It's About The Horse

kristie · Member Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 615

I got to see a couple days of Buck's clinic in Kiowa, Colorado this past weekend. I really wanted to see this one because it included the Foundation class.

If you ever have an opportunity to see this class then go! Don't blow it off thinking you already know it.

The first day was all groundwork. Big focuses were circling the horse around you biomechanically correct and with feel, moving the HQ and FQ correctly changing directions, proper flexions laterally and vertically, backing with a soft feel, etc.

The thing that struck me again was how slow and deliberate Buck moves with his horses. It really stands out when you are on the sidelines watching the whole class, and everyone else is moving so fast.

He worked with a couple horses mostly to help the people get started, so I guess he was working with the people more than the horses. He kept saying the horse knew how to do these things. The people were way out of position and timing, so I guess he was trying to get them started. It was interesting getting to see him offer the best deal first and then dial it up to get a response. It only took about 10 seconds with Buck before those horses were settled and responding like "Thank You!". But again that just goes back to their human was struggling to figure it out.

He talked about dialing it up and dialing it down (talking about energy), and how humans just can't do it without attacking the horse. He pointed out if he saw anyone attacking their horse--there were a couple.

The 2nd day they put on the snaffles and did a little groundwork and then took the exercises to the saddle.

They worked a lot on proper flexion laterally and vertically. There are 3 steps to this (1) raising the poll (2) bending the head to the side with the ears level (3) bending the head vertically. All 3 of things were NOT to be achieved necessarily in these 4 days--it was something to work toward. At this point they were to reward the slightest try toward these things.

The 2nd class was Horsemanship 1. I will post notes on it later.

ElaineW · Member Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Posts: 1464

Hey Kristie!
Thanks for the notes!
And can't wait to read more...
I am very interested in hearing and seeing what it's like to
dial up the energy..
Is it a fast pop? and then back to being soft?

Glad your back and thanks for sharing!
Elainew

PasoBaby_CarolU · Site Admin Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 9013

Thanks Kristie, looking forward to hearing more.

I also find that people are very good about dialing up their energy and have to be TAUGHT to dial it down. You'd think as lazy as most people are, that would be the more natural thing to do, but no, most people think they need a bigger hammer.

Was there any video? I'd love to see how he moves the horses.
_________________
Carol Nudell
Corazon de Oro Paso Finos

"The path to your horse's heart lies through your own."

Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots. - Words of Wisdom - Mhar

‎"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss activities; Small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt

jackspark · Member Joined: 10 Jan 2010 Posts: 4473 Location: Missouri