Our journey: Parelli LIberty and Horse Behavior

Thursday, July 8, 2010

From Rivals to Partners

I don't even recognize our relationship anymore. I am responding immediately and consistently to Satin's behaviors with savvy and Satin, in turn, is responding with respect and willingness. How interesting!

Before Parelli:
Me: "C'mon, Satin. Do as I say!" *push and pull*
Satin: "No! I don't wanna. Why don't you do as I say?" *tug ignore*
Me: "Augh. Why are you such a brat? Why won't you just behave?" *angry face*
Satin: "Augh. Why are you so demanding. Why can't we ever have fun?" *dull*

Now, with savvy:
Me: "How are you feeling today?" *analyze smile*
Satin: "What are we going to do today!?" *asking questions*
Me: "Let's see what seems fun... "
Satin: "What can I do for you!?"

Gotta love the positive change!

When it's been super hot these days I've been re-watching Liberty and Horse Behavior course. It is fantastic! I am surprised that I am learning new things a second time around. How interesting!

Satin, 1997 Snowflake Appaloosa mare

Satin, my best friend. Her stall name plate (well, one of her stall plates) says it all, "Satin, Mommy's Brat"
She's been with me since she was weaned (too early) as a 4 month-old. I was barely 14 and desperately wanted my very own horse. My family was not horse savvy, although I did get my mom into riding when I started taking lessons as a girl. I dragged my parents across Sarasota, Florida, classifieds in hand, trying to find a horse for me. I still remember the ad catching my attention for two reasons - "filly" and "$500". She was cheap and she was a baby! I had no idea what I was getting into. Never had any experience with foals (I was 14!) and had no experience with any sort of training. I taught her how to halter, tie, load, clip, lunge, started her under saddle, dressage, eventing.. you name it, Satin and I did it on our own. She has taught me how horses talk and how important it is to speak in a way they can understand. Here we are in 2010, starting our new journey to an even better friendship!

Dancer, 1996 Chestnut TB rescue

When I describe Dancer to anyone, the first thing I say about her is "She has such a big heart." She is so loving towards other horses and my hope is that this Parelli journey will allow her to love humans just as well.
Dancer was considered trash to the TB breeding industry. She had 4 foals, then didn't take one year, then didn't take another year. So they gave her away. She was useless to them, so they tossed her out. Someone with no experience picked her up. They held on to her for a short time before realizing that 'owning' a horse is expensive and hard work! So they offered her up for "free" in the classifieds. This was before US slaughterhouses has been shut down. She was picked up by a kill buyer and brought to their transport facility. Fate was shining down on Dancer when she was bought back from the owner who's friends told her the whole deal was odd. She had given Dancer away for free but the buyer made her pay money to take her back. She picked her up the day she was to be shipped to slaughter.
That's when I met Dancer! Abandoned at a boarding facility, nervous of humans but totally a doll to other horses. I knew she needed some love.