Apr 19 2010
Developing The Bond Between Man And Horse
Enjoy this video as you browse the site and read today’s feature article.
Developing The Bond Between Man And Horse
The relationship between man and horse is an enduring one. But dealing with animals is always easier and more enjoyable when you have empathy and understanding. To be able to relate to horses,you need to understand their pychology, in order to anticipate horses’reactions you have to understand how they think and why they behave in certain ways. A good understanding also builds confidence on both sides-human and equine.
When faced with a threatening situation, the horse’s nature is one of flight, and therefore its perspective on life is one of vulnerability rather than attack. As humans, how we react and feel in certain situations depends on our upbrining and experience. It is the same with horses, which is why careful early handling and training are so important.
We can never expect a horse to go against its natural instincts, that is, never to be frightened or wary – but with good training we can control these instincts and show the horse, in a positive way, that a particular situation or object need not be feared.
Horses are gregarious herd animals, welcoming the company of other horses, as well as other creature companions and humans. Even domesticated stable horses establish their own ‘pecking order’.
Either the stallion at the end of the row calls loudest when feed time is due or, as many top riders report, their retired star kicks the stable door demanding attention first when what it considers as ‘it’ rider walks into the stableyard in the morning.
It is widely known the horse responds best to praise and encouragement from its trainer or rider to overcome its natural flight instincts and not be dominated. ‘Breakin-in’, the term formerly associated with a youg horse’s first conditioning to carry a rider, has now commonly been replaced with terms such as ‘starting’, which infer much less the idea of domination.
From the disabled child fearlessly enjoying the company of ponies as part of therapy to the most successful of international competitive combinations, a common bond – that of trust and empathy between rider and horse – is being developed.
The horse looks at its human contacts as part of its ‘herd’ in the herd hierarchy,the human rider and trainer’s intellectual capacities give him or her the upper hand. This is why the man/horse relationship has worked so well for several thousand years, and humans can control an animal with many times their own strengths and power.
Riders in their early lessons will often be told ‘Don’t be nervous’. Although at this stage the rider should be learning from an experienced horse and therefore should be able to relax, the fact that horses need reassurance and security is something to bear in mind and cultivate from the start of a riding career.
Living In Harmony Or At War? Having More Than One Cat In Your House
I have two cats and I can’t imagine that either of them would want to live without the other. They live like brother and sister. And I can’t imagine me living with just one cat either.
For those that love cats, having just one is never enough. Instead of having just one cat to call your own, you can have several. Those who have more than one cat realize that this is a good thing not only for the cat owner, but also for the cats as well. Cats like other cat company.
Are you considering getting another cat? Many people wonder if their cat would be okay with another being around. If your cat is alone for a long period of time, then he may like having a cat around. Older cats will often develop a new lease on life when there is a new kitten introduced to the home. Some cats do like their solitude though and territorial issues can cause a problem.
New kittens mean having to go through all the frustrations with training all over again. Youll also need to consider the added expense of all the vaccines as well. IF you add an older cat to the home, this too can be a challenge because the cat will need to adjust to the new home as well as to develop behavioral or health related problems.
When choosing another cat to bring into your home, you do not have to choose a cat that is the same breed at the one that you have. You may want to take care to choose the right combination though. For example a Rex with his silly behavior with a standoffish Russian Blue may not be the right combination. Cats will similar traits can work well together. The Himalayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds are so friendly that they are likely to adapt to any even some of the most demanding breeds.
Set up an area for that cat before bringing him home. He may do better if you allow him to stay in one area until he adjusts. Allow him to settle in for the day before you introduce him to the rest of your family.
Youll want to allow the original cat some time to get used to having the other cat in his home. This may take some time. For a smooth transition, make sure he doesnt have to share his own litter box, his food or his toys with the new cat. There are health reasons as well as feelings that should be thought of here. Cats who are forced to share a littler box may actually decide to create their own area for a private box.
There are many reasons to have more than one cat. For many of those reasons, youll be able to have that much more companionship with more cats.
