex in this direction/yield your quarters (whatever it takes to get the concentration back 100% on you)... ' etc
It needs a sort of exaggerated 'businesslike attitude' to begin with, until he realises that the important point of focus is you, and nowhere else. His head needs to be low, as if it is up, he is looking at the distance. Keep noticing, changing and asking. Make yourself important to him. It isn't bullying (I may be describing it rather flatly) but as long as you release at exactly the right moment, as well as ask for full attention at exactly the right time, he won't resent it - he will rather sigh with relief and think thank goodness he is off duty!
So, I will say it again Kanga, cos you're worth it my girl, get someone out to assess your skills and give you the tools you need to improve your leadership. A pair of experienced eyes and analytical brain, on the gound - urghh, that conjures up a horrid pic of eyes & brain lying on the ground, sorry - are invaluable, they really are.
Someone mentioned blinkers I think earlier: I had noticed how big my mare's eyes were, compared to my previous horse. When I was sitting on her with her head straight I could see approx half of each eye, which meant she could see further behind her. I was going for blinkers when someone suggested the sheepskin strips down each cheek-piece that racehorses wear. They worked a treat I have to say. Reduced her spookiness amazingly almost immediately, and I only needed to use them occasionally, mainly in spring, after the first year of following our Parelli/NH path.
I think working to avoid the stuck situation rather than solving it ,is obviously going to be your best bet. Harder fix it when it's gone!
'Holding his hand' - OK may be misinterpreting what you mean, but if it's a sort of 'it's OK fella, I'm here, nothing to worry about, there there...' kind of thing, that's not leadership.
I was thinking more along the lines - with appropriate preparation of course! - of
'right, I am about to ask you to work: We are leaving the yard now (precise aid, expect immediate response), we will be walking at this speed, in this direction. Now we are going to stop, stand and have a look around. Now stand, then back up precisely 6 (or whatever you decide) steps then straight forward into a trot. Are you listening to me? Good lad. Ah I saw your ear flick in that direction, so you are losing your focus on me. I would like you to flex in this direction/yield your quarters (whatever it takes to get the concentration back 100% on you)... ' etc
It needs a sort of exaggerated 'businesslike attitude' to begin with, until he realises that the important point of focus is you, and nowhere else. His head needs to be low, as if it is up, he is looking at the distance. Keep noticing, changing and asking. Make yourself important to him. It isn't bullying (I may be describing it rather flatly) but as long as you release at exactly the right moment, as well as ask for full attention at exactly the right time, he won't resent it - he will rather sigh with relief and think thank goodness he is off duty!
So, I will say it again Kanga, cos you're worth it my girl, get someone out to assess your skills and give you the tools you need to improve your leadership. A pair of experienced eyes and analytical brain, on the gound - urghh, that conjures up a horrid pic of eyes & brain lying on the ground, sorry - are invaluable, they really are.
Someone mentioned blinkers I think earlier: I had noticed how big my mare's eyes were, compared to my previous horse. When I was sitting on her with her head straight I could see approx half of each eye, which meant she could see further behind her. I was going for blinkers when someone suggested the sheepskin strips down each cheek-piece that racehorses wear. They worked a treat I have to say. Reduced her spookiness amazingly almost immediately, and I only needed to use them occasionally, mainly in spring, after the first year of following our Parelli/NH path.
I think working to avoid the stuck situation rather than solving it ,is obviously going to be your best bet. Harder fix it when it's gone!