Puzzling Day

Interesting but very puzzling day.

Today, utilized RBI techniques:
- use only up to phase 2, then next move is hers
- Z's response determines my response and what to do next
- wait, wait, wait, until get the response (do not keep asking or hammering away)
- slow, minimal body energy.

Well, today the less I did and the longer I waited the more she went seriously internal. On the draw, when she'd lick and chew, and look at me (asking a question), I'd slowly turn back to her - just my head - smile, and ask again for the draw, phase 1. She'd go immediately internal, including turning away. The more this was repeated, the worse she got, including stepping away from me.

Soooo, deciding that this really was not working, I choose to step up my energy and provide her with more leadership, even using the carrot stick and string to move her along. Her ears came up, eyes bright and zip zip zip she was circling, going sideways, changing direction!!!!

Then went to friendly game with blue bag, pole, and saddle pad. Blue bag elicited curiosity and not much RBE. Used treats for rewarding and shaping. She willingly followed me with the bag, etc.

Foam pole was another issue. Treats did not work. RBE. So I continued and went extreme extreme friendly game. Kept her head in my direction and pushed her hindquarters away repeatedly, really making her move them quick, moving her body as well as in : Let me help you.... This went on and on and on. Her eyes got big, she got tense, but I kept at it, continuing with walking with the poles on her, head tipped towards me pushing her ribs in. Did this for at least 30 minutes and then POOF, she relaxed. Walked calmly, ears forward, neck down, with pole on her back both sides.

Changed to saddle pad, and she had NO PROBLEM at all with me lifting it up and swinging it on her back, and having it stay there, repeatedly.

Back in the stall, Z relaxed, eating hay. Turned her out, VG turning towards me when unhaltered, and returned to her hay walking. BUT FIRST, she had a roll, both sides. Suggests there was a lot of tension released. Wonder what kind, RB or LB?

How interesting.

I've just filled out the Horsenality Report. Hopefully I'll get some insights into this very very puzzling horse! Feel worried that I've done the wrong thing, as I really really pushed her into RBE. Guess next visit will tell...