Well Mea, this is wonderful!! Since my baby girl is on the way to being a mama, we definitely need some new lessons. She definitely is developing that maternal instinct! Hope to see you soon. Can't wait to get the video!
--Carol

Thanks Carol! You have lots of fun coming! You get to learn about delivering foals alond with training foals - and still working with Mom! I think you may have to quit work so you can be with them every day!
--Marlis

Hi, Marlis!

Just wanted to let you know I really have enjoyed the video and have already started working with Bella using some of what I've learned. I had her licking her lips and chewing several times the other day, something she has rarely seemed to be focussed enough to do up to now. The only problem I had came AFTER our haltering session. When I haltered her, I made sure I kept my hands on her head to establish a boundary, as in the video, and she responded nicely and seemed calm when I walked away to get her brushes, which I'd left lying by the gate. However, after I'd walked about 50 feet, she came running up the hill after me and tried another run-by kick! This one didn't even come close to me, but scared me nonetheless. Is there signal I might look for that would predict this after-the-fact kicking? I did my best to stay in front of her afterwards and made her take a step or two backwards, which seemed to settle her down and actually was one place where she licked and chewed. Anything else I should have done?

Looking forward to working with you soon!
Jodie
--Jodie Stoos

Hi Jodie! Keep your eye on your mare and don't turn your shoulders away totally when you are walking away from her. As soon as you see her start to move even one foot in your direction, step toward her vehemently, flag your arms at her, and yell if you like. This usually surprises them and is a display of your leadership. She must immediately move at least one foot (that is her feet, not distance) and if she doesn't you repeat until she does. Forward movement causes them to go in the other direction, especially if you are large and loud. With repeats, she'll stop this run-by behavior, knowing you will drive her away.
Good luck! and let me know how you make out.
--Marlis

Not currently having a problem, but did want to comment on my experience working with Marlis.
Our 11 year old Quarter Horse would go absolutely ballistic if he saw clippers - didn't matter if they were on or off. Marlis bet us that she would have him accepting of the clippers within 15 minutes. She lost the bet - the total time was 25 minutes! Our horse was standing quietly with his head down while Marlis clipped his muzzle and ears.

I have a now 9 year old Foundation Quarter Horse gelding who had some serious dominance issues. He is a very strong alpha in our herd and I managed to let this carry over to his relationship with me. I couldn't go into his stall (he would start spinning if I took more than one step inside); we had to be careful simply walking by his stall (ear pinning and he would try to bite); he couldn't be caught in the pasture (he would pin his ears, drop his head, and turn his hind-end toward me). I became very afraid of this horse which only made the problem worse. My husband and I decided to have Marlis see if she could help. It took a total of two sessions (in one week) - I was in his stall, able to walk around him, and the horse and I were both calm and relaxed. I will admit entering his stall was probably the most difficult thing I've ever attempted with this horse.
Since then, my horse and I are so much more comfortable with each other. The change has been amazing. We now have Marlis working with us under saddle (I probably need more work than he does) and hope to start showing this spring. I also wanted to add that I did have him on the market and he WAS sold......to my husband.
--Debra Wynne
<mailto:DebraWynne@aol.com>

well Marlis, thanks so much for everything you have done and taught us along the way. I think Leo has been a blessing for Ian too since I kind of hogged Nasheeta HA. We are anxious to learn more and look forward to your workshops/lessons. love from ABBA EA!!
--Carol
<mailto:bcarol_2000@yahoo.com>

My broken heart! I started helping a friend with 3 horses. The one is a charming black QH named Doc. He wasn't very trusting, stubborn as a mule and a giant gelding. I tookcare of the horses and even spent all my free time with them. They needed someone. The friend had a new job out of town. After a couple days of feeding the 2 came around, not Doc. He would look at me and I'd tell him how beautiful he is and I'd would not hurt him. With time our relationship grew leaps & bounds. In love with him. He would come running to me and lay his head on my shoulder. I could hug him. Something was brewing- I kept having crazt dreams of him. The phone rang & I heard my hubby say u tell her. My friend had traded Doc & the poney. My heart shattered into a million pieces! I couldn't breathe! How could you trade them. I found Doc with my friends help. I visited him and he wanted me to bring him home. I was leaving - he took his foot and stomped the gate at me. I turned to him and said- I love you Doc & I will find a way to bring you home, now take your foot off the gate and he did! I have always been an animal person, people person, I have never loved this way. Its like having one of your children ripped out of your arms. The fear of what may happen to him, or not seeing him again. 2 weeks and I can't stop crying. I'm going to visit today and I can't wait. Got up at 4:30 this mornin to clean house. cook, and just wait till time.He is my best friend! Amazing how powerful the bond is between us.I'll be selling cookbooks and whatever I can to bring Doc back!
--Brook
<mailto:btucker5@triad.rr.com>

I don't own a horse and in fact haven't ridden one in almost 50 years. Even then I wasn't good at it. I still recall terror sitting on a horse as if I were on top of a 100 ft flagpole. I had one spill during a lesson that caused me to have pain in my one knee for 50 years! (Not any more since I started taking Omega-3 capsules, but that's a "horse of a different color.") Yet in my old age I still adore horses like I did when I was a girl. So though I may still never get over the sensation of hanging for dear life on a flagpole to ride again, thanks to Marlis I won't be afraid of being around them ON THE GROUND.
--Davida
<mailto:satcom1@sbcglobal.net>