this may sound silly

[finolover]

this may sound silly.....

i've found a new effective way to connect with and build trust with quito!!
while holding enough lead rope to bend his head toward me and his rump away (leave plenty slack in rope)
i lay both arms across his back, then push my ribcage up against his, then lay my cheek against his bare back, and let out air from my lungs in sort
of a relaxing slump.
at first he would move away pretty quickly, now he immatates me, and even cocks his back leg, closes his eyes, and drops his head.
he's still got a quick startle reflex, but settles down even quicker.
when i take the halter off he connects and follows me around the corral 8-) 8-) :lol:

[Carol Nelson]

That's not such a new thing, Earl. Remember how horses read body language better than anything...and notice how when they're relaxed and perhaps munching away at hay, they will breathe a deep sigh. Everything is ok with the world. Well, you are telling that to Quito...hey, old boy, I'm good, you're good...all is ok...

[Terry Wallace]

Not silly at all Earl... a deep, deliberate exhale is a helpful way to calm a horse. You can do the same thing while in the saddle. I lways make sure they can hear me, and that is why I say "deliberate exhale".

Just don't "blow"..because that can sometimes startle them. Deliberate blowing can sound like a stallion challenge. A long, slow, audible exhale is the way to go.

[Pasogirlz]

Not silly at all Earl... a deep, deliberate exhale is a helpful way to calm a horse. You can do the same thing while in the saddle. I lways make sure they can hear me, and that is why I say "deliberate exhale".



I always tell ppl who are new to riding, or pasos, to stop and take a DEEP breath and let it out and feel it relax you right thru to the horse, down your arms and legs to to them. Works every time. ;-)

[CarolU]

I agree with Terry Earl, you're not silly at all...and when you remember that at one time you approached Quito shaking so hard he started shaking too, you can see that he REALLY is happy and relieved that you are relaxed too. They take their lead directly off us.

Lots of Pasos are spookaholics. It's always wise to use the deliberate exhale trick to get them to approach things they're afraid of. I call it a "This is SO BORING" yawn....and it works.

:shock: LOOK! There pops a deer up/Yawn, this is SO BORING :eek: A spook can be over that fast.

You're getting there Earl!

[Jasfino]

You've just mastered something I do with my horse... the Jasper hug. It is a great way to start and end a lesson. Its kind of like horse yoga! :D