Don’t ever focus on the little things. If you skip the mental phase, and don’t reassure enough your horse about the real criteria of the exercise, you will always have to take a step back and “fix” something.
The main criteria for me here, when backing up, at this stage are the reaction and keeping the neck line long.
Once you shorten the neck line of the horse, the damage done to the young spine, and the damage done to the mind and spirit of your horses will be almost irreversible.
You have to start with the criteria that are most important and immanent to the exercise, and then slowly add the rest, the “toppings”.
Hello Ania. I am so excited about the arrival of my yearling Akhal Teke filly in SA at the end of Feb, and will be able to take her home from the quarantine 1st April – when your workshop goes live! At the same time I feel so much pressure and responsibility of doing the right things at the right time and by all costs avoiding ignorance and causing permanent damage to my long awaited new addition to our family. I like your way of thinking and hope you will be able to assist me in practical ways to achieve… Read more »
Beata, we have two 1,5 colts with us at home and most of the workshop’s videos will show how I work with them :) I hope you find these tutorial videos helpful :) I’m very happy and excited to hear about your new baby coming! It’s just wonderful and I could not be more happy that I will be able to help you during this exciting period of your life :)
Dear Anna, I do pray before I train and I do consider the state of mind and emotions first, when I am with my stallion. I am musician, playing in the orchestra, and must say that the state of mind the conductor creates is the key of taking the best out of us. I started to think that it is the same with horses. And we are the conductors :-) Looking forward to make music with my horse under your supervision :-)
Anca, what a wonderful gift you have! May I ask what instrument you play? I can’t wait to start playing with you, and your horse together the wonderful sounds of partnership and calmness :)