Dolly: A Mirror to the Soul.

Ever sense Dolly has come into my life she has possessed the keen ability to push all of my buttons.  I've lost track of the times I've completely lost it when working with her and thus responded to her in anger and frustration never to accomplish what I'd hoped.  Even though I do not like to admit it, she is a window into my soul as she provides the vehicle upon which to project many of the aspects of myself that I disown.

I tend to under appreciate her and favor my other horses.  In truth though, she is a horse for which to be grateful.  While my other two horses, Trooper who is still with me and Mack who crossed over the rainbow path, are mostly very amiable and willing to comply with the least suggestion, Dolly has her own mind and prefers to have it her way.  Because of Mack's and Trooper's likeable personalities, being with them has been more pleasurable.  Yet, it is Dolly who has steadfastly been the mirror that reveals the parts of the self I don't want to see.  For that, I am learning to appreciate her as well as coming to see her unique qualities.

This morning she and I had what I would consider a major break-through.  Without a lead rope, halter, whip, or any kind of device she learned to follow my lead rather than take the lead herself.  Albeit, we were going where she wanted to go and she still will not follow me just to follow me.  Nevertheless, having her politely and cordially follow my lead is something new and brings a different dimension to our relationship. 

 Each morning she looks forward to going into the next paddock where the grass is fresher and un-grazed.  She can only get there when I open the gate.  Once she knows that is where we are heading she will run past me and if I don't get out the way, she'll even push me out of her way and make a beeline to the gate. 

This morning I decided it was time that she comes to understand that her behavior is not appropriate and that following me can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.  I know she is smart so I was pretty certain it would not take her long to figure out that the only way she was going to get to the grassy paddock was by amicably following me.  Sure enough, after only four attempts, she realized that running ahead of me was not going to get her what she wanted.

Each time she ran ahead of me I stopped, turned around, and returned to the barn.  I stayed at the barn waiting until she returned from the paddock gate to fetch me.  By the fifth time, she was like another horse.  As we walked to the gate, she kept her head just past my shoulder no matter what my pace.  Even when I stopped, she maintained the perfect distance and position patiently standing until I started walking.  When we arrived at the gate, rather than rushing through it as soon as it was opened, she waited patiently until I gave her the okay to enter.

Working with her in gentle peacefulness and trusting that she would figure out the puzzle on her own was rewarding and affirming.  I'll see how it carries over to tomorrow.  It will probably require some reinforcement but I expect it will not take much and we now have a more solid platform from which to develop a better and more cordial relationship.