Arkham in the round pen.

Arkham Asylum

How much fun can one horse be? Arkham is a OTTB and very curious, playful and clearly photogenic. He can get overly excited but he can also be led on draw reins from 5 feet behind him. He is also pretty sensitive and currently attached to Tenaya so we have to be mindful if we want to split them up for lessons. Michele, his owner calls him her ‘project horse’ and she has brought him along way in his journey.

  • Bodywork

    We were working together on a Technique from the Masterson Method® called the Withers Roll. I had brought his attention to a spot on his sternum that he was a little worried about. I softened my hands and waited until he relaxed his head down. Then I used my left hand and pushed up and away on his withers, very gently. It is more of an intention of moving the body parts that allows for slight movement in the fascia around his thoracic sling. This simple Technique done with the horse in a relaxed state can help the pectorals and shoulders move more freely. This creates a more balanced and relaxed horse when in training, working or just herding around.

  • Groundwork

    Arkham likes to have a good roll as soon as we bring him into the arena and sometimes he gets to do just that. If he is feeling lively, he runs around a bit first and doesn’t want to be caught. He is one of the most playful horses I have ever met and he loves to chew on anything that is near him. Some people might think that he is getting away with too much but he is a happy horse and when he gets down to work, he moves beautifully. He has had some issues as most horses do but love and kindness have been a great way to work with him.

  • Playtime

    This started as a groundwork session and turned into a playtime session. Mostly because when you are working at liberty, they don’t have to do what you want. It might be frustrating to some people I would rather not have an agenda with horses. They sense it and that can create a lot of anxiety.

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Scouty