Also, I'd like to say Happy Holidays! I am late, yes, but better late than never! Hope everyone had a great end to 2008, and is looking foward to the future.
And I received these answers a while ago, but I kept neglecting to post them.
So, the questions I have for you are: can itching be a form of releasing adrenaline,
Yes. . .and it can be a form of displaced behavior (an expression of emotion).
or is he just suddenly realizing he's itchy because he's now calm? What do you think is going on with the halter: should I buy a new one, or is he just testing my leadership?
Yes. :) Buy a Parelli halter b/c it is softer and therefore more comfortable when he's with you (not putting tension on it) than the stiff one you have--and it gives more of a release (back to being comfortable) when he quits putting pressure on it. And, yes, he's testing your leadership. Put another way, he's just being an excellent horse! It's up to you to help him learn to be a partner. And you're going a good job so far. :)
Don't be afraid to go ahead and play with him more once he's on-line. Do as you did here, releasing right when he responds and give that first try. But as you progress the "first try" will be farther down the line, so to speak, so that you're not just boring him with asking for the same thing over and over. Go ahead and play all 7 games.
And lastly, what happened on line: why does he suddenly release adrenaline and what is causing it? Also, what horsenality do you think he's being on line (and how should I react)?
He sounds RBI/LBI on-line--both, back and forth. The release of adrenaline shows he's been RBI and has changed to left-brained (meaning, he can relax). He releases adrenaline when he feels safe and feels right rather than wrong (comfort). It's a sign you're on the right track. Just wait for him to lick and chew, or at least sigh, blink, etc. Then, go on and do more.
He's "storing" adrenaline (holding tension) b/c being in the hands of a human makes him uncomfortable. Why? because he's a prey animal and you're not, and probably b/c of past experiences. Some horses are made to be introverted. From your description, he may have been. . .and will blossom as you progress with him, giving him fun, challenging things to do as well as opportunities to express his curiosity. You want him to be more extroverted, so do things which help him engage with the world: think, play, explore.
Good luck and let me know how it goes, Erica.
Nita Jo
I am very happy with her response. I didn't know itching was a form of displaced behavior, and that explains a lot, because Dancer itched a lot when she was emotional. BFO!! And I didn't know that horses release adrenaline specifically when they feel safe and comfortable.
Though, I'm getting better at recognizing when Moose goes RBI. He doesn't do it so much on line anymore, which is great! He still has his moments, especially when moving the FH, but with passive persistence all is well.
On other topics, I'm looking forward to the auditions coming out. Only a few more days and the wait is over!! It's very exciting!
No comments:
Post a Comment