Pacha - march 1, 2011

Pacha's training keeps going with same combination of ground work (lungeing:in-hand) and mounted work, i.e. alternating every other day. I realise that my driving force is more and more to increase our closeness rather than pursuing classical schooling progression. It seems like what was a mean (closeness) to an end (classical progression) is now completely turned upside down. Classical schooling is becoming the mean towards getting closer intimacy with my new equine friend. This comes almost as a surprise to me, as if it had happened without me knowing it.
The truth is that I always looked for developing a privileged relationship with horses; but I had thought until recently that it could only happen by chance, when a special, and mysterious fit between a man and a horse is obvious from the very first day when they meet - akin to friendship between humans. But with Pacha, I am discovering that it is actually possible to make this sentiment happen with patience, kindness and time spent. As I mentionned at the beginning of this diary, Pacha did not strike me as anything exceptional when I first met him. His overly anxious temper by itself was an obstacle to any kind of 'special fit' that I have had with  Eole for example But over the two years that we have worked together, Pacha has shown a deep sensitivity, and a profound desire to be reassured and protected. Ground work has revealed this to me, and allowed me to respond to Pacha's call for help and support. It has also showed me how much good I could do him, and how keen he would have been to please me in return.
Three readings have contributed to open my eyes on this new approach. Pignon and Delgado's book came first, then an old book written by a General of the British Army during WWI ( 'Warrior' by Gen. J. Seely) about his extraordinary intimacy with his charger Warrior, a thoroughbred whom he kept during the four years of combat - really worth reading. And last but not least the discovery of the blog connivence which I have put in my favourites list on this notebook. It relates the advanced dressage diary of an Iberian by a most talented horselady, whose experience, skills, feelings are only commensurate with her modesty and uncompromising judgement about herself and her horse. Their wonderful performance is illustrated by excellent videos. I  warmly recommend visiting that blog
To come back to Pacha's training progress, I focus now on stretching his back with descentes d'encolure. He has his nose in the dust at walk, and I try to ride him long and low at posting trot at the moment. Not quite there yet, but horizontal placer is confirmed at least. As for ground work, a milestone has been met with his desensitization to the crop contact. I can touch/stroke him anywhere on his body with it, without any reaction of fear on his side. A new, encouraging proof of confidence.