By Karine Vandenborre
Greet & Groom
Connection Exercise #3
The third connection exercise is the exercise “Greet & Groom”.Horses who are best friends regularly scratch and rub each other with teeth and lips. Research has shown that calming substances are released and the heart rate of horses drops during such a grooming session. So the third connection exercise consists of imitating this friendly scratching and rubbing.
A "no" is a "no"
What's the purpose of “Greet & Groom”?
This connection
exercise will build up and enforce the friendship and bond you have with
your horse. The more you do this, the more your horse will enjoy being groomed by his human. Sometimes they even ask for it!
If the horse doesn't trust you enough, then he will not let you touch him. Or he will let you, but he will be tensed and unable to relax fully.
Sometimes the bond appears to be very good after doing the first two connection exercises, but as soon as your bring your hand up to the body of the horse, the horse becomes fearful, frightened or defensive.
When the horse lets himself be touched without any problems, you can start to look for his favorite
spots to be groomed. This all sends the horse the message that we you are his friend and partner.
Sometimes it might be the case that your horse simply does not feel like grooming, and leaves when you try to initiate it. Don't take this personally, but allow your horse the freedom to express his opinion and show respect by not forcing your touch on him.
What if you could explore this to the fullest?
If want to learn exactly how to communicate with horses in liberty, and create the wonderful and heartfelt relationship you've always envisioned, then you'll love the Liberty Connection & Beyond Program.
Greet & Groom is one of the many things that we explore inside the Liberty Connection & Beyond Program. If you want to know more about this program, and already secure your spot (obligation-free) on our Inner Circle list, then I invite you to take a look here. As an Inner Circle member, you’ll receive an exclusive discount and special bonuses when enrollment opens.
You're so welcome to join me & a wonderful group of other like-minded horsewomen. ♡
With love,
--Karine
Ps: If you want to take your first step in Horsefulness Training Liberty Connection work, the best place to start is with the Bonding Time Deep Dive mini-course. If you’d like to work with me, this is where your journey begins.
This super-affordable course (no kidding) gives you a true feel for my approach, and it offers a gentle way to dip your toes in before making a larger investment in your growth as a mindful horsewoman.
I'd love to meet you and your horse inside this course.
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