Solo

Today was a big one for me. Not because we tried anything new or ambitious. In fact quite the opposite. Today was a success simply because I worked with Oliver on my own for the first time, from start to finish. There was nothing fancy. I haltered him as I have been doing each day, groomed him--this time really brushing out his tail (with minimal resistance)--and then I worked with him in the arena a bit. First totally on our own out in the bigger space and then with a small audience (Sean was teaching a young lady a lesson as her father looked on) in the round pen.

I videoed myself at first so I could get have something to review and reflect on and though I have watched only about 2 minutes worth of footage, I can already see things I want to work to improve. First is my body language. When I watch people who are more experienced with horses and training I am usually struck with the fluidity and confidence of their movements. They have a grace as they move and each gesture, posture, and sound appears to arise with intention. They also display a comfort regardless of how the horse responds; trainers like Sean are able to hold steady even in the midst of total equine (and sometimes human) chaos. Those who know my horsemanship skills will tell you that spatial recognition, movement, and managing reactivity are not my strengths; but, this only reinforces for me the importance of the work and daily practice: the before and after pictures will be striking.

My first observation of myself is that my body braces and almost shies when I ask Oliver to do anything. I am not trying to be hard on myself here, for the record, it is really just an observation and one that I totally understand. I think through each choice I make when I work with him and I am not totally sure that what I am doing is right or that I will react in a proper (and fast enough!) way should he decide not to listen. I see the disconnect in this type of body language and what I am trying to communicate to him; I can also see what I can only describe as static interference in my energy which comes from brief moments of feeling flustered. Luckily, even with only a week’s training under his belt, he seems to know what I am trying to say. That said, I can see how making some shifts in how I stand and perhaps how I lean and position myself during certain motions might help me to communicate more clearly.

My second observation, and that will be all for this evening, is that despite whatever mistakes I am making, I was able to get Oliver to back up, change direction, move on a circle, and transition up to trot and down to the walk again several times in each direction. It wasn't beautiful, but it isn't supposed to be. This is huge for both of us. I know that a lot of our success today was due to the hard work Sean put in this weekend (clear, concise communication!), but I am still thrilled that I was able to carry it forward (or at least keep things in a holding pattern) while I was working on my own. Not a bad way to round out a Monday afternoon; not a bad way at all.