Have you heard about the herd?

From Jim: Horses are herd animals. We're not. That can create some communications issues. Herding evolved as a survival strategy for prey animals. The mass of animals, moving as confusing, but coherent group made life for predators more difficult. Herd animals are dependent on behaviors that allow the herd to function. There is a leader. Following is not optional. Leadership can and does change in an effort to provide the best chance for the herd to succeed-That is, to continue to exist. Survival is not about the individual, it's about the group. Every member of the herd is ranked. There are no equals. Leadership is constantly challenged by the next in line. Mating is governed by dominance. Stallions are always seeking to be keepers of a harem of mares. Mares and foals band together. Bachelor stallions form groups-sub herds-while they mature and develop. They tag along at the fringes of the main herd. Generally, a dominant mare leads and the stallion protects his harem from other stallions. When you're with horses, they incorporate you into the herd. You are assigned a status. You need to be a leader, unless you enjoy unruly horse behavior. They will try you out often. It's their way of insuring good leadership. They follow without question so long as you are viewed as the leader. If you falter, they simply take over. Not so fun for you. Gaining leadership is a subtle process, not one of force and anger. Pressure and movement are the elements of dominance. I move you at will, I lead. You move me or balk, you lead. The pressure to move can range from a dropped head and pinned ears, a swift kick or bite to simply stepping into your space. Horses are very sensitive to personal space issues. We teach them to respect our space, partly as a safety issue, but also as a demonstration of dominance and leadership. To really know your horse, I think you need to observe them in a herd setting. Their role and status will tell you a lot about them and give you some ideas about how to work with them. Studying herd behavior is a key to understanding equines.

Always and Never...

From Jim: There are a few things that are absolute. Slaughter of equines is always wrong. You should never beat a horse. Stuff like that, obvious and worth the big DUH. There are also a lot of wobblers. They get a soft blurry "sometimes". Training techniques fit the maybe/maybe not category, depends on the horse and the trainer. I know it's sure better to know what you're doing and feel confident with it, than to try the latest and greatest and hope you get it right. New skills and ideas are wonderful and we should all try to be life-long learners. We owe it to the horses to take the time to master the technique and practice it before we switch up on the animal. That means slow and easy, with an eye on making few and little mistakes and backing off when we see we're not getting where we want to go. Horses are pretty good at letting us know when we're communicating effectively. That's always on us! It is never the horse's fault! Patience, time, and practice. Slow, deliberate, sequential steps. Review and reteaching. Gentle, firm insistent demands. Quick reward and immediate appropriate reprimand. Checking for understanding. These are the bits and pieces of working with horses-no matter which technique. The bad old days of busting horses is gone-hopefully forever. We still get horses that have been abused terribly, covered with scars and sweeneys, lumps and bumps. The folks that did that aren't horsemen/women. They're just abusers. Abuse is never OK. Safety is always a priority. Horses live a long time. If you're not up for a long period of training and teaching, you might want a gold-fish or a canary. Horses have great memories. They learn well and retain for a long time. They will also try you out. It's their way. Be steady, consistent, and clear in what you want and, generally, they'll go along. Get angry or upset or, worse, afraid and it will be a step backwards. Remember, they are always a horse, never a human.

Having Senior Moments...the older equine

From Jim: We have quite a few senior equines at the sanctuary. These are animals that are in the last few years of their life cycle. There's a wide range of life expectancy for donkeys-up to 50 years, mules-45 or so years, and horses, depending on breed-early 20s to mid 40s. The senior years for equines are really special. They have a dignity and wisdom that comes with the years. They are mature emotionally and mentally. They can be incredibly affectionate. They have special needs. Generally, there diet will require supplements and high quality hay. Their teeth, if they're still there, need floated, usually once a year. They need blanketed in the cold and protection from the weather. Their hoof care may reflect accommodations for low soles or old injuries. Their stiffening and arthritic joints may also require some corrective trimming and shoeing. Occasionally, they might need some pain meds to move more freely. Cushing's can become an issue with the older equine-a really devastating disease. Their immune system is established, but they will need their annual immunizations throughout their lives. Sometimes a jolt of B12 will help fire off a waning appetite. Biotin and probiotics can be helpful. And, of course, regular worming is necessary. We have a very specific protocol for determining when euthanasia is in order. With senior equines it's very easy to lead with your heart and not put the animal's welfare first. We choose three things the animal loves to do. When they can no longer do two of the three, we believe their quality of life is over and it's time for the last act of kindness. All of our seniors are observed on a daily basis and generally seen by our Vet once or twice a month. We have a multi-tiered watch list for those animals which concern us. It is one of the most difficult parts of having the sanctuary. It is never easy and always emotionally painful to say, "See you at the rainbow bridge Old Friend". We always sedate the animal and always give best friends a chance to say good bye and to grieve for their lost partner. Letting them smell and touch their friend's body helps give them them the closure they seem to need. It is moving to watch. These animals have so much to give and share with our kind. It is humbling and a privilege to have the opportunity be with and love our seniors.

Perceptions Are Everything...

From Jim: We come to know the reality of our world through the input of our senses. If we can't perceive it, it doesn't exist for us. We, because of out frontal lobes, can imagine things, but to us they're make-believe, We need to know the difference. We help our little ones with nightmares and and all manner of imaginary fears. Equines, on the other hand, don't spend much time sorting out real and not so real. It there's a chance it's real, that's good enough. If they sense you're afraid, never mind the reason, they believe you and they're fearful. If you're apprehensive, their level of concern rises. For them, fear is a high stakes game with no bluffing. This has real implications for how we feel and behave when we're with horses, donkeys, and mules. When we get out of our comfort zone, we move them out of theirs. It's a "herd thing". Calm, peaceful, firm direction and interaction is reassuring. Emotional noisy blustery behavior is upsetting and really gets in the way of learning and teaching. Horses need to be trained and educated. This makes them useful and safer to be around. They need confidence in us and in how we'll behave. If we show frustration, then we'll see frustration. Get angry, see fear. Get frightened and you'll have your fear and the horse's to deal with. Time is perceived differently by equines. They're not checking their inboxes and penciling us in. They come to things when they come to them, not on some artificial schedule. You can stimulus/response condition their behavior much faster than you can teach them, but you'll get a lesser result in the long run. You can train a horse and never get to know them. They'll hold back most of who they are and you'll be the poorer for it. They will form their perceptions about who you are based on what you present to them. Your understanding of them will come from how open and patient your behavior and attitude is. You cannot escape your perceptions any more than they can. First impressions are lasting. Clear perceptions take time. Perceptions can be hard to change. True for us and them. Take the time to be the horseperson you want them to know and to get to know who they are. Both horse and human will benefit in uncountable ways.

How Do They Do That? The Focal Sense...

From Jim: Whether it's a flock, school, or herd, the animals that group together in a collective gain an advantage for survival. There is an organic nature to this mass which requires something beyond the usual sensory inputs. The members must discern, instantly, the will and direction of the group. Watch a flock of birds wheel as one in the sky, or a school of fish turn and turn again in perfect unison, or a herd of horses turn and bolt simultaneously and you realize nothing has reflexes that fast. There's an ability which we'll call the "focal sense" which holds the group together, which let's them know what the will of the group is and act as one. Sometimes, we can have a taste of this, when our horse simply does what we want without any conscious cue from us. They sense our presence, our intent, and they respond. Wow, is it neat when that happens. I believe we can develop our abilities to connect focally with our equines, it we work at it. It takes discipline, time, and effort, but the payoff is wonderful. I think the real trick to this is to work towards more and more subtle conventional cues, while sharing our intent more and more deliberately. I know, it sounds "new age" and phony horse whispery, but It's really no different than acknowledging the other sensory differences between our kind and theirs. It's another example of how willing these great creatures are to let us know them. Knowing them, not knowing about them, is the best part of working with equines. I've found some of the best moments of my life have been in the company of the herd. If they're willing to extend an honorary membership, I'll take it. There's no reason that you and equine can't be a herd of two and enjoy getting to know each other.

Update from Donna

From Donna -Still can't find the pictures. Time to call in the pros to get back on track. Jim has been doing a great job with the blogs. He's not happy having to stay in because of the meds he is taking for diverticulitis, but is keeping busy inside.
The horses are acting like they can feel Fall in the air. It's still in the 100's, but in the early morns and the evenings, there is(are?) some bucking, chasing, rearing and full out galloping.
Yesterday Dunny could hardly contain himself. He wanted to romp with everyone. Dancing Drum looked over her shoulder with the "don't bother me, kid" look, but Star was good for about 10 minutes of horseplay.
Breeze Bay gets the "bug" every once in a while and takes off like the wind. There is nothing prettier than an Arabian floating across the backyard. She is not content to run by herself so she gets Jimmy, AnnaBelle and Quest going. Donkeys scatter and little Gracie finds a tree for protection.
Maggie, Sugar and Posey have been moved to the side yard where Maggie can get some extra feed. Sugar and Posey are plump, but want to be with Maggie. Toby mule has pushed through the temporary fence and got in with them. He does not need extra food, either, and today we'll try to shoo him back with his regular herd.
We'd like to get Jonathan, Dobbin and Gracie in with Maggie, too, but rotund Lacey the Haflinger stands at the gate keeping everyone away. She tries to look pitifully thin, but fails. She looks more like a barrel with legs. Of course wherever Lacey is, Babe is not far behind.
Babe is slowing putting on weight after her bout with strangles. She still has a ways to go, but is making progress.
Chad is in a stall next to Dunny and his group. Chad 's teeth are not good, so he gets extra feed. He doesn't seem to mind being by himself as long as he gets lots of treats.
Our fostered babies are doing very well. We are very particular about where the animals are placed. We miss them, but are so greatful for the good care they get.
The four across the street will be coming home next week. Aurora, Chardonnay, Sunny and Kim spent the spring and summer in Margaret's 10 acre pasture. Every year 85 year old Margaret seeds her pastures, then invites some our critters to share in her bounty. Our horses have been spending time at her place for several years.
Six other of our equine friends are at two other homes where they are loved and pampered. Sparkle, Ruby, Bobbie and Jesse are with Lin and Darell's at their beautiful ranch while ponies Little Dog and Big Red are at Su and Jerry's sharing life with four Gypsy Vanners.
Toyota sent us a second place prize check. Thank you so much Toyota. It was a great contest and you did well in your picks. Thank you, too, to all the generous donations we have received- Pati D, Ursula and Walt C and Holley and Rich Y.
The Thrift Store at 611 Walnut Chico also made a very generous gift to the Sanctuary. Thank you, Helen and Ron, for the incredible amount of work you do. They can always use furniture and other items. Stoop by and shop. Many great things, there.
The Chico Eagles will be holding a dinner and Bingo October 13. Home At Last gets the profits from the dinner so come to 20th and Mulberry in Chico at 4:00 and eat some of Loren's magnificent food. Bingo to follow.
Jim's trying to sleep in a little because he was up so early with a headache, but the barking dogs have put an end to that.
Thank you to everyone who is so supportive and kind to us at Home At Last.
OK rain, where are you?

They've Got the Touch...equine sense of touch

From Jim: Pleasure, pain, pressure, and temperature are the components of touch and equines have the ability to perceive them all with great sensitivity. Their skin, the equine's largest organ, is covered with uncountable receptors which are not evenly distributed. They are most sensitive around their muzzle, eyes, ears, and genitalia. Less sensitive areas include root of the mane, hooves, and, depending on breed, neck and shoulders. Everyone has seen a fly, way less than a gram, torment a horse by just walking on them. They are sensitive! They probably are ticklish and prefer a firm touch to a simulated fly walk contact. They have an array of whiskers around their muzzle and eyes and sensitive guard hairs in their ears which help them explore things in the environment and protect vulnerable sensory organs. Why we think crippling their senses is an attractive show attribute is beyond me. We shave off whiskers and guardhairs with abandon-cause it looks pretty? Really? They didn't evolve these characteristics as a nuisance to show judges. They have them, cause they need them. Equines desensitize, i.e. lose sensation, when areas are subjected to repeated rough stimulation. A "hard mouth" is often the result of a ham-fisted rider with too much bit. Mechanical hackamores are notorious for numb noses.
Horses enjoy great kinethetics. They know where their body parts are, and where those parts are going. Never ever underestimate their ability to aim a kick or strike. They shoot bulleyes. Equines have a much superior sense of touch and awareness of body than we do. This is useful in the conduct of herd behavior and in the avoidance of predators. I think it's also another reason to love on them. They really enjoy being petted and groomed. It feels good to them to be lovingly touched. That's very fortunate for us, because touching a horse is a joy!