In the fall of 2007, Melissa and a client attended a clinic together. Melissa spent the week working with her client and her client's horse.
Dodger is a mustang who was brought in from BLM many years ago. However, something in his experience with humans had caused Dodger to be very concerned. His owner described him as coming to her "emotionally shut down."
As Dodger began to be more aware in the present moment, physical and mental braces began to replace quivering fear. Spending a week with Melissa did wonders for Dodger and his owner.
In the picture above, one can see how Dodger was handled before finding a home with Melissa's client. A tie down and a leverage bit were used by a former handler. This did very little to help Dodger feel good about being ridden or handled by humans.
The series of pictures to follow demonstrate Melissa's ability to help a horse work through what bothers them so that these devices aren't "needed."
When Melissa checks to see if Dodger understands that the reins are attached to his thought, she is greeted by a powerful brace. Wanting to help Dodger feel better about things, Melissa begins working with Dodger on the ground. |
 |
| As Melissa continues to work with Dodger, his ground work begins to become more responsive, more soft.
His expression changes to one of a horse tuned in to his handler.
 Melissa flaps her hand on Dodger's saddle to mimic the sounds and movement of a rider being aboard. She evaluates his reaction, to determine if he is troubled by this or not. |
|
| After Melissa becomes reasonably assured that Dodger will accept being mounted, she climbs aboard.
|
In the top photograph on the left, Melissa notices that Dodger doesn't appear shut down, but that he is taking in the situation.
In the bottom photo on the left, Melissa waits for Dodger to respond. In each moment she will evaluate his reaction to her mounting and change her plan depending on the horse's response. Dodger, however, seems merely to be investigating. It has been a long while since he has had a rider and never one so patient and skilled as this. |
Click Here to go on to Page Two |
