say what? and party animal!

I received a comment from this post the other day that stated it seems that I have a lot of natural ability and natural instincts! Whoa! This blew my mind, seriously. In my mind, I have no idea what I am doing. I read a lot of stuff, but everything tells me to do something different. So what I read and hear from others I have to weed through and pick what I believe is best for Shyloh and myself.

I also need to give credit where credit is due. I am surrounded by amazing horse people! Some of these people have grown up around horses, shown horses, and just have horses running through their blood. These are the people with the natural instincts and knowledge to me! Some of the other people have had their horses for a few years. They are much further than me on their horse journey, but they still are learning. And other people are just beginning in horses. Their love of the animal and quest to learn everything they can motivates me to do the same. Of course, I will admit, no one is as green as me! So I want to give a shout out to all my friends, old and new that have gotten me into horses and have helped me on my journey. Thanks for putting up with my greenness and sharing your knowledge with me!

Back to that comment. . .as I've mentioned before, I did not grow up around horses. I have spent my adult life working with children with autism, working in a residential care facility (medium secure lock-up) for girls who have been sexually abused, physically abused, or neglected, working in foster care, and now as an advocate for families whose children have been sexually abused, severely physically abused or neglected, or have witnessed violent crimes. I have also learned a lot about training dogs. 

So, most of my background is in behavior and behavior modification and using positive reinforcement to get the behaviors that are desired, mainly in children/teens and a little bit in dogs. Children and dogs are actually quite similar. But a horse is different, being a prey animal. So, I really appreciate the comment from Deanna at My Country Genes, but I just want to say that I have no idea what I am doing!

And that is what makes my adventures with Shyloh so fun! We are learning together as we go. I am learning how to be a horse-woman and Shy is learning to trust people and me. I am kind of doing things my way, but taking advice from all the wonderful people that know much more than me. Everything I do, I believe that it is in Shyloh's best interest. It makes me feel accomplished to hear people around the barn remark how Shy is improving and just doing much better in general. And I wanted to thank anybody who takes time to follow us along our adventure. . .I am sure that mistakes will be made, but that is where the most valuable lessons are learned!


As for Shyloh. . .it seems that she really did have a party in my absence! He halter and lead rope were dragged through the mud. She must have pulled it over the fence and had a good old time with them. She even managed to bend the clasp so that i had to get pliers to straighten it out to put it on her! And then there was her fly mask. . .Beth had said that at one point, she had an ear through the forelock hole and her other ear was out of the mask completely. SMH, silly pony!


But a giant leap in progress was made today!! Shy let me walk up to her with no treat! Several times! With a lead rope and halter in hand! I think we have finally gotten to a point of trust! Although, I did attempt to clean her udders today and she cocked her leg at me. Baby steps, though. . .

I need more, non-grazing photos of Shyloh! But it is hard when I am at the barn by myself! I promise others to come soon!