“A special day,” was how young Alfie described the “Join Up Clinic” held last week at Hallelujah Stud with our very own horse whisperer, Vanessa Hartley. A small group of enthusiastic horse owners joined Vanessa to learn how to bond and connect with their horses using the technique developed by Monty Roberts.
Join Up is a method that establishes a partnership, strengthens the relationship and develops a strong trust between human and horse. Through a number of gradual procedures, the horse learns to obey, trust and respect his human.
Pip, a young rescue pony (above) was the perfect target for Vanessa to show by example. Until yesterday, Pip had been impossible to catch, lead or rug and had to be bribed into the round yard with a trail of hay! Vanessa admitted that this was going to be a tough call, but had faith in the technique that she is convinced, “with patience and understanding, works every time.”
Sure enough, an hour later, for the first time in his life, Pip had a headstall on and was rugged and led out of the round yard, happy and relaxed in the company of his new, two-legged friends.
Each student took their turn in the round yard, supervised by Vanessa, practicing what they had learned with their own horse, each one amazed at the incredible results that they too could achieve.
If you are looking to improve your relationship, understand your horse better or tackle a problem pony, learning join up could be the most natural and obvious way to do it.
Watching Vanessa at work is truly beautiful, the results are magical and the feelings you’re left with after seeing such trust and companionship are really very moving. Please contact us about future ‘Join Up Clinics” for both adults and children to learn in a safe and professional environment.
