Hello everyone from the United States (Oklahoma) -
I found this forum after viewing some videos on YouTube that I came across when I was searching for liberty work. I've been spending the last few days reading through some of the forums and getting a feel for what you are all about. I try to be polite in joining new places and reviewing things before I jump in so that's why this intro has been delayed (not to be rude, hopefully to be considerate).
At this time, I have three horses: a mini-Shetland pony named Pandora who is about 16 years old; a TB gelding, Tris, who is about 17 years old; and my new girl, Zz an Appaloosa X Arabian who turned two in August, 2008. Over the summer we moved to a stable run by a former riding student of mine so I am very happy to report that my horses are in a place that could only be better if it was my own.
They are turned out in two paddocks that total 4 acres, with two run in shelters and a special pony shelter. The pony will be going back to being drylotted once spring grass hits. Feed is primarily grass and hay, with some pelleted feed (a low starch/low sugar feed) as well as certain supplements. All my horses are kept barefoot and trimmed by principles set forth by Pete Ramey (though I don't know how many are familiar with him here).
Over the last 7 years I have dealt with a medical issue with my mare who passed away November 2007 due to laminitis, brought on by Cushings. This probably started my interest in things that weren't not considered the "norm" by those around me.
It increased my interest in Natural Horsemanship (for lack of a better word), and I've attended Centered Riding clinics as well as a TTeam clinic (Linda Tellington-Jones) and hope to attend a clicker clinic by Alexander Kurland next month. I've done Roundpen work but I am turning more and more towards work done by Carolyn Resnick, or at least the philosophy of interaction she follows.
I am starting some new projects with my pony - your Chase the Tiger game and also the trot to me and go away. Although I'm doing trot to me with a clicker and treats, I am going to be weaning her off from totally treating and going to other rewards (grooming etc...).
Tris and I will be working on his balance issue this spring and after reading through this forum and thinking it over, I believe we will trying a different approach this spring (no bit, more ground work).
Zz (my AppX) is still a baby and just learning things about humans. It will be exciting to bring her along in a completely new way.
I have a blog here for those who might want to visit
http://horseideology.wordpress.com/I also have some older videos here (though hope to update in the next month)
http://www.youtube.com/user/horseideologyMy online photo album at Flickr is here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/horseideology/Thank you for making such a wonderful and in-depth resource for those who march to a different drummer.
Here is one of my favorite pics - of Zz and Hubby