Phil's Courage Archives - Page 7 of 9 - Training Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds

Day 11 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Morning feeding: All the horses around the barn where a little excitable this morning. They all had a very interesting night. One of our mares foaled last night. Phil could not see the event from his pen, but he felt the excitement from all the other horses.

Day 10 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal – Tying

Today’s lesson: Tying

This morning I tacked Phil up with a heavy roping saddle. Phil was unconcerned about the saddle, so I did not have to desensitize him to the saddle. I did not “tip toe” around Phil, just because he has never had such a big, heavy saddle on his back. If I was concerned, then Phil would feel he needed to be concerned. I was respectful not to just plop the saddle on his back.

Day 9 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

The model: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

* Forming: The team meets for the very first time, members behave independently.
* Storming: This is necessary for growth, can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, many power struggles.
* Norming: Members adjust their behavior, begin to trust
* Performing: Members function as a unit, the job gets done smoothly without conflict

Day 8 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

“If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile.” If I would have ignored Phil’s “test” I would have given him proof that I am not worthy to be a leader. I know all of this sounds so “nit-picky”, however these are the building blocks to a trusting partnership with your horse. You have to work as hard or harder than he does.

Day 7 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

I want to mention petting: when you pet your horse use long petting strokes, rubs, or scratches. It is insulting to your horse to give him a big pat. Horses rub, stroke, and scratch each other; this is enjoyable. They do not swat each other on the neck with their muzzles unless teeth were coming with the “pat.” Think of the last time someone gave you a big “pat” on the back. The gesture, I’m sure was well intended, however it was rather uncomfortable wasn’t it? Please, be respectful to your horses. “Patting” is a human behavior, not a horse behavior.