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In the past, we’ve called this clinic a Desensitization
clinic or “de-spooking clinic”. When inquiring about the clinic, folks
noted that their horse didn’t really “spook” too much, but then they would
describe a behavior or two that was unmannerly and downright disrespectful!
I realized that maybe the title of the clinic was limiting. Because as we
completed the process and steps of desensitization, we were indeed gaining
the attention, respect and trust of our mounts! And it was a class
participant (human, of course) who said, “you should call this clinic an
“art clinic for horses” – because that is what we work on via ground work
the entire first day of clinic – getting your horses Attention, then
you gain Respect and finally Trust. Through this process you
end up desensitizing your horse because what you have taught him is to learn
to wait for instruction/direction from you (which he will do when he trusts)
and you learn to better read and communicate with your horse so you are
consistent in what you are asking . . . which builds trust! But if he isn’t
paying attention to you and surely doesn’t respect you, you ain’t going to
get the respect (you already knew this!).
So we use varying degrees of obstacles that may be
visual, motion and/or auditory in nature to build upon the interaction
between you and your horse. The goal is for you to learn techniques that
you may use in any situation where you find you and/or your horse fearful.
In something as simple as moving in between two objects – which a horse sees
as closing in on him; otherwise known as a “squeeze”- your horse may refuse
to go through it, hesitate, or go through it in a rushed manner (which may
include running through you if you are leading). The goal in this clinic is
that you will ask your horse and he will approach an obstacle, maybe explore
it, but will calmly walk through it.
You will first
gain the attention of your horse, to then develop respect, and
eventually through the process – trust!
This
training is similar to that used in mounted police work and involves a great
deal of ground work initially. We begin with the introduction
of and use of two tools which are required – the rope halter and
cylindrical, 12 ft. lead rope. These are tools you will use throughout to
lead, stop, and “go” your horse. After some fundamentals are practiced on
leading, driving/moving your horse and flexion, we begin to lead and drive
horses through obstacles and distractions, including but not limited to:
tarp and plastic acceptance, water crossing, moving-bridge crossing, driving
over vs. through obstacles, backing up with turns, entering
blind caves. And later (if you and horse are ready) all is done with fire
works and flares in the background. We may add bicycles, tractors, moving
objects, etc. with the purpose of introducing the horse to obstacles they
may encounter on the trails or in your riding environment. Note some of the
pictures above demonstrating props used to develop and refine our
communication skills. These are all accomplished on the ground where you
communicate, ask, encourage, build trust before we saddle and ride.
You and your horse will
progress at your own pace . . . not anyone else’s.
The
two-day clinic is conducted by Greg Sokoloski, a Mounted Police Officer
from Houston, who has conducted training clinics the past three years at
the annual TETRA symposiums, at the ‘03 Equus America show held in Houston,
an other venues across the state. What I like about Greg is that he is
dedicated to your success at this clinic, he is truly interested in you and
your horse, and he will give you the individual attention you may need, even
amidst the group setting, to learn from and to teach your horse. The other
thing I like about the clinic and his style is that instead of focusing on
specifics of technique and how you are performing
technique – you learn a few tools that you can use in multiple situations .
. . and that simplifies the learning process for both you and your horse
(as long as you are consistent, of course).
While the clinic provides an opportunity and setting to work towards
“de-spooking” your horse, it does not mean your horse will never spook at
those or other objects again. You must continue your work after the clinic,
but you’ll have confidence and “know how” to do it! And during the clinic,
Greg will be there to assist, demonstrate and help resolve problems as
you encounter them.
This
clinic venue is a bit different from others Greg has done, which involve
arena work, because it is conducted in the out of doors. If the wind is
blowing that day, your horse may be more excitable – also the tarp curtain
may take on a whole new meaning! So the good news is that we are working
in a more realistic setting – the bad news is that if the weather is bad, we
are working in bad weather.
The
clinics will start in the morning, usually around 9:00 the first day to
allow commuters to arrive with horse and trailer and get “checked in”. We
start with a meeting (to set expectation level), begin ground work until
lunch, have lunch on premises (to save time) and continue in the afternoon
progressing through other challenges. We end each day with a short ride to
clear rider/horse minds from the stress of the day. We have found that
“other issues” arise on the rides and this becomes another great training
ground for “correcting” behavior (especially the jigging, jagging,
competitive kind). The 2nd day begins at 8:30 am so we can end
the day by 3-4 pm. Second day is review on ground, lots of saddle work, and
again, a ride. We usually all “dine” together at a favorite Mexican food
spot in town on Saturday night and “the commuters” may head home either
before or after our dinner.
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