Liberty Contact

Tuesday and Thursday, Nov 23 and 25 have been spent outside with Z in her paddock playing the game of contact at liberty.

On Tuesday I hoped I would get her attention, and maybe a turn in my direction. Boy, did I make an assumption. Very quickly she was moving toward me. So I persevered. As we continued she then switched back and forth from RBI (head down, not moving, licking lips) to LBE (swinging neck at me). I wasn't sure what to do with the latter, except be more provocative. What a dance I was doing. I quit when it was horsey dinner time, as I knew I couldn't compete with that, plus it would have been unfair to Z, and unhelpful to our relationship.

Thursday: Same game, very quickly she was moving toward me. But would get stuck. I was more provocative because she was not hiding or head, and was also showing left brain head tosses. After about an hour, when I was distracted by someone she charged me!!!! WHAT - LBE here she comes! I blocked her and waved my finger and she calmed down. She'd get right out of my way when I came toward her neck, but would then swing her neck at me repeatedly. Poor Z, she is probably both confused and ambivalent! Finally, after at least an hour, her feet moved with me as I moved toward the halter (not at the gate). I petted her. I almost cried. It was beautiful. I know it isn't complete, but it is a major start. I'll play this game next time as well, to solidify it.