--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I just spoke with Linda and her first words were that Whisper looked like a really sweet horse.<<
She is, most of the time. >> When horses are tense or concerned about things some horse's mouths will get shorter and tighter than usual... It can indicate that when she is confused that she will have a tendency to get a bit inflexible - can be mental and physical. << I have termed it "fish butt lips" because she purses her lips and they get "tight" when she becomes "inflexible" (nice word, I usually use another word!). >>Also looking at the eyes it looks like she can get worry lines (little triangles about her eye) - with this type of horse they can be emotional and if you get upset with them when they are concerned they get worse. << Yes, this is true, we spiral down together. Come to think of it, when she used to balk, I would light up a cigarette and smoke it without asking anything of her, and she would move on fairly OK when I was done with the cigarette. Now that I've quit smoking, I will have to think of something else to do, because this horse DOES NOT RESPOND WELL TO PRESSURE. It makes her worse, so it is hard to do the typical "pressure, release" because the pressure part might put her over the top. >> Linda said it also looks as though her nostrils were slightly narrow and one looked different from the other in these photos.<< What does that indicate? >> She has a soft open eye and I think she is concerned about other horses around her when she is ridden because she doesn't have the choice to get away. << I have decided to ride her in the back with other horses and realize the horses behind her may be the reason she doesn't like to lead. Then I can do controlled exercises in the arena having her get used to horses behind her, maybe even using the clicker to re-enforce the positiveness of having horses behind her. >> Linda suggested doing leg exercises with her (I have to turn a few things into pdf's to send them to you) especially back legs. The leg exercises and the tail work will help release some of the tension in her rear end which would be increasing her concern when other horses are behind her.<< She enjoys tail pulls and LOVES me to use the battery operated massager on her big thigh muscles and hamstrings. >> We find it more helpful if you can release tension and stress which helps horses change behavior so you don't just have to repeat the same thing every time before you ride.<< That sounds like something we would BOTH enjoy. I know she can't be happy when she is tense and nervous, and she really is a very curious horse, and not spooky. I sometimes have to let her go on a "long, strong trot" to get her to deep sigh, and relax, otherwise her trots is short and choppy. I used to attribute it to the saddle or her feet, but I am now riding her in a Sensation, and have an educated barefoot trimmer and ride her in Easyboots, so her short, choppy trot must be from tension until she breathes and relaxes. > The personality analysis for horses can be really interesting and helpful to people. It is not to say that one characteristic always means the same thing nor that you can't work with it. It is combinations of characteristics that make up the whole picture. << You got Whisper's pretty right on. She is a combination of sweet/stubborn, brave/fearful, and emotional. Now it's my job to keep her from getting emotional which leads to her stubborness, and convince her other horses are not going to "get" her. I have ordered a HUGE red bow with streamers of skull and crossbones for her to wear at a ride. More to protect her than to protect other horses. I know I can keep her rear end weapons away from other horses, but the red bow is to keep HER from getting upset, and maybe the size of it will get a point across to stay away from her. Now for those who are thinking the red bow is to keep me from doing my job - re-read what I just wrote. My job is to protect my horse, and I will do it any way I can. Besides, a diva needs a pretty red bow. >> I hope this is somewhat helpful to you Susan and will do my best to get some of the specific articles to you - ie about the promise wrap and tail work because I think they will give you some immediate changes.<< Thank you, Robyn, it is very helpful. I know I need to tell the people trying to help me to please be quiet and let me do it MY way, which is not to rush her or put too much pressure on her. If they don't want to wait, I just won't ride with them anymore. I am looking forward to more articles! Susan in NV Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Disclaimer CAUTION: DO NOT DRIVE WITH HOT COFFEE IN YOUR LAP ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
