Hi
I have a question regarding an Icelandic horse. She is pregnant, and originally from Iceland where her owner tells me she was abused. She lives in a herd of 15 other horses and is hard to catch in the field.
I first managed to lure her into the join up pen (connected to the horse's field) with a bucket of carrots - I know not to feed from the hand but this seemed the best way at the time.
We achieved join up and follow up and I was able to touch her everywhere and put a halter on. I have since been able to catch her in the field as well.
However, I have a question about our join up. I have done it twice with her now and both times its like she has decided when she wants to come in to me. She will go away easily, and although gets "stuck" at the gate will continue when I push her. Being an Icelandic horse I'm not too picky on getting the head-lowering. Also, because the round pen is very close to the field with the other horses she is very distracted and always looking for the other horses. She also often cuts across the pen and tries to change direction sometimes. Those are all things I can explain and deal with. But then she does something I've never seen - after she's given me licking and chewing - and when I'm thinking of turning in soon she suddenly turns around to face me and will not go away. This is without me asking her to come in, it's like she's the one telling me enough is enough, I'm coming in now.
I tried turning my back, and she comes up to me and will follow me everywhere. She doesn't even seem to look for the other horses any more.
Does anyone have an idea if I have pushed her too far and should ask her in sooner? And if this happens should I try to keep her going even if she wants to come in, then invite her in when I choose?
I filmed both times, this is the link to the first time, although edited: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA3pg2iQdx8&feature=youtu.be
I will try to upload the second one soon. I know the whole process is a bit clumsy, I'm still learning. I always cringe when I see the way I flick the rope at her when she's trying to come in, but it is a lot farther away than it looks on the video.
I would very much appreciate an explanation for her behaviour, I want to know how to change my own, so I can be the one to ask her in.
Hi Petra,
as I bought my first horse 3 years ago I have never heard about Join Up! So I tried months later to
longe him. He did it normally nothing strange but after 2 or 3 changes left and right hand the horse stopped and turned to my and after some seconds came to me and stopped and faced to me.
After it I said my horse is laisy and do not want to work or I was doing something wrong. 2 or 2 and half years later I just heard about Monty Roberts and his Join Up methods. I subscribed his online university and made all available lessons. Only than I have realised then my horse offered me his Join Up. I could remember that he was focused with his inside ear on me, making smaller and smaller circles arround me, licking and chewing, droping his head, so all signs of willing to Join Up.
Last weekend I meat. Mr. Roberts on his ranch in Solvang and I told him my story. He was amused and told me that your horse teached you the Join. up before you have any ideea about it and that is wonderfull. So the Join Up should be done only to get his trust. So far the trust is there you don't need to do it anymore. Otherway the horse will be confused.
Obviously the trust is there between you and your horse especially if your horse is following you everywhere.
So nothing to do and be happy!
Enjoy the trust of your horse and go further with the next steps!
Hi. Sounds to me as though your abused Icelandic horse has decided you are ok, trustworthy. What a huge honour! Be so very happy!! This comes with responsibility. You are now obligated to show this horse how to accept the work you want from them. Be calm, be fair, be consistent. Take your time. Be reasonable & I bet you will get more from your horse than your horse gets from you - I do from mine, all 5. Cheers, Jo
I am so thankful for your input, both of you. Sounds like just the reminder I needed - to trust the horse knows what she's saying even if sometimes I don't. And now I've learned a bit more thanks to my horse, and to you. I will keep it up and keep listening!
Great, she chose to join up with you & she is teaching you. My pony taught me how to achieve join up too before i dared try it on my other mare!!
Hi, I've had a look at your video, thank you for sharing it. I won't over analyse it as I don't think that's helpful - you're doing a great job, it's all new and your lovely horse is clearly wanting to trust you. My only feedback is: (1) You are lovely and gentle when putting the rope over her neck and putting the halter on (2) Watch your positioning when sending round, that's why she cutting across (it is a very big pen to be working in!!) (3) when doing the follow up, be a bit more purposeful rather than looking round to see where she is, be confident and she will trust your leadership. You're doing great, tons of practice...none of us are perfect, keep going :-)