Re: [RC] some folks dont speak arabian/jigging horse - Jim Holland
It seems that even with the proliferation of all the "natural horsemanship"
trainers out there, the people like Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt who developed
an "empathy" with the horse are hard to find. The "ideal horse" these days
seems to be one that you can treat like a motorcycle or ATV. Just hop on,
step on the gas an off you go.
A better relationship is one where there is a "partnership" between horse
and rider. Someone on Ridecamp (Barb McCrary? Maryben?) once said
something like "No one will ever sneak up on you if you own an Arabian".
Dang, that's true! And you better pay attention to what he's telling
you! You not only need to "speak" Arabian, you better learn to listen a
little, too!
Since I have been starting Magic, Sunny has sadly been a pasture
ornament over the last year. It's HARD to keep two Arabians fit. I
normally don't allow other people to ride my horses, with the exception of
kiddie pony rides in the paddock. However, one of my neighbors is a pretty
good rider, takes dressage lessons, etc. After a few "trial" outings, I
have been letting her ride Sunny along with me and Magic, but never on her
own....at least not yet....jury is still out on that.
It's been interesting...and kinda fun....to watch her approach and her
amazement at dealing with my Arabians.. I need to work on her "centered riding"
(she rides leaning left a little with an "s" bend in her back) but it's obvious
she has NEVER been around horses like mine, especially Arabians. Sunny
"tested" her immediately, and let her know in no uncertain terms when he was
not happy with her response! :)
She learned a lot.
To ride "soft" on the reins ...no "collection pressure" on the hack...just
the "weight" of the reins, allowing him to extend his nose and trot
freely....and to "lighten" her cues. Watching the look on her face riding
Sunny at a full extended trot the first time on a slack rein was
priceless! So was the time I asked her to let him "charge" a small
hill at a gallop!
My horses don't leave for the hinterlands when you show up with a saddle,
bridle, or halter. They come when called and stick their nose in the
halter. You don't need ANY restraint, including standing on the washrack, and
they don't walk off when you're trying to mount.
You can take them anywhere, with or without a halter. I had to make her
leave the lead line/reins lying over Sunny's neck during leading to get her
to quit using a "death grip" 4 inches from the halter. Sunny hates it!.
She was grooming Sunny and he was grooming her! <grin> Somewhat taken
aback by that!
My guys enjoy a ride....and have NO problem leaving the barn and don't RUN
on the way back. If I leave one behind, he's only upset because he doesn't
get to go....unless Joan comes down when we leave and grooms him and scratches
the good spots! <grin>
To read the "tension" in his body....when he sees, hears, or "senses"
something unsual...and learn how to communicate at that level. The first
time that happend was a wondrous experience for her.....he "sensed" that
another rider was coming and she read it. Just couldn't stop talking about
it.... <grin>
That Arabians don't get "tired" in the normal sense. She was amazed
that four hours at speed is "nothing" to my guys, even in the mountains.
Arabians like lots of attention....they bond to humans....HARD if you
provide that attention and appropriate leadership. They are strongly
empathic. No matter how much riding experience you have, if you
haven't ridden and and bonded with an Arabian.....you have missed
one of the wonders of the horse world.
Yes, Bonnie...go see him....GUARANTEE he will remember you.
Subject: Re: [RC] some folks dont speak
arabian/jigging horse
It's true... many people that consider themselves horsemen just don't
speak Arabian. Every morning we had to catch and saddle the horses. I always
caught him first and spent extra time brushing him before saddling. We seemed
to have a special instant bond. He acted like he liked me and knew that I
understood him. I always took my own horse to use as a lead horse because he
was a green 5 yr. old and I thought it was good experience for him. Then
for about a week, I didn't take my horse and I chose the little bay Arab to
lead with. The one who couldn't be in front. He seemed surprised when I
climbed on and for the times I used him to lead with, he was a perfect
gentleman and had a new spring in his step. We really connected and I felt
sorry for him when I left. I guess I should go and see if he is still on the
string and if he needs a gentle pat from someone who understands him.
