July 19, 2026: Lessons Learned
I do not think that all the lessons an animal learns need to be formal. Sometimes situational learning, or teachable moments, are most opportune. Last week I hopped on Raudi at the end of a group ride and asked her to do a few simple things – canter up the road, go past her buddies, side pass, back, trot, and circle. This, now that I think of it, was a lot. She did everything she was asked to do, although on our return trip back down the road, to where the others were standing, she did attempt to speed up. This successful session was what remained in my mind, after. And what remained in Raudi’s mind? I pause, for I really don’t know. I think because there was high praise that she knew that she’d done the right thing. |
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Now today, Pete and I went for a late evening ride, me on Hrimmi and him on Tyra. We took both dogs. Lately, Ryder has been lagging, so she is on an every two day outing/trail walk schedule. Pete did remark and I think that he is right – that she enjoys getting out. If she did not get out, she would no longer be with us because her muscles would by now have atrophied. We have to stop the horses and wait for her on occasion. So I had expected when we got back to the base of Jim’s Road that we’d have to wait for Ryder. But no, it was Shadow who was missing. We walked the horses and Ryder home (we always walk them to and from the trail head) thinking that Shadow had taken a short cut and that she’d come running down the driveway when we came up it. I was first, walking Hrimmi. No Shadow. So Pete, who was still on Tyra, said that he’d go back and retrace our steps in hopes of finding her. Hrimmi and Raudi were both upset, Raudi in the enclosure and Hrimmi tied up, both neighing. This was as Tyra and Pete were leaving. Pete later said that Tyra was at first slow to go but picked up speed as they headed in the direction of Jim’s Road. There they met up with Shadow, who was racing down the road. They returned to Squalor Holler, and peace and tranquility was restored. Now, it then occurred to me that as last week, the end of ride workout was a teachable moment for Raudi, Tyra’s unexpected jaunt was a teachable moment for her. She had to leave her distraught buddies and focus on the task at hand. And she did it. What Pete learned was that Tyra will do as asked. What Tyra learned was that the ride isn’t always over when you get back to the starting point. Valuable lessons for both horses. And Hrimmi? The moment of truth has yet to rear its inquisitive head. She’s the thinker of the three, so she will rise to the challenge. I am glad that other teachable moments await. |
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