Doc's scribble pad

rotate88 · Doc's scribble pad

I got Ray's Colt Starting DVD set for Christmas. It is probably the most valuable piece of horsemanship information that I own.

I've been a student of Pat's program since 1997, way before I ever had my own horse. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on the parallels between natural horsemanship and the kind of piano teaching I do, which involves retraining people with hand problems, injuries, and limitations.

Every now and then, I'll be jotting down here some interesting phrases from Ray, which I think can serve as conceptual windows to all aspects of our relationships with our horses. I won't describe the context of his statements, and there doesn't even need to be any discussion; I'll just leave them here as I watch the DVDs over and over and over and over, and if they lead people to deeper insights about their journey, then that's cool. One might point out a particular phrase that meant a lot so we can all think about stuff together...

There now follows Ray's words:

I'll try to approach her in a manner to help her stay. That don't mean she will.

If she moves, I just move with her. She'll find a place and get stopped.

If he wants to take [the foot] away from me, I can't hold it anyway, 'cause he's stronger 'n me. But before he can take it away, I will release it, so there's no contest.

The horse'll maybe do some weird things with his head and body because he doesn't understand what we're tryin' to do. So we need to understand that, and give the horse time to find out what we're talkin' about.

It may get worse because they need to go back and check to see why they were doin' things anyway. She'll need to try things that don't work.

If he gets troubled, turn it loose. It's not that he got away with anything.

(back with more)

jackspark · Re: Doc's scribble pad

whudson

I'm reading too...

kristie

Doc's scribble pad

Re: Doc's scribble pad