South West		Montana Chapter
PO BOX 10394, Bozeman, MT 59719	(406) 587-4377	lazybow@montanadsl.net

recap - Games Horses Play, 13 October 2002, Sunday We had a good turnout on a gorgeous day, so we opted to work outside. Wendy, Bob, and Melody all pitched in to show us what they'd learned, and to help us over the rough spots. Wendy made up some great printed guidelines to help us remember the basics. We were all primed for a followup session afterwards. In this session we went over touching and rubbing the horse all over, including all of those private parts that they like to keep to themselves (ears, mouth, sheath, nipples, under the tail, feet ....),  with hands, stick, and lead rope. Then we concentrated on having them move away from pressure; moving their quarters, their shoulders, and backing up with pressure from a stick, and from our hands. They got lighter and lighter so that less and less pressure was required. Next we had them do the same moves without touching. They'd learned the drill, so we asked again, this time just making the motions. The horses really settled into the work, and were so proud of themselves! (As were we of ourselves.) These games are great for working inexperience horses, with more time being devoted to the elementary steps (rubbing and giving) than might be required with a horse who is already acclimated to working with people.

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