My friend Michele told me a story about a lesson she took with the brilliant trainer Sarah Hollis.  Sarah was teaching her about working with horses on the ground (not riding).  Michele works at an equine rescue, and many of the horses that she handles have Issues & History.

Sarah noticed that Michele tended to slink toward the horse as she approached.  She was being a predator.  She had gotten into a habit of trying to be unobtrusive, but instead had adopted a variation on a wolf posture.

Today when I was working with Nelson, I ramped up the work a little and asked him a different question.  I removed the halter and said (in movement), “Can you move around me in a slow circle with no lead rope or halter?”  What I didn’t want was for him to spook or run. I wanted a thinking, feeling horse.  A horse that was calm enough to ask me (in movement) “Is this what you mean?” To start and stop with a subtle voice or hand signal.  Be able to repeat the movement, calmly.

That required me to ask with a “go” signal, not a “GO!” signal.  To be non-threatening in my arms, legs, spine, head, mind.  To be as thinking and feeling as I want him to be.

Nelson was perfect.  Nervous at first on the dark side, but then he totally got it.

One of my daughters is a little like Nelson.  She can smell a wolf-Mommy a mile away.  To connect with her, I have to stay open and show my hand.  No slinking or sneaking.

When and how do you feel your predator self?