Million Dollar Question

My last post asked, “What Do You Want?” Perhaps coincidentally, in her blog today fellow Barnmice.com member Jackie Cochran posted “Well Horse, What Do YOU Want?” Now, isn’t that the million dollar question! Safety, comfort and play, says Pat Parelli. Yes, and we should always first rule out physical discomfort when faced with undesired behaviors. But figuring out exactly how much play, challenge, fun, and rest your particular horse prefers isn’t always easy.

For the last two weeks, Brody and I have been engaged in a more-intensive-than usual training schedule I’ve dubbed “Road to the Ride”. Once I got the go-ahead from the vet to ride Brody for the first time, getting him respectful and responsive enough for riding to be a safe and positive experience provided a whole new level of motivation for me. And Brody is LOVING the new regimen! Perhaps it’s my increased focus, maybe it’s incorporating more of Clinton Anderson’s exercises, and maybe I’ve also managed to learn and improve some in year since bringing Brody home.

Six months ago I found myself stranded a plateau of confusion (“My Horse Doesn’t Like Me” 12/15/10, www.backyardhorsemanship.com). Brody and I were progressing in our Parelli play, but I would unexpected find him sour too frequently and he clearly was not accepting my leadership. While I’m fully aware that I still have a distance to go and it’s too soon for Brody to have internalized the recent positive changes in a lasting way, there’s been impressive improvement. And does seem a lot happier. Every time I go out into the paddock with the halter and lead rope, Brody willingly sticks his nose right in the halter. If I haven’t been out to work him in a day, he’ll whinny to me between meal times. We both look forward to our nightly visits, when I bring a treat and give him loving rubs and scratches. These days we’re both getting what we want, and life is good.

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Comment by Jamie B on June 23, 2011 at 1:24pm: Hey, no worries! Figured it was a coincidence, and if not and my blog title happened to spark an idea for someone else, then that would be cool, too. Your post certainly inspired mine!

Comment by Jackie Cochran on June 19, 2011 at 6:24pm: I guess my comment got lost. I apologize for the similarity of our titles, its just that I write my blog when I am tired and my memory isn't too good. Its just this is the question I've been asking horses for 40 years. It took me a long time to learn how to interpret the answers.

Isn't it wonderful when our horses finally cooperate with us! I remember with my first horse, I had owned him maybe 6 months and one day when we were riding he just turned his head around and LOOKED at me for a minute and he started cooperating with me.

Good, you are progressing and your horse likes it. Good for you. Keep up the good work!