Waterhole Ritual and Liberty

The other day I had a stab at using the Waterhole Ritual (Carolyn Resnick, http://www.carolynresnickblog.com) that I'd read about in Farah Delohnette's blog. Just picking up bits and pieces from watching a video on FD's blog in which she uses it with a horse at liberty in the paddock. Despite knowing nothing and only feeling my way, there was definitely a connection. I used it again this evening before haltering up and going into the paddock and afterwards when we'd finished and I removed the halter. Tried leading by following which was interesting too. As I was herding him back towards his buddies

We did a few of the Parelli Games. Only the circling was problematic. He'd poop out at the walk or trot and stop or downshift into a lower gear. I had to chase him to make him keep going but once he got the idea I'd leave him alone if he kept going he did keep going. Despite that the entire session was very nice. I got him to sidestep one step either way, to the left and to the right. The reward is a break and a head rub. I think he enjoyed the head rub. He'd stand with his head lowered into my chest but not pushing into me. Standing quietly and with pleasure while I rubbed his face and under his forelock. I also placed him near a randomly chosen stick without moving my feet.

The only fly in the ointment was chasing him to make him circle with the energy he started with. He kept stopping and turning into me or stopping altogether. I know I chased him too much and will have to find a different way to get the energy and committment needed to keep him on track.

I feel like I'm on another journey to find a connection with Balthazar, one in which that 'invitation to ride' will come. Standing tonight rubbing under his forelock and seeing him standing so quietly and at ease was joyous. We ended on a good note; no stallion behaviour, no evading, no sweating, no quitting. Yes, I had a halter on him but when I took it off and he followed me into the yards and then I 'led from behind' to send him to the gate of the back paddock while all the while he remained relaxed yet focussed on me, was wonderful.