Re: [RC] some folks dont speak arabian/jigging horse - Barbara McCrary
I don't remember if I said that, Jim,
but it's true. I do know that our horses are better "watch horses" than
our dogs are "watchdogs." The can see from a higher vantage point.
Lud and I were on patrol with a Mounted
Assistance Unit for state parks some years ago. Our Arabs could detect a
deer hiding in the brush, when we would have missed it. My horse also
"pointed" a "peeping Tom" hiding in the brush nearly at his feet. The man
was on top of a sand dune at the beach spying on a couple lying on a blanket on
the beach, sunbathing. We herded the man down off the sand dune and up the
beach for about 1/2 mile, back to his buddies who were waiting for him. It
was the most unusual experience, almost like herding cows. The poor
man.....but peeping is not allowed on state park beaches.
Subject: Re: [RC] some folks dont speak
arabian/jigging horse
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.
