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| Rose's eye 11/16/10 |
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| 12/6/10 |
You can see that the cloudy area has shrunk. In fact, it's almost back to the size it's been all along, since before she came to live with us. I wish I had a good photo from early in the summer. There's still tearing. I'm keeping up the treatment in the hopes that we can really make a difference in the eye.
Rose definitely looks much better from the pictures you posted. I'm glad to hear the new treatment is helping.
ReplyDeleteI also found your last post (and the link before it) to be quite interesting in regards to the dominance thing. I am still very new to working with my horse in this more "empowered" path, but I do agree with you that applying too much pressure to a situation can, in some circumstances, erode the trust you are trying to acheive.
I personally feel that it is important to keep in mind that ourselves, our horses, and the resulting relationships are all individual and unique.
I think some horses are fine with a bit of firm pressure in a request and others are not. It's not so different from us -- I love it when Griffin is close to me and we are sharing that small space. I know another boarder at my barn who insists that her horse always be an arm's length away. The only time I see her remotely close to her horse is when she is grooming or riding. I couldn't STAND interacting with my horse that way -- I crave closeness. I think if someone told me I had to do that with my boy, I'd loose the joy in being around him (Thank Heavens, they can't).
This other boarder is a decent horsewoman (from a traditional standpoint anyway) and she feels this arm's length's rule should apply to all horses and owners. Of course I disagree, but that's fine with me. I am seeking a differend kind of relationship with my horse than she is.
This is what I was thinking when I read your posts. Your friend is a talented gal -yes- but when it comes to YOUR relationship with YOUR horses, the only one who knows what's right is you. You may eventually discover things that you can do with your horses that she can't.....just like certain horses are ok with some things, while others aren't. It's not that it makes one person better...just that you are developing qualities unique to you and your particular horse (in this case- Bridget).
I remember when I first got Griffin, I would try and emulate other, well known trainers at times....to learn from them. Over time, the things Grif and I were comfortable with stayed and those that didn't "feel" right went. I don't think you should ever feel "wrong" if you don't want to do something in the same manner as your friend does. The comfortable aspects of your work together and those that are not will go. I believe that's just the way it is :-)
Thanks for your supportive thoughts! I agree- it's tempting sometimes to try and copy others, especially when they're more experienced. But I've found, like you say, that I really have to find my own way.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe my friend hasn't experimented with letting the horse "get away with" things as much as I have. I've found it's not the thin end of the wedge, leading to the horse taking advantage of me, but rather it can lead to dialogue.
I like sharing a small space with Bridget too! And she likes it. George is much pickier and has to be in the right mood to want that.
The arm's length rule reminds of how there was a phase in child-rearing where you weren't supposed to pick your baby up except at set times to feed it. What a dreary way to be a mother.