This footage was filmed in Nov 2012 at Equitana in Melbourne. Clint is a sensitive Oldenburg stallion who becomes nervous in public places and around large crowds. His demo was well attended and he experienced some anxiety on day one which created this educational opportunity.

As Clint notices movement in the crowd and spooks, Manolo remains calm and does not react, he does not feed Clint's fear by raising his voice or demanding he stops moving immediately.

Manolo uses his bamboo as an extension of his hand to control Clint's outburst, posture and position on the circle safely and gently. He touches Clint's chest and outside shoulder, and uses the bamboo as a gate to show Clint that he would like him to slow and calm down.

Manolo is patient, he allows Clint to keep moving his feet while he works out for himself that he is safe and does not need to run. If Manolo asked Clint to halt and stand still for any length of time, it would only heighten Clint's anxiety and upset him more. So, for now Clint can move as long as he still responds a little when Manolo ask for something. Manolo is careful to make small requests like slowing down a couple of steps, or not falling on the outside shoulder that Clint already understands and can manage easily. Manolo does this to avoid creating a conflict. He rewards any small try on Clint's part.

Touch plays an important roll in creating confidence in a new and scary environment. If you praise and pet your horse routinely, touching him when he is afraid is letting him know he is not alone, and giving his body and mind a familiar and safe sensation to help anchor him. Manolo only touches Clint when he has settled enough and is able to process this tactile sensation. Trying to pet him while he is in flight mode will not help him.

It is important to not be afraid of, or embarrassed by your horse's behavior but to be fully present in the moment with your horse and FOR your horse. In this situation, Manolo is with his horse in front of a large crowd looking to see how he will handle an "out of control" stallion. While he is aware of his surroundings, Manolo is completely focused on Clint and his needs. He takes the time it takes to help Clint and not a moment less.

To help Clint focus once that he is a little more settled, Manolo asks Clint to halt momentarily and rein back a couple of steps, Clint does so somewhat in a rush but he still does what is asked of him willingly. Manolo rewards him by letting him move forward again.

To help build Clint's confidence in small manageable steps, Manolo gently feeds the lunge line out to him so has more room to move. Manolo watches him carefully and brings him back in again when he rushes.

Creating a posture where Clint can lengthen and lower his neck and head below its withers is a way to help him relax. It is important to not keep a horse in the same fixed posture the entire time you are working with them, wether there is an issue, or not.

Inside of five or six minutes, Clint has figured out he is safe, and he is able to walk around looking at the crowd with interest rather then fear. Because Manolo remained calm and there was no forced used, he is not stressed or anxious. Manolo pats him and prepares to work with him once he has all his attention.