ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS

The Walkabout Trail: Obstacle Course

Description

The Walkabout Trail Obstacle Course has the same inherent qualities of concept and design as the Convalescence Pathway. In fact, the Obstacle Course differs only in design; the greatly increased length of the approximate 125 feet of lineal length is increased to upwards of 300 feet or more, allowing for more vigorous exercise over the course itself. THT International designs each course based on the desires, goals, and needs of the owners, trainers and athletes. Behavior and IHP assessments of the equine(s) that might use the course for exercise and training go far in dictating the design, as does the levels of abilities of the equine. The obstacles designed are done so with the view of assisting the horse in his/her continuing development. Any number of obstacles can be designed and utilized, even dealing with peripheral sight issues that cause sudden fearful reactions in the unsuspecting horse.

The Theory behind the Obstacle Course

The Walkabout Obstacle Course goes very far in the building, or re-building of trust and equine self awareness, footing confidence, health and balance; a natural fluidity between the leader and the follower. The horse is equipped to live in a world where they allow themselves to be dependent upon each other, namely a herd leader; in order for the individual to survive, the unit must therefore survive. The horse's salvation is its feet and the ground upon which he or she walks. Think of yourself off balance or on shaky ground, when you can you will lean on someone or something to aid you. When traversing a trail, you may find yourself more comfortable following behind someone who has just gone through successfully. The person, leading you through safely, becomes your leader, and you will trust in them and follow them the next time. You will innately look to that kind of person when a traumatic situation occurs. The horse operates in much the same manner, for he too is a social animal. The placement of the horse in the herd hierarchy dictates what number he or she is behind the lead horse, if not the lead, when traversing down slopes in the wild, finding water, feed, safety. The horse leans on the leader for assurance and guidance. THT's desire of ...bringing the outside in, is the basis for the Walkabout Obstacle Course design. The course can be designed for case specific needs with room to add. The sandy footing at various speeds and movement creates a gentle, though mildly insecure footing for the horse who is trying to keep pace with his human leader, as well as maneuver over or around objects or what to me are the most affective foundation building blocks, perceived objects. The sometimes there, sometimes not there peripheral training tools may very well be the cornerstones of foundation remodeling of your horse. The horse being a flight response animal has to have with that the ability to ascertain and learn very quickly. If not, the poor creature would be running around like a mad demon at every rustling leaf that blows by. These peripheral response mechanisms keep the horse alive in the wild, but can make training him for cutting, trailing, or dressage and even racing, turn into what might seem a useless nightmare. Indeed, your useless pasture pal, very well may only be one psychotherapy technique away from unleashing his/her potential. The THT Walkabout Trail Obstacle Course is designed with a reverse destination in mind. No skyscraper can reach its height without first having a solid foundation, when you rebuild, very often an object is torn down to its very foundation, revamped, and rebuilt. THT concepts are based upon these very things. The term bringing the outside, in..., means just that. The Walkabout is designed and developed to make the artificial environment, a little less artificial. It is not a riding arena type set-up, the key to the workings of the trail lay in the fact that the human leading the horse through the course is on solid footing, and therefore the steps are smooth and even. The human, being on solid ground, shows only signs of sure footed steps and pace changing with ease, the horse will learn to trust the leader, and the footing, from the confident motions of the leader, just like in the wild. Building dependence and trust means the horse waits for the action and reaction of the leader to guide his/her movements manifesting the essential basics of codependent survival. These very basic and natural dynamic building blocks of a new foundation and trusting relationship can only start in the beginning. Every facet of the Walkabout Trail designs, Obstacle Course and Convalescence Pathway alike, are based on Thomas Herding Technique's and the natural herd dynamic. The foundation lain out and built properly upon leadership and trust, obstacles can be added, with that same relationship carrying over. A trusting relationship with your horse does not start with the treat in your pocket. The social ladder of the herd is based upon movement and body language and a confidence to lead properly. You want your horse to do the dance, follow the trail, or cross the obstacle, ignore the dog and stick by you, because they see you as their leader, and know they are safe when near you. The goal behind the design of the Walkabout Trail is twofold; the physical benefits of the soft yet heavy footing to condition the heart and other muscles, without overt pressure placed on ligaments or tendons, allows for exercise and recovery training. And also, the horse has the opportunity to fully accept the human leader as trustworthy, based on the most important aspect of equine individual safety, movement. From walking the newborn, to rehabbing the infirm, THT's Walkabout Trail groundwork designs strive to reestablish the foundation; control of the hoof, control of motion, are the basics of the equine world.

The Difference

At THT, you do not and will not get anything from a box, or a one-size-fits-all approach. The Walkabout Trail, Obstacle Course is designed only after a behavioral assessment of the horse(s), a consideration of the goals and a design endeavoring to reestablish a new foundation in areas that are apparent. THT prides itself on offering only case specific, individualistic services based on the breakdown of the equine puzzle of life, disclosing the possible missing pieces, and supplementing those new foundation building, on-site and case specific psychotherapy techniques. Not every human has the same needs, nor does every horse. In an effort to bring as much of the natural herding dynamic as is possible into the artificial, human environment, THT stands firm in its belief and in its effort, that the only true-to-the-horse efforts lay within the concept of bringing the outside, in.

Maintenance & Care

The trail for the most part requires only raking of the footing. It is up to the owner or care takers to take advantage of the optional roll-tarp covering which is manually put into place and secured. Common-sense care is essentially all that is required. Over time additional sand may need added in.

Costs

THT International provides the design layout that best suits your property location and site area. Working with the owner or manager and with the contractor, whether supplied by THT where and when available, or supplied by the property owner, THT International will assist in the oversight of the THT Walkabout Trail protocols, design specifics and implementations. Costs of labor and materials varies from place to place, an estimate can be attained by the contractor based on time and conditions, and availability of the products required to develop the trail. THT International charges are also based on time, distance and location. Inquire for initial consultation and firm quote.