| Developing Spanish Walk, rear and hind leg walk is shown with horses at beginning and transitional stages, mounted and/or at liberty. Cues for lie down, sit-up, and "play dead" are shown, showing how the cues may be changed depending on whether the horse is mounted, on a line or at liberty. For instance, the bow is cued with a tap on the front of the cannon bone. However, mounted, the cue is moved up to the elbow where a rider's toe or heel may rub to produce the bow. Position change may require different cues for the same trick. The tap on the side of the neck for a striking rear will become a vertical whip, popped in the rhythm of the strike. Thus, there can be a great distance between handler and horse, whereas with the tactile cue the handler must be next to the horse. Several cues may be developed for Spanish Walk depending on whether the horse is mounted or on long lines, or at liberty. In fact, I gave one lady an alternate mounted cue as she had little use of her legs. What you think at first is a limitation can make you a more creative and intelligent trainer. I cultivate trust and enthusiasm in the horses for several reasons. First, it is more enjoyable and less stressful for me. Second, it is more enjoyable and less stressful to the horse. Third, I want to develop the more animated tricks for an exciting liberty performance. A happy horse will inject extra brilliance and enthusiasm into his work. In fact, once they learn it, it becomes fun. An unhappy or indifferent horse will give a lackluster performance, like a child who hates practicing the musical scales. So we must push in a certain way to get through the "scales" so the horse will enjoy his "concerto." Arab stallions and American Saddlebreds are shown on the tape. Spectators' questions are answered. It is candid and spontaneous. Sylvia Burrage, 1852 Carriage Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028 Phone: 760-728-4632 (USA) |
| Exotic Training and Tricks |
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| VIDEO: 100 minutes = $65.00 |
| Sylvia and Gem |