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Post by Furiey on Dec 30, 2007 1:29:05 GMT 1
I use yawning to help a horse relax, usually because I'm trying to chill out so much myself so that I set a relaxed example that I can't help it. It does seem to help get them that last bit of the way (rather than start them to relax) and seems to end up being contagious.
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debh
Advanced Poster
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Post by debh on Dec 30, 2007 11:24:10 GMT 1
On a similar idea to the yawning, if you have a horse that is afraid, unclear or unsure why you're asking it do something always breathe out (so that your horse can hear you/see you do it) before asking him or her. We are predators and they are prey animals and they know that if we are holding our breath then there is a good chance that will will "strike". We inhale when we need oxygen to move, run, or exert any effort. Exhale, and we have little capacity to harm them. Also, when you exhale, your body language softens. Just think of the ponies that you've seen loading after hours of struggling by the owner and "helpers" at shows, only to walk on calmly when the owner sighs and says "that's it, I'm giving up". Same goes for riding, if your horse stops just sit there and breathe out so that the horse can here you and he will realise that there is no threat, at least from you. Then he can concentrate on what it is that is bothering him. give it a go Deb
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Post by sarahfox on Dec 30, 2007 16:26:01 GMT 1
Yes,I second that! It is brilliant! I always breathe out deeply when I first touch any of the french mares.
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Post by june on Dec 30, 2007 19:52:35 GMT 1
Keep breathing. Horses mirror our behaviour so if you stop breathing they stop breathing. If you carry on breathing through a spook the horse gets over it faster.
If a horse bucks, assuming there is no pain issue, your aids are too big.
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Post by rosemaryhannah on Dec 30, 2007 23:33:04 GMT 1
Many many issues can be solved simply by leading a horse out in hand. Spooking, mild separation anxiety, leadership issues, many others, are helped, and some sorted, by the simple simple expedient of walking for miles beside a horse. You get to know her, she you, and you teach so much. All the problems which start: 'I can't get my horse to hack out because she ...' are well approached by leading in hand as a first attempt to solve them.
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Post by Susan on Dec 31, 2007 0:36:30 GMT 1
So June hint of today is as I get on Yawn! and the devil of he might buck wont happen.. going to try that...
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Post by geeup on Dec 31, 2007 4:56:09 GMT 1
Stop and think-when theres a problem.
Take little steps and don't look back- how to overcome problems.
Keep your mouth closed and your mind open- how to survive a livery yard!
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Post by geeup on Dec 31, 2007 4:57:05 GMT 1
that yawning tricks really interesting, must experiment!
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Post by Louise C on Dec 31, 2007 14:19:06 GMT 1
I'm going to nick one from Richard Maxwell! Say what you mean - and mean what you say!
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Post by june on Dec 31, 2007 19:14:53 GMT 1
If your horse isn't getting it, find another way to ask.
Have a plan but be prepared to change it.
Go with your gut feeling and listen to your horse. If you think there is something wrong there probably is. If you notice a subtle drop off in performance early on then you can prevent more serious injuries.
Horses don't get up each day thinking up ways to irritate their owners.
Be careful what you teach.
Be consistent.
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vics
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 108
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Post by vics on Dec 31, 2007 22:04:22 GMT 1
It's not a harsh bit, it's the hands that can make it harsh
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potto
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I have a large spotty and the privilage once of the most beautiful big Ass!
Posts: 1,384
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Post by potto on Jan 1, 2008 21:25:39 GMT 1
Placing the electric fence tape on the outside of the poles and field makes it less susceptable to breakage should you have a breakout attempt by cheeky horse monkeys......
Smile and speak to people who stand in corners by bushes or sit in scary big vehicles so that they smile and speak back and seem less suspcious to the horse.
Always have first aid stuff handy..... including blackmail packet of peppermints for distraction
Be kind as a horse has a different time scale, adjust to this and there is never a hurry to learn.
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Post by june on Jan 1, 2008 22:05:33 GMT 1
Doesn't really count as a tip or a hint but with horses you have to enjoy the journey as there often isn't a destination. The more you know, the more you realise you don't know and the more you want to learn so the journey never ends!
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Rimrock
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www.c3cc.tv
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Post by Rimrock on Jan 2, 2008 20:46:13 GMT 1
Mines quite a practical one. when starting horses i needed something to act as a breast plate, to stop the saddle slipping back. I use an old elasticated fillet/ leg strap off a rug, and being an electrician i use a tiny tywrap to clip to. breaks easier than bailing twine
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rummi
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Post by rummi on Jan 3, 2008 0:47:50 GMT 1
When you leave your horse in his stable, rugged up, knee-deep in straw, a lick-it on the wall, hay in the net, and course mix in a bucket.......is it to make YOU feel better of HIM? My best tip - most horses can live out 24/7 very happily and are much the better for it! Just because YOU liked to be tucked up indoors under your duvet, doesn't mean HE does! Echoing the leading-out tip: If you can't catch your horse, lead your horse, pick out his feet, get it to stand still when you mount..........why are you surprised that he's 'difficult to ride'?! ...get your horse to listen to what you are saying on the ground FIRST, before you get on his back!!
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