Equine Liberty Learning

I learnt a new lesson this week. A few weeks ago I noticed a patch of hair on Morgans butt that was sticking up. As he lives out with his herd this is not unusual as he has the freedon to run and play and roll. What was strange was the fact that it would not lie down. On further inspection it looked like he had either rubbed the area (was his worm count high, as he was due was worming) or had he been the victim of mutual grooming?

Muscle memory plays an important role when teaching owners to work with their horses.

Let's face it there is a lot going on when we are working our horses and it's easy to forget to pay attention to what's happening in all parts of our bodies, including our thinking and breathing. For those of you that have been around horses a long time it's even harder to change that muscle memory.
How many times have you watched a lesson to see an instructor tell the student the same thing over and over, again and again!! 
The student is not intellectually challenged or deaf !!! and has heard and understood perfectly, and for the next few minutes adjusts what they are doing because that's all they are focusing on. So the lesson continues and within seconds of the student concentrating on a new request, the change has been forgotton, and the old muscle memory (with the old habit) kicks in.
We can do lots to help our brains replace the old habit with a new one.
Thinking visually how it should look: gymnasts often use a visualisation process whereby they see the move they are about to make just before they attempt it, breaking it down step by step as a series of precise movements imagining they are physically doing it.
Praticing the new position/way of moving without your horse:  pay atention to how each part of your body is affected by the movement of other parts. Focus on one area until it's second nature. A mirror or window reflection works well but don't let the neighbours catch you!!!!!!
This may seem mundane but is very much YOUR ground work to better horsmanship. 

Welcome to my website. I am often asked what it is I do with my horse?
To put it simply, it's more what he does with me!!! He is training his own schedule and is doing a better job than I ever could. He is teaching me what works and what doesn't and each time we meet we have a conversation. He has figured out a way to get me to understand what he needs and wants, and as I experiment with better body language he positively rewards me by doing as I ask willingly and happily. He chooses to be with me because I am interesting and safe and he can explore new ideas freely without the fear of dominance or punishment. He has a pride in his step as he masters a new move and often I find him practicing all on his own. It's contagious too........and these days he's not the only one rushing to meet me and asking to play!
I will try to place here relevant links and explore in a little more detail, certain aspects of training the E.L.L. way. 
I hope you will feel free to mail me with any questions or problems you may be having.


In the meantime....happy playing with your horses.