Hello, new to the group here. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to ask a question about one of the online video lessons. In the "Join-Up, My Horse Won't Draw To Me" video, Monty does 2 particular movements that I am curious as to WHY he did them. Around the 2minute and 20second to 25second, he seems to quickly step towards the horse and sort of shuffle the ground. I've very curious as to why he did this. As I said, I am new to the group, so if this question has been answered already somewhere, if someone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction :) ty!
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Hi, welcome to the family! I haven't seen that video for a while but if I remember correctly, when Monty turns in its because the horse turns its head away so if the horse looks away Monty approaches, and when it turns it's head back, he releases pressure. Hope this helps, I will re-watch that video later and reply again if I need to correct myself, have fun,
Maisy
Hi corbengra and welcome!
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Like Maisy I have not seen this particular video for some time, but I reviewed the scene several times to understand it. When I watched it for the first time (about two years ago) I didn't even realise those movements, you seem to have a good sense to see those things!
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If you watch the scene several times you will notice that the horse is a bit distracted by the surrounding aspects. So Monty tries to get back his attention, and increases the pressure to the horse. If the horse did have show no reaction to this, Monty probably would have made so much pressure that the horse would be send away.
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I hope this makes sense to you.
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Best wishes from Hamburg, Germany
Jasmin
Welcome to forum , Corbengra. You are very observant so you will learn quickly. It seems to be another method Monty uses to keep the horses attention on him and to keep it out and moving so that he will get a good join up with all the signs.
Thanks so much for all of your replies!!! I noticed it was a very quick but not very visable movement. I have to go back and watch the video to see the horses movement/reaction at that moment. Another question that I have is, is there a way to "bookmark" or get a "notification" when someone replies to your own comments or one that your interested in the responses?
I rewatched the video/lesson, and I can't seem to "see" it..where the horse possibly looses interest or attention? Could there be another reason why he does the little "foot shuffle/attention getter"??
I also noticed that movement,
It is a technique that I also use to get the horse to move. If only one step.
I guess you could liken it to driving a horse forward. It is done subtlely so as not to startle the horse but to signal him to move forward.
Once the horse takes one step and you are aching in front of him, generally he will key in that you want him to follow.
Keep in mind that a horse can see 360 degrees around him and will react to the most subtle movement. I sometimes only JUST lift my foot very little and will get the same reaction or move my knee upwards while standing in space.
It's an old cowboy trick that really works.
Ronda :)
PS: some trainers will actually pick up some sand and "slightly" throw it at the back end of the horse to get him moving around the round pen. They do not want the horse to associate even the longlines to the human. They want the horse to work it out for themselves.
Sand can be a very handy tool. If thrown only slightly to cause absolutely no harm you can generally get any horse to move.
In reviewing this lesson and the shuffling that you mentioned, that's Monty's way of putting a little more pressure on the horse and then when he turns and walks away you'll notice that the horse follows him. Pressure and release.
Thank you for your answers! It makes sense now, I'm going to watch the video again :) heehee!!