Zoe and Jack Lungeing Part 1
The first session here was at liberty where I tried to ensure Jack became more calm and self assured within the school. Initially Zoe is trying to gain the connection from her breathing which will offer more security to both of them- during training. We begin with a relaxed walk which is a great start- but we know once in trot the tension might creep back in. We can see Jack is connected with her outward breath up into trot- but because he is still carrying some stress- he is slow to respond to her inward breath to steady and come down to walk. I ask Zoe to close her fingers and use her arms and hands to support the influence to steady and slow from her inward breath.
Tension closes the mind- for both humans and horses- but when the mind becomes more relaxed it is open to both suggestion and connection--
These communications need to be built slowly- with patience - if we show frustration it will offer a prickly tense energy to the horse- Imagine walking into a room where a couple have been arguing - you can feel the vibes in the air!- so we need to stay light hearted and ask- and wait - and then quietly ask again. With repetition Jack will respond with more understanding- but we have to offer him this time---
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