> > This is very interesting to me. I'd like to explore it more than I > have. It does vary horse to horse, I have 5 of them, most still too > young to be ridden. Of course I do get in their space, you kind of > have to, but it's how you do it. >
Hi Kim, You're right, it does vary from horse to horse, and it's usually much bigger than we are aware of. Horses are incredibly sensitive creatures, more sensitive than us, and more in tune with energy. And we do have to spend time in their space, if we want to do most anything with them. But the intention with which we approach them is important. Horses are empaths and can read our intent, even when we are not aware of it. They are more than willing to be our partners, especially if asked in a polite, sensitive way. > One mare does not like me standing at her withers, this seems to be > a > vulnerable position for them, I noticed yesterday she actually > *tolerated* it on one side, but she will back up so I am closer to > her head, of course it would be a good idea to work this out before > I > ride her:) This is one example where clicker training is extremly valuable. It makes your presence, which may initially be threatening, into a source of good things. It sounds like you have lots of fun projects to work on! Mary
