Post by intouch on May 24, 2008 21:34:12 GMT
Just back from auditing the first day of Chris Irwin's clinic, unfortunately couldn't stay for the 3 days. Seemed to be an even mix of NH and EAL people, the interests seem to go hand-in-hand!
He started with some theory, how to read horses - his observations are very subtle, he demonstrated how every minute move the horse makes is in reaction to the surroundings, in particular his handler. Then went on to demonstrate (and get us all to practice) our own body language, and how little (tiny) variations in our posture can mean different things to the horse.
The first group worked on keeping their horses still, encouraging them to lower their heads to level or below the withers. This was by no means a simple task and took quite a while. He then showed us the spot on the horses flank - draw a line straight down from the lowest part of the withers till you come to a little dent - at which point pressure will cause the horse to bend his body away and his head towards the handler.
Although this is all pretty basic work, this was a Training the Trainer clinic, and the way the issues that came up were dealt with was enlightening for everyone.
The following session was on lungeing, making sure that the handlers had a good grasp of the body language needed to achieve the best from the horses, and the final session was ridden - using open reins to keep the horse straight, and then using the bend, the following seat, breathing and understanding the rhythm of the walk, to establish halt. Easy? Not!
For the last 45 mins Chris worked with a young horse who had serious issues about picking up his feet. Fantastic coloured cob, very "bullish" and assertive - Chris said his body was built to push, but he had a rocket scientist mind. By using "appropriate assertiveness" and by being just a bit more persistant than the cob, he ended up with the horse offering him the foot. But you would have needed to be there to appreciate the work that went into it!
Just wish I could have stayed for the rest - but I'm sure we will have a follow up report from more attendees?
He started with some theory, how to read horses - his observations are very subtle, he demonstrated how every minute move the horse makes is in reaction to the surroundings, in particular his handler. Then went on to demonstrate (and get us all to practice) our own body language, and how little (tiny) variations in our posture can mean different things to the horse.
The first group worked on keeping their horses still, encouraging them to lower their heads to level or below the withers. This was by no means a simple task and took quite a while. He then showed us the spot on the horses flank - draw a line straight down from the lowest part of the withers till you come to a little dent - at which point pressure will cause the horse to bend his body away and his head towards the handler.
Although this is all pretty basic work, this was a Training the Trainer clinic, and the way the issues that came up were dealt with was enlightening for everyone.
The following session was on lungeing, making sure that the handlers had a good grasp of the body language needed to achieve the best from the horses, and the final session was ridden - using open reins to keep the horse straight, and then using the bend, the following seat, breathing and understanding the rhythm of the walk, to establish halt. Easy? Not!
For the last 45 mins Chris worked with a young horse who had serious issues about picking up his feet. Fantastic coloured cob, very "bullish" and assertive - Chris said his body was built to push, but he had a rocket scientist mind. By using "appropriate assertiveness" and by being just a bit more persistant than the cob, he ended up with the horse offering him the foot. But you would have needed to be there to appreciate the work that went into it!
Just wish I could have stayed for the rest - but I'm sure we will have a follow up report from more attendees?
