Hi Susan, >>>And according to "the experts" since it's the release that teaches,you are supposed to keep the pressure on until the horse "tries".
I presented 3 demo's at the expo and was definitely offering different information from most that was actually being taught - I showed people about the opposition reflex and that giving to release is so much easier. I also talked about low stress training instead of high stress training - meaning keeping pulse and respiration within a normal range; paying attention to posture, not using repetition; forget about the prey / predator model - it just doesn't mean much; how to break lessons down and that you can change things if something isn't working. When stress is too high there is a release of ACTH a stress hormone that blocks learning which is why I think people have to keep repeating exercises which is not easy on horse's bodies. I did have quite a few people tell me it was refreshing to be able to trust their own intuition and not have feel pressured to do what doesn't feel right. I had a lovely paint mare in a demo who the trainer/owner said she was stubborn and in reality the mare was incredibly body sore (she had been doing lots of chiropractic, dental, acupuncture etc) but in her training she wasn't taking into account the type of groundwork and riding that keeps the soreness. Anyway she was a nice girl and I think she started to get it. I am glad you are making such progress with your horses Susan. Robyn Hood
