Tierisch Menschlich

For a brain surgeon, a brain surgery is a common occurrence. For us, it’s… a miracle. As we progress through different levels with an animal (or life in general), things start to become “normal”. First, even owning a horse or dog is a miracle. How is this even happening? Then we start working on something, then we figure it out, can do …

“A boy is a long time before he knows his alphabet, longer still before he has learned to spell, and perhaps several years before he can read clearly; and yet there are people who, as soon as they get on a young horse, entirely undressed and untaught, fancy that by beating and spurring they will make him a dressed horse …

This is how it looks in my home when I feed my pack. 🙂 I really put importance on how each feeding goes – tell me what you think!

So very, very perfect. This is a quote that I want to print out on nice paper and hang up on by every door in my house and next to my mirror! I need to be constantly reminded of the message it brings, because it is so important: in life, and very relevant also to working with animals. It’s the …

Mowgli, my dog, and my boyfriend were gardening today…

What is it? Plastic bags flapping in a tree? Oddly shaped objects? The hose? Flags? Balls? Most horses will have a fear for that one odd object, especially in the beginning. It seems natural to comfort our horse. Pet them with it (well, try to at least), talk to them about it, or chase them around with it so they …

I got out the camera today and made a couple of videos. In the first one I’m explaining how I view dog walking and give a few tips. I hope this gives you a few new ideas! This second one was just for fun. I was playing around with the dogs, trying to have them take the treats carefully. I …

Those who practice Natural Horsemanship, have most likely been told or have observed that a horse licking his lips is processing something. When a horse over comes a fear, he will lick his lips. When he figures out what you’re asking of him, he licks his lips. It’s a very consistent pattern that comes up whenever pressure is taken off …

I have seen both horses and dogs learn a behavior by watching another of their kind with a human. One time I was at the ranch teaching a horse to stand on a pedestal on command, and there was this one mustang who always stood at the fence and watched us. Every day I would work with this horse and …

 “I was talking to my students that every horse and rider are unique, but the one thing that is consistent throughout every lesson is that learning cannot occur without relaxation. Without relaxation, there is no point in attempting to train. Horses are prey animals and are programmed to be concerned about their own safety. A tense horse is worried they …