A Horse is not a Taxi
… even though most other people always have treated him as one
… even though he is naturally even more adept at “summing up his fare” than any London cabby
… even though there are similarities with long periods of “waiting on the rank” punctuated by frenetic periods of use
… even though taxis are not mirrors - they don’t reflect how to sit in them and how not to sit in them (paraphrase of Perry Wood’s words) There my analogy is almost complete; I’m not suggesting a form of Join-Up (as per Monty Roberts) with taxi-drivers nor that you should necessarily seek Rapport (as per Neuro-Linguistic Programming) with taxi-drivers. What I am suggesting is that you take time out to recognise, acknowledge and respect that horse as an individual every time you go for a ride.
Unless you can afford to own your own horse, the following scenario will arise: “You’re riding Taxi today” or “You’re riding Taxi in the next chukka” and so you walk towards him – probably with your mind full of thoughts as to where you want to go and what you want to do. Don’t be fooled by his apparent unconcern and submissive air (or not!), Taxi will have got you sussed even when you’re still several yards away.
This is a horse’s natural reaction to the approach of a predator-type figure (you!) and this involuntary reaction is the basis of an increasingly popular form of management and leadership training. Remember also that Taxi will continue to suss you every second you are in the saddle.
So there you are - a form of predator about to mount a flight animal; isn’t it worthwhile spending just a little time on mutual reassurance before you mount ...
There obviously isn’t time for anything like a Join-Up procedure, what you can do is to approach your horse in a non-threatening manner and follow a simple routine:
• keep yourself in “soft-focus” mode (as David Harris would say)
• approach from about 45 degrees (not square-on) towards his front nearside
• look at his shoulder (not his eyes)
• quietly establish physical contact with a flat hand (not with fingers spread like a claw and forget those hearty pats as seen on films and TV)
• start with a soft rub between his eyes
• stroke his neck, withers, shoulders and belly on his nearside
• calmly move round his head (remembering a rub between his eyes) and repeat on his offside
• return to the nearside of his head (remembering the calmness and the rub)
• check the tightness of his girth on both sides
• if time allows you can also include picking up his front feet (thus confirming an increased level of trust)
• lead him to where you want to mount (he should follow you willingly)
As in all good recipes (and marriages) modify according to taste and preference of the personalities involved; recognition that there is a "herd" consisting of the two of you is the only essential.
The routine given above does demonstrate that you care, it doesn’t take much time and it does provide essential groundwork for you both for the subsequent ride ...
... at the end of that ride (taxi-drivers appreciate a tip) forget those sweets or carrots instead give your horse a final rub between the eyes as a token of your warm and heartfelt appreciation.
2006, Roy Law.
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Contributor's Note
Starting to learn to ride again, after a gap of several decades and a course in NLP, has given me a new outlook on the harmonious relationship that is possible between man and horse.
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