Wormers, and other oral “nasties”
Oh joy, you think to yourself, time to paste-worm your horse. Or is it paste-bute this time? Regardless, visions of broken cross-ties and spat-out medicine float by. Or, you brace yourself for a battle of wills with that 17H joker who’s figured out all he has to do is raise his head out of your reach.
Truly, your horse is not hell-bent to make life difficult for you. The simple fact is, you’re violating his space, as well as insulting his intelligence, by presuming to stick a foreign object with a nasty taste into his mouth. The first time you did this, he was naïve and trusting, and the everything went off without a hitch. As the same unpleasant experience is repeated every other month (as can be with rotational worming), you must credit the equine’s excellent memory for recognizing that white tube in your hand.
People don’t like surprises either; especially if it involves some invasive medical procedure. A skilled physician/nurse can elicit a patient’s cooperation by taking the time to explain the procedure and to prepare the patient mentally for what is to happen. This approach respects the patient’s feelings, intelligence and personal space.
Why, then, don’t we treat horses with the same respect? It would certainly make life easier. Can it be any easier than when the horse offers it’s full cooperation, no strings attached? Check this out ...
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I just watched your video. You made worming a calm, no-stress situation. What technique were you using..I'm not sure I know what it is, but I like it a lot!
ReplyDeleteJan, I train my horses with SATS, a system developed by Kayce Cover. It's premise is that most animals (horses and dogs definitely) have the intelligence and desire for interactive (two-way) communication, and have the ability to recognize verbal cues. The latter is especially useful as it allows the trainer to cue by using spoken words - as I did in the video.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the video; thanks for watching.
Oh if only Alexa and I could....that photo was before my dressage days...I'm so glad I went that direction.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell how young Tango was in that photo? He's really grown into himself!
As for your video, I'd love to see more!!! Now I'm going to have to research Kayce Cover.
You know, Tango is really very aware of verbal cues. I think because I got him when he was so young and have used the same cues all along, he knows what I'm talking about. When I was driving him, it was really difficult when the announcer would call out gaits...Tango was there before I was ready.
If I tell Tango to walk, I better be deep in my saddle because he transitions when I ask (if I'm using my voice). We're really working on transitions caused by my body position.
Just out of curiosity, how close are you to San Antonio? I visit my sister a couple times a year and thought maybe I could come for a lesson or two if it's not too far....
Sian, this was lovely. He trusts you (: I'm going to enjoy reading your blog and learning from you. Thank You JM
ReplyDeletejm thank you for your comment. Feel free to contact me here or via my website if you have specific questions
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