WESTERN DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2002
With this approach, regardless of what work is being done with a horse, he quickly develops confidence - not just in the handler but in his own ability to communicate his concern. The horse's "language" as a result becomes quieter and the change happens more quickly. If Basil feels overloaded he now walks quietly away for a moment, turns to look at Fleur or me, and then returns so that we can continue. If we step away to give him a break, he often follows. While Fleur was away on holiday I went twice in a week to maintain the work and, together with Jan Webb another TTEAM practitioner, continued to work close to Basil. I slid my hand up the schooling stick and, whilst stroking with the end of the stick, ran the back of my hand over Basil's back. He let me do this several times, which was a big improvement from the fleeting contact I had had on his neck at my previous visit. Fleur's manner is wonderful Despite having a newcomer in his stable, Basil stood quietly eating hay and, on Fleur's return, we made another huge leap forward. Even though he was excited by mares calling, and was desperate to go out into the field, Basil settled so much that Fleur was able to stroke him over the neck, back and hindquarters with the flat of her hand for quite a while. This was the first time in his life he had been touched to this extent. Although it would be extremely tempting to try to take the headcollar at this point, any attempt to do so would set Basil back. Fleur understands the need to maintain the quiet, consistent approach and her manner, and way with the horse, is wonderful. I had been working around Basil's neck in Fleur's absence with the schooling sticks, rocking his neck and lifting his heavy mane with the sticks to prepare him for having a catch rope draped over his neck when he so permits. This little step the week before paved the way for Fleur to be able to start lifting his mane with her hands, and gently sliding her fingers down his tangled hair. As Fleur scratched Basil gently around his withers, he sighed. When a horse is perpetually in the Flight reflex, circulation to the extremities is restricted, with increased blood flow to the major muscle groups and internal organs to facilitate a speedy exit should the need arise. These areas are generally