The Art of Natural Dressage

Hi!
My name is Christina, I'm 21 years old.
I want to tell you a little bit about my mare Chiara...
Since 5 years Chiara and I are a "team".
In the beginning, there were no true friendship. I rode her with bridle, spurs and whip.
In winter she stood in the box, the whole day.
She was so angry and sad, there only was hatred in her eyes.
But now it has changed!
Since 3 years she lives in an open stable, can walk around freely and is very happy.
In the beginning I rode her a lot, but one and a half years ago she began to founder (Fesselträgerentzündung) and I began to rethink:
Is THIS real friendship?
And I came to the achievement, that THIS ISN'T real friendship, that this "friendship" is very egoistic!
I wanted to change this, I played a lot with her, I spent a lot of time with her, we made things TOGETHER, her character changed, there was contentment in her eyes!
After one year her leg was healthy again and the vet said, that I have to ride her, to strenghts her muscles.
And I did so, bitless and very carefull, but I rode her. I thought this would be OK for her.
But is wasn't Ok...
She clearly showed me, that she doesn't want to be ridden, she snap at me while I saddle her,...
After a while I noticed, that she has backache.
This was the time, when I began to rethink again.
And now I want to be a real friend to her!
I think this forum is right for me to learn that again, to learn how we will grow together more.

Here are some pictures:

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Höre auf das, was dein Pferd dir sagt, denn ein Pferd sagt immer die Wahrheit!

Beautiful story, wonderful pictures and fantastic arena!
Magnificent horse.
Welcome here and looking forward to learning more about you and Chiara.
Best
Annette

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Annette O'Sullivan

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. - John Lennon

Welcome, Christina!!

Great that you have found us. Your horse is such a cutie and I am looking forward to reading more and seeing more pictures. Where in Germany do you live? And how did you find us?

Warm Regards,
Romy

What a beautiful horse! It sounds like you have found the right place. I only found this place about 2 weeks ago but what a huge difference it has made to me and my horses already! The people here are very friendly and helpful. I hope you and Chiara enjoy your journey with AND and I look foward to hearing all about it!

Heather

Hello, and welcome. Beautiful horse, and lovely pictures. It sounds like you've already travelled quite a journey with her. I am looking forward to hear what comes next ...

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Glen Grobler

Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled. Anon

Thank you for your nice answers!
@Romy: I live in NRW near Cologne. I found this forum in the other forum www.reitforum.de in the topic of Alexander Nevzorov.
I was a member of his forum for one year, but there were a few things, which I didn't like.
I searched for another forum, where the users treat their horses as friends And now, I'm here.

Yesterday I played "chase the tiger" with her for the first time and it was great I think we will have a lot of fun with this game She already has conceived that she has to chase the "tiger"
In the past I played a lot of ball with her, I think I will do that again. She had a lot of fun with the ball

The day before yesterday Chiara didn't want to come with me to the stable...so I crawl her for a long time It was great!

It's wonderful to have the chance to speak to people, who share my opinion

Regards Christina

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Höre auf das, was dein Pferd dir sagt, denn ein Pferd sagt immer die Wahrheit!

Christina, Joyful welcome to you. Your story, and that of your horse, I think, does lead to this place.

There are some interesting stories about horses with "back problems," here and some of the things found, and some of the things done to help them.

Once we truly commit to being their friend, and they eventually and finally come to believe us it is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Even long before they are truly healed, or even if they never are. What an honor to have such a creature for a friend.

Best wishes, Donald

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Love is Trust, trust is All
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So say Don, Altea, and Bonnie the Wonder Filly.

Hi Christina,
Welcome to the group!
I also came upon this AND forum very recently and I really love it. I have learned quite a lot here already. It sure feels good to finally know there are some like-minded people out there.

That first picture of you and your horse is awesome. I would like one like that to have in a frame and hanging on my wall. I know it's photoshopped, but what a nice touch!

To get more into the relationship aspect you are looking for, you can search the topics here or Google on Waterhole Rituals or Carolyn Resnick. I just started doing this and it is outstanding. In just little more than a week I am already getting more of a "connection" in doing this.

Good luck.

@Donald Redux: First of all: Thank you!
I will search for the posts about "back-problems" in the next days

@southoftheborder: Thank you!

Today it was very rainy and Chiara very squirrelly
We played chase the tiger and it was great We had a lot of fun!

Regards Christina

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Höre auf das, was dein Pferd dir sagt, denn ein Pferd sagt immer die Wahrheit!

Hi Christina (from Canada)

Superb pictures and you sure look like you have a fantastic relationship with your horse. Wouldn't it be great if everyone wanted to be friends with their horses (and not the sport)

I also have started the Waterhole Rituals with my two buddies and as someone mentioned, you can see the difference after a few days.

Welcome to this forum. You will be amazed at the all the information available. What's great is if you have any type of question, you just post it and someone will try to help or find the info you need.

Have fun Christina!!

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Jocelyne
[Hug your animals everyday. You never know!