Should I Bring My Horse to the Conference?
The choice to bring your horse or not will inevitably be left to your decision but if you are wondering if you should or shouldn't, here are are 4 questions you can think about and want to take into consideration.
Question 1.
Does your horse settle into new circumstances easily or does he become unconfident? An unconfident horse will need more of your time and energy. This may not let you join in on some of the presentations and activities that you wanted to.
Question 2.
Has your horse frequently been off-property? This can be very unsettling to any horse. Without some past experience such as going to clinics or camping with your horse, you might find you have a horse that needs your guidance for a great deal of the time, Will he be confident without you? The Conference is designed partially for you to be away from your horse and we wouldn't want you to miss important activities.
Question 3.
Have you introduced your horse to staying outside overnight? If not this might cause extra stress. Note: during my clinics, I have not had a problem with this as horses will be able to see each other in our panel stall configuration. However, it may be too difficult a change for horses that are brought into a barn at night.
Question 4.
Is your horse a little herd-boound? Horses who are very quick to buddy up to the herd that is around them, may be unconfident when taken away from that situation. Will your horse become unconfident when walking together or riding away from the herd? Many of the activities planned will be directed to quiet times of walking, sitting, and reflecting with or without your horse. Will you be able to do this with your horse beside you without him/her becoming unconfident?
The learning that you will receive can either be a part of your time here with your horse or be absorbed, shared and
understood, transferred and practiced when you get home. There is no judgment either way, as I am sure there will be plenty of horse aura here at DFHC.
If you are still not sure, please feel free to chat with Judy Griffiths.
Regards