25th October, 2015 Maybe Baby

Inspired by a debate with my new friend who's a scientist about the significance of the running foot, I think it is this. The running foot represents indecision - and calling it an indecision foot would be a more accurate way of describing it. It is however, the exact opposite of a resting foot.

Indecision in the horse is a brilliant thing because it means that the horse is:

• not being instinctive - their brain is engaged and they are thinking
• they are giving something their attention - although it may not be you!
• they are exercising choice - so they realise they have one
• they are offering you a 'maybe'
• they may choose to  do 'the right thing, i.e., what you want - or not!
• they have given you a chance to modify your ask or what you are asking for
• giving you a chance to  make your ask more clear yet more subtle
• giving you time to read his mood and mind - you may need to get off or stop what you are doing
• giving you an opportunity to help him, and help him decide

What could represent indecision in a horse?

• a 'running' foot (1)
• an ear 'indicator' (2)
• hesitation in movement
• tripping
• an 'Isle of Wight' eye - watch out he may be about to bite you (3)
• a flickering ear
• high head carriage
• tense lower jaw (4)

If you can get it right at this particular moment then you can get

• what you wanted or an approximation of it - a try
• a stronger bond of trust as the horse realises that you are part of the solution not part of the problem.

Allow your horse to be indecisive and don't force his choice with a big effort. Be clear and be clever so that you just tip the balance. 

(1) See post below for running feet

(2) Horses often point their ear just before they move off in a new direction just like old fashioned cars where the indicator popped out of the side - I know, you are too young to remember! Anyway, it's an indication that they are thinking of changing course and you can help them to decide which way to go or redirect them. Don't turn them into hazard lights.

(3) Horses that are angry of ten have a little twitch in the bottom eyelid which pulls it down so that the eye becomes diamond shaped and this can be a forerunner to them attacking.

(4) Horses that are worried tend to tense their bottom jaw so that they look as if the top jaw is longer. The bottom jaw becomes triangular and hard.

I will endeavour to get pictures even if it means annoying my horse.