A friend came by yesterday and offered to take a video and photos of the lesson. I uploaded two of those clips to share with you. They demonstrate two different techniques. One, the first, where Tumbleweed is allowed to move his feet, and a second where he is asked to face up, under the same scenario, Leah leaving his line of sight.
You can see how is energy is up and only building.
Then I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. Engaging his brain by facing him up. (I would usually only allow him to walk until his tail passed the object in my line of sight, but I couldn’t see where Leah was since she was being walked around.)
What a difference under the same scenario—his buddy leaving his sight. There’s no big emotions (from either of us) and I’m only meeting his energy—meaning, I keep going, keep asking for the same thing, until he gives it to me, then he’s rewarded.
I was able to saddle up after that and work through three horses who arrived and were being flagged together in the round pen, Leah leaving, and barrels being pounded and rolled around.
This work is transforming our relationship at home, too. I went out to spray them last night, and Tweed just came to me and laid his head on my hands. The togetherness is there now. I have this deep feeling of, I’d go anywhere with you, because I LOVE you.
I hope he feels the same towards me. I certainly think he’s getting there, trying to be brave and trying to trust, even in scary situations.
These clips are so clear.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure if you mean clear in video quality or the difference in his demeanor when he is asked to face up, but I think the latter? (These new iPhones really do take clear video. You could probably film a documentary with them.) But yes, we have found that the best way to bring Tumbleweed around, and to connect with his mind, is contact. The facing up is just another form of it.
DeleteYeah the videos clearly show how engaging his mind works . And that it built connection is great!
ReplyDelete