Raccoon touches and the lick of the cow's tongue

Watching my little boy’s quarter horse trying to fit in with a whole new herd this week while adjusting to her new home reminds me of how difficult and scary it was to be the new kid in school. (Which I was several times.) Upon bringing the mare home, she transformed from a calm, collected model of equine decorum to a nervous, scared horse. As much as I wish I could, I can’t just talk to Piñon and let her know everything’s going to be OK, but I can communicate to her that this is a safe place, that she belongs here, and that we’re trustworthy.
How am I doing that?
Touch.

Linda Tellington Jones' TTouch is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence—a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body."
Massage your horse? Yes! I’ve been doing it for years. With very positive results. Think about how good it feels to have your back rubbed. Your feet massaged. Your hair brushed. Well, horses like it too. And it boosts their confidence. I've even solved some behavioral problems with it.

The Tellington TTouch is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. Developed by internationally recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington Jones, this method based on cooperation and respect offers a positive approach to training, can improve performance and health and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. It also helps establish a deeper rapport between humans and animals through increased understanding and more effective communication.

After her TTouch session last night (the touches have names like Clouded Leopard, Python Lift, Raccoon Touches and Lick of the Cow’s Tongue), Piñon and I took a stroll together around the ranch so she could get a closer look at her new home. She followed me placidly on a loose lead. The horse’s nervous edge was gone, no more jigging around because she’s scared, in a new place, with total strangers.
Piñon and I are beginning to develop a rapport. Thanks to the power of touch.
(And here's another tip ... The TTouch works on kids and husbands too!)
Source: Linda Tellington-Jones


