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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
ruth jorritsma
horse-ing around
photography:
jo, jorritsma photography
issue:
9, easter 2009
Circus horses have been “wowing” audiences of all ages for many years with their amazing tricks. In films you often see the Cossack soldier jumping on and off his horse, hanging on the side of his horse and doing stunning acts. Horse-ing around is not reserved for circus performers and people of Russian descent. Perhaps you love riding horses or maybe you enjoy being around them, but riding them means you're just that little bit too high off the ground. Riding is not the only enjoyment to be had with these fantastic animals. Domestic horses make the most amazing pets and playmates and as with any domestic pet, horses are able to learn incredible patterns of behaviour. Don't expect your steed to fetch the newspaper, but a lot of fun can be had out of the saddle. Horses aren't intelligent as we understand intelligence, but some have an affinity for learning new behavioural patterns and are much quicker to learn than others. Their breeding plays a role in this. Arabians for instance are known to be highly trainable. They are quick learners and can retain more information compared to the average horse. Learning isn't restricted to them only, though, as many horses of various breeds have been quick to learn many and new tricks. Some horses and especially little children's ponies need no help when it comes to learning a cheeky little trick or two. Nipping, bucking, running away with the unsuspecting passenger who inevitably reacts in the most extravagant way - these are all tricks, although not ones we intentionally teach them. But teach them this we do, through an obvious reaction to the pony's actions to which he quickly catches on. I mean, who wouldn't go galloping if the rider becomes frantic every time I do anything more than walk? The more regularly these patterns are repeated, the quicker the pony's trick becomes ingrained. Just to clarify - ponies aren't young horses. Ponies are specific breeds that don't exceed one and a half metre in height, when fully grown. They are small, quick and mischievous. They are the pixies of the horse universe, except they can't fly and don't usually have pointy ears. Because of their size people often think ponies are ideally suited to children, but this is not necessarily true. Since they are so “smart”, ponies suitable for children need to be “instilled” with safe behaviour patterns. Learning through horse-ing around is the ultimate way to teach them, not only for the pony, but also for the child. And of course this doesn't only go for ponies and children – horse-ing around works wonderfully with adults and their horses as well. Play with your horse as someone else would take the time to play with his dog! It will not only bond the two of you, but will instil safe behavioural patterns and make horsemanship much more fun. A well handled foal is already taught acceptable behaviour in the first few months of its life. This becomes a strong foundation as it matures into a suitable riding horse. Foals are easily taught as they are naturally inquisitive and in the process of developing through exploring. It is very easy to instil unacceptable behaviour through mismanagement or lack of knowledge. As a small foal it might be very cute to have them run after you or buck and kick at you or even rear up around you, but its not so funny when that same foal becomes an 1.65m high, 600kg pure power playmate who knows no boundaries. Then he's like the St Bernard who slept on your bed as a puppy, between you and your wife, and doesn't want to move now that he's grown up – only ten times bigger and stronger. Working with the horse from the ground is essential to developing trust and respect. Riding them should be a bonus. All horses can be taught, but finding the one that suits you is essential. Some breeds love to jump, others, like the thoroughbred, love to run, but they all thrive on interaction from the ground. Working with them, grooming them, massaging them and doing muscle stretches are all key forms of bonding and developing an understanding of their anatomy and functioning, but the games do not have to be restricted to this. You can interact with your horse through games such as learning to follow, learning a few voice commands such as “walk”, “whoa” and “come,” as well. Then there are the self-taught tricks they are very quick to learn, like opening the gate (ponies are notorious escape artists) or playing catch (they love it! - they run and you try to catch!!) and learning a few clever people tricks like putting their heads down to remove the bridle, learning to bow on command or to follow over a little jump. There is a lot of fun to be had from the ground. Horses learn on a reward system. Good behaviour deserves a pleasant reward. Disciplined repetition and reward are essential to the learning equine, although repetition on its own is not enough. The repetition needs to be structured in a disciplined fashion so that the horse can discover the pattern. Horses don't have the ability to figure out what you want from the start, but as they develop mentally and form a bond with their trainer, so they begin to understand and even anticipate what is coming next. Remember – they mostly want to please and will always be trying to discover what it is you're asking. I have the privilege of owning such a friend. She's been with me for seventeen years and in this time she and I have spent many hours developing a bond few ever have the privilege to experience. She understands voice commands, body language and has even learnt a few 'party tricks' along the way. She has taught many a nervous novice rider the ropes, including my own young children. I've had many eager buyers over the years and my words to them are always the same: “a horse like this is created, not bought”. Every horse has locked up inside of it the potential and the ability to learn. What your horse needs is the gift of time, determination, direction and discipline to develop into your horse. So let's get horse-ing around. The time and effort you put into “play”, will make the riding so much better.
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