Rick’s Deductive Reasoning to Distract Kelli

I’ve been installing fencing to add a few more acres of pasture. As I’ve worked, “The Trio” (formerly, “the 3 Babes” – 2 & 3 yo and 16h to 16.3 h) – Kelli and Joey, my trail blazers and Endy, who tags along when he’s in the mood – have come down to visit me, to test the lines for electricity, and to complain that they want me to extend the fence further. Ordinarily, they leave when I say, “please go somewhere else” or “step away from the lines“. However, yesterday, Kelli insisted on studying the lines for weaknesses and refused to leave. I don’t enjoy sending horses away when they‘re using they creative, inquisitive minds (even when they‘re up to no good). Well that, and I didn’t want to stop what I was doing and tromp 100 feet through the dense vegetation just to get her mind off the fence.

I had a more appealing idea – ask Rick, our herd leader, for help. We have a partnership where he occasionally steps in to help me with such issues. Rick and several of the adults had also come down to explore the new field. I called to him to please get Kelli away from the fence. He stood there for a moment looking at her. She immediately turned away from the fence to face him and firmly planted her feet, while the colts began heading toward Rick. I have often seen Rick silently (and verbally) call and patiently wait for various herd members to come join the group.

Apparently, Kelli refused to leave, so he changed tactics. Rick turned around and got everyone to run up to the big field with him – EXCEPT Kelli. She stood her ground ’til they all were out of the paddock before she gave in and putter-trotted up to join them.

Rick’s action reminded me of how we play “catch me” with the horses. He could have gone over to send her off, but that wouldn’t have been nearly as fun as drawing Kelli away in a group celebration of being healthy and alive. It was as though he said, “Come on everybody. Let’s see who can get to the big field 1^st”.

If this was just a coincidence, the timing was perfect and I still got what I wanted. As for me, I’ve watched Rick’s use of deductive reasoning many times over the years. He uses a variety of leadership tools: a nip on the neck (Joey, when he was ruthlessly pestering Kelli), a kick (once, when Venus was really, really, really bad), posturing, herding, body blocks, drawing them to come to him, and this, running away to get them to follow him. I enjoy watching him make decisions; determining who is to be disciplined and how. All this, from the gentle, 1 ton gelding who kindly rules over his mares and stallions.

 

 

Serenity Equestrian Center and Feathered Dream Drum Horses are family owned and run. Serenity’s Equine Therapy program is not a therapeutic riding school, but focuses solely upon the emotional wellness of the visitors. Visit (right click) Serenity Equestrian Center to learn more about SEC. Proceeds from Gayla’s personal coaching at EFT Lady and Prayer Lady support the feeding, housing, and clothing of SEC’s herd. Private donations also support the herd’s needs and go toward the playground and building funds. Make a Donation at PayPal. Thank you!

Tags: EFT, EFT Lady, Feathered Dream Drum Horses, Gayla, Prayer Lady, Serenity Equestrian Center, Serenity’s Equine Therapy, Veterans