Round Pen

So today started out as an average day in the life of a high school band geek. Woke up went to band practice for 3 hours. Spent the afternoon watching movies with my sister, and then came the not s normal part that I will write about.
Today I taught my sister, Sophia how to round pen. Sophia used to ride horses, but hasn't in ... a long time. Now as she says she is into dance, and gymnastics, and acting, and her cat. Never the less she has come to the barn a few times, and helped out with the arts and crafts portion of one of the summer camps. During one of these camps she saw round pen work in action. If you don't remember what round pen work is (I can't remember if I have written about it previously and don't really feel like checking) I will quickly explain. Basically, from my limited understanding, you use a horse's natural instincts to become it's leader. Horses want a leader, but you need to prove you are capable, once you are their leader the horse will willing work with you. This is just a bare bones explanation. When you do round pen work you are in a circular shaped pen, you stand in the middle and the horse is on the outside, the horse has no bridle, halter, anything like that. It just you and the horse, and a special rope that is like a communication single, but sometimes you don't even need that. You ask the horse to do something and if they do it you reward them by taking off pressure you are supposed to look at them while you do this) Now when you think the horse is ready (and there are signs) you "join up" with him/her. You go up and talk to them pet them, then turn around and walk away, if they follow you they have joined up and it is successful. If not, you work more.
So I was teaching Sofia how to do this using an older horse (but not old). She is an Arabian mare named Kompania, she is a great teacher and was the first horse I ever did round pen work with just about a year ago. (that's the picture of her by the way, sorry it's not very good) Now Kompania only joins up with a few people, she has joined up with me and one therapy kid, that's all I know of, although I am sure there are more. But still not many, I don't think I was the best teacher, but I got the basic message across to Sofia, and then she worked on it. And they where a perfect team (in my opinion) I mean Kompania was no angel for Sofia, she tested her, and helped teach her, but I think that's good. And guess what? Kompania joined up with her! Followed her all the way around the ring. Riding horses, is awesome, but there something about round pen work that's just a little better. That moment when you realize the horse is following, that big, beautiful animal has chosen to join up with you is truly magical. And it's so great to be able to share it with someone!