Claudia showed the pair how to do cross overs – this to me was where the rubber hit the road. For instance, you might ask a dog to go through the tunnel that’s on your left, with your left hand. The dog exits the tunnel and you cross over to the other side, giving a treat with your right hand. You are then in the best position for going over a jump which is on your right side.
This reminded me of Tai Chi in that there should be a flowing movement. I watched this and other sequences very carefully because I think that the concept of crossing over is a transferable skill to horse agility. Far better to get it down now, before I take classes. This way, I won’t waste my time or anyone else’s.
I also learned that the hands are all-important. The dogs learn in their foundation courses to keep their eyes on their owner’s hands. I can definitely do this with the horses, and in fact, I’m thinking that this is going to make life way easier for them, and also Shadow.
I’m quite proud of my realization. Now all I have to do is act upon it, which might be a bit more difficult. I wonder how much smarts a horse really has. I suppose as with humans there are differing types of intelligence. Pete’s Shadow is really very intelligent, so in this respect, she has the edge over most of the other agility dogs.
I helped take down the equipment after agility class. The A-frame and the teeter totter were both quite heavy. The rest of the agility equipment was going to have to wait.
We will have class on Thursday. Then next Saturday there’s an agility clinic. I don’t know yet If I will go to the Saturday class. It will depend on the weather since the classes will be outside.
Next: 221. 8/11/20: The Hero Journey Continues |