Yes! A competition based on Calmness!
Model/Rival system was developed by Dr Dietmar Todt, and later modified by Dr Irene Pepperberg into her label-training procedure aimed to explore and show to the world the intelligence and cognitive potential of Alex, the Grey African parrot.
COMPETITION is something that makes people uneasy, simply because most of us are competing because of tensions: “I have to act, because others are acting” or “I have to prove I am no worse than s/he is”. When we remove layer of tensions from competing, we can see that we can take actions without tensions, and that what fuels our action is the natural desire to be brave, beautiful and smart …is our inclination towards GRACE and CHARM.
We can take advantage of the Model/Rival system when introducing horses to the new exercises and new experiences awaiting them in their lives. When our training is based on Calmness, and when our horses are Calm no matter if we train with treats or without them, they are ready to explore Model/Rival system together with us in a healthy way, serving one another as an example and supporting each other in making the next steps. Your role then is just to promote curiosity, have a good time and observe what will hapepn nex.
