I was working strictly with mounting and dismounting from both sides with Alex today. From the dismounted position I saw some folks from the therapy group making there way towards where Alex and I were. So I ask Alex if he wanted to go over and meet the folks: I talk a lot, but know a horse as not a clue as to what I'm saying. So we got over to the group. I would say 8 to 10 folk. One of the therapist told the folks about Alex. I mentioned that I was promoting Mr. Roberts method and that I was no trainer just a student of the Equus Online University. I pointed to the “Monty Roberts” monogram on the Dully Halter. I explain its a non-violent method of training and that the horse is a willing partner in the relationship. So to show them how Alex will just follow me around I turn away. Alex immediately turned with me then knelt down and started rolling in the dirt; tack, saddle and all! Well I just laughed and thanked Alex for making a fool of me. Everyone laughed. After he got his big body up and shock off the dust. I turned and started walking in like a figure 8. I could hear the excitement from some, as Alex just freely followed me around. Then for some reason I decided to just turn my body around in a circle planted in one spot. Alex kept his nose right at my shoulder and side pasted around me at like fast trot speed. I think it was like 1 or 2 circles. I just stops and instinctively said whoa. Alex stop exactly at the same time with his nose right on my should. I was stunned. Everyone was clapping and cheering. So in total embarrassment I took a little bow. I gave Alex a big hug, rub on the withers and told him what a good boy he was. I was really holding in my emotions. I could have never thought in my wildest dreams any horse let alone Alex would be so free and willing to participate in such an unnatural like motion. But most importantly, I told everyone "It wasn't me." By using Mr. Roberts method of non-violence and the language of Equus, they too could do the same thing. I truly hope the therapy group director hears about what happened today. I have told other her (the director) therapists in therapy group about Join-Up. Since they have several therapy horse of their own. I think Join-Up, with follow up, could be an invaluable tool for them.
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Well done Greg, for both spreading the word & the work you've done with your horse...
Hi GregG,
What a wonderful experience you had!
I must add: IT WAS YOU!!!
You took the time to learn the language Equus and invested all this time and love in Alex.
He trusts you because you show him, that you speak his language.
We are all greatful to Monty for showing us the way to violencefree training, his gift to recognize and tell the world about the silent language of prey-animals is beyond words!
Keep the good work up!
Miriam
What a good boy. Well done -great to read thiis.
Fantastic GregG, thats awesome, well done you!!!
What a great day Greg, so wonderful when its spontaneous and genuine like that - you and Alex make a great team ;-)
Thanks everyone. It was a great day.
Very Exciting! So Blessed that you had the presence of mind to point out how others could learn to have a true partner in your horse.
that's fab well done it is a great feeling when you get this from a horse you are training yourself. I have only recently started using Monties methods and the improvement from my horse in the space of weeks have been amazing.Just from little things that i do. Obviously alot to learn but still to me its amazing and just wish other people on my yard could adapt this instead of sniggering and making jokes but i dont care its about me and my horse. Keep up the good work
Good for you, walk tall and proud Kim, they will stop laughing when they see the change and if they don't, ignore them :-)
Thank you very much Ms. Vicci. I purposefully move from one boarding ranch to another so I won't feel so embarrassed. Mr. Roberts methods are really not know very well. Seems lots of other horse trainers have the spot light right now. Yesterday a comment was made that a person visiting the ranch to board there horse wondering, what is that guy doing, jogging around with the horse following him. Luckily one of the boarded knew and explained its some kind of training that allowed the horse to be a partner. I do that after ever session. I think folks are beginning to notice. Its a great joy.
Please forgive me for co opting all the forums times. I just want you guys (my euphemisms for friends, both ladies and men) to know how much your support means to me. For those I have not personally thanked, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm learning everyday. Alex teaches me everyday. I just wish my physical health would allow me to work with him in full day increments. His abilities are a testament to the Monty Roberts method and YOUR posts about other horses. He has just turned 4, but it is my conviction that if I had the strength to work with him, like he did on the track (before sunrise to sundown), he would be as good as Mr. Roberts' Willing Partners™ horses in just a few months. Mind you, it can take several years for those horse to past Mr. Roberts criteria. But Alex is like the smartest and most willing horse on earth. And trust me. Although he is a gelding now, he can still run 8 furlongs (1 mile) in a minute twelve seconds. But that big heart to win has become an even bigger heart to please. I cannot tell you how many people want to buy him and think he is the sweetest horse alive. And I'm still working on him coming to a mounting block; go figure. From a distance you would think you were looking at 40 year old, QH nag that was so tied it couldn't even flick a fly from its butt. But give him a left lead cue and hold on to your…! He is so much more a horse than I will ever be rider. For whatever reason God (or however you express your higher power) seems to have put Alex and Mr. Roberts' online university together within a few weeks of each other for me to learn from. Why at the age of 54 in poor physical health am I even messing around with some of Nature's most precious creates is beyond me. But I will do my best to do right by Alex, Mr. Roberts and you. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Greg.
I do not have a religious belief in the traditional sense, but I do believe in the idea that what we need appears when we need it. Even if we didn't consciously know that's what we needed, we just need to recognise it when it appears. Kelly Marks quotes a Buddhist (I think) saying when she talks about her encounter with Monty Roberts "When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear". People and events may not be destined to stay forever, they are here to help us grow. If they leave or fade away it is because we no longer need them and we can continue on our journey.
That's really sweet Vicci, & life is a journey, it's what we do on that journey that matters.
Greg fantastic experience, I think Alex knew you were putting on a show and helped you out like a true partner!!!
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