> when parelli says "if you back a horse into a corner he will start > showing you what he has in his defense tool kit". Now I am worried he still has that > rearing in him and rearing is just not something I can handle at all. > its a bad feeling.
When I first read that Parelli quote in another email, my first thought was, "then don't back him into a corner so that he feels he has to use those tools." Something in his past pushed him so hard that he began to rear to get away. Along the way it might have worked. Or maybe it's that he's so sensitive. So I'd say, you know how sensitive he is, so ride him with that in mind. I don't think you need to be afraid of him, or walk on eggshells, just be aware of his sensitivity. And don't back him into a corner so he feels that he has no other option but to rear. Personally, I don't think a horse should ever be smacked or yelled at anyway--it just isn't necessary. I've certainly made the mistake in the past, but have dropped all that now. Robyn S
