Yield the Forequarters is arguably the hardest exercise in the entire Method for people and horses to learn. What makes it so difficult? “That’s easy,” Professional Clinician Shana Terry says, “The problem isn’t that the exercise itself is that difficult, it’s just that most horses simply do not want to help you. By being able to yield a horse’s forequarters 360 degrees around his hindquarters, you’re completely taking away his power to push you around. This is especially true for horses that have spent a long time acting dominant toward people. They are unwilling to give up that last bit of their union card. So don’t feel bad if you’re struggling with this exercise, but do find a way to get on the right track.”
In the Summer Journal (out this month), Shana offers valuable insight to members on how to correct common mistakes and refine the exercise in her “Critique Me!” column as she reviews a member’s video. Deidra Dunkel sent in a video of practicing the exercise Yield the Forequarters with her horse, Amber. “When I first got Amber, she had multiple issues, from bucking like a rodeo bronc under saddle to constantly trying to kick my head off. Thanks to the Method, she is a completely different horse, but we still struggle with getting Yield the Forequarters right,” Deidra explained in her application. In her video, she shows the different ways she has tried positioning her body and holding the stick to get Amber to pivot on her back end properly. With Shana’s help, Deidra should have Amber yielding her forequarters like a pro in no time.
To view Deidra’s video, log on to the No Worries Club forums and go to the Critique Me thread. To read Shana’s tips, go to page 138 in the Summer Journal. View the online addition of the Journal here http://www.noworriesclub.com/downloads/journals/2013/Summer/Summer2013.php.
Wish you could get Shana’s advice on an exercise in the Method? Make it a reality by submitting a video to be critiqued. Go to our Casting Call webpage and follow the directions to apply for Shana’s help.
