Focus on the horse's breathing
Following the stillness, following the approach and retreat, the next step of our dialogue is about touch.
Our touch is decisive, weighted touch without any directional intent.
The touch can be stroking. I like to keep my stroking curious. I assign myself the task of finding small anchors with the surfaces of my palm and fingers along the withers, against the long planes of his face, under the mouth. I am seeking spaces most humans do not use as stroking surfaces.
If I am intent upon my task and not waiting for any outcomes I can keep the flow easy and free.
The stillness is about resting into a point of contact. Stillness is not about waiting; stillness is no longer about time. I try not to be waiting.
I focus on the horse's breathing.
Posted by JoAnna Mendl Shaw at 7:30 AM - Permalink
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Stillness Scores
In our work with rider-less horses we practice "Stillness Scores." They are performed most successfully when the horses are grazing in a large, open field.
The "Stillness Score" is a quiet mirroring exercise in which we spatially align our spines - head and tail - with our equine partner. We mirror the smallest shift of weight or change of focus. We try to find a common breath.
Our stillness is what catches their eye.
Before long the horse's ear is on us.
Once this has been accomplished release the intensity of time and space.
Walk away. Move out of stillness. Open the space between...
Second rule of engagement. Release.
Repeat this process many times: Approach. Retreat. Shrink the space.
This becomes a dance that is all about shaping the space between myself and the horse.
Patience.
If I practice this score long enough, if my movement is fluid enough, if my stillness is patient enough, I might become the leader.
Posted by JoAnna Mendl Shaw at 8:53 AM - Permalink
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