Teddy was being his normal self today. Dodged the halter until he realised that I wasn't going anywhere then he was fine. It is still annoying that he does this as once it is on him he is right as rain. Stop it Teddy!
Anyway, once it was on I took him to the front paddock and he was perfect at the first three games. I will still need to work on them so I can do the porcupine from his chest as he is much easier to back up from the nose. I will also concentrate on combing the lead rope to drive him back. He will do a step or two now and that is great by me so it will be a matter of progression. Then I will work on expanding porcupine and driving and add a bit of the next level as well.
Go Teddy!
I know I've read a little out of order but I see acceptance of the halter is a bit of an issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's been put to me this way and maybe it will help you . . . If you reached for your husband's hand and every time you did, he tried to avoid you until you just grabbed hold and he gave in . . . would you find this annoying or would you understand there was a problem with your relationship?
It's hard and it's frustrating when something we see as so simple is just beyond our horse's cooperation. But it's important. It's really important. And it's something that comes up for newbies as well as old hands.
Good point. I've only had Teddy 3 months and have only started to develop the relationship with him.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning is rough. I struggled with Moose, to overcome his baggage, and I've struggled with Cricket to overcome her independence. As long as you try to see things from Teddy's perspective, you'll be alright.
ReplyDeleteSomething I read, not PNH, but it makes sense: horse's don't separate emotion from action; what they do is simply an indication or reflection of how they feel at any given moment.
Sometimes just saying out loud, "I know you'd rather do something else and that's okay but I need you to have patience with me because I'm learning and I promise I will get better."
will try that too. Thanks again you have been a great help.
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