Setting Goals for 2017

MY TOOLS:

• Clicker Training to reinforce desired behavior and insure that Jillie understand exactly what it is that I want from her and feels rewarded when she provides it.
• TTEAM Groundwork to build confidence and add interest and variety to our efforts.
• Agility Exercises to strengthen our communication with each other and build the necessary relationship for liberty work.
• Bodywork to support Jillie’s development and comfort in her training program.
• Connected Groundwork to address areas of concern when they arise and help develop Jillie’s ability to travel in a functional posture.
• Straightness Training to develop Jalila’s mind and body and improve the effectiveness of my training methods.

 
MY GOALS:

• Getting Jillie to perform all of her groundwork and liberty tasks in good (functional) posture. I don’t just want her to do something, I want her to do it correctly and well. This will make every element beautiful and beneficial.
• Clicker train Jillie to touch perform some complicated tasks by having her touch cones and balls on sticks as part of her obedience and brain integration physical therapy program.
• Use TTEAM groundwork to maintain concentration skills in slow tasks and introduce her to obstacles and elements that she will encounter in her agility courses.
• Perfect my ability to lead Jillie effectively on a loose line by establishing consistent use of body language and signals to guide her without picking up the line in preparation for liberty and agility work.
• Continue to support her with regular bodywork and work to develop evenness in the opposing muscle groups of Jillie’s hips and shoulders to support functional posture by following the Straightness Training program.
• Document out progress on my website to share experiences, elicit comments from friends and pressure myself to stay focused. 

II am new to the Straightness Training program and am excited, inspired and motivated by it. Marijke de Jong presents an amazing amount of focused information and clearly defines exercises and goals to make every horse the best athlete possible. I love it and will share Jalila’s progress as I make my way through it.