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Archives for November 2020

Listening to Horses

November 15, 2020 by Horse Tales Nevada Leave a Comment

By Cindy Hartzell
Edited By Bruce Hartzell

Listening to horses is a skill that involves more than just using one’s ears. It involves a willingness to explore and master four other senses: Sight, Smell, Touch, and Extrasensory Perception. The latter is defined as; the faculty of perceiving things by means other than the known senses, such as: by telepathy or clairvoyance. I realize others may find themselves uncomfortable with the idea of telepathy or clairvoyance, yet, consider the following; have you ever found yourself thinking about someone out of the blue and you can’t seem to be able to get them off your mind? Then they  call, or you run into them somewhere. Perhaps you call them and discover they are struggling with life’s challenges. This is telepathy. It is a natural gift all of us possess. Animals, especially horses, are sentient beings. They have the ability to feel and to experience emotions, such as: joy, pleasure, pain and fear. This intuitive ability helps them know what humans are feeling.

A horse’s capacity to feel positive or negative states makes them powerful facilitators, especially in the fields of assisted learning and therapy. They feel what we feel. They mirror back to us in ways that helps us  take shifts and changes in our own personal behavioral patterns. Those of us who have horses in our lives can also experience and benefit from our horse’s abilities and gifts. In my opinion, it is our responsibility as horse people to learn to think like a horse, this includes learning to master our senses. When we do so, we are listening to our horses in ways that empowers us to be the best we can be for them. Mastering the art of horsemanship is a lifelong journey and requires dedication, determination and discipline. It also requires we think out of the box, a box labeled by our limited beliefs. This includes a misunderstanding of how horses learn, and how they live, and interact with each other. A willingness to be open to changing one’s views on how horses interact with humans is essential in achieving horsemanship expertise. Often horses are labeled as bad because they demonstrate undesirable and dangerous traits.

Many horses find themselves being sold repeatedly. Others end up on a truck with a oneway ticket to slaughter. As my understanding of horses has grown, and the more horses I have encountered on my horsemanship journey, I have come to the following conclusion. A horse who behaves “badly”, or “dangerously” is not doing so because this is who they are, rather their behavior is a symptom or result of something much deeper. Sometimes it can be because the horse has not been given the Listening to Horses continued opportunity to learn things in such a way that promotes their understanding what is being asked of them, or how they will benefit. Instead, through fear, or the risk of pain, they are forced to perform. Over time, the results is a spooky horse, a horse lacking confidence, a horse that is completely shut down or an angry aggressive one. Often this is because the humans who are engaging with the horse lack the understanding of horse psychology, horse behavior and herd dynamics. What results is a horse that learns undesirable behaviors simply due to a lack of the proper guidance from their leader. The consequence is the horse’s owner will have a horse who does not respect their owner’s space, or takes off, or won’t stand still to be saddled or mounted. I even see horses that are completely unresponsive to their rider on the trail.

Another reason a horse demonstrates a change in their behavior is due to their underlying physical issues. These can often be medical problems. There are times, such as now, that I am willing to be uncomfortable and vulnerable and share my own personal experiencesand lessons so others may benefit in living with their horses. As many of you know, my main partner is RC, a beautiful 12-year-old palomino paint horse, whom I have had since he was 11 months old. He has been, and continues to be, one of my greatest teachers. In 2016, while we were in an intensive training program, he began kicking up at his cinch during our sessions. This seemed to come out of the blue, and it wasn’t consistent. My instructor urged me to push him through it because he was just being bad. Yet his behavior persisted.

I decided to change his cinch to one that was new and made of a different material. It seemed to make him more comfortable and his cinch kicking subsided for several months. In the spring of 2017, his behavior returned intermittently, and when it was windy, he would do an odd behavior, as if a bug had flown up his nose and he was trying to blow it out. Oddly, I would only see this behavior when it was windy. Later that spring, after a great riding session, while turning him out to pasture, he spooked and hit my head with his. He knocked me unconscious for fifteen minutes and I ended up in the hospital with a triple-brainbleed. I figured this was simply my being in the wrong place, as I removed his halter something must have spooked him. Later, I noticed other new behaviors. He had begun to lower his head and jet his lower jaw out to one side, then the other, while grinding his teeth. This would happen at feeding time or after a riding session in the arena. Meanwhile, he still intermittently kicked at his girth. In fall of 2018, we noticed he was favoring his front right leg and I began seeing muscle atrophy over the same shoulder. I called the chiropractor, and he came out and adjusted RC’s neck and a few other areas. Yet, he continued to favor his shoulder.

Next, we visited his veterinarian. They performed X-rays that revealed arthritis in his C5-C6 spinal vertebrae. His diagnosis was that his arthritis was creating a peripheral neuropathy that manifested as pain in his pectoral muscle where the cinch sat. Knowing this, I called in a saddle fitter, who also does sound wave healing, which made him feel much better. With regular healing treatments I could still ride him without his peripheral neuropathy acting up. As time moved on, I noticed RC began to “act up” while on the trail. He wouldn’t stay on the single-track trail. Instead, he would veer off to the left or the right, and he seemed as though he was becoming  spookier than usual. Initially, I thought this was him just being naughty, and I just needed to be a better leader for him. I also observed there were times when I took off his halter to turn him out in his pasture, he would jerk his head back as if I had shocked him. While this certainly can happen when haltering horses and it will startle them, I knew that a lot of the times with RC, I had not shocked him. Why was he jerking back?

On May 30, 2019, I was preparing to take RC and a young colt to a friend’s ranch to work them. I was planning to pony the colt around the property behind RC, while the colt would carry a saddle. I walked RC up to the trailer. He was fine, although he did perk up upon hearing our young mustangs whinnying from the training area. As I went to tie him up to the trailer he spooked and pulled back. The rope sucked my hand into the metal cleat attached to the trailer. The result was I lost half a finger and the tip of another one. Again, I justified this as one of those unfortunate accidents that happen with horses and decided to use it as a way to help others learn about the dangers of tying and how to help reduce that risk by using blocker ties. Fast forward to the summer of 2020, RC still displayed all the previous mentioned behaviors from time to time. But now, he frequently stumbles and trips while riding on trails. He also had numerous episodes of bucking and rearing while on these trails, which is so unlike him. There have even been times that it seemed to me that he was wandering down the trail as if he is cognitively not all there. After extensive blood work, and many consultations with his veterinarian, the conclusion is: my trusty steed has some sort of neurological brain stem disorder. I am devastated. I kick myself in the butt for not having realized that those signs back in 2016 where not due to my horse “being bad”. I regret that I listened to a trainer, who said he was just being stubborn, instead of trusting my own intuition. realize that the two traumas I have endured were due to the changes going on in his brain and not because he was being a jerk.

It is with a heavy heart that I admitted to myself that RC’s recent outbursts on the trails could have been extremely dangerous for both of us. Going through a spontaneous bucking episode on a steep narrow path or next to some granite outcrop was asking for another trauma, whether it be me, or him, or both of us. RC is now retired, and I am embracing him as my teacher. The lessons he is currently teaching me are profound. These I will share later. As this chapter in RC’s and my life is still being written, I have started a new chapter. Recently I have taken back a mustang mare I previously placed with an owner in 2018. The reason for her being returned was because she had developed a bad habit of abruptly stopping during a lesson or riding session. No one could make her move.

Also, she would bite at the rider’s stirrups while being ridden. When I saddled her up with my western saddle she would not stand still, and she would become very worried. When she eventually did get saddled and I’d send out on a circle on the ground to warm up, she would tuck her butt and run as if she was trying to run out from under the saddle. I called in my saddle fitter and sound-wave healer, Donnis Thran. Through her assessment, she discovered how sore this mustang was along her back, neck and hindquarters. She fitted her with a saddle pad that can be shimmed and did sound wave work on the tension and sore spots. The results is her behavior has improved. I also called out my licensed equine chiropractor, Micky Doyle, to see if she needed adjusting. She was out in her atlas, ribs, carpal area on her left leg, along with her lumbar and pelvis areas.

I find it amazing that this mustang, with that much pain, would even tolerate a rider on her back at all. After her adjustments, she is now standing better for saddling, although she still understandably gets a little worried it might hurt. Now she moves out on a circle during groundwork with more confidence and balance. No longer does she bite at the stirrups and I sense she is beginning to relax and find the rhythm of us riding together. The more body work and balanced riding we do, the more I see this mustang relax, trust, and show me the depths of who she is. Remember, when a horse is misbehaving or has begun doing things that are unusual for them, they are trying to tell us something. Stop, take the time to listen, and use your senses.

Help them by finding their problem and seeking solutions, instead of just assuming it is a behavioral issue. These two amazing horses have taught me so much about the art of listening with more than just my ears. I have learned to take the time to check in with my intuition and ask, what is this horse trying to tell me, then to be willing to do what it takes  to find the root cause for their behavioral change. Please consider that often behaviors are just an expression of deeper underlying issues. It is our job as horsewomen and horsemen to listen to our horses and figure out what is causing those undesirable behaviors.

Cindy Hartzell © 2020
Heart Soul Confidence-Based
Horsemanship™

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Will James Society awards their first Scholarships to two Nevada Students

November 15, 2020 by Horse Tales Nevada Leave a Comment

By Sharon DeCarlo, President of the Will James Society

Congratulations Olivia Ross-Dee on being the first ever winning recipient of the $1,000 Will James Society Scholarship for Girls!

On the morning of October  25th 2020 at the Chappell Ranch in Gardnerville, Nevada it was my great pleasure to present the first Will James Society Scholarship for girls to Douglas High School graduate, Olivia Ross-Dee to help with her education to become a Veterinarian. Olivia’s scholarship application was beyond good, it was more than complete and very impressive. Meeting her in  person was equally impressive. I felt like the WJS could not have chosen a better young woman to award this scholarship to. Olivia grew up with animals all around her. Her Mom owns and  operates a Pet Sitting business and Olivia was a great help to her Mom. Olivia is also an equestrian and had her own horse from an early age. She enjoyed English riding, jumping and trail riding.

As her gelding aged, he developed arthritis and Olivia became incredibly involved with his treatments and the vet work that helped him stay as sound as possible and free of as much pain as possible. From this experience she became super passionate about helping animals and her life became vested in the world of animal health and her goals to become both a large and small animal veterinarian.

Eager to get a head start and all the education and prerequired classes out of the way as fast as possible she signed up for the Jump Start program in her Junior year at Douglas High school in her home-town. The Jump Start is an award winning design thinking and social entrepreneurship program which empowers high school students to create prosperous futures. Needless to say, this requires dedication and lots of hard work.  While still in High School Olivia also took advanced classes at the Western Nevada Community College which included a late-night math class. Her next step was to attend the University of Nevada and while it is still to be determined she wants to go to Colorado State Veterinary School. Olivia is one hard working dedicated young woman with a great future and has set the bar high for herself and I have no doubt she will accomplish all she has set out to do. “I give credit to my Mom who has supported me my whole life and pushed me to be the best person I can be and to work hard for what is important”. Olivia told me that this scholarship will help so much as her Mom’s business, as all small businesses during this Covid crisis, has slowed down right now. “It means a lot to me and my family! Thank You!”

William James Chappell Awarded First ever $1,000 Will James Society Scholarship for Boys!

Congratulations goes to William James Chappell, an exceptionally fine young man that sent an outstanding scholarship application to the Will James Society complete with impressive grades, high praise, and recommendations. He exceeded our expectations, and we are pleased to name him the winner of our very first Scholarship. Speaking of names, isn’t William’s first two names coincidental or is it? William grew up working with animals at his Mom’s business, Chappell Ranch LLC which instructs the young and old about horses, safety, care, and provides hands on  learning which teaches young people to be responsible caring individuals that learn to work as a team for the betterment of the group and of course the animals. He knows hard physical work as well as how to study and earn top grades in school. As William grew up his Mom gave him more responsibility with the students and the horses. He told me he really loves working with the kids and the horses. “One of my favorite jobs ever was being Camp counselor at Wild Willy’s Horse Camp”.

William graduated from Sierra Lutheran High School and then attended Western Nevada
College during the summer. He then attended Truckee Meadows Community College, and is now enrolled this semester at the University of Nevada, Reno. His plans are to finish his associates
of science degree at WNC and continue at UNR where he plans on getting a biochemistry degree. William told me that this scholarship will help to further his plans to use this degree to improve hay growth, improve sustainability for crops and pastureland, supplements to improve animal health, etc.

However, while all those fields will be opened to him, he plans on going to graduate school to study acupuncture and oriental medicine. Then with his skill as an acupuncturist he plans on treating both people and animals with a focus on horses. Another of William’s great interests in life is martial arts, which he took at the Methodist Church in Gardnerville. He received his black belt in 2017 and soon after was asked to be head instructor for the class which he did until 2019. Will explained that “all of these wonderful experiences working with kids and adults has taught me to be patient, humble and open minded, and in a place of continual growth.” William gives  credit for his opportunity to learn and grow-up with these great values to his Mom, Kim Chappell who he states “has supported my passions and dreams and has remained my example of hard work, determination, honesty and success!

About The Will James Society www.willjamessociety.org
The Will James Society (WJS) was formed in 1992 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the memory and works of the phenomenal western author and artist Will James.The WJS is the primary catalyst for a continuing and growing interest in Will James and his many contributions as an author and western artist.

About WJS Scholarship Program
The Will James Society offers two Scholarships, one high school graduate girl and boy, each year. Applicants can already be attending colleges and taking classes when applying for this scholarship but must have at least 2 years still ahead of them.

Application Deadline: April 1
The WJS Scholarship is intended to recognize exemplary youth participation and interest in western heritage, literature, western art, farming, ranching, veterinary services, horsemanship and all agricultural interests including research and community service type careers. Annual Scholarship Awarded: $1,000. Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply each year for a maximum of four years.

Eligibility Requirements:
1. High School Graduate
2. Post Secondary Enrollment
3. Minimum of twelve hours per semester
4. Maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
5. Parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be a member in good standing of the Will James Society.
6. Scholarship Applications are available online at www.willjamesociety.org

The Will James Society has another program in which the Society will gift new Will James Books free including shipping to schools, county and state libraries, Senior Centers, Children’s Hospitals, military bases and other worthy institutions. Applications for book-gifting can be found on www.willjamessociety.org.

Please consider becoming a member, you will receive the official Will James Society quarterly magazine Cowboys North & South and you can join the fun at our national yearly Gathers and fundraisers! For Membership Applications go to www.willjamessociety.org.

 

Filed Under: Horse Tales Blog

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