Argus’s Rehabilitation

Determined to give him her best, Emily worked daily with this lovely gentleman, initially walking with him in hand and then on a 5m rope in a circle in the arena; she discovered that he’s receptive to voice and contact from the lunge rope – walking confidently in a circle to words of encouragement. Building on her relationship with him, Emily lead him out for walks in the countryside and he only bumps into her when she forgets to keep talking or singing. She is also teaching him, using a series of clicks, to judge distance to walls, and believes he will benefit from sound-based ‘clicker’ training. He also responds to ‘hup’ to lift his feet over obstacles. Emily has created a padded head-collar, so when he has to be stabled he doesn’t bump his face too often. 

She added, “He is teaching me important skills in handling sighted horses, such as moving them carefully and assisting their balance during riding. But more than that, he gives me something inexpressible – a sense of calm and connection through his quiet dignity and vulnerability – was this the key?”

Supported by the expertise of the vet, Natalia, and barefoot blacksmith, Daniela, Argus made significant progress over the summer.

But will anyone ever sit on his back again? 

Emily asked riders of different ages and abilities to ride him on the lunge rope – using a saddle and also a vaulting surcingle with two handles. She encouraged the riders to work on their seat, balance, and bareback skills and give aids which used the riders sight and not reply on Argus.

Whilst working, Emily observed Argus appear to enjoy company and also working. In the arena, where he executes dressage moves, moving sideways to the lightest touch of the rider’s leg. He also tries the Spanish walk using only the voice, contact from the rein/lunge and touches with a stick.

Emily sought those who rode Argus at the riding school, his previous home, where he helped students learn dressage but they didn’t know about his past, unfortunately.

Recently, Pedro, an expert in dressage from the classical tradition of Nunez Oliviero (master of Portuguese Doma), rode Argus. He was pleasantly surprised by how responsive and light on the aids he was, considering him a real schoolmaster. Not only executing Doma Vaquera moves, Pedro also took Argus out for hacks in the Galician countryside.

Pedro commented. “I honestly like this horse. He remembers his Doma Vaquera training, and he waits for the rider to instruct him. The rider needs to be confident with his seat, leg, and hand aids to get the best out of him–to direct him and help him balance. He understands lateral commands, canter piroutte, etc. He is calm and has a wonderful rhythm in all his paces. When his muscles are rebuilt, he will be a first class ‘Golega’.

“Although you will have to be careful with him and be his eyes, his lack of sight does not hinder him once he trusts you. With a good partner they could master the heights.”

---

If you love horses as much as I do, read my horsey books. Amalie, The Bronze-Age Series and follow a teen who not only rescues Roble from wolves but is rescued in return when she is forced to leave her village after being made an orphan.

And I mustn’t forget Gelvira, The Brabarian Chronicles, a step back to the days of the declining Roman Empire and follow another teen as she navigates this turbulant time with her stallion, Hawk.

And now, sit back, immerse yourself in horsey tales and enjoy.