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APRIL 2003 ARABIAN HORSE ISSUE |
CONTENTS |
The
Gallop Pole
Your Monthly Equine Information Source! "Training" The rules are drilled into the herd, especially at feeding time, by the regal power of the lead mare. She is driven by a ruthless pursuit of self-interest beyond the cover of ideals. The others learn their place and chance their aspirations against the serenity of order. When a young or new horse is introduced into the herd, the training methods are standard. For example, if a youngster approaches a subordinate member's pile of hay, (subordinate to lead mare while superior to youngster), the impending disruption of order is handled like this: A. COMMUNICATION 1. Motionless, initial recognition of the intruder by a subordinate member of the herd hierarchy on command from the lead mare. 2. Pause from eating. 3. Cease eating, passive show of irritation. 4. Alarm transmitted subtly to the herd. B. ACTIVITY 5. Eye contact between subordinate and hapless intruder. 6. Posturing, tightening of muscles. 7. Protective body language by subordinate (head movement). 8. Aggressive body language by subordinate (ears go back). 9. Eyes show threat. C. EFFORT 10. Subordinate's neck twists toward intruder. 11. Squealing or blowing. 12. Rear swings toward intruder. 13. Raising of the hind leg. 14. Forceful backward motion aggressively at intruder. 15. Wham! Violent contact. Subordinate kicks intruder. D. ORDER 16. Subordinate resumes eating. 17. Lead mare is satisfied and to serenity returns.
This sort of training is sequential direct, from a little to a lot, from activity to effort, absent machination, void of idealism, and filled with clarity. The lower the number, the quicker the learner, and seldom does a youngster get to 15 twice!
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