I'm Sure It Means SomethingDifferent In South Carolina

I had my first 'join-up' with a horse today.


(pic of Buddy to come)


A 'join-up' is where you establish dominance and the horse comes to once he sees you as the dominant of the herd. Western horseman, Monty Roberts has coined the phrase, but it's been going on since people and horses started riding together.

Last week, Buddy was protecting his new girlfriend Claire (formerly Muffin) from anyone trying to get him or her. When I went to get him, he pointed his ass towards me ready to strike. I circled, he turned and continued to point. After fifteen minutes of this game I went to get the trainer.

Today I was warned by another rider that he was still acting territorial, so I went out with low expectations but hid them once I got to the paddock gate. I went in calmly and directly towards Buddy and sure enough, he pivoted in to kicking position.

I took the lead rope and swung it toward his butt and made sharp noises. He poked away from the main eating area to it's perimeter. I gave him a few minutes to see if he'd go further or come closer; neither.

I chased him out of the area entirely and he went to lower ground, where there was some sparse hay. I followed him down and ran him off again in to an area where the snow was unmarked (not a very popular part of the paddock) and waited.

I calmed myself completely and walked towards him confidently. Surprisingly, he stayed still and quiet and let me halter him.

Tacking, during and after my ride he looked tangibly different; like a big puppy. I was shocked that my perception just from that event could be changed so dramatically and so physically.

In my debrief with my sister, she told me that he sees me differently as well. And it's how she sees all horses now as you've gained a place in the herd.