Using Technology to Tell Stories

We have had a late entry into our ABC Project and Peter has graciously allowed our new friend, Marianne from New Zealand, to submit a movie about the letter D. It’s a wonderful profile of a very special animal.

Here is her script:

D is for Deputy Girl

Deputy Girl is a twelve year old thoroughbred mare who has taught me a lot about understanding horses. I was very new to owning horses when we first met four years ago and I had a lot to learn. Deputy Girl immediately took the position of dominant mare in my small herd. We thought she was aggressive because she used to turn her back on us a lot. This behavior can be an indication of a horse getting ready to kick you with their back feet. A friend of mine who had a lot more experience with horses said that behavior was not acceptable and suggested immediately hitting her on the back when ever she turned on us. I had no intention of hitting her and was interested in finding a different way. So my friend told me about two Monty Roberts’ trainers who were based in New Zealand. Monty Roberts is the original horse whisperer who has a ranch in California.

I spent a week in training learning the silent language ‘Equus’. When I got home I had a lovely time reconnecting with my horses. When I was leaving the paddock Deputy Girl walked me to the gate. When I was on the other side she turned her back on me. It didn’t make sense that she would threaten me after a lovely visit. As I stood there reflecting on what was happening she leaned into the gate and started rubbing back and forth. She wasn’t trying to threaten me.

Deputy Girl has now trained us to respond to her wishes on demand. It is not a behavior that we are encouraging in her foals.

D is for Deputy Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MN05lpEhLM

I created it using Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0.

Reflections on the lessons I learned from my horse about communication and trust are also relevant for many aspects of life.

– Kevin