SABLE’S STORY, The 'Hot Cold' Horse (1) Introduction: A New Start For Sable
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ธ.ค. 2023
- In this first part of a new video series called ‘Sable’s Story, The Hot-Cold Horse,’ I will introduce you to Sable, a 6-year-old Oldenburg mare, who came to me because, after having been in a hunter/jumper training program for the last two years, her ability to jump had been diminished due to a cyst on her coffin bone. Both her owner and her trainer thought she might possibly make a nice Dressage prospect.
During my test-ride, I noticed that Sable alternated between phases of resistant stalling while pushing back into my leg aids before rushing off, trying to run through my aids in a somewhat frantic manner. This behavior was accompanied by frequent tail-swishing, crinkled nostrils and general signs of distress mostly in the trot and canter, but also noticeable in her lack of desire to go freely forward in the walk. I have worked with horses who displayed similar tendencies in the past, and since they seem to comprise qualities of both the ‘not-so-forward’ and the 'hot, run-away’ types of horses,’ in my mind, they are best described as horses with ‘hot-cold’ behavior patterns.
Before starting to work with a horse that shows unusual behaviors, I always ask that we examine and, if possible, eliminate all feasible causes for the horse’s abnormal conduct. This includes checking tack and other training equipment as well as a good look at the horse’s past and present mental and physical health issues that could be related to the situation at hand.
Sable has had a history of wide-ranging health problems. As a foal, she miraculously survived a severe bout of botulism while also dealing with the trauma of losing her mother before she had been weaned. She has been checked for ulcers and ovarian issues. She has been on Regumate to help balance her hormones, and Sable’s current state of health seemed satisfactory.
My first few rides with Sable were less than joyful, and I had to acknowledge that this mare’s adverse, defensive and unhappy reactivity to my gentle invitations to move forward was on another level. I had to ask myself, what is this horse about? And after hearing more of Sable’s story, I came to the conclusion that having lived through so many stressful scenarios (relating to both her health and her previous training), she had mentally gone to the only place she had left: inward. My job would be to gently coax Sable out of her proverbial shell, to build her trust and to start over with her training so that hopefully one day she would no longer to feel the need to push back or to out-run the discomfort she associates and possibly feels during her work sessions.
So, I decided to start over with Sable on the ground. And that is where we’re at in this first video. You will see how we are starting to have a non-coercive, two-way conversation that is all about what we can do together without pain or fear. The next step, letting Sable go free in the large arena and my interacting with her on her terms is a wonderful testament to the fact that she has not lost all faith in all humans around her. Although the camera looses her at times, you can see how Sable breaks free of her mental shackles and moves around the arena with unrestricted joy. She comes back into a more present mindset with herself (and with me) as she experiences the presence of a human with whom she gets to connect on her own terms.
Over the course of the next few videos of this series you will see a very slow, gradual process of sessions with Sable on the ground and under saddle. Join us and see how Sable is gaining confidence, a new outlook, and eventually a good foundation to become someone’s beloved riding or non-ridden equine companion.
Thank you for watching! :)
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Horse: Sable , 6 year-old mare, Oldenburg; Background: Bred and lovingly raised by owner; ongoing health issues, some of them severe, including botulism as a foal; 2 years in hunter/jumper training; currently in training with me due to behavioral problems and to create a basic Dressage foundation; Temperament (0 being extremely calm/laid-back, 10 being highly excitable/hot): between 2-8 (hot-cold). Personality: Kind, highly sensitive, dominant, intelligent, good-natured, big heart.
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Note: Viewers should consult a professional before adopting any of the training techniques shown in this video. Any activity you do with your horse is at your own risk and may produce varied results.
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California-based Dressage trainer, instructor, clinician and life coach, Katja Elk, provides gentle training solutions for riders and horses of all backgrounds. Additionally, Katja, a Martha Beck certified master life coach, works with people who are looking for relief from anxiety, depression and/or other challenges in their lives.
www.gentlesolutionsdressage.com
www.windhorsecoaching.com
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Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay
Love the description of your body language & mindset, your patience & empathetic way of handling the horse - wonderful ❤
Thank you so much! You're so kind to notice and acknowledge the details of what Sable and I are trying to do. That means a lot. :)
Beautiful work. She looked so relaxed by the end. As if she were saying, “finally a human that understands me!” ❤
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment. I'm so glad you see the difference of how we started out and how we ended the session that day. It humbles me every time when I see some of the new-found peace and freedom shine through a horse's eyes.
I just found your channel, and am very enthralled by your soft and understanding training methods. I hope that you can help this sweet horse find joy in her life.
Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for your kind comment! It's going to be a bit of a longer journey, and time will tell, but I love to know that you'll be watching.
I am excited to watch her progress.
I'm so glad! It will be a slow roll-out and a very interesting story. :)
Merry Christmas! God bless you Happy New Year! Mariah and I are so happy to have found you! Big Hugs from very southeast Georgia!
Happy holidays, Beth and Mariah! I'm so happy to have you on board! Hugs to both of you! :)
Thank you. I am on a similar journey with an initially very shutdown/aggressive pony. We have come a long way but I have had to proceed by trial and error which has been slow and frustrating at times. Really happy to see your method which is very much what I realised I had to do eventually. Looking forward to following this mare's progress.
You're welcome, and thank you for watching! I'm glad to know that other horse people like your have encountered the same/similar situations. The work with our horses is indeed a slow process. They really teach us patience, not to take things personally and to be present with their changing moods and expressions in each moment.