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Dear Equine Friends, When my human approached me with the idea that I could be of service as a mentor scribing an advice column for horses , I thought she was crazy. After much mental deliberation, I concluded there is no doubt she is a few brushes short of a full tack box but, in this instance, she could be right on track. I could share my experiences and maybe even learn a few new tricks. Therefore, I am now under employ as an advice columnist. I am available to answer all kinds of questions and alleviate concerns. Humans can be difficult to work with at times and we all need help coping. So, if you'd like advice, right from the horse's mouth, so to speak, write or email me at ReRun, and I will be happy to accommodate. For my first installment, I shall share my own training tips. As you know, our human companions have gone through great pains to ensure our happiness. They walk us when we colic. They tend our boo boos and keep our stalls clean. Despite their big hearts, they have flaws. They approach every day like they are going to the Derby, never taking the time to fully appreciate the art of wood chewing or afternoon naps in the sun. Their rush around lives put them under a great deal of stress. That's where we can help. It is obvious that we, the equines, are our human's only source of happiness. Through daily contact with us, they experience the joys that would otherwise be lacking in their mundane lives. So I have taken it upon my self to give my human every opportunity to enjoy life in the barn. First, it is apparent that as my human grooms me, she is releasing pent up stress and anxiety. I strive to increase her pleasure at every possible instance. I am lucky enough to have at my disposal plenty of mud to keep her occupied. As a result, she is getting extra curry comb practice. Add to that the somewhat hidden lesson of lengthening her attention span and we have a real opportunity to expand her skills. After my human grooms me I can tell she is satisfied and content. Because I love her I never hesitate to show her how much I too, have enjoyed our grooming session. I rush to the nearest mud hole, have a good roll and promptly ask if she would like to groom me again. This shows her that I appreciate her skills and have confidence that she can master anything I can throw her way. You see, humans need that sort of encouragement. Without it they become depressed. They hide away in their human stalls or trailer themselves to unknown destinations. In my long life I have noticed that the human types who do not frequent stables are weaker and paler than the ones we love. They also lack the communication skills needed to understand any species but their own. Basically, they are pathetically under trained, over weight and disgustingly clean. Don't let this terrible fate
befall the human you love. Locate the nearest mud hole and get busy. Remember, by increasing the time it takes for each grooming you are expressing
your love and concern. An old mare once told me, "A happy human carries no
crop." Words to live by. |