This is me on Macey for her very first ride at the young horse handling class in April at Chance Ridge, in Elkhorn, NE. Notice: no saddle or bridle.

Here is a question presented to me by one of my students:

"Hey, I was hoping for some advice. I have this colt, Ace. He was born
May 20th, 2006 and is SUPER SWEET!!! I want to teach him some of the
games you taught us at the horse camp in Burwell and wondered if you had
any suggestions? He knows how to lead and is pretty calm for his age but
I think if I try the games he might get scared. Maybe you have some for
younger or inexperienced horses? I hope you can help!"

Yes I have suggestions, but there are no special games for a younger inexperienced horse. They are still a horse, with the same set of natural instincts, emotions, and varying degrees of intelligence. Your caution that he might get scared is valid. However, the degree to which he gets scared is going to rely totally in your hands.

(1) The more aggressive and goal oriented you are without a great release when the horse gives you the slightest try the more you may scare him.

(2) The more you forget to ask with a very long phase one giving the horse plenty of time to search and figure out what you want the more you may scare him.

(3) The more demanding you are with nagging phases or too quick to phase four the more you may scare him.

(4) The more you confuse him with unclear communication he will retreat to self-preservation mode. He may not look wild, but may withdraw into introversion because of fear caused by confusion or too much stimulation which I call over-exposure.

(5) The more you approach and keep trying to make the horse do anything when he is unconfident the more frightened he will become.

So the key isn't in the game or special technique you do with the horse,

(1) but it is in the attitude and way in which you play the game or apply the technique that will preserve the horse's confidence. Because the opposite of fear is confidence.

(2) In order to get the young one's confidence you must be fair, clear, playful, and confident yourself.

(3) You must be able to read the horse.

(4) You must learn how to balance approach and retreat, because retreat is what the horse needs when he gets, confused and unconfident.

(5) And finally you must know when to quit! Always stop on a good note, don't over do it. Drill is not necessary.

So the answer to the question is:

(1) You may play the games you learned at the camp with your yearling, just remember that he is only in kindergarden and may have a short attention span.

(2) Remember that he is a blank slate and is very fragile mentally.

(3) Use empathy, kindness, creativity, be dependable for him, and gain his trust and respect, then he will give you more than you ever dreamed possible in a very short amount of time.

I have a few students who have requested a young horse handling class. So I am going to fill the need by offering this workshop. They will be at Chance Ridge in Elkhorn, NE this summer.

Please look on my website for more details.

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." Lou Holtz

Happy Trails,

sherry

www.heartinyourhand.com

Over the past seven years my equine friends have been my partners in a rapid emotional growth and development program which has changed my life. These dynamic and powerful yet fragile animals have required me to demonstrate clear communication, assertiveness, confidence, persistence, patience, forgiveness, empathy, justice, problem-solving, leadership, responsibility and relationship skills.

They have given me a regular report card about my progress or lack thereof as a savvy horsewoman and decent human being who is able to give love and compassion. Through direct observations of my behaviors and those of my horses I have seen patterns emerge which have guided me toward much needed character changes. I have allowed these magnificent creatures to be my therapists. They have mirrored me through their reactions, showing me both my strengths and weaknesses.

It is as if from each horse's mouth I have heard the whispers of my heart. I have listened to their requests and found some ways to follow their nature. I have wondered at their expressions and realized that I may never understand it all. More than anything I have discovered a joy and passion for life that leaves me speechless every time I am given the privilege of making a small connection with one of my equine friends.

A horse lovers journey that started at 2 years old is now a full fledged obsession which is giving me more blessings that I can count. A thank you will never be sufficient for all the good things that horses have given me. I feel indebted to help ensure their lives are as good as mine.

Tonight, I am feeling so grateful for all I have learned and experienced from horses that I wanted to let it be known. If you are a horse lover, you know what I am talking about, even though I am having trouble putting it into words. I hope that I can give back half of what I have received both to horses and any person who has a desire to cross the same path that I am traveling.

Happy Trails,

sherry

PS:

"The secret of success is constancy of purpose." -- Benjamin Disraeli

www.heartinyourhand.com