More about Michael

As mentioned yesterday, we had a special demonstration this past weekend.  It was really quite interesting and informative, unless you are a cat.

He said and showed us things that were consistent with what other trainers have told us (the ramp should be a place of rest, for example).  And some things that we haven't heard before (it is ok to hug your horse).

Guest blogger Jennifer has compiled her notes to share with us. 

Take it away, Jennifer!

We had the opportunity to listen to a professional horseman give us a demonstration of his skills. He's a well known speaker, traveling throughout the country with his wife and few horses. Oh yeah, and he spends a large quantity of his time in a wheel chair. But one largely forgets that fact as much as any horse would upon meeting him. He's much more self-conscious about being seen without his cowboy hat than any other accessory he may own.

Anyway, he began the session with Jewel, 'our' compact 3 year old Morgan filly, otherwise known as spoiled Princess of the Pack. She's unbroke, affectionate as a kitten, and just as naughty as one. And we all love her to pieces. Alas, I digress.

Michael's presentation was straight forward in showing us how to use patience intelligence and consistency to create a relationship and scenario where the horse naturally gives the trainer their will as well as their attention. He'd never met Jewel before.

The following are some of the notes I took while he worked her alone in the arena from the ground. His goal was to control her actions through nothing more than pressure and release via his body language and a plastic bag on the end of a stick.

In the following, the male pronoun is Michael or us. The female pronoun is the horse in question, or any other being to be communicated with. Michael emphasized that we can take this lesson and apply it to other sectors of our lives outside of horsemanship.

--Keep educational sessions brief. Don't rush the steps towards the ultimate goal.

--He stays off the rail because it's a danger zone. Don't rely on how quick you are to get out of the enclosure. His secure place is the center of the arena.

--Picture in your mind the result that you want before you get it. Don't expect misbehavior.

--His emphasis is use the least amount possible to get the most amount needed. We strive for ounces in our hands, not pounds.

--The moment she even attempts to give what he wants, he releases the pressure he's putting on her, whether it be waving his arms, clapping his hands, or any other stimuli that induces action. It's the will/attempt that should be rewarded, not the action. So he's always watching and thinking ahead to what's going to happen next, to be ready for it the moment she gives in. AND if he is consistent without pressure, she will give in.

--When trainers refer to "your seat" the definition of seat in horsemanship is a section of muscles that includes the thighs as well as the whole pelvic region. One's seat communicates to the horse where to turn, what speed to travel, and when to stop. The reins are practically just ornamentation to the knowledgeable rider.

--Our tools are just an extention of us. All stimulation given from his hand is "good." He doesn't hit a horse with his hand. If he wants them to run, he'd slap his own thigh first to make noise, not their rump. Direct with your free hand to tell her where she should go.

--He makes her think it's her idea to come to him, inspect the ball or tarp, follow, etc. Any time he can convey something as if it is her idea, it's a powerful tool towards further training opportunities. And he does get her to do things, relatively quickly, with his persistence.

--Horses are honest. They tell you when they get it and when they don't. So in return, be the same, don't blow smoke. Don't do something because everyone else does it. We can't control what's going on outside of the round pen/our heart, mind or body. We can only control ourselves.

--Lowering her head and licking her lips are signs of submission.

--He often moves at 45 degree angles towards her in his work, forward but not too forward. He watches for the yielding of her hip, her attempt to make space in a safe way around him.

--He disagrees with the idea of fatiguing a horse to get their attention.

--It doesn't matter that she's never seen him before, because animals live in the now. It's not a matter of reprogramming. Take what's there and develop it.

But most of all, the most important quote I retained from Michael this day was this:

"Our disability or perspective is not what defines us. It's
what we do with that defines who we are."

So it is with Michael, so it is with all of us.