Catalina and Coltrane - Taking Root - Part Two

The fresh start is taking root. We’re a little shabby,not well-groomed, but we’re both eager to start. This our first walk about in months. Coltrane is his usual timid self; tip toeing around weeds in the arena and jumping over the small gullies caused by the winter rains. I have my flag and lightly encourage him to go in circles around me, in each direction, in each corner of the arena to help him bend and stretch, and, at the same time, get used to being in the arena again. The white plastic tubing I use for rails is stacked to the side, so this obstacle must become familiar before we can proceed. Coltrane has always had an extreme reaction to the unfamiliar. He stiffens and pulls way back, as if he’s thinking that, if he disappears, nothing can touch him. The problem is he’s sixteen and one hands high and not much can hide him. It’s important that he gives up the idea of hiding and just step up boldly to whatever is facing him. Here is where Flamenco dancing will get him right on track. We know Flamenco is all about attitude, so I’ll spend time getting him to see how much fun it is to be bold, to trust the unknown to bring adventure rather than disaster, and, hence, cure the dread. With this in mind, we walk and explore the edges of our small, flat sand arena then move on for a quiet hand walk around the property. It’s a five acre parcel with a slight slope, so it is a workout for both of us. Coltrane is pleased with this turn of events and strides with an enthusiasm that accentuates his swagger. His gait is not undisciplined, it’s merely joyful. He places his hooves down with a kind of bravado that I have never before seen in a horse. It’s as if he can barely contain himself. However, it can cause problems, because he doesn’t focus and sometimes stumbles, but, all in all, it gives him a distinctive grace. We travel up the gravel drive and I repeatedly ask him to halt, encouraging him to square up each time. Finally, he lands square on his own, and we called it a day. He chews his lips. He knows he stands to perfection, and I am pleased. Again, it’s a quirk he has about his long legs and keeping them under him. Sometimes his swagger gets him lightly, but lazily, dragging one or the other hoof along. Coltrane is interesting to be sure. Probably the most interesting horse I’ve ever worked with, but interesting can be challenging. We’ll be doing a lot of halt, walk, and back up to get him supple, light and focused. Me too. I notice that as I focus and keep my shoulders absolutely square while facing him, he mirrors me and stands with all four legs on the ground directly under him. Horse handling is a humbling lesson in the art of body language. I am acutely aware of how dulled my silent language skills have become. I’m eager to refine my communication moves and have a conversation that Coltrane can understand.

Adios amigos,
Catalina and Coltrane