>>> I don't remember the reasoning, but the head down cue is supposed to help >>> diffuse excitement and nervousness. Is it that it mimics eating and thus a >>> soothing, calming memory related action or is it something physiological? >>> I'll see if I can find more info on that.
That's true, but I'm not exactly sure why either. For these mares, it's not a big deal, because they are all calm, confident mares - just unexposed to tack experiences. For us, it was as simple as knowing that a girth will self-tighten if the horse drops her head to the ground, and what better diversion in the drought than allowing them to grab a little bit of coveted grass. We save this sort of training until July-August usually because it's too hot for any of us, horses or humans, to be tempted to rush. Our next milestone will come early-mid August. The barn swallows usually vacate about August 4-7th or so, and within a day or so, we'll have the big horseflies back. I first noticed their departure date when we were starting Gracie under saddle about 9-10 years ago. All was going exceedingly well, until she got her first horsefly on her butt with a rider up...and that rider was I. As a lot of horses will do, she kicked out behind to get the fly off, and I instinctively leaned forward and grabbed mane. Wrong! That really triggered the mountain-lion-attack response and I got violently bucked off - and she stepped on my ankle in the process. I think the initial kick would have been a non-event, but my leaning forward and grabbing mane was too much for her. I'm much more careful now to do a lot of leaning over their necks, banging a little on their rumps, etc, before I ever get on. Plus, my horses are less reactive than Gracie was, and until I met Icelandic's, I thought Gracie was pretty darned calm! We will either mount the mares before the barn swallows leave or give them a few weeks after they've left, but I'll never mount another one the week they leave! Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.23/924 - Release Date: 7/28/2007 3:50 PM
