Progress Report Photo: Still Handsome
No parent in their right mind would presume to think that the way to create a well adjusted, well behaved, successful and confident child would be to give no firm rules and to feed them candy and cookies every time you saw them. Then why in the world do we do this frequently with our horses? Is it because we still believe in the mystical qualities of “the Black Stallion effect”? Building that kind of relationship with a horse is not impossible, but it isn’t magical or intangible. Quite the opposite: it is largely common sense.
The initial challenges with Leo have all been related to the fact that in his past, he has been both a little spoiled, and slightly feared. Because of his size and because of his knack for throwing wicked bucks, he has been allowed to throw equine tantrums over small, insignificant tasks and learn that threatening your physical safety is an effective tool for being lazy and not doing work. Therefore, you’re left with a horse that has learned he doesn’t really have to or even want to “play the game”. I want each of my horses not only to learn the game, but I want them to be excited for new challenges because experience has taught them that it’s fun and rewarding. Leo has learned that he doesn’t really have to do what you say, and it doesn’t really matter what you’re asking.
So, I spent the first two weeks being very careful about the ways that I asked him to do new things for me. After all, I understand that he doesn’t know me from Adam, and I haven’t earned the right to boss him around. After much work towards opening and closing a gate, he decided it was the day to “throw down” (so to speak) and show me just how scary he could be when I wanted to do something he didn’t. He shook his head. He stomped his feet. He bucked a little. He reared a little, and each time paused after a move to see if I was scared yet. Had he won? Was it over?
We spent a whole hour trying to open and close that gate. I did not lose my temper, change my tone of voice, or even do more than smack him on the shoulder when he bucked or reared. I used the same reaction immediately upon a negative response to an inquiry, and instantaneous praise when he responded with his brain intact and his body moving correctly. I gave him the next day off to ponder his standing in the pack.
As an Eventer, courage can be one of the most important factors to have in a horse. But I believe courage can be created out of a willingness to learn, explore, and participate. Leo needs to know that I have boundaries when it comes to learning and exploring, and that he is to start playing the game a little more instead of instantly saying “No”. A young horse benefits from having fair rules, direction, and safe learning curves with affection and encouragement thrown in the middle. Fear is acceptable, it is natural. The next step is a willingness to conquer that fear, and trusting the leader enough to go there.
So how do I get this horse to trust me? Number One Secret: scratch their bodies when they itch. Bonus points for if it’s hard to reach. Seriously. As a selfless herd-minded gesture, this is the number one activity that I start with to build a relationship of trust with my horses. Laugh all you want, it’s pure gold.
However, that’s not the only way. I also conduct myself in a very conscientious way when I am spending time with him, either on the ground or mounted. I never ask him to do something unreasonable, dangerous, or wacky. I want to build a long line of credit in his mind as a trustworthy and intelligent leader. I always over-praise for thoughtful and respectful reactions on his part. I want him to think he’s a super genius! I am firm and consistent in the way that I reinforce rules, and never emotional or overreactive. I always end our time together on a good note.
So for now, our progress is mostly focused on the mental game, but the physical will come along as he gets fitter, stronger, and more skilled in different ways. I did enter his very first show (!!) this Saturday, and he will be performing a Training dressage test at a local barn. I’m definitely bringing my grab strap….just in case.
My horse, that is.
