DR. DOOLITTLE continued from p. 22 JENNY’S EXPERIENCE A
woman at our barn signed up to have a visiting communicator “talk” to her horse, so, out of
curiosity, I joined in. Te communicator asked us to list things we wanted to know and she would present those topics to our horses. She does most of her communicating over the telephone, but we happened to have her in person. She stood outside of the stalls and introduced herself to each horse in turn.
First, she asked a general question about how each was feeling. Mind you, she never once saw these horses move, nor did she touch them physically. With each horse, she asked about any aches and pains. My horse Taz wanted me to know that I move my leg too much when riding and he isn’t sure what I am asking. Funny... my left hip frequently gives me issues and when riding dressage, my left leg swings way more than it should. Tis seems to cue Taz to
canter even when I am not intending to ask. Hmmm?
When asked if he liked going barefoot (which he had been for about a year), he said he is still not quite used to it, but with more time, he may be able to cope. He also said he liked the “saddle I can hold above my head” (bareback pad and/or dressage saddle). A review of my heavier trail saddle found a place way up inside the gullet that pinched the sides of this withers. Another Hmmm...
Using the information he provided, I’ve made a few adjustments. I ride in a new trail saddle, added barefoot boots, and am more cognizant of my leg movement. I’ve noticed a tremendous change for the better.
My other horse, Cappuccino, has been challenging for years. During dressage lessons, he would buck or trip. He wanted to know why I never “let him run” out on the trail. I mentioned those issues. He communicated that riding in a circle is so boring that his mind
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cannot stay “on task” so he loses focus and stumbles. He assured me that out on the open trail, he would know where his feet are!
D
iagnosed with navicular at age 4, he had special shoes and was on 20 Isoxoprine pills a day for
years. One day, I just took him off the pills. His attitude was way better and his feet were no worse. Ten, I took off the silly shoes and went barefoot and he got even better balance. We had a wonderful canter down a long tractor road. Just like he said, he did not stumble!
We all have stories to share or problems we just can’t figure out. Communicators, animal or otherwise, may be a valuable source. You have to have an open mind to take it seriously, or you may want to do it just for fun with your friends. You might figure out some problems no one else sees, or simply become closer to your horse.
TG-HolisticHorseAd-Mar08c.pdf 3/17/08 5:30:09 PM
Learn more about Professional Trainers Angelia Robinette-Dublin, a Josh Lyons Accredited Trainer and Jenny Lance, a Kathy Huggins Certified Trainer at
www.LiveToRideHorses.com
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Holistic Horse™ • June/July 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 67
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