Liberty

After realizing why our liberty sessions weren't getting anywhere I took a step back and figured out why.
A lot of people say 'animals can read our emotions'. How do dogs know when someone is hurt? How do cats learn to stay by your side when you fall? How do dolphins know to save people? We hear theses stories often, of an animal knowing what's wrong.
My thoughts and body language was the truth about our relationship. I had gotten into the pattern of Annabelle being crazy at feed time, being away from the herd, liberty.... Today when I put Gold outside Annabelle did her usual pacing and I stopped thinking about the negative impacts and thought of the million things I could do when it escalated. The second I did she relaxed and came to me. We warmed up online and a couple mins later we went to liberty. I always like to start with stick to me. By using my emotions and energy in a positive way we had a calm walk to canter transition. Without any head flaring or run offs. In my mind I pictured a dance and it was clear she wanted to dance with me.
When I took the 'liberty' out of liberty our session was 100% improved. I didn't worry about her running away or not staying connected. It was like a light being plugged in, once the connection happened it glowed.
I even got her to jump a barrel next to the wall from me 22ft away. The best part about it wasn't that she went over it. It was how she went over it, she knew what I was asking, she knew she was supposed to go over the barrel. Isn't that crazy? My connection with her was strong enough that by my thoughts, feelings and body language she understood that I wanted her to go over the barrel.

http://youtu.be/rHNzeTxoSwY

For the first time, I felt that she really wanted to connect with me.

Novi Equestrian Expo

Very nervous about my upcoming show...will be our first time in front of a crowd performing with some of the best people around here. As the day gets closer I am feeling more and more under qualified. I know lack of confidence is the worst thing I can have for Annabelle and I. The best I can do is be unique.

A Million Ways

I've decided to make this blog post due to common controversy over the training techniques I've chosen to do with Annabelle and every other horse I have come across with. Yes, there are a million ways to train/teach a horse. Has Pat created a way to make a lot of money? Yeah and good for him. Parelli is different from every other technique I have come in relation with. Other techniques get the job done and in many cases it gets the job done faster. I am not looking for a quick fix and at the moment I don't have showing goals. One thing I have learned quickly in the horse world is EVERYONE has a different opinion on EVERYTHING. Kinda like politics, and I try and stay away from conflict as much as possible.
Growing up I was the kid playing with worms, spiders, snakes, you name it I caught it and knew how to take care of it. I was born with a natural ability with all animals, and an everlasting love for animals. I love the bond and the connection, the kind you see in movies. Before Parelli I bonded with animals better then people. Growing up in a home of domestic violence, when I was scared I went to my 'best friend', my cat. I have never taken relationships lightly. Parelli has given me the confidence to talk with people even my peers who used to be the hardest people for me to talk to. On and off counseling since 2005 hasn't been able to give me that.
With that being said, Parelli has allowed me to have inner peace with myself and given me the greatest gift of 'talking to animals'. I'm able to communicate with her, she doesn't always agree, but she still understands me. Something I never thought was possible. I have been successful with Parelli and have no desire to seek out other ways. If you were successful and happy in a company why would you change? I don't mean to offend anyone or any other ways of training/teaching a horse. These are just my thoughts and beliefs.

Fun with grandma

Grandma, Grandpa and Dad came to visit Annabelle and I.

Article

A few weeks ago I was interviewed and the article is here! http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2012/10/02/shy-mare-and-owner-connect-up-what-a-team/

RIP Triton

Trying to keep perspective on losing Triton he was an amazing horse with an amazing spirit. I will really miss him.

Back at home

So far I have seen a huge difference in Annabelle. She has so much exuberance that I'm not used to. She came to me today when I whistled to her it was so cute, 3rd day in a row. I miss my Parelli lease saddle a lot. It's going to be hard to find something has good. Wish I could buy one. Going to be helping out with a rescue and their horses I'm excited for that it will be a great experience. I'm going to continue to write in my blog as much as possible. Thanks again everyone for all the support.