cooperative effort and reinforcing the human contact that can be so important to their attitudes when I really need cooperation. It has become a game my guys appear to look forward to; if I’m Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH in a hurry and attempt to skip it, the horse will linger in the barnyard, waiting for the attention - and, of course, the expected treat. Still, when a said treat he cold season seems to have already is delivered, they sometimes follow me begun, a welcome break for some and a for a second or two as if wondering why dreaded reality for others. Our equine we are not dancing today! Ok, so it could friends generally fare well in the cold - no be in hopes of another treat, but this is bugs, no overheating, and a natural coat fairly consistent, always at the same time to keep their temperature regulated. They of day - and as routine is so important, legally must have shelter in NH and VT I suspect I am at least partially correct! from approximately November through Regardless of your plans for winter, May, but are none-the-less contained in the reality of your situation, or the prefhuman-designed pastures or paddocks; erences you have, I wish for you a safe still, ample space to move around helps and healthy season including plenty of them stay warmer, as they are wired to memorable moments: learning moments, move about when cold. bonding moments, growthful moments….. Just like their people, many horses enjoy your critters, large and small, and enjoy some time off, while others conrelish the moments that help you find tinue to happily work through the cold yourself, your purpose, and your loves. months. Both emotional and physical Take care to make every one of those benefits come with work: increased moments count in some way. Even the circulation and improved temperature frustrating and stressful moments have regulation, fitness, relief from boredom, variation in schedule, improved mood, yield for several steps. Sometimes I move value and teach us much. And just cherand attitude. Any season-related extra their shoulders or create some sort of ish those equine moments that can’t days off must sometimes be a boost to variation, combining maneuvers. In help but bring a tear to your eye, a smile them as they are to us. Weathering the each thing, they have to respond to my to your face, or a chuckle to your voice. weather can be a challenge even with a quiet hand and body aids, and they usu- There’s no greater blessing than sharing huge fur coat! ally do their best to try. As I utilize the 4 those moments and memories. For those who may not have enough Basics of Centered Riding® – Centering, time or sufficient daylight or even a place Breathing, Soft Eyes, and Building Blocks for a lengthy ride, but do have a place to – even on the ground, we both become get out of the elements, it’s sometimes centered and relaxed; it becomes more fun to dabble in something different for fun and increasingly easier each day. a few minutes here and there, perhaps They learn new things, literally stretch a few times a week: learn and practice their bodies, learn to cross-over their legs, some bodywork techniques or groom and improve their overall movement those long coats until they are rid of through this simple practice; moving winter dandruff, try out the idea you the parts is, after all, how we keep them saw in a video or read in a book, learn supple and flexible. a skill you’ve never spent time on (leg Yes, they do turn it into a game and no wraps, braiding, banding, ground driv- doubt are often motivated and rewarded ing), pamper your horse – or yourself by the treat they know is waiting in my - with a new tradition. pocket for when we are done! For me, One of my favorite traditions – it’s this is an opportunity to connect with been years, I think – only takes a very each horse on some level, requiring some short time (maybe 15-30 seconds, though certainly more is ok.) It’s simple, but beneficial to both of us for the long term. It doesn’t take much space, and in inclement weather we have successfully done this in the barn aisle, using our space creatively and partnering together! Every morning as I turn the horses out, I practice a simple in-hand maneuver with each in turn. Generally, it is along the lines of a turn on the forehand or haunches out on a circle to help me assess their stiffness, help them move and loosen up the tight spots, and refine my applied aids. Working on each side, once we’ve accomplished a full circle, it’s often turned into a side pass or leg Winter 2021 www.4LegsAndATail.com 23
Not So Cold, After All T
