Being complex has its simple side.

Starting Level 3 online with Gemma is turning into one of the most fascinating things I have done in a long time. 

Gemma is a complex horsenality.  She stresses easily, can box walk but not all the time, does fence walk and has what can only be described as a fear of other equines.  Gemma's policy is attack first and ask questions later, is that dominance, I wouldn't say so, she gallops up then kicks the target when she leaves.  She will dominate an unwary human, she does have confidence...sometimes, she is very sensitive and it doesn't take much to press her go button.  On the other hand Gemma can be bored, unresponsive and downright defiant.  I have learnt never to try and pigeon hole her and as for her innate characteristics, I'm still working that one out!

In the last three days I have watched as Gemma has gone from, no, won't and sometimes can't to I understand and why didn't you say before!  I have started to notice what she likes, blimey how could I have been this blind for so long.  She's itchy along her belly line and will do anything to cause me to scratch it.  She is very attached to the youngster next door and likes to hang out with her.  I've suddenly realised I can use this.  We go and hang out with her buddy, all three of us together.  Sometimes this is the first thing we will do, sometimes I use it as an incentive.  Scratching comes to the fore when we have completed something a little tricky that Gemma is unsure about.  Scratching is guaranteed to release all those nice feel good hormones.

I watched in awe as my sometimes sullen horse finds me so interesting her ears are forward and her attention is on me.  What have I done to deserve this.  Not alot really. I've built up a pattern thats all.  She knows we will circle at some stage, she knows travelling sideways could lead her to her best buddy, if she does in a nice calm relaxed manner.  Not something Gemma finds easy.  Figure 8's and the weave pop up as does trailer loading from the fender and so on.   The repetition calms and gives Gemma focus but I am careful to alter the order of things and add something new at each session.  The repetition out weighs the something new so Gemma is able to stay calm and collected.

It has made such a difference to her already. She does ask to come to me and then presents whatever part of her anatomy that needs a good scratch.  For Gemma to do that is a great honour.  Other times she will ask to come in and just want to stand near me. After playing she will yawn repeatedly and be totally relaxed.  That never used to happen, ever.  I think I've got a new horse she must think she's finally injected some brains into her human!

Every day there is an improvement in something and at last I am clever enough to see it even when its subtle.  I'm not sure when that shovel load of knowledge collided with my head but I'm so glad it did!