OLD DOGS AND NEW TRICKS
Some folks say you can't teach an old dog new tricks ( or horse, or person) Don't you believe it!!
Let me tell you about my stable-mates.
First, there's grumpy old Traveller. He's alpha when Dad's not around. He's about 14 years old or so, about 15 hands, chestnut sorrel.
Then there's Nocona. He's a big black. He's pushing 16 hands, and has to weigh over 1200 pounds. He's about 16 years old, and number 3, behind me.
Then there's Streak. He's a nine year old sorrel Mustang with a flaxen mane and tail. (The rest of us are Quarter Horses) Streak is number 4 in our herd, but don't let him fool you. When there's real danger around (coyotes, etc.) He's the one we stand behind. That guy is TOUGH!
Traveller and Nocona came from Ft Stockton, Texas (way out in the desert, on the way to El Paso) They had both just been pleasure horses, ridden only when company came out for trail rides. They came to Dad in a deal with some cattle he bought. Anyway, neither one of them knew much about cows, and turns out that after a only a year, Traveller is the second best cow horse on the place. And even Nocona is catching on pretty good. You ought to see him put a calf on the ground when Dad ropes one! But that's another story.
Even old horses can learn new tricks. And learn them well. Heck, Traveller and Nocona had only been ridden in curb bits all their lives. Now Dad rides them both with just a halter or hackamore. Even on cattle drives and checking pens for sick calves. And yes, they can both neck-rein without a bit in their mouths.
Which brings me to my topic of flexion. Old Traveller used to be real stiff in his neck. Ever since Dad took him to that PNH clinic, he's been working on old Traveller's neck flexion. All horses know that it all starts on the ground, being patient and only asking for a little bit at a time. If those durn humans would just be patient, and ask SOFTLY, they will eventually get the good flexion.
Yes, from the horse's perspective, PNH is definitely good for flexion. Just take it slow with us. Be patient and stay consistent. If only we horses could convince those humans to use their focus first, then their hands. AHHH the results would be amazing. Maybe some day...
Until then,
Shakespeare
ps: maybe later I'll tell you about a wild cattle drive, or about last year's adventure in the blizzard.
Email: tbgraef@fivearea.com
