“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, they say but I have a completely different story in the equine world.
,p. While helping out at the Brownbread Open Day last September I had great pleasure in stumbling across a stunning 12year old black Highland pony called, “Tommy”. At home I was awaiting the arrival of my new event horse to be delivered so had no intention of having another one. Nevertheless, being an inquisitive person I asked Dinty about Tommy’s past. What a history! He had been in no fewer than five foster homes, was very difficult to lead without a bucket of food under his nose and threatened any potential rider with all four feet simultaneously off the ground. That’s the last thing I needed a pony with challenging behaviour but I’ve always been a sucker for a problem horse!Within a week the loan formalities were completed and “Tommy” was duly delivered to me. His stunning majestic appearance made him the talk of the yard albeit some of the comments were, “Jay’s taken on another nutter!”
Over many years of practical experience and studying horses through many disciplines I have adopted the rule of “LURE”, standing for Love, Understanding, Respect for Equines.
The Love bit should be easy. We all need love so love your equine as you would want to be loved yourself. The day Tommy arrived he was greeted with a stable having enough bedding for an 18hh horse, a good feed, treats, a good grooming and lots of kisses; (some may think the latter is going a bit too far). If a horse feels loved it is more likely to trust you and with trust you are part way there. Understanding equine behaviour is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the training and takes considerable time; learning to imitate a horses behaviour thus enabling you to become the Alpha horse in your new herd is where years of study reaps its rewards. By day two and using only natural equine behaviour traits Tommy was following me around the yard without the use of a lead rope. Progress! I had been accepted as his leader. Having been out at grass and not worked for a long time it was necessary to start some lunging. This was especially important as I had every intention of riding him next week. On the sixth day of arriving I was able to sit on Tommy and ride him round the school. By day seven we were walking down the road! Tommy was already well on the way to being a reformed character.
Tommy is a big beast, a lot more heavier and powerful than me. This is where I have to Respect him. I respect him, not only for his tremendous power but that he is an intelligent animal with his own personality and quite capable of thinking for himself. This is one of the most important aspects of training. If you don’t show him respect then what respect, trust and love can you expect back? Eqine reminds me that the horse is special in the animal world, capable of loyalty, willingness and forming that special link with us that engenders a loving relationship that lasts for many years. We are planning a very active and happy future together and, who knows, we may even put in an appearance on the next Open Day in May.
Remember, quality takes time and time is worth investing in long term happiness.