Perfectly Savvy
Horsemanship TIPS
"Fidgeting Filly" When you're having difficulty getting your horse to stand still for you, just pick up one of his feet. Doing this can help the horse to relax and get the feeling of being still, so that then he will stand still on his own. Do lots of "Friendly Game" with a horse like this, stroking his legs and feet and practicing picking them up... scratch his belly if he'll allow it (many horses find this pleasurable).
"Closet Licker" To help horses that are slow to "lick and chew" while processing new information, politely put a finger into their mouth where the bit would go (with caution!) This will stimulate their "licking/chewing" reflex and helps them to process what they have just learned.
"The Rope Stepper" When hand-grazing your horse, to avoid them stepping on the rope, put the rope over their head behind their ears. Be sure to use your Savvy.
"Mental Escapee" Have you noticed changes in your horses behavior when you're playing together. Is your horse blinking? Is he breathing? Head held high? Are you suddenly the most popular thing in the playground and your horse is crowding your space. This is huge feedback. Did you pass through those invisible thresholds five minutes ago? What do I do now?....retreat, retreat, retreat. At what point does the horse relax, blink, breath, and lower the head? Play with his bubble advancing and retreating. Paying attention to my horses horsenality....do I need to go slow, do I need to move the feet. Watch for changes seemingly insignificant. When you're not sure if your horse has returned mentally....offer a treat. Right brained horses won't take a treat until they are past the invisible danger. OH BOY!!
