tteam connections - Tellington TTouch Training

TELLINGTON TTOUCH TRAINING
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Volume 9 Issue 3
July-September 2007
From Linda’s desk
I often feel challenged
to decide which of my
many activities to share
with you all, but without a doubt, the highlight of the last quarter
of a year was my 70th
birthday! And what
made it so special was
the connection with
hundreds of my
TTouch family around
the world. It began in
mid June and I’m still
receiving messages in
August. I’m still in the
process of printing out
each email and adding
them to the marvelous
binder full of 203 messages I received
from the European TTouch Practitioners.
The original intension of the TTEAM
guild in Germany was to gather case studies from all over Europe, and there are
many impressive case studies, but most
practitioners sent greetings and photos
with their family of animals and people
and stories of how the work has influenced
their lives. I keep the book on my desk
and every day I’ve been going through it.
It’s fun and inspiring now to add in the
greetings and photos from practitioners
from the U.S. and the U.K. Thank you all,
thank you.
Because we had the big Cellebration in
Scottsdale last year, I decided to keep my
birthday celebration limited to only a few
Inside this issue:
friends gathering in Santa Fe.
However, I wanted to find a
way to include everyone who
wanted to celebrate with me,
so I sat down, cleared my
mind, opened my heart and
waited to see what inspiration
would come.
That’s how I got the vision of
weaving a web of Light and
sending a HeartHug around
the world. Thank you, thank
you to all who joined the
TTouch Family weaving a
web of Light and Love that
day. I’ve had lots of followup wanting to know how it
was for the fourteen friends
who met with me at Priscilla Hoback’s Arabian Horse Farm that day.
It was a perfect New Mexico summer day –
around 90 degrees – and we spent the afternoon sitting in a circle in the shade of an
ancient oak tree, “talking story” - sharing
memories of our times together. Between
the 14 of us we had known each other for a
total of 289 years!
Shortly before 3:00 pm I read messages
from many who had asked to be brought
into the circle for healing, and then at 3:00
PM we tuned in and sent HeartHugs and
visualized a web of Light that spanned the
globe. Then each person recalled a story
about our times together.
From Linda’s Desk
1-7
Letters
8-9
Message from The Spirit
of the Horse poem
9
Using a Fusion of TTEAM
& Clicker Training with
Giraffes
10-16
The Effects of TTouchanother perspective
17
Change Happens
18-19
Personality Analysis—
Bjoska
20-22
Equine Ulcers
23-27
Cellebration DVD’s
28-29
TTouch & the Khulisa
Project
Workshop dates
TTEAM-USA
P.O. Box 3793
Santa Fe, NM 87501
1-800 854-8326
[email protected]
TTEAM-Canada
5435 Rochdell Rd.
Vernon, B.C. V1B 3E8
1 800 255-2336
[email protected]
30
31-32
I’ve had so much enjoyment recalling the adventures with
my friends that I decided for this newsletter report to “talk
story” with you and share some of the experiences we’ve all
had together over these years.
Shannon Weil and I go back to1968. She was 18 years old
when she spent a year at our Pacific Coast Equestrian Research Farm and School of Horsemanship owned and operated by my husband, Wentworth Tellington and me. We
had a marvelous 9-month residential school for riding instructors and trainers at Badger, California, with students
attending from nine countries and 36 states over the 10
years we had the school. Each week-day students had three
hours of riding instruction, supervised study sessions on all
aspects of management, judging, training, feeding, ailments
and illness; worked with young horses, and the care and
feeding of the two horses they were responsible for. Each
Friday there was a two hour written exam and many weekends we took the whole class to a horse show, endurance
ride or combined training event. In order to graduate a student had to compete in both Western and English pleasure
classes, a combined training event, hunter classes, score
50% or better in a 2nd level dressage competition, and complete a 50 mile endurance ride. In the riding exams they had
to jump a three-foot cross-country course bareback. Shannon said the time at our school empowered her in a way that
has influenced her entire life.
Mission Statement
Animal Ambassadors International is an educational organization
dedicated to sharing the TTEAM philosophy and techniques in
order to develop a deeper understanding of animals and ourselves,
and to heal our relationships with each other, nature and the environment.
TTEAM Philosophy
•
To honour the role of animals as our teachers.
•
To bring awareness to the importance of animals in our lives.
•
To encourage harmony, cooperation and trust between humans
and animals amongst humans.
•
To recognize the individual learning process of every human
and animal.
•
To respect each animal as an individual.
•
To teach interspecies communication through the TTouch
•
To work with animals using understanding instead of dominance.
Founder
Editor & Publisher
Linda Tellington-Jones
Robyn Hood
Contributing Writers
Brigitte Heyer
Shelly Moore
Amy Phelps
Margaret Siverns
Sue White
She, on the other hand, was indirectly responsible for a
huge shift in my life. At a New Years Eve party at her parent’s house in Pasadena, California – sometime in the
1960’s – the conversation turned toward unemployment
benefits. Shannon’s mother believed that we all have a collective responsibility to those less fortunate and needed to
support unemployment. I found this fascinating because my
husband was a staunch Republican and believe that anyone
who collected unemployment benefits was taking advantage
and was without work by choice. I was very touched by the
empathy and support that was voiced in the discussion and
that was the night I switched parties and became a Democrat.
Editorial & Subscription Office:
5435 Rochdell Rd.
Vernon, B.C. V1B 3E8
Ph: 1 800– 255-2336 (P.S.T.)
Fax: 1 250 545-9116
Email: [email protected]
Denise Lynch is a poetess living in the village of Gallisteo,
New Mexico. We first met in 1983 at a TTEAM training
organized by her mother, Priscilla Hoback. Denise was with
me for my 50th birthday celebration in 1987 in Tblisi, Georgia in Southern Russia. That year I led a group to Austria
(where we visited Piber, the national stud of the Lippizaners for the Spanish riding school; on to Russia where we
were taken on a forest ride out of the Bitza Equestrian center – the venue for the Russian Equestrian Olympics that the
U.S. boycotted; ending our three week journey in Iceland
where we tölted across the tundra under the midnight sun
and attended a horse competition with over 1000 Icelandic
horses contained in big herds by a single wire electric fence.
TTEAM Connections is published quarterly.
Checks payable to TTEAM or payment by Visa, MC
Subscription rate: U.S. $30.00 US per 4 issues in US
In Canada: 25.00 including GST
Overseas: 35.00
Reproduction of any materials without written permission from the
editor is prohibited.
Copyright Linda Tellington-Jones 2007
Printed in Canada on Recycled Paper
TTEAM Connections
Denise recalled a birthday gift I received from our Russian
hostess, Irena Zguridy, who was a budding young film
maker. Irena had invited my group of 14 women (including
Copper Love) for dinner. Someone mentioned that it was
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July-September 2007
my birthday and without comment Irena excused herself from
the table and left the house. Twenty minutes later she arrived
back in a taxi carrying an armful of 50 red roses. What a gift!
In those days of the former Soviet Union, roses were so pricey
that people could earn their daily bread by flying from southern
Russia to Moscow to sell a dozen roses on the street.
(This was on another trip “Down Under” to Australia where I
asked everyone to ride in a costume for the five day camel trek
in the Outback north of Alice Springs.)
ON THE JET STREAM THE HOURS TO THE SOUTHERN CROSS, IN
ROUTE TOTHE LEUMURIANS, WE WROTE THE ANIMALS NAMES
FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH WE TOUCHED EACH OTHER. IT WAS
ONE LONG HUGE VISION QUEST TO DOWN UNDER.
Denise wrote this poem for my birthday:
LTJ
(These lines are in reference to the birth of the idea of giving
animal names for each TTouch. Several mornings on the desert
Marnie Reeder had led us through some Tai Chi movements
with the charming names of “The Horse” and “The Cloud”. I
was inspired to find names to describe the work. In those days
the Leading Exercises had numbers like “Work Between Two
Hands - a,b,c & d”. It was on the plane from Alice Springs to
Sydney, Australia that Dingo, Cueing the Camel, Boomers
Bound, The Elegant Elephant, and Dolphins Flickering
Through The Waves emerged.)
JUNE 30, 2007
WOMAN OF CONSONANTS, SHARING ALWAYS THE
IMPORTANCE OF BEING A VOWEL. MY CANADIAN
FAIRY GOD MOTHER. I SAW YOU ONE NIGHT UNDER
A NEW MOON, STARLIGHT IN THE HIGH DESERT BASIN.
YOU WALKING BETWEEN WORLDS AND I IN A RHYTHM OF THE
MEDIUM CANTER.
MY HORSE REMEMBERED YOU FROM HIS FIRST
HALTERING. THE THREE OF US AN ANCIENT PYRAMID
AN OMEN OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. ALL OF US
EACH OTHER’S ANGELS, WHILE WE WORE PAINTED NAILS AND
TELEPHONES.
WE HAD SUSHI IN HAWAII AND NO SEAT BELTS ON THE RUSSIAN
JETS. THEY GAVE YOU A GOOSE AND ME SOME AMBER BEADS
AND WE SAVED HORSES AND HEARTS WITH OUR BARE HANDS
THROUGH HUSBANDS, LOVERS AND TRUTH.
(Denise was drawn to me because I wore nail polish, unlike so
many horsewomen she knew.)
MY SON PLAYING WITH THE FREED LABORATORY MONKEYS.
I ADMIRE THE VARIETY OF YOU!
WE TOLTED IN THE MIDNIGHT SUN SETTING,
WE WHISPERED TO ANDRE THINGS NEW AND THAT WHICH HE
HAD BEGUN.
THE EMPEROR’S BOX IN VIENNA OVERFLOWING WITH REFLECTIONS, TREASURES IN PEARLS AND COINED
PHRASES. WITNESSES OF MEN
IN RED COATS, WHITE HORSES AND WISHES, ALL
THIS IN THE MIDST OF CHERNOBLE.
(Denise brought her nine-month old son to meet the Macaque
monkeys the first day they arrived at the office in New Mexico
from Hunter College in New York City. They had been caged
alone for 16 years. They were so fascinated by Shawn that they
forgot to be nervous about each other, and within minutes they
were grooming each other.)
(We had the honor of being invited to sit in the emperor’s box
seats for the morning practice at the Spanish Riding School
because I had given a TTouch workshop to riders and trainers
of the Spanish Riding School in 1984.
Our travels took us within 200 miles of the Chernoble nuclear
explosion and some of us were engaged in shamanistic clearing. )
WE CHOSE SILKS ON THREE CONTINENTS AND
FLOWERS EVERYWHERE. WE PRACTICED
AWARENESS AND COMPASSION, WHILE THE ELEPHANT EMPRESS
ATE HER LEMON DROPS AND THE SIZE OF HER SOUL BECAME
THAT DISSOLVE. COMFORTED AND ACKNOWLEGED SHE,
WE CARED FOR JOYCE THE PYTHON WITH OUR WHOLE TEAM.
SHE TOOK AWAY THE NEED FOR SEQUENCE. WE ADDED MOMENTS TO FILM THAT WERE TO LAST ALL LIFE TIMES. STORIES
THAT STRETCHED THE BEAUTY OF THIS SNAKE, BREATHING,
REACHING TO YOU AT THE HEAD,
THEN OTHERS, AND ME IN THE MIDDLE ALWAYS YOUR DEVOTED
GEMINI. THINKING AND FEELING, THE HUMAN CONVERGENCE
OF INTELLIGENCE TO COMFORT AND HEALING.
WITH MASSIVE DIGNITY, HELPED US LET HER GO.
I REMEMBER READING “WISDOM PROVES IT’S INVISIBILITY ALL THE
TIME.”
AND SO DO YOU MOST FAVOURITE WHITE WITCH.
IN MIND’S EYE I CAN ALWAYS SEE YOU, AS THE GREAT CHIEF,
MANY WINDS SPEAKER,
WITH DOLPHINS REACHING UP INTO YOUR TOUCH AND AS
THE LOVELY BRIDE IN NAMBE LEVADING, IN THE SUNLIGHT.
(Denise was with the group of students who accompanied me to
work with Joyce, the eleven foot python the day before I presented at the 20th annual San Diego Zoo Keepers Conference.)
(I wrote about Empress in our newsletter many years ago. She
was a lone elephant in the Honolulu zoo and I had been asked
to work with her in the hope I could help relieve the pain she
was in due to abscesses on her feet.)
ONCE ON A CAMEL WITH A WAND AND A SIDE PASS,
IN SAND AND SKIRTS WE FED THE SPRINGS AT ALICE
WITH OUR IMAGINATIONS. DRIVING ON THE RIGHT, LEADING
WOMEN TO SEE “CAT’S” AND KNOWING ALL
ALONG HOW PRECIOUS OUR TIMES TOGETHER AND
VISIONS TO COME.
TTEAM Connections
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND THANK-YOU FOR YOUR
WONDERFULNESS
3
July-September 2007
When the starting gun went off the camels lurched to a stand
and took off at a flying gallop - half of them headed down the
racetrack and the other half bolted back to the holding area. I
was one of the lucky ones whose camel headed in the intended
direction with me yelling like a banshee and rhythmically whipping the air (not the camel) with my riding crop!! My poor
camel must have been shocked by my wild behavior because
just the week before our whole group had been TTouching
these camels every night at the end of our day’s trek. I’m sure
hoping he forgave me.
By the way, for those of you who know Marty McGee Bennett
(www.CAMELIDynamics.com) our TTouch llama Instructor,
you should know she was on that trip – and boy oh boy – did
she transform. She should have a before and after photo on her
website
Photo: Denise Lynch and Shawn meeting Gaia and Roberta,
Macquacs who had just arrived in my Santa Fe office and been
introduced to each other fir the first time after 16 years where
they could not see another being of their own species. After
these short moments they began grooming each other.
Our hostess for the day, Priscilla Hoback, is responsible for me
moving to Santa Fe in 1989. At the lunch break during a 2-day
seminar I taught in eastern New Mexico in 1983, Priscilla told
me about her Arabian mare who had been badly injured on her
left hind fetlock and had been written off as hopeless by several
veterinarians including those at the University of Colorado veterinary school. She asked me if there was any chance I could
come to Galisteo to TTouch her mare. I apologized and told her
the soonest I was free would be in six months, but the very day
I returned home to Carmel I had one of those “knowing feelings” that I had to go to Santa Fe to work with her mare. I was
there within a month and Priscilla told the story of how after
observing her mare carefully I told her that the leg would not
heal until the mare would allow Priscilla to work on her ears –
which could not be touched at the time. It wasn’t easy, but by
the end of a week-long training the mare could be handled over
her whole body, and the leg healed so well that several months
later when Priscilla’s vet came out to visit another horse he did
not recognize the injured mare. Her leg was normal. Actually,
it’s one of Priscilla’s mares that is on the cover of my “Ultimate
Equine Behavior” book.
Lili Townsend lives on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is a
Minister of Fun in the Church of One who travels the globe
spreading the message to “remember we are all One”. Lili was
our minister who joined Roland and me in holy matrimony in
Santa Fe seven years ago. Lili was a member of a group I led
to Australia in 1983 entitled “Transformation on the Trail”. At
the party she had us all mesmerized with the story of her adventures of a few of the group who split off for a transformational
experience in a cave at the base of Uluru (formerly called Ayers
Rock) while the rest of us were attending the camel races in
Alice Springs. Actually, I did slightly more than attend. I was a
camel jockey and placed 5th out of an initial lineup of 13 camels. This is an annual event – not to be missed – that takes
place on the local racetrack. Our camels were “hushed” down
(that means lying down with their legs folded under them).
There were so many fascinating stories but there is not space
enough to tell them all, so I will just hit a few more highlights.
Ella Bittel spent a summer driving me all over Germany and
Switzerland the year she graduated from the University of Hannover Veterinary School. I traded her clinics in return for her
driving and helping with equipment sales and organization. At
one point I left her for a month at the stable of Klaus Balkenhol
with the assignment of TTEAMing an 18 hand Grand Prix dressage horse named World Star who could not be loaded into a
trailer. I gave her detailed instructions of how to prepare the
horse step by step and she succeeded over a period of several
weeks. It was a little risky leaving her there because she did not
exactly fit the picture – looking like a hippy student and driving
a real hippy van! Plus, for those of you not acquainted with the
world of dressage, it’s necessary to know that Klaus Balkenhol
is an Olympic gold medal winner in dressage and must have
been skeptical about Ella’s ability to succeed with World Star
when everyone else had failed. However, she won hearts and
respect and I am sure her success has contributed to Klaus’s
Photo: Kate
Riordan on Sandi,
the same camel I
rode in the
Camel Cup race
in Alice Springs.
TTEAM Connections
4
July-September 2007
continuing interest in TTOUCH today. He is currently the
Olympic coach for the American dressage team and in his new
book wrote several sentences about how he believes in the
value of the Tellington Method. Ella is now a brilliant veterinarian practicing in California, specializing in Energy Medicine, and developing a Hospice for Animals program for the
layperson. It’s called “Spirits in Transition” - Providing End-oflife Care for Our Animal Companions. (She has also been a
TTouch Practitioner for many years.) You can now order a
DVD of the presentation Ella made at the CELLebration last
November.
It was very limp and lethargic but with about 10 minutes of ear
TTouches and some mouth work it perked up and showed interest on sucking my fingers. I raised a sheep during the years we
had the Hemet Thoroughbred Farm. They die so easily, but I’ve
discovered it’s simple to activate the life force with TTouch. I
wish I had known that 40 years ago! Anyway, the flock of ewes
had moved away by this time so we drove the lamb to a nearby
farm and left it to see if they wanted to bottle feed it or take it
back to its mother. Sybil was blown away by the whole experience and thrilled we had been able to breathe life back into this
small being.
Chris Griscom is responsible for my poem, “Message from the
Spirit of the Horse:” During that first workshop I taught at
Priscilla’s in 1983, Priscilla gave me a very special gift of a
session with Chris. The only time Chris had open was 6 a.m. so
off I trotted, not realizing my life would change in that hour
when I lay on the table at the Light Institute with acupuncture
needles in the “Windows to the Sky” points. In that session I
had the experience of “seeing” a white horse with a large brown
eye appear in my minds eye. Suddenly the eye merged with
mine and I began to speak in the voice of the horse. Chris recorded it. See page 9 for the poem - Message from the Spirit of
the Horse. Many moons have passed since it appeared in the
Newsletter and the poem has touched many people. Equus
magazine had a special painting done and published the poem
with the painting. We still have some available. For an enlightening experience google Chris Griscom and check out her website. She has written 10 books and has filmed many videos and
is a dear friend and one of my most influential teachers. Enjoy
the journey through her website.
Incidentally, this week I had a call from Viking Press and
they’re want to make a new cover, add an afterword and more
pictures and republish the book. It’s been out 15 years.
Many of you know Kate Riordan from the CELLebration. She
had everyone rolling in the aisles with her stories of her travels
with me – from Germany where she has accompanied me numerous times to Equitana; to Australia where it was her camel,
Sandy, that I rode in the Alice Springs race; to Jordan where
Princess Alia sponsored me to teach veterinarians and Kate and
I saved a donkey -that had been brought in with a severe case of
colic- by using belly lifts and ear work; to a ten day teaching
trip for the Japanese International Racing Association in Tokyo
and other islands. I’m not going to give any more details because you can hear her fabulously entertaining stories on the
new DVD. That DVD includes Sybil Taylor’s opening blessing
and Susan Hardings power point presentation on The Influence
of the Tellington Method on the Horse Industry. Susan is the
director of Primedia Horse Publications and has been a director
of our Animal Ambassadors for many years.
You all know the name of Sybil Taylor who is my friend and
co-author of three books. Our first book together was The Tellington TTouch: a Revolutionary Method to Train and Care for
Your Favorite Animal. By the way, if you haven’t read it I
highly recommend it. Sybil is a master story-teller and this is
the story of my work around the world with many species. Together we wrote Getting in TTouch: Understand and Influence
Your Horse’s Personality. That book was a best seller for our
publisher for five consecutive years. The last book we did together was TTouch for You – our book for humans which is
only in German at this time.
It was such a magical gift to know that at 3:00 pm New Mexico
time the TTouch family was tuning in and sending HeartHugs
from so many corners of the planet. Sally Allison, who has been
in the TTouch family for more than 20 years, was joining us
from Moscow at midnight. She has been teaching TTouch for
horses and to animal lovers who are rescuing dogs and cats.
Gabrielle Boiselle, who has the ability to transmute the magic
of horses just from the way she looks at them through her famous camera lens, was riding in the mystical forests of Germany in the light of the full moon. TTouch Practitioner Phyllis
Dannhauser, who just finished editing the HeartHug video for
African kids we filmed in Soweto, was connecting with us from
the South African bush where she was vacationing. Robyn said
the students participating in her workshop connected with us
and Debby Potts sent HeartHugs across the Pacific from Japan.
At my birthday Sybil told her own story about an adventure
while writing our first book. I create best when I’m moving –
usually in a car. I drive and dictate and Sybil keeps her trusty
tape recorder tuned. We started out driving south of Sante Fe to
visit one of the resting places on the migratory path of Sand
Hill cranes. The cranes (and more than 10,000 snow geese)
were marvelous to see, but it was freezing cold and I decided
we needed to hit the trail and head west to California where the
weather should be more appealing. So we arrive in California
and head for back roads on the coast north of Los Angeles.
We’re cruising along in my Dodge convertible through the
golden hills of California and suddenly I jam on the brakes and
pull over to the side of the road. I jump out of the car and climb
over a fence into the middle of a flock of sheep. Lying off to its
side was an obvious new-born lamb – abandoned by its mother.
TTEAM Connections
Birthday Star
Instead of bringing me a gift for my birthday I asked everyone
to bring a “Give-away present”- a treasured possession they
would like to gift to someone else. At the end of the evening we
formed an inner and an outer circle with each person holding
their present. We had a boom box playing music as we moved
around the circle. We all gave lots of hugs and when the music
stopped each person handed their present to the person opposite.
5
July-September 2007
Next year the 3rd annual TTouch for You & Your Horse
Training is January 20 through the 26 and includes two days
of TTouch for You – for self-help or TTouch for your family;
three days learning TTouch to take home for your horse; a day
riding on a 6000 acre ranch in the mountains, and a day with
dolphins and whales on the marvelous boat “Ohane Nui O
Nai’a”. It means “Spirit of the Dolphin”, and she always has
brought to us a pod of hundreds of dolphins.
Go to the website, “ www.sunlightonwater.com” to hear the
dolphins and be inspired.
February 10 through the 15th is the ninth annual TTouch
for You for self-help, for families and for health-care professionals wanting new modalities for their clients and for selfhelp. This week will include the dolphin and whale trip and is a
marvelous opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation, destressing, recharging and inspiration.
If you can’t make it all the way to Hawaii I have added two
more horse trainings in the U.S. to my schedule this year. A
four-day TTEAM Training, October 28-31, in Davenport, California just north of Santa Cruz which will include an evening
sail on the 70 foot yacht, and a barbeque. The following week
I’ll be in Austin, Texas for a 6-day TTEAM Training and a
weekend TTouch for Companion Animal. Check with the
Santa Fe office at 800 854 8326 for details. And start planning
for that 2nd annual TTouch Forum in Scottsdale, AZ, November 7, 8 & 9, 2008 following four days of advanced training.
However, Carol Lang banded together with our Santa Fe
TEAM of Kirsten and Holly and Elain joined by Susan Harding
and organized a special gift for me that we can all share. I was
really awe-struck, or I should say, star-struck! They wrote:
A Star is Named!
Linda’s Tellington TTouch.
The Tellington TTouch and TTEAM
have been a light of new life for many of us.
And the light of the Tellington Method
will continue to shine through us.
It’s a star we can wish on!
While you’re reading the newsletter, take a little break and go
to our website at www.ttouch.com. Carol and Lora Sepion, our
webmaster, are doing a fabulous job and are constantly adding
to the News and Announcements. Website placement is rated
according to how many clicks they get. Suggest that your
friends and clients click on TTouch and keep spreading the
TTouch around the world.
Linda’s star name and photograph will be
Launched into space on a rocket later this year!
Linda’s star is registered and copyrighted with its precise stellar coordinates allowing everyone, including future generations, to identify her star and locate it using a telescope. (You
can get the coordinates off of the website www.ttouch.com )
For my birthday I decided to embrace my Hawaiian spiritual
name Alohananielele, shortened to Elele for everyday practicality. A few days after my birthday I had a realization that I’m on
the cusp of the last quarter century of my life. Mid 90’s is the
usual life for our family. So I’m pondering the thought of what
difference I can make in those next 25 years. It is just phenomenal when I stop to consider my blessings of the 25 years from
my 45th year. I invite you to stop and take some time to count
the blessings in your life and celebrate the contribution you can
make in each day, year, decade, quarter century.
Kate Riordan suggested we find out when the rocket is being
launched with the name dedication and that we collectively
send our prayers and Light into space. Carol is inquiring as to
the launch date and we will keep you posted.
Synchronicity
I so enjoy thinking about the influence we have had on each
others lives. And the synchronistic events that bring us together.
I so look forward to seeing those of you and know, and meeting
those of you whom I’ve not yet met. I’m convinced our TTouch
family is not coincidental and in the next newsletter I’m going
to share a poem I wrote many years ago that I believe reflects
our friendships and support of each other and the world in its
current situation.
And once again, Mahalo – many many thanks to all of you who
joined us in sending HeartHugs around the world, and to all of
you who are helping to change the world, One TTouch at A
Time.
Blessings and Aloha,
Alohananielele,
(a.k.a. Linda Tellington-Jones)
Trainings with Linda
For those of you who have been dreaming of swimming with
dolphins, 2008 will be the last time it will be legal in Hawaii.
TTEAM Connections
6
July-September 2007
Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame
“I'm thrilled at the
honor of being inducted
into the Western States
Horse Expo Hall of Fame.
To share my work with
over 70,000 enthusiastic
lovers of horses at this
educational expo is a wonderful opportunity to
change the world one
TTouch at a time.”
It’s always a tough decision to
make each year. There continue
to be so many worthy nominations for the Western States
Horse Expo Hall of Fame, and
certainly the four previous inductees, Frank Vessels, Ray Hunt,
Dr. Robert Miller, and Pat Parelli,
are outstanding figures in the
horse industry. To explain how
special this award is, perhaps the
wording on the perpetual trophy
says it best: “In honor of those
who have made a significant,
meaningful difference in the
world of horses.”
Linda Tellington-Jones
Linda Tellington-Jones was
completely surprised about the
Hall of Fame award, thinking that
she was riding in the Saturday Evening Showcase as a clinician.
She was loaned a Paint horse mare from one of the California
Cowgirls, and she even borrowed a cowgirl hat with glittery
tiara attached. When told at the last minute that she won the
Hall of Fame award, ever the consummate show person, she
smiled, gathered her reins and cantered to the center of the
arena to be met by Horse Expo founder and president Miki
Cohen and radio and television personality Rick Lamb. Linda
said graciously as she was presented with her plaque, “I'm
thrilled at the honor of being inducted into the Western States
Horse Expo Hall of Fame. To share my work with over 70,000
enthusiastic lovers of horses at this educational expo is a wonderful opportunity to change the world one TTouch at a time.”
This year an exemplary horsewoman was nominated, and she got “the nod” unanimously from the
selection committee. The nomination form that heralded
Linda Tellington-Jones’s accomplishments and contributions
listed her numerous presentations, lectures, awards, television
appearances, videos, books and an explanation of her work that
has helped horses and horse people around the world for decades.
An innovator in the horse world since the 1960s, Linda’s
background includes an amazing variety of riding accomplishments, from hunters, jumpers, dressage, steeplechasing, combined training, competitive trail riding, English pleasure, Western pleasure, Top Ten placings in the world-renowned Tevis
Cup 100 mile ride, to a world record in endurance she set in
1964 on a 100-mile race that remained unchallenged for seven
years. Her unique background with horses includes directing
the Pacific Coast School of Horsemanship in California, a 9month residential school for riding instructors and trainers attended by international students.
Pat Parelli couldn’t attend his Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the 2006 Western States Horse Expo. So this year he
rode out to the arena before Linda Tellington-Jones to accept
his plaque and make a brief speech. As the two Hall of Fame
recipients rode around the arena to greet the crowd, Pat Parelli
on his black mare Magic did some spins, slide stops and other
fancy maneuvers --- but that didn’t deter Linda TellingtonJones from keeping right up with Pat on a horse that she had
ridden for about four minutes! The crowd leaped to its feet as
the two performers and riders extraordinaire “strutted their
stuff!”
Linda’s contributions to equine behavior, health and communication are recognized and acclaimed internationally; her
TTouch and TTEAM methods have been successfully used by
Olympic contestants and trail riders alike. As part of Linda’s
legacy, she has authored 15 books in 14 languages and has
produced 21 videos of her work with animals. To help spread
her work around the world, there are Tellington Method certified practitioners in 26 countries. Her current projects include teaching orphaned children in Africa how to help animals
in local veterinary hospitals and animal shelters by using the
Tellington Method of TTouch.
TTEAM Connections
The Western States Horse Expo is accepting Hall of Fame
nominations for the 2008 award. To submit, send your nomination to Western States Horse Expo, Post Office Box 517, Coloma, CA 95613. For more information about the Western
States Horse Expo, visit www.horsexpo.com or call 800-3522411.
7
July-September 2007
Helping A Cast Ewe
Letters From Readers
From Barbara Cooper, Companion Animal Practitioner 2 from
England
Editor’s Note: One of the most fascinating and unusual
aspects of the Tellington TTouch work is the universality
by the way that it works with such a wide variety of animals. Here is a variety of examples.
Hi All,
Just had to share a brilliant experience my daughter and I
shared today, Easter Sunday. We were walking our three dog’s
miles from anywhere and came across a field with sheep with
lambs. In the middle of the field lay a ewe on its back ..... legs
in the air, unmoving. We had already been passed on the track
by the farmer in his 4x4, [had he even noticed or made a mental
note for later] and as we paused to watch for signs of movement....absolutely none for several minutes...the rest of the
flock ambled across the field to sniff her before moving away.
Helping a Baby Caribou
From Kelly Magill—Companion Animal Practitioner 1 from
Whitehorse, Yukon
Hello All,
Just had to share my experience.
It wouldn't be the first time I had pulled a cast sheep back onto
its feet but this time... feeling old, I sent my daughter over the
fence to check for signs of life while I held the dogs. I got the
thumbs up and she grasped the heavy fleece and rolled the ewe
over onto its front. However, even after several such attempts
the ewe could not get her feet underneath her, but eventually
she did and staggered up but as she had probably been there all
night....lots of droppings....couldn't support her weight [actually
her body had gone very lopsided] so she fell onto her back
again.
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is home to many wild animals.
One of them is an 11 month old baby caribou appropriately
named "Boo" Boo and an orphaned muskox, named Chance
became close friends over the last 11 months. They were
penned together since arriving at the reserve. Unfortunately a
week ago, Chance passed away due to liver failure. This has
left Boo mourning her friend. I called to see if I could help.
The vet said yes and I was off to the races!!
I spent an amazing 2 hours with this little cutie.
At last Louise heard me yelling EARWORK!!!!.......and she
proceeded to work the ewe's ears for about ten minutes. The
rest of the flock converged to watch. It was a brilliant moment
when at last the ewe got to her feet and walked away, a little
unsteadily at first, her lamb [who had merged into the flock]
returning to bleat at foot. The ewe walked steadily around the
perimeter of the field and the rest of the flock followed to investigate. We stayed to make sure she didn't go down again
and about three quarters of an hour later arrived back at the car.
I couldn't resist doing a detour and driving back up the track to
the ewe's field......she was still upright waiting with the rest by
the gate to be fed! Hurrah for TTouch!
She was weary of me at first, but after a bit of wand work, she
warmed up enough for me to do some ear stroking and a few
belly lifts. Let me tell you it was very hard to keep breathing as
I was so excited!! I let her do her thing and walk away, however she kept coming up from behind and giving me nudges. I
was able to do butterfly on all her legs, this seemed to calm her
and she dropped her head. She playfully kicked her back legs
when I had finished. The vet and I both giggled. I got a little
mouthwork in using a paint brush, as I didn't want to push it.
She seemed to think this was really cool and she sniffed the end
of brush. I walked around the paddock with her. Her eyes had
become very soft and she looked tired, so felt it was time to end
the session.
Barbara Cooper
The vet has asked me to come back and I
am thrilled. To accommodate Boo's loneliness, they have put four (4) 1-2 year olds
muskoxen in the field next to her. They
came over for a look and I was surprised at
their gentleness. They were play fighting
and charging at each other, skull hitting
skull.
Photo: Boo, the baby Caribou
Kelly MaGill
TTEAM Connections
8
July-September 2007
TTouch Helps Bells Palsy &
A Dog with Breathing Difficulty
shot”. I did too so was also really happy to get that message! He carried on doing the touches and his face is almost back to normal!
A friend of mine was looking after a 13 year old Bichon Frise who
apart from breathing problems and skin problems couldn’t climb stairs.
She asked me to look at the little dog. I did some ear work, Clouded
Leopards over the body and some Belly Lifts. Later that day I got a
call from my friend to say she’d gone upstairs to get something and
after a while heard noise on the stairs and was amazed to see the little
dog had gone all the way up her very steep stairs. She did two more
times during her stay with my friend.
From: Jenni Robertson, Companion Animal Practitioner from
England
I wanted to send these two little TTOUCH stories.
The older gentleman (he’s 79) who occasionally looks after my dog
Jem when I’m working was struck down with Bells Palsy and the
whole right side of his face dropped, it looked like he’d had a stroke. I
showed him how to do Clouded Leopard and Raccoons on his face and
then went off on a trip. I came back to message on my answer phone
“well after just 12 hours of doing the touches on and off my mouth has
straightened back up. I’m so thrilled I really thought it was a long
Best wishes,
Jenni
Message from the Spirit of the Horse
You seeth not what stands before the eyes.
But how many of you
feel the stream of light
that flows between us
when we carry you on our backs?
It is time
that you spoke for us.
We need your voices.
Our connections breathe life
into your lifeless bodies.
We take heart that many
are awakening to our needs.
We are united as one with you.
See us once again as brothers.
We are here to serve as mirrors
so that you - Mankind can find your way back to the stars.
To that Source that serves for us all.
We sing the songs of the spheres.
We ground your beings
to the earth
and through us
we connect you to the stars.
Our molecular structure is one.
You wonder why you feel good
when you touch uslean into us.
It is because we connect you
to the stars.
Know your power, Mankind.
When you see us as one with you
then you will know your strength.
We love you all.
We are one with you
as you are one with all beings.
We are a vehicle
for that knowingness of Oneness.
See us - we sacrifice ourselves
to your blindness
and never give up hope
that you will awaken
and we will be released
from our suffering.
Hear ye the cry of the Rooster.
Mankind must awaken.
He can no longer sleep.
Our ancestors had more hope.
Linda Tellington-Jones
Galisteo, NM 1983
Some of you see the sunrise
when you ride us and feel the trees.
TTEAM Connections
9
July-September 2007
Using a Fusion of Operant Conditioning and TTEAM to Train Giraffe Calves
By Amy Phelps: Keeper II, Primary Keeper African Veldt –
The Oakland Zoo and
Melissa McCartney: Keeper I, Primary Keeper African Veldt –
The Oakland Zoo
Abstract
All the giraffe calves at The Oakland Zoo undergo an
extensive conditioning program to prepare them for a successful life in a captive husbandry situation. Beginning when the
calf is between five and fourteen days old, keepers initiate basic
desensitization and simple operant conditioning behaviors.
Keepers use a combination of traditional operant conditioning
techniques and the Tellington Touch Equine Awareness
Method (a training system for horses) to achieve sophisticated
behavioral goals. Under this comprehensive system, calves are
trained to participate in halter and leading exercises, trailer
loading, target training, radiograph training, recall and name
recognition. They learn to tolerate voluntary blood draws, farrier work, full physical examinations, and grooming.
Introduction
Working with giraffes brings many challenges due to
their natural history and physiology. A giraffe calf outweighs
most of its human trainers at the moment of parturition and by
the time it reaches adulthood can grow to be 19 feet tall and
weigh upward of 4,000 pounds. Despite their massive size and
status as the tallest land mammal, they are still a prey species.
In the captive situation giraffes retain their prey instincts to kick
or bolt from any perceived threat. Therefore, maintaining animal and trainer safety in the captive environment is of the utmost importance. The giraffe keepers at The Oakland Zoo employ a fusion training method, using operant conditioning in
partnership with the Tellington Touch Equine Awareness
Method (TTEAM), to safely achieve a multitude of behaviors
necessary for appropriate medical husbandry programs.
The Oakland Zoo has a thriving and prolific giraffe
breeding program. The first nine months of a giraffe’s life is the
only period when they are small enough to safely be trained in a
free contact situation (without a barrier separating trainer and
animal); a window of time that affords an opportunity to influence the animal’s behavior by involving them in a modified
version of the TTEAM training program. TTEAM is a method
of animal training consisting of three parts: the TTouches
(bodywork), the Confidence Course, and groundwork exercises.
Giraffe calves who complete the giraffe version of the TTEAM
program grow to become adult animals with a less sensitive
startle reflex, reduced fear of unknown people and unfamiliar
objects, increased body awareness, and tend to be more interested in and responsive to people. The fusion method used at
The Oakland Zoo produces giraffes that can be trained and handled more easily, and most importantly, more safely. It is imTTEAM Connections
10
portant to note that since giraffes are not domesticated, and it is
not necessary to ride them, portions of the TTEAM methods are
either completely omitted or adapted to comply with established safety protocols. When developing their program, keepers at The Oakland Zoo eliminated the portions of the TTEAM
system related to physically riding an animal and altered the
leading exercises and ground work to allow for greater distance
between the trainer and giraffe. As originally defined by creator
Linda Tellington-Jones, TTEAM is free of any negative reinforcement and punishment but does not incorporate traditional
operant conditioning. The program designed and employed by
Oakland Zoo keepers Amy Phelps and Melissa McCartney is a
fusion of these two training methods.
Introducing TTEAM
Immediately following birth it is crucial that dam and
calf are allowed sufficient time to bond prior to any human interference. This helps to ensure that the calf will nurse reliably
and consistently. Keepers have found that dam reared calves
can successfully grow into highly tractable and easily trainable
animals with nursing serving as a natural reinforcer. Depending
on the individual animals, keepers begin interacting with the
calf between 3 and 10 days of age, and take full advantage of
the times when the calf is nursing. The initial interactions consist of stroking the calf with a dressage whip (known in
TTEAM parlance as a wand) serving as an extension of the
keeper’s arm and allowing for physical contact with the calf
while ensuring keeper safety. This beginning wand work is kept
brief, no more than 30 seconds per nursing session, so as not to
interrupt feeding. Giraffe calves do not readily eat solid food
until they are between 14 and 21 days of age, so the dam’s milk
is used as a physical reinforcer for the calf tolerating the wand.
Keepers also take advantage of moments when the calf is resting, habituating him to tactile stimulation by stroking him with
the wand while he is lying down. Calves often protest the wand
strokes by biting at the wand, twitching their skin, stamping
their feet, and occasionally kicking. Keepers continue stroking
the calf, despite minor protestation, until the animal stands
calmly at which point the wand is removed. This teaches the
calf that protesting does not make the wand work end and,
within just a few minutes, the animal usually stops fighting and
realizes that being touched is not a threat to his life. When the
calf calmly accepts the strokes, keepers move on to TTouching
the animal using the wand to perform circular TTouches.
Why Incorporate TTouch?
When introducing training and activities as potentially
stressful as taking an ultrasound image, obtaining a radiograph,
drawing blood, etc., keepers were looking for a way to reduce
the giraffe’s discomfort and anxiety when faced with new
equipment, unfamiliar people, and possibly unpleasant pressure
on/manipulation of the animal’s body. To this end, the benefits
July-September 2007
of working outside of the Oakland Zoo restraint chute became
readily apparent; tension levels are lowered as the giraffe is not
confined and allowed the freedom to walk away whenever the
situation becomes overwhelming (see The Giraffe Husbandry
Manual for photos of the restraint chute). When calves reach a
size that makes free-contact training too dangerous, work
moves to an off-exhibit holding yard instead. Working through
hatches cut in a chain-link fence allows the animals to observe
all the action around them and thoroughly investigate all new
equipment and people without being hindered by the solid walls
of the chute. Thus the giraffes are voluntarily participating in all
training and their discomfort can be gauged by their reactions; a
tail swish might indicate mild annoyance while leg lifting or
walking away indicates extreme agitation. Since the giraffes
have the freedom to leave at any time, the potential for training
to become a drawn-out process is greatly increased as calves
have the option of leaving frequently or not returning at all if
uncomfortable or unwilling. Training therefore has to be as
calm as possible and a decidedly enjoyable experience in order
to work for long periods and attain a reasonable rate of success
and forward momentum.
One of the main tenants of the TTouch method is the
release of fear and the fostering of a more affirmative relationship between animals and trainers. Rather than randomly touching the giraffe, keepers determined TTouch would achieve the
same end goals of traditional operant conditioning alone while
making the desensitization process a reward in and of itself
with TTouch acting as a secondary reinforcer. Training calves
to submit to touch becomes an enriching experience wherein
the touch itself serves a purpose (release of tension, etc,) as well
as a means to an end. As the calves become comfortable with
the touch, their posture relaxes and the training process seems
to become a positive experience. With a better awareness of
their own bodies, developed through the use of TTouch all over
the body, they begin to comfortably stand still without fidgeting, shifting weight, or tail swishing for longer periods of time.
Often the animals lean into the touch and adopt a relaxed posture. The amount of time it takes to introduce novel items or
new stimulations is reduced and the negative reactions to these
changes are less pronounced.
Keepers are likewise able to cut down on the amount
of food rewards needed during training as oftentimes animals
will accept TTouch as a reward and do not reach for the food
items being offered, instead standing in a relaxed posture and
ruminating while being TTouched. This allows training sessions to go on longer as animals do not fill up on food and
choose to walk away; keepers have found a second means of
reinforcing behaviors.
various TTouches are listed along with a general description of
their intended purpose, except where finer detail was appropriate for clarification. In order to successfully utilize the following methods, one need not be intimately familiar with Tellington-Jones’ teachings or the philosophy behind the Tellington
TTouch. Instead it may be considered a framework for discussing the extent of tactile manipulation an animal will allow and
serve as a shorthand language when discussing pressure,
amount and type of contact, and areas of the animal being
worked on. For more information on TTouch, including visual
guides and comprehensive instructions regarding each type of
touch, please visit www.tellingtontouch.com.
TTouch was developed by Linda Tellington-Jones as a
method originally designed for work with horses. The Tellington Touch (TTouch; pronounced Tee-Touch) is a form of bodywork made-up of an assortment of circles, slides, and lifts performed with the hands. The basis of TTouch is the circular
touch wherein the skin is moved over the muscle in a one-anda-quarter circle and the incorporation of this non-habitual
movement in daily care is found to foster a more positive relationship between animal and trainer. Combining assorted hand
positions and movements with varied finger pressure (rated on a
scale from one to nine), the technique has been adapted to domestic animals and pets along with exotic species and even
humans. There are a wide range of uses for TTouch including
behavioral modification, a decrease in healing time from
wounds or injury, an increase in the animal’s body-awareness,
as well as strengthening the bond between caretaker and animal.
Tactile Stimulation
While calves are introduced to being handled through
the use of the wand, hands-on manipulation is essential to training. As the animal becomes calmer when being worked with,
eventually the wand is shortened by the trainer sliding a hand
up the shaft until, ultimately, the wand becomes superfluous
and hands-on contact is safely possible. At approximately 14
days of age the calf is offered tiny pieces of soft foods such as
bananas or bread while keepers use TTouch to extend the tactile
stimulation. For example, a TTouch known as Lick of the
Cow’s Tongue, an open-handed stroking movement, is used
along the spine to reduce the instinctive fear of things coming
from behind or is used around the groin region to alleviate the
discomfort that comes with palpation of this area. Before keepers can attempt in-depth bodywork, shifting cues are taught to
help safely position and move the giraffe during training.
Training Movement Behaviors
What is TTouch?
At approximately 21 days of age the calf will eagerly
consume solid foods and is introduced to the operant conditioning program utilized for the adults so as to form an association between a behavior and a consequence. Keepers begin by
conditioning the bridge; the calf is given a small piece of food
immediately following each of the keeper’s whistles (the
bridge). This action is repeated numerous times until the calf
Much of the training discussed in this text revolves
around the use of Linda Tellington-Jones’ “TTouch Method”.
In many instances it was deemed unnecessary for the purposes
of this text to describe in any great detail the exact technique
involved in each touch. TTouches are named after the individual animal that inspired the TTouch. The precise names of the
TTEAM Connections
11
July-September 2007
learns to equate the whistle with food. Once the bridge is established, target training is the first behavior introduced in order to
help the animal understand that they now have to perform a task
to receive a reward. The verbal cue “target” is given and the
calf must touch his nose to the target (a pool buoy on a stick) to
be bridged and reinforced.
As soon as the calf reliably “targets,” the shift commands “move up” and “back up” can now be introduced, as can
“steady.” Being able to safely control the calf’s position and
trust it to hold still dependably is vital to working with calves in
a free-contact situation safely and makes later leading exercises
and ground work possible. Although they are not as large as
the adults, these calves are between 122 and 200 pounds and
their behavior is relatively unpredictable. Humans could easily
be injured by a running, leaping, flailing giraffe calf.
"Move up" is defined as the animal taking one step
forward while "back up" involves one step backwards. Keepers
are able to teach these shifting behaviors using a baiting system
by positioning themselves and presenting the food reward and
then repositioning themselves and the food forcing the animal
to shift in order to obtain the reward. Standing just out of reach
in front of the animal, the keeper presents the treat and gives the
verbal cue "move up." Once the calf steps forward he is bridged
and receives his primary reinforcer. To train "back up," the
keeper pushes the food toward the neck, directly below the jaw,
while giving the verbal cue. In order to obtain the food, the calf
is forced to step back. As soon as he backs up he is bridged and
rewarded.
no longer than 10 to 15 minutes in duration, keepers ask the calf
to hold “steady” and choose particular TTouches based on the
behavioral goals of each individual giraffe and the training session. It has been found that certain TTouches enable them to
train particular behaviors in a less stressful and more efficient
manner, and teach the animal that being handled by humans or
with medical equipment is not a threat to their life and safety.
Once this has been accomplished, advanced training goals are
quickly realized.
Reducing the Startle Reflex
Much like other prey species, giraffes have an instinctive fear of things that are above them and behind them. This
nervousness is often the cause of kicking, jumping, or bolting
episodes; keepers utilize tail work and a saddle pad to help
calves minimize this fear response. Tail work begins at the dock
of the tail with small Raccoon TTouches along all of the vertebrae. Tail circles are gently completed, culminating in tail pulls.
The giraffes appear to particularly enjoy the tail pulls and readily lean onto their forefeet, stretching and elongating their back.
Tail work reduces the risk of a keeper startling a calf when
moving around the animal's hind-quarters, and makes the free
contact situation less dangerous.
In order to be able to safely touch the calf’s body,
keepers need to be assured the animal will remain still and need
to be confident the giraffe will not kick, bolt, or otherwise injure any humans or themselves. Initially the verbal cue “steady”
is offered to the giraffe for standing without fidgeting. As long
as the animal stands without shifting weight, lifting the feet, or
shying away from the keeper, they are bridged and rewarded
every three to five seconds after the verbal cue is given. Over
time they are asked to stand for longer and longer periods while
holding the “steady.” Once they reliably stand holding still for
one minute, keepers progress to asking the giraffe to hold a
“steady” while being touched.
Advanced Body Work
Now that the calves can be positioned safely and are
certain to hold still, keepers resume more intense bodywork.
The process of desensitizing the giraffe to being touched begins
at the head and neck and moves down the body to the legs and
feet. This system works from top to bottom because as a prey
animal, giraffes are generally more comfortable being touched
on the head than they are on the legs. Manipulating the legs
often stimulates a preditorial defensive reaction to kick. While
it may seem beneficial to start with a lighter touch until the animal is at ease, keepers found that firmer pressure works better
as it is less likely to stimulate the fly twitch response from the
giraffe. With such thick skin, a strong and purposeful touch
functions better than a gentle one. Since each training session is
TTEAM Connections
12
A saddle pad is used as a tool to teach the giraffe not
to panic when an item is above or placed over their body. In the
captive situation many animals incur serious injuries due to
overreaction when they perceive that their life is in danger from
an object as harmless as a plastic bag, towel, or baseball cap;
saddle pad work is completed in an attempt to reduce the risk of
such unnecessary accidents. This begins with a keeper holding
the pad while simultaneously feeding the calf, and the pad is
gradually moved closer to the animal until it is lightly pressed
against their neck or shoulder. The pad is then placed against
their abdomen and eventually over the back. The calf is asked
to hold a “steady” throughout this progression and is rewarded
on a fixed ratio of every 3 to 5 seconds for doing so. Once the
calf is comfortable with the saddle pad lying over their back,
keepers simulate possibly frightening situations while continuJuly-September 2007
ing to ask for a “steady.” For example, the saddle pad is
abruptly pulled off the calf’s back and dropped onto the ground,
or it is pushed so that it slides over the croup and down the buttocks. As long as the giraffe holds “steady” during these situations they are reinforced on a fixed schedule. Keepers have
found that these exercises reduce the calves’ flightiness and
make them much safer to work around as they grow. Reduced
sensitivity to objects covering the body allows keepers the option of using blankets and fly sheets when necessary as well.
Physical Examination and Minor Wound Care
Part of the routine husbandry regimen in caring for
giraffes involves regular physical examinations to look for injuries or other abnormalities. Since keepers are able to handle the
calves, thanks to the applied fusion method, they are able to
palpate all areas of the body and begin inspections which include manipulating soft tissue to look for bruising, swelling,
tenderness, heat, and minor wounds.
Keepers likewise utilize tools that would typically be
associated with a visit from the veterinarian during daily training. Stethoscopes are used to monitor respiration, heart rate,
and gut sounds during each exam. Periodically, additional items
such as ottoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, penlights, dental tools,
rubbing alcohol, syringes, catheter extension sets, and other
medical paraphernalia are incorporated into training sessions to
help the calves become accustomed to their use. During a training session, these objects are held by keepers as they perform
TTouches as a secondary reinforcer. The giraffe receives a primary food reinforcer for holding a “steady” and the items are
gradually moved closer until they are pressed against the body.
Once the giraffe calf is at ease with the tool, in-depth training
takes place to use the equipment for its intended purpose.
Stethoscope Training:
The TTEAM body wrap is a useful tool that helps giraffe calves
through instances where their behavior indicates that they are
nervous or insecure. It appears to assist the calves in remaining
calm in new situations and has proven to reduce their fear of
things behind them. The body wrap is often used as part of halter training and the Confidence Course to ease the animal’s
apprehension in novel or challenging training sessions. Elastic
bandages are tied together to make one solid piece and this
elongated bandage is then wrapped around the giraffe’s body in
various configurations, the most common of which is around
the hind-quarters and over the withers. The TTEAM body
wraps do not restrict the calf's movement, but instead make the
calf simultaneously aware of it's entire body rather than focusing on pressure or stimulation in any one particular area.
A wide variety of TTouch bodywork is used to facilitate calves in remaining calm and relaxed as novel items are
presented to them. Keepers introduce unfamiliar items that may
trigger a flight response (including those used later in the
TTEAM Confidence Course) such as foam pool noodles, plastic
sheeting, towels, blankets, hats, logs, and straw bales. These
items are slowly moved closer to the calf while they are holding
“steady” and receiving the primary reinforcer. TTouches are
performed along the head and neck region, focusing on ear
work. This allows the keeper to do the TTouch while staying
out of the reach of the calf’s kick.
TTEAM Connections
13
Using the stethoscope, keepers can listen to the heart,
lungs, and digestive activity of the giraffe. When an animal is
ill, an established baseline for these functions has been provided for comparison. As with all training, the calf is asked to
hold a “steady” throughout the process. Starting near the back
of the scapula, Clouded Leopard TTouches and Python Lifts are
initially performed randomly in that area of the body in unconnected lines. Clouded Leopard TTouches, where the pads of the
fingers are used to make circular touches over large muscled
areas, are used to acclimate the giraffe to being manipulated.
Python Lifts, using the entire palm-side of the hand to slowly
lift the skin over the muscle and then gently lower it, simulates
the pressure necessary to accurately detect vital signs with a
stethoscope. As the animal settles, the TTouches are performed
in connected lines along the chest, flank, and abdomen – those
areas that will be felt under the bell of the stethoscope. The
TTouches are done with one hand while the stethoscope is held
in close proximity to the body. If the animal does not have an
adverse reaction, it is moved closer until the stethoscope is
touching the giraffe calf. If at any point the giraffe does react,
keepers take a step back and calm the animal with TTouch before moving forward again. Often times, TTouch is continued
while the stethoscope is used until the animal is completely at
ease with the use of the tool.
Blood Draws:
Blood draws become necessary when animals fall ill,
plasma needs to be stored or sent to another facility, or for participation in research studies. Blood can easily be drawn from
the jugular vein of an un-sedated animal using operant condiJuly-September 2007
tioning and TTouch. By using a firm pressure of four to six on
the neck, the calves become adjusted to being poked as they
would be during a blood draw. Food rewards are offered as the
animal maintains the “steady” during the TTouch. When the
animal is non-reactive to a more prodding touch, the medical
equipment necessary is introduced in the same manner as the
stethoscope. During subsequent training sessions, veterinary
technicians assist the keepers to habituate the calf to their presence. Before moving on to drawing blood, keepers present the
calf with alcohol used to sterilize the jab site. Oftentimes, giraffes react negatively to the smell of the alcohol so the calf is
asked for a “steady” and allowed to smell the bottle and fluid to
gauge his reaction before applying it topically. As long as the
“steady” is maintained, the calf is bridged and reinforced as
keepers move through the steps of cleaning the collection site
as they would when incorporating any novel item into training.
In order to actually collect blood, the needle is inserted to the
jugular vein perpendicularly by the vet tech while a keeper performs Tiger TTouches in the area adjacent to the collection site
to distract the animal from the jab. The giraffe is not actually
stuck with the needle in every training session to prevent the
animal from predicting a needle poke and pulling away from
the keepers and vet staff.
Radiograph Training
The ability to take radiographs without the use of sedatives or anesthesia is an instrumental part of The Oakland Zoo
giraffe husbandry program. This has allowed staff to properly
diagnose lameness, determine the best course of treatment, and
to monitor the progress of the condition.
The most common injuries that occur are found in the
lower portion of the legs and their associated joints. For this
reason, the calves must be completely comfortable with having
their legs and feet manipulated by the keepers. Noah’s March,
long strokes done slowly, are used down the entire leg and over
the hoof to help reduce the calves’ impulse to fidget and lift
their feet. Additional TTouches are then used down the leg and
along the coronary band to accustom the calves to different
sensations that may occur when radiograph equipment brushes
against their legs. Throughout the training session, the giraffe is
intermittently bridged and given a primary reinforcer for holding the “steady.”
The radiograph equipment is now introduced and the
giraffe is rewarded for holding the “steady” while a radiograph
plate is placed near the foot. Provided the giraffe remains calm,
TTouches are used on the legs and feet as the radiograph plate
is slowly moved closer until it is eventually placed against the
leg. The false, or practice, radiograph machine is then presented
in the exact same way as the plate. Other equipment and unfamiliar people are slowly added to the training sessions. The
giraffe calf is still asked to hold “steady” while the new stimuli
are introduced. Various TTouches and lifts are often used along
the large muscled areas of the giraffe’s body to encourage him
to remain calm and relaxed as veterinary staff in lead aprons
approach, extension chords are stretched along the ground, and
hands encased in lead gloves maneuver radiograph plates
TTEAM Connections
14
around the animal’s feet. The TTouch enhances the calf’s training experience by helping him settle down, thereby making it
easier for him to hold “steady” since fidgeting and kicking behaviors only occur when a giraffe is frightened and hyper-alert.
After this progression of operant conditioning and TTouch, the
actual picture is taken. In the past five years radiograph training
has allowed the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of ringbone, sidebone, navicular syndrome, a fracture of the pedal
bone, and degenerative joint disease of the fetlock joint. Therefore keepers feel that it is essential that all giraffe calves are
prepared in the event that there is a medical emergency or the
need for diagnostic care via radiograph.
Routine Farrier Work
A giraffe’s foot must be well-balanced and strong
enough to support their weight. However, as giraffes grow into
adulthood various factors in the captive environment such as
diet, limited living space, and reduced activity levels can contribute to laminitis and other serious hoof problems. Commonplace afflictions in adulthood such as ringbone and sidebone
alter the giraffe’s gait and manifest themselves in the hoof anatomy. For this reason, regular training for hoof trimming is an
integral part of any progressive captive giraffe husbandry program and should begin at an early age.
A hoof work training session is carried out in much the
same fashion as previously described training; the calf is asked
to hold a “steady” while allowing keepers to handle the lower
legs and feet. Hoof trimming tools such as rasps, nippers,
knives, and an electric dremmel are introduced. Familiarizing
the calves with these items is accomplished in the same manner
as desensitizing them to other medical paraphernalia used in
routine physical exams such as the stethoscope and ottoscope.
Because farrier work creates unique sensations in the giraffe’s
feet; for example, the rasp and dremmel send a ticklish vibration through the hoof and nippers put pressure on the foot,
keepers tap on the hooves using the button end of the TTouch
wand prior to any actual trimming in case the calf reacts adversely. Once the calf proves he can hold “steady” throughout
the tapping process, rasps and other tools are lightly applied to
the outer hoof wall and the giraffe is again asked to hold a
“steady” while getting used to the new sensations.
In order to accomplish large scale trimming and inspection of the sole, the giraffe calves must be taught to either
rest their foot on a hoof stand or roll their foot forward so that
only the tips of their toes are in contact with the ground, enabling keepers to examine the sole of the foot. An adult giraffe
cannot be forced or muscled into raising their foot; it is the fusion training of operant conditioning and TTouch that makes
this behavior possible by incorporating it into their repertoire
when they are young. TTouch helps the giraffe to be comfortable being handled and to be relaxed around foreign objects and
people; operant conditioning gives the keepers the tools they
need to clearly communicate the desired behavior to the animal,
and to shape that behavior until it is perfect. Keepers use the
shift commands “move up” and “back up” to place the calf’s
feet in the desired location, adjacent to the access hatches or in
July-September 2007
a hoof stand. The keeper then applies gentle pressure to the
dorsal side of the pastern as the verbal cue “hoof” is given.
Initially the calf is bridged and receives the primary reinforcer
for shifting his weight from the sole of the foot to the toe. As
the training process progresses, the calf is only reinforced for
bending at the fetlock so that the tips of the toes are on the
ground and the sole is exposed. A “steady” is now added so that
the animal remains still with the sole exposed long enough for
keepers to clean and inspect the foot, and remove the unhealthy
and overgrown hoof matter. The “steady” is gradually lengthened from as brief as 5 seconds to as long as 5 minutes in duration.
For certain corrective trimming procedures the giraffe’s toes need to be raised off the ground in order to enable
keepers to take back the length of the toes and to create a more
desirable break-over point. To achieve this position the giraffe’s
foot must rest on the frame of one of the access hatches or in a
hoof stand. At The Oakland Zoo keepers use the “Hoof If Hoof
Stand” because it has a padded cradle made of rubber that is
sufficiently wide enough to accommodate large feet. Getting
the calf’s foot in the stand is trained in a similar fashion as the
“hoof” behavior only in this case the verbal cue “lift” is given.
The trainer supports the weight of the leg by resting one hand
on the ventral side of the fetlock joint and applying gentle pressure to the dorsal side of the pastern with the other hand. The
calf is initially bridged and reinforced for permitting the keeper
to lift his foot about 3 inches off the ground, with the leg flexed
at the fetlock joint. As the “lift” behavior is perfected, the giraffe receives a primary reinforcer when the foot is about 8
inches above the ground. At the final stage of “lift” the calf is
reinforced for allowing the keeper to place his fetlock in the
cradle of the hoof stand. Just as with the “hoof” behavior, a
“steady” is added to “lift” to gradually lengthen the time the
foot remains in the stand.
Hoof work training allows keepers, vet staff, and farriers to maintain healthy hooves and feet in a multitude of ways
such as remedying thrush with trimming and soaking treatments. Since corrective trimming is done on a regular basis to
maintain soundness, calves need to be adequately prepared for a
lifetime of farrier work.
Halter Training
Anesthetizing giraffes is periodically necessary for
treatment of serious injuries or other medical conditions. Due to
their anatomy and physiology, anesthesia is difficult and can
have fatal complications. Largely due to the weight of their
head and neck, giraffes have a tendency to flip over backwards
as an anesthetic drug takes effect, which can potentially cause
severe injury to the animal. At The Oakland Zoo, a halter and
lead rope are used to encourage the giraffe to remain in the sternal position as they fall. As anesthetic effects begin to appear,
two people pull down and forward on the lead rope which
makes it difficult or uncomfortable for the giraffe to fall over
backwards. The Oakland Zoo giraffe keepers have successfully
used this technique 11 times. For this reason, all giraffes in the
zoo’s collection are halter trained.
TTEAM Connections
15
Likewise, halter training is necessary for leading exercises. This allows the calf to complete the TTEAM Confidence
Course, to be prepared for trailer loading, and be safely walked
by a keeper when necessary.
Before a calf can wear a halter he must be comfortable
with being touched on the face. Keepers begin TTouching the
cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and the poll - areas where the
halter will apply pressure to their head. Llama TTouches are
used because the calf is approached with the back of the hand
rather than the palm, which is less threatening. The giraffe’s
large ears are often touched in the process of adjusting the halter and therefore TTouch ear work is done as part of the halter
training process to desensitize them.
Calves are conditioned to wear halters using a “head
down” behavior. With giraffes, as with equids, a posture with a
high head and wide eyes is indicative of a hyper-alert state.
This means the giraffe is prepared to either fight what they perceive to be a predator, or flee from it. As TTEAM instructs,
lowering the giraffe’s head changes both their posture and their
mind set. A lowered head signifies a relaxed musculature and
calm state of mind. The lower the giraffe’s head, the less
height, extension, and force the animal can put into a kick with
the forefeet. Lowering the head makes it safer for the trainer to
work in such close proximity to the calves’ feet. The “head
down” behavior is accomplished by offering a feed bucket that
is hung low on the fencing or held by a second trainer so that
the calf must bend down to reach the food. If the head needs to
be slightly lower, the trainer can make Clouded Leopard
TTouches on the crest of the neck and the poll until the head
reaches the desired position.
The halter training process begins with desensitizing
the calf to the mere presence of the halter by hanging it adjacent
to a bucket of sweet feed. Once the calf is comfortable with the
halter’s presence, it is then placed inside the feed bucket. This
requires the calf to put his muzzle through the halter in order to
access the food. Once the calf is at ease with this step, the halter
is held a short distance above the feed bucket and the giraffe
must push his head through the halter in order to reach the food.
As the calf becomes further desensitized to both the halter and
human touch, the length of time that is taken to adjust the halter, or attach a lead rope, increases. The keeper can now place
the head stall of the halter behind the ossicones and ears and
make any necessary adjustments. Clouded Leopard and Bear
TTouches, pressure and contact made with the fingernails, are
done under and around the nose band and head stall of the halter to ease the stress associated with first wearing it.
Leading Exercises
Once the calf is comfortable wearing the halter, a 2foot rope lead is attached to allow calves to get used to something hanging from the halter, pulling on the nose-band, and
causing additional pressure on the head and face. As with the
adult giraffes, Lying Leopard TTouches are done underneath
the halter and around it to help the calf become comfortable
with the sensation and Noah’s March is performed on the neck
July-September 2007
to keep the calf calm. A 6-foot lead rope is then used to begin
actual leading exercises; this length allows keepers to maintain
Calves are moved through the Course using the techniques
learned during basic leading exercises and the system of reinforcement is the same.
a safe distance between themselves and the animal while still
retaining control with the wand.
Due to the dangers of working with a wild animal,
many of the leading positions and exercises are closely related
to the TTEAM work but adapted to ensure keeper and animal
safety. One keeper directs the calf with the lead rope and wand
while a second keeper provides back-up and administers the
primary reinforcer on a fixed schedule. Food is offered every
three to four steps to encourage forward progression. A reinforcer is also given for stopping on cue. Keepers begin by
teaching the calf how to respond to the wand and voice commands of “walk” and “whoa.” Aligned with the calf's shoulder,
keepers stand two to four feet away, holding the lead rope in
one hand and the wand in the other. Initially the wand is outstretched in front of the calf and the cue “walk” is given. The
keeper providing food offers the treat to initiate movement.
Once the command is learned calves are no longer baited to get
them started and instead must respond to the cue in order to be
bridged and reinforced. As the wand is swept down in front of
the calf and pressed to the chest for “whoa,” a soft tug back and
down on the lead rope instructs him to stop. The goal is to be
able to start and stop the calf without putting pressure on the
halter.
TTEAM Confidence Course
A limited form of the TTEAM Confidence Course is
applied to protect keepers should the calf spook, bolt, or trip
while working. A simplified Labyrinth, with wider turns and
corners created out of soft foam pool noodles, carefully teaches
the calves to step over objects in their pathway. Additional pool
noodles are held aloft while walking the course to reduce the
fear of foreign objects and having things overhead as giraffes
are unfamiliar with having anything higher than themselves and
often startle when anything passes over their heads or backs.
TTEAM Connections
16
Calves that can complete the Confidence Course are
less likely to startle when faced with roadblocks and objects on
the ground around them (especially unfamiliar items such as
trash and debris). For exhibit animals, the improved coordination that comes from learning to navigate tight turns and step
over objects reduces the risk of injury to the animal. The ability
to lead the calves through the obstacles of the Confidence
Course makes them safer animals to walk in difficult situations
including trailer loading, returning animals to holding yards in
the event of escape, or during evacuation in an emergency such
as a natural disaster.
Conclusion
Both keepers and giraffes at the Oakland Zoo have
benefited from this fusion system of training, not only through
an improved relationship but in the ability to attain complex
and unusual behavioral goals. Adjunct to those training accomplishments described previously, staff members bathe and
groom the animals, apply cold therapy boots and shoes, wrap
the leg joints, administer laser therapy and acupuncture/acupressure, condition the hooves with topical remedies,
rub on topical NSAIDs, perform mock dental examinations,
drop ophthalmolic washes and ointments into infected eyes,
inject necessary medications via pole syringe or hand injection,
and perform transabdominal ultrasounds. Most importantly,
keepers are not forced to work with the giraffes based around
flight distance - mutual cooperation is obtained and this congruent relationship is the key to the success of the program.
July-September 2007
Why TTouch Works? - Another perspective
I have been meaning to write this for some time and
finally got around to it! So is this another take on
WHY TTOUCH works?
are embedded in me – I’m unaware I am! Our animals
no longer need our help to remind them what is
wanted, they do it with unconscious thinking.
No, not a technical explanation, but one that is linked
to humanistic management theory! As I become more
and more involved with the work, so more and more the
parallels to human theories I have been exposed to
become more apparent. So here is my thought for
today!
All making sense so far? Well here comes the bombshell – the ease with which we slip from unconscious
competence to unconscious incompetence! In my case
this was evidenced by a letter through the door one
morning that sent me diving for my diary and incredulously trying to imagine that someone else had my car
that day, IT COULDN’T HAVE BEEN ME EXCEEDING
THE SPEED LIMIT!
COGG’s learning ladder theory.
According to Cogg, when we are learning we go through
4 stages, unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence and unconscious competence. To explain the stages when imparting this to
managers we often use the analogy of learning to
drive.
Unconscious incompetence – I don’t know I can’t; as a
child I remember sitting on the drivers seat of my
dad’s car, holding the steering wheel and moving it furiously and, in my head, I was driving – I didn’t know I
couldn’t! With our animals, they are unaware a behaviour is inappropriate.
Conscious incompetence – I know I can’t; at 17, I had
my first driving lesson and returned home in tears
wailing that how was I ever going to remember to look
in a mirror, hold a steering wheel, put my foot on a
pedal AND use my other hand to move a stick to
change gear! I was certain I couldn’t! As we work with
our animals they become aware that some behaviour is
not what is wanted.
Conscious competence – I know I can; after 10 or 12
lessons that initial reaction was a dim and distant
memory and I was ready to take my test – I knew I
could! (And on the third attempt I even convinced the
examiner!). With our help, our animals start to realise
they can exhibit the desired behaviour.
Unconscious competence – I’m unaware I can; I no
longer have to actively think about the mirror, pedals,
steering wheel etc... I do it automatically, the actions
TTEAM Connections
17
So why, if the process was embedded, had I got it
wrong? It seems to me that the answer lies in the
fact that having become embedded, the thinking part
of my brain became less active so allowing me to lapse
into incompetence.
Therefore it seems my THINKING BRAIN is only fully
engaged in the CONSCIOUS state, and only in that
state can I make a choice to change to my behaviour
or attitude. And to do that I also need feedback and
self awareness.
So is that also why TTouch Training works – it stimulates and activates the cells that engage the THINKING BRAIN, gives self awareness and feedback, and
allows choice. So with TTouch we take our animals
from unconscious incompetence, through conscious incompetence, to conscious competence and into unconscious competence. BUT we need to remember that to
stay effective in unconscious competence, we need to
move back to conscious competence from time to time.
So from time to time we need to touch base with our
animals to remind them they have got it right.
(Because we don’t want our animals to exceed the
speed limit!).
Well, just some ramblings, but hope I have made you
smile!
Margaret Siverns, P1, England
Editor’s Note: This fits nicely with the next article “Change Happens”.
July-September 2007
Change Happens
By Shelly Moore
We have likely all heard that “the only constant is change”. But
have you every really stopped to think out about what you can
actually change or how you can effect change? What are two
physical things that you can easily change or give the appearance that change has occurred within your own body? What
comes to mind for me is eye color and hair. One trip to the
beautician and you can change your hairstyle, length and color
in just a matter of hours and that change can last for as long as
you want. For eye color with the advent of colored contacts
you can change brown eyes to green just by putting in a contact
lens. These two physical attributes are really only limited by
imagination.
What does this have to do with TTEAM and TTouch? When I
first became involved with TTEAM many years ago, one of the
first ideas that Linda and Robyn presented that resonated within
me at a very deep level is that change is possible using the
TTEAM concepts and exercises and by doing the TTouches.
I took that a step further in my own work by believing that
changes will happen – but I did not know to what extent or exactly what those changes might be. I believe that changes
evolve on many different levels such as physically, mentally or
emotionally. I have also personally witnessed physical
changes happen that appeared to be “unrelated” to what we
were working on. In my business I see changes sometimes surface as behavioral patterns that improve, or marked differences
in overall physical well-being that are observed by the owners
or caretakers of the animal.
Having grown up with horses, I participated in many different
areas of the equestrian world – but the reality was that I never
really progressed as far as I hoped I would in the time frame I
had rigidly tried to adhere to. After attending a few TTEAM
trainings, I noticed that when I was in TTEAM mindset, I could
start to look at each ride or training session as a chance for a
small change. What I noticed is that things did begin to improve but on a deeper and more permanent level a little more
quickly than anticipated. The conscious incompetence was
starting to be come unconscious competence….
What I really like about TTEAM and TTouch is that each year
the exercises, TTouches, and the concepts continue to evolve
and become safer, easier and more fun. I have observed what
seems to be a lot of experimentation at our trainings, and this
excites me as it opens us up to the possibilities of more
changes, that make things even more interesting. I am so
amazed at how easily the instructors modify the lessons to accommodate the participant’s needs, this seems to be highly unusual in the horse world and unique to the TTEAM Trainings.
Another impressive thing about TTEAM is that somehow almost magically Robyn, as well as many of the other instructors,
seem to be able to keep abreast of what people all over the
world are doing and teaching. I enjoy attending trainings or
demos put on by other instructors in different modalities for a
couple of reasons. It keeps me abreast of who is doing what out
in the real world of horses and animal training and I often learn
the big lesson of “What Not To Do”. Both insights are proving
to be extremely valuable to me.
Recently I got the opportunity to work with a woman who
wanted to learn some of the basic TTEAM leading positions
and a couple of TTouches. When I arrived I noticed that her
mare seemed to grind her teeth all of the time. As I set up a
mini confidence course made up of cones, poles and a labyrinth, I made a mental note to add mouth work to this lesson.
In the end, we never did do any mouth work. We spent our
time focused on teaching/learning the leading exercise elegant
elephant, and finished off with some simple clouded leopard
circles and python lifts. Two weeks later when I called to confirm our next lesson the owner mentioned that her mare had
stopped grinding her teeth. I asked if she would revert back to
the pattern of grinding her teeth when she was stressed. The
owner did confirm this to be true. But, the big picture for me
was that a large change had happened in a very unexpected
way, and without ever touching her mouth.
Last year, in my quest to learn to ride better, I met an astounding lady, Jane Armour. Jane who was a BHS Chief Examiner,
Dressage and Hunter judge, is helping me learn correct Dressage principles and techniques. What is so fun about it is that
she has many ideals that mimic the TTEAM philosophy and
you can learn the “lessons” at a deeper more fundamental level.
A huge part of her philosophy is the 1% principle on change.
This translates to – “if you improve each ride or training session
with simply a small 1% change that at the end of 30 sessions
you should be at least 30% better.” She goes on to say that
through consistent and correct riding and groundwork, you create a strong, supple, happy, healthy horse that enjoys the time
Thinking back, I was likely not the best student of TTEAM but
I was a very persistent student! At that time I was unable financially to attend more than one long TTEAM training per year. I
knew I wanted to stay involved with TTEAM and I knew I
wanted to become a practitioner, but I figured out that I would
TTEAM Connections
have to be willing to make some changes in how I viewed my
situation. It took me a few years but I became a practitioner –
one training at a time! I knew that for myself, with persistence
and dedication that I would “make it” and eventually become a
practitioner, but that I would need to also be patient and just
keep plugging along even when I did not seem to be making
progress in my quest.
18
July-September 2007
spent with you and that in the long run he will be a willing partner who is healthier and sounder as he ages.
Because of TTEAM and TTouch I thought I might observe small changes in my horse’s physical and emotional body. But, what actually ended up happening
during my sessions with Jane is that we made much
larger improvements than I had originally anticipated,
in less time. But what was so joyous to me is that I
could take this home and actually recreate the movements and exercises she taught, on my own without her
coaching me through each step. Just like in TTEAM
people can really learn the exercises and philosophy in
a way that enables them to recreate it at home!
By incorporating TTEAM exercises and TTouches into
my riding lessons, we have made huge changes in a
very short time. Yes, sometimes Mouse and I fall back
into our old habits, postures, and behaviors, but it is happening
less often! So, in conclusion I would have to say that yes
change happens! But it can be an enjoyable experience.
Photos After: These photos were taken 6 weeks later when
Shelly attended another clinic and had put about 12 rides on
her horse, Mouse, in between the first and second clinics.
New Book!!!
Getting in TTouch with
Your Puppy
Photos above: The first day of the first clinic shows the horse
holding at the base of his neck and lacking connection to the
hind legs.
A Gentle Approach to Training and Influencing Behavior
Shelly Moore, Creswell, Oregon is a TTEAM Practitioner 2 and
regular contributor to TTEAM Connections and other magazines.
TTEAM Connections
In U.S. order from: www.ttouch.com 1 800 85408326
In Canada www.tteam-ttouch.ca or 1 800 255-2336
19
July-September 2007
Personality Analysis - What does it mean with a foal?
Bjoska
now, that will change as she matures. It’s really hard to judge
them at this age. But it can be a problem that you don’t like her
mother, because it can color your attitude toward her. I believe
that how we “see” and experience a horse has a huge effect on
their behavior. If you can practice holding an open mind, and
believing that there are no accidents and that you have much to
learn together, I think you can help a lot, no matter what. She is
a strange mix between northern cold weather breed and southern hot weather horse. It may be that it takes much more understanding and work with her than normal, but I feel you are responsible for her, so see what you can learn together.
Dear Linda,
Would you be able to analyse my new foal (bought at 6
months) as despite my knowledge through your book, she has
me puzzled. I am seriously thinking whether or not our personalities match well enough.
I'm attaching one new photo and the previous collage. Bjoska
(Icelandic x Paso Creole) has a very long swirl which extends
from below her eyes right up to where her forelock starts. Her
behaviour can be somewhat erratic, I've never had a horse like
that. I didn't like her dam but took the risk with this mating as
there was no other option to have a foal by the Icelandic stallion!
By working with her in the “Playground” you will have a huge
influence on her as she matures. Just be sure not to over do it. I
really feel less is more with these youngsters.
Love from Brigitte Heyer, Australia
Hi Brigitte,
I found the collage with your filly. I love it. Could you write a
few paragraphs about your work with the filly at 6 months and
we could put it on the website or in the newsletter as
“preparing your foal to be a safe, trusting riding partner.” your
photos are super.
Weren’t you in a clinic with me in Germany 25 years or so a
go?
Linda TJ
I would not worry so much at this point about Bjoska doing
silly things sometimes. In terms of judging her head shape
TTEAM Connections
I think it would also be helpful to keep a journal as you work
with her as a TTEAM baby, and maybe Robyn could do a short
report each quarter in the newsletter. You don’t have to write
much, but keep track of your doubts and highs and lows. I don’t
have to tell you I am sure, but just don’t let anyone talk you into
“teaching her who is boss” or manhandling her. That is where I
have seen lovely horses lose their trust.
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July-September 2007
better about herself.
Story of Bjoska
I spent a good half hour with her twice daily,
for most of the first week, just getting her
used to me and TTouch. I may have overdone
it with that, I just so badly wanted her to settle
in and become trusting.
After transport delays and insurance cover
stuff ups, our new Icelandic x Paso Creole
filly (American Saddlebred x Peruvian Paso),
5 months old Bjoska, finally arrived late at
night on May 3rd, after two days on the truck
(with a night in a yard in between). I was well
prepared. I had my older mares on one side of
the yard with a shelter, and the other yard side
with shelter was for Bjoska. The partition is
solid wood.
Bjoska entered her yard, and within minutes
tried to jump the fence to get to the mares.
They did not welcome the new arrival and
showed aggression. Everyone was fed and
they seemed to settle down for a bit, but then
Bjoska succeeded in jumping the fence, only to be instantly
attacked. I opened the gate and rescued her once. Later that
night, she repeated the process, but at that stage the mares only
kept her at a distance. Then she got the message and stayed in
her yard. Nena, the Saddlebred (our gentle fizzer) showed first
signs of friendliness, whilst my 23yo Haflinger x Primel had 'no
ears' for the new arrival.
Tension was running high, and I hardly slept for the first two
nights. As soon as the mares took twenty steps towards the far
side of the yard, Bjoska would panic. It was a pitiful sight. For
a week, I kept everyone yarded and on hay. Then I tried Nena
and Bjoska in a large paddock, which worked - except when
Bjoska spied a big old man kangaroo and raced to Nena for
cover, only to get bitten and chased back. A few more days, and
I could let the three go together. Although the distances are
much reduced now, Primel still dislikes her and chases her
away if she comes too close - which Bjoka keeps doing.
The filly had been weaned and settled in with other weanlings,
taught to lead, well sort of, and tie, and her feet had been
trimmed, before leaving her home. However, she was a bundle
of fear and tension. Any movement towards her poll caused
head tossing and eyeballs rolling. Brushing was merely tolerated. I could lift her feet, but she seemed scared she might not
get them back!
From the first encounter, whenever I touched her, there was
some TTEAM going on. The most effective TTouch was Raccoon all over her head and eventually her poll. She once bit me
when I picked up a front leg, so I added lots of mouthwork,
which she enjoyed. Lowering the head was a very gradual process with many setbacks. Bjoska wore a halter and a neckring on
alternate days, so I could catch her, and to get her used to the
process of haltering, which she feared. (Mind you, so did I - her
response was enough to give me a dose of butterflies in the
stomach, until she was accepting it!) Tailwork helped her feel
TTEAM Connections
21
I have still not tied her up yet. I just use the
halter with zephyr lead for leading, and initially stood her facing a fence, dangling the
loose end of the lead over the top. She has
since learned to appreciate being groomed,
and combining picking up feet with gentle,
brief leg exercises has helped a lot with her
balance. Now I can groom her free standing,
without halter, and clean her feet.
My farrier, a tough bloke who thinks nothing
of catching a Brumby foal and tying it to a tree overnight (!!!!!)
was most impressed with her conduct. He only gets to touch my
horses' feet, and he knows it. Outside that, he is a good farrier. I
was making darn sure that Bjoska's second trim was going to be
a positive experience for all concerned.
I love doing ground exercises. We have two different types of
bridges, suspended on tires, and lots of nice poles for the labyrinth, star etc. Traffic bollards (barriers) make great laneways,
with horse rugs (blankets) for walls.
My Haflinger cross Primula had TTEAM from day one, loves
all the obstacles and parks her front legs on the bridge after her
morning feed, to meditate.
Now 8 months old and growing like blazes, Bjoska has advanced from stepping onto the bridge flat on the ground to negotiating the two bridges adjoining, straight at first and then at
45 degrees. She has learned to do the maze in the elegant elephant, dingo and cobra positions, and walked through bollard
lane.
Recently I wanted to show off her skills to my daughter, but all
I had in my left hand was a brush, the zephyr lead in my right.
So I put my mind into the brush and used it like a wand, and it
worked.
From all this you might deduce that all is fun and easy! Well,
no. From day one I sensed something about my little black princess' personality that I was uneasy with. I think it is the look in
her eye (not all the time), the position of her ears, and a feeling
of something sudden about to happen. I have owned 16 horses
over the last 30 - odd years, raised 9 foals and TTEAM trained
about ten horses for work under saddle. (Without TTEAM, I
could not have done it.)
While some had their moments, I've never had horses with
'agro' before. Bjoska has a temperament that is completely new
to me. I blamed it on her dam, a horse I would never buy, but
July-September 2007
the only empty mare available for the mating at the time. Linda alerted me that
'seeing' Bjoska in this light, will have an
undesirable effect. I totally agree with this
theory.
in fumbling with things and exploring. As for
the top part of the profile, there might be a
slight bulge emerging, and I'm not sure re jaw
proportions. Her mouth is on the short side. I
deduced: loves to interact with non-equine
species, is friendly and reliable, but possibly a
slower learner than usual (that has been the
case). But:
The eyes - don't look trusting a lot of the time,
and are very changeable. Linda told me that
we can't really evaluate foals that way as their
heads are still growing. I had never thought of
that!
Often she puts her ears back at me without
a reason (from my understanding), which I
find hard to stomach, as all my horses past
& present are very friendly. When something upsets her, she takes a very long time
to calm down.
Example: all three horses startle at a noise
in the paddock and run (rare). After 50 metres, the mares stop and graze. Bjoska continues to run around, wild eyed, for a good
three minutes!
Well, this is the story so far. I hope it encourages others to do some work with their young
horses, rather than leave them to their own
devices for three years and then suddenly
want to get on and ride...
I was leading her outside the yard in front
of the house one day, an area she had explored previously. I had
Primel close by to avoid any separation anxiety. I wanted to
get Bjoska used to lead in a straight line, and for further than
the yard allows, in preparation to lead her on foot as Nena, her
now surrogate mum, is ridden. At first she walked on ok, then I
caught a change in her eye, and she lashed out at me with her
near fore. It frightened me, but I just said 'No!' and outwardly
calm, kept walking. It felt as though my aura was turning in.
Walking up the hill with a fabric bag to collect kindling (we
have winter here!), the horses came up to check it out and say
hello, as they always do. I reached out to Bjoska and let her lick
my hand, when she suddenly reared, ears pinned, and 'bit' into
the air, then walked away. That was one of many, fairly regular
occurrences where something inside me wants to flick a switch
to undo the purchase! I battled repeated nights with anxiety
attacks, using positive affirmations like "every time I look at
my foal, I feel calm and happy".
I was grateful to receive Linda's opinion. I had hoped she would
bring some light into this mystery, which would help me understand Bjoska better, and to make my decision whether to keep
her, or to accept that some personalities don't match and find a
more suitable home for her. I'm sensitive, highly strung, easily
scared and thrive on trust and harmony. As a rider, I am cautious and prefer quiet horses. Bjoska is very spirited and highly
strung as well, and I feel she would be better off in the hands
(TTEAMed!) of an inwardly calm and confident person, someone who enjoys a spirited, fast horse, and just does not worry
about her antics, which I do.
I had gone through the personality analysis, most of which I
have internalized over years of practise, and found a very long
swirl (looking for the possibility of contact with humans), as
Linda said in Germany), ears set wide apart - reliable, and the
heart shaped lip all our horses have, which shows their interest
TTEAM Connections
For my part, I know that doing all the TTEAM I can, I will create the best possible relationship that can be achieved between
Bjoska and myself. If I was inwardly calmer and emotionally
less vulnerable, the result would be far better. We just do what
we can.
Bjoska got me back into TTEAM and this is now affecting
quite a few friends. One was using a different training system.
Using what little TTEAM I have shown her, both her horses'
attitudes have changed so much, TTEAM 'is it'. She summed it
up like this, "some methods are about getting the horse to do
what I want, TTEAM is about our relationship".
Happy training
Brigitte
Editor’s Note: I wonder if Bjoska is one of those horses that had
trouble with being weaned at 5 months or earlier?
TTEAM Connections Subscription Renewals
If you want to check the expiration date of your subscription
look on the envelope label when you receive the newsletter.
I send out renewal notices with the newsletters as we do the
publishing and fulfillment from our home office.
If you think a mistake has been made please email me at
[email protected] or call 1-800 255-2336 (8:00 a.m.– 6:00
p.m. P.S.T - west coast)
Thanks, Robyn
22
July-September 2007
Equine Ulcers : Bandwagon or Alarm Bells?
When we feel under the weather, we can describe our symptoms to a doctor and be treated accordingly. However, when
our equine partners look “off”, we have to make informed decisions concerning their health. It seems that the new bandwagon
that everybody, including your vet, jumps on, is called Equine
Ulcer. How can a horse have an ulcer? He doesn’t worry about
the bond repayments, how to put the kids through college or
what’s happening at work. In fact, all he does all day long is
hang out with his buddies, gets put in a stable and fed a wonderful meal and gets ridden every now and again. Well, to most
of us that would seem like bliss, but to the horse and his very
delicate digestive system, that kind of routine plays havoc with
his stomach.
Ulcer Disease (GDUD) and Pyloric Mucosal Ulcer Disease
(PMUD)) and Cardiac Glandular Ulcer Disease are common as
well.
Figure 3. Marked salivating and drooling typically
seen with advanced gastro-duodenal ulcer disease
(GDUD) in young horses
Studies around the world have shown that of those horses
scoped, about 90% of racehorses, 60% of performance horses,
50% of endurance horses and as much as 50-70% of foals have
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). The horse has
evolved to eat little bits of food on a continuous basis and therefore produces gastric acid to digest the constant stream of food,
whether there is in fact food or not. In humans, the secretion of
gastric acid happens only when food is ingested, but the horse
produces acid all the time. It is estimated that a horse produces
about 1.5 litres of gastric acid per hour. By chewing all the
time, the horse produces saliva, which neutralises the acid in
the stomach. So, if the horse isn’t producing saliva but is producing acid, ulcer heaven has been created.
The things that cause ulcer formation in humans, are the same
as for horses – gastric acid damaging the unprotected layer of
stomach lining. Food is the only protection against this damage, so if the horse has no food in his stomach as a buffer
against the acid, acid damage can result in less than 30 minutes
with a full-blown ulcer forming within hours.
Figure 4. Advanced GDUD with partial blockage of the duodenum (arrows) due to stricture by scar formation. These lesions
disrupt gastric emptying, which leads secondary squamous gastritis, and sometimes esophagitis
But, to make matters worse, it’s not only gastric ulcers that are
under investigation, but other ulceration as well. Upper Duodenal Mucosal Lesions (subdivided again into Gastro-duodenal
TTEAM Connections
23
July-September 2007
Let us look at the clinical explanations for the various forms of
ulcers.
From this, we now have our first culprits :
The most common ulcers in adult horses are those where lesions occur in the upper part of the stomach, close to the oesophagus (the inlet to the stomach). When a horse is at rest or
moving about at no faster than a walk, there is no pressure on
the stomach so the food and accompanying acid will reach to
just below the oesophagus. However, as soon as the horse
starts moving faster, the stomach is compressed and the contents are pushed up towards the oesophagus, which normally is
not exposed to any acid and therefore has no mucosal defence
against the corrosive agents. Dr AM Merritt, DVM, University
of Florida in the USA, did studies with horses on a treadmill.
Firstly, he inserted Mylar balloons equipped with barostats into
the upper part of the stomachs of three horses and then put them
through their paces on a treadmill. The barostats maintained
constant pressure in the balloon – releasing air when the balloon was squashed and filling it again when the pressure was no
longer there. A computer kept track of the readings at the different levels of exercise.
There is a direct correlation between feeding practices and the
incidence of ulcers. As has been noted earlier in this article, the
horse produces acid all the time, whether the stomach has food
in it or not. Added to that, if the horse doesn’t chew, he’s not
producing saliva which contains the bicarbonate that neutralises
the acid in the stomach. By giving one or two large meals but
nothing (or very little) else, like hay or other roughage, ulcers
will start forming. There are three types of ulcers : 1) Inflammation with no break in the surface; 2) Superficial damage to
the stomach lining, and 3) Penetration of the ulcer deep into the
wall of the stomach, sometimes causing bleeding if a blood
vessel is pierced. The last lesion can go as far as penetrating all
the way through the stomach wall which will result in serious or
fatal peritonitis (bacterial infection of the abdominal cavity).
Exercise on an empty stomach
The findings were that at gaits at anything faster than a walk,
the stomach would contract significantly, up to deflating all the
air in the balloons totally. The tests were divided into when the
horses had a meal two hours before exercise and those where
food was withheld for 18 hours before exercise (some racehorses don’t get fed 24 hours before a race!). The balloons
became deflated at trot and stayed that way even when the
horses were galloped for 3.2 kilometres (2 miles); the balloon
inflated again when the horses came back to walk. The most
significant effects were seen in those horses who had fasted for
the 18 hours, but changes were seen in the fed horses as well,
although the volume in the bags were decreased by the food in
the stomach already.
* Type 1 ulcer was found in 40-50% of horses scoped,
whether in training or retired.
•
Type 2 ulcer was found in less than 30% of horses who
were in training and in only 5% of those horses in retirement.
•
*Type 3 ulcer was found in 10% of 2-8 year old horses,
in 29% of those older than 9 years old but no incidence
of this type of ulcer in retired horses.
From the above, we can assume that due to the feeding practices and exercise routine – if any – of retired horses, ulcers do
not pose any problems. The low incidence of Type 1 and 2
ulcers found in retired horses and the fact that the Type 3 ulcers
were not evident in this group of horses, that any ulcers present
have either completely healed or were busy healing.
The research team guessed that either the stomach wall was
becoming more rigid or that external pressure was compressing
the stomach. They inserted a catheter into the right flank to
measure intra-abdominal pressure and a pressure transducer
measured the intra-gastric pressure. When the horses moved
from a walk to a trot, both measurements shot up and stayed
elevated during the entire exercise.
The conclusion the doctors came to was that during exercise,
the liquid contents of the stomach is forced towards the oesophagus where there was no defence against the acid. To double-check this, they inserted a pH electrode into the upper stomach, just below the oesophagus. When the horses stood or
walked, the pH remained at 5-6, but as soon as they trotted or
cantered, the pH dropped to 1 and remained there until the
horses came back to a walk. This proved that acid was reaching
up into the delicate oesophageal region where there was no defence against stomach acid.
In the tests conducted by Dr Merritt described above, it was
noted that it was the liquid contents that was squeezed up towards the oesophagus, but as soon as there was food in the
stomach, very little, if any, liquid came into contact with the
sensitive tissues. This would explain why such a high number
of race horses and other performance horses have such a high
incidence of ulcers. The practice of withholding hay for 24
hours from race horses and a number of hours from dressage
and event horses, causes greater harm than the perceived increase in performance. In other studies conducted in Australia,
it was found that there is no notable increase in performance in
race horses with empty stomachs and those who were given
free choice hay during the preceding 24 hours. In endurance,
riders are advised to give the horse half his normal portion of
concentrates no later than 3 hours before the start of the race
and to allow the horse as much hay and other roughage as he
can eat. In April 2003, the first study concentrating on endurance horses was conducted and as soon as all the data has been
gathered and analysed, the results will be published.
At the end of winter when fodder is at a premium and / or
scarce, it is very tempting to increase the concentrate ration and
cut down on the hay. However, by doing this, the problem of
having a full stomach for short periods followed by hours of
TTEAM Connections
24
July-September 2007
little or no roughage passing through the system, increases the
chances of ulcers forming – acid is produced on an empty stomach coupled with no saliva to deal with the acid. There is also a
chance that even if roughage is offered, the horse would rather
not eat it as he’s just had an excess of “sweets” and is no longer
interested in his “vegetables”. Not only is there a danger of
colic when large meals are given, but large grain meals result in
more acid being produced which is triggered by the hormone
“gastrin”. Dr Michael Murray, associate professor and Adelaide C. Riggs Chair in Equine Medicine at the Marion duPont
Scott Equine Medical Center, who has been studying equine
gastric ulcers for the last 12 years, has found that as soon as
roughage intake decreases, acid secretion increases. It was
found that as long as there is roughage in the stomach, acidity
levels are low, but that the levels increase within one hour after
the horse stops eating roughage.
Confinement can now be added to the list of baddies.
When medication is prescribed by your veterinarian, there is
very good reason for sticking to the prescribed doses and time
frames. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), like phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine
(Benamine), aid in recovery from inflammatory complaints,
they may also cause ulceration of the stomach if given in excess
and for too long.
Drugs, or their misuse, can be seen as part of the ulcer problem.
This then gives us our next culprit :
Feeding practices
The above information is a good starting point to base the next
discussion on, and that is confinement. For various reasons, be
it stall rest resulting from an injury; urban restrictions in keeping horses; laziness on the part of the human; the emotional
warmth humans get from seeing horse heads poking over stable
doors, humans have tailored the keeping of horses for their own
convenience. Horses are kept on a rigid routine where huge
amounts of concentrates are given two or three times a day with
a hay net every now and again. They are then ridden when it
suits the rider’s time constraints after which they are popped
back into the stable. The dislike riders have to allow their
horses to nibble on grass with a bit in their mouth is also based
on aesthetics (the bit gets green and slimy), and not on practical
reasons.
By confining a horse, he is unable to move around sufficiently
to aid the emptying of his stomach contents. Defecation is assisted by movement and by restricting the movement of the
horse, he is unable to empty his bowels properly. The fact that
digested matter is accumulating in the colon, contributes to Pyloric Mucosal Ulcer Disease (PMUD). This is when lesions
start occurring in the pyloric glandular mucosa, the outlet part
of the digestive system. When the lesions become significant,
it causes inhibited gastric emptying, which in turn aggravates
the ulcer and so on. A pretty vicious cycle.
Figure 5. Ulcers of the glandular mucosa (arrows) due to
phenyl-butazone (“bute”) toxicity
Emotional stress has been blamed in the formation of
ulcers in both humans and horses, but research has shown that
this type of stress has nothing to do with ulcers. However,
there are other kinds of stress that may be to blame, like illness;
surgery; relocation; busy performance schedule; transportation.
It is not the actual action that is to blame, but in many cases the
horse will either stop eating or eat very little, causing ulcers to
form.
Stress is the last on the list of reasons for ulcers forming.
It has also been hypothesised that the reason for stabled horses
cribbing / wind sucking is to create saliva which in turn will
counter-act the acid in the stomach. The initial findings are that
horses who have no access to hay, will start this vice in order to
assist themselves with their ulcer. More studies need to be
done on this theory, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep this in mind
when dealing with these problems.
Dr Charles G MacAllister, DVM, at Oklahoma State University, found that strict confinement will result in ulcers in 90% of
horses within two to four weeks.
TTEAM Connections
25
Figure 6. Ulcers, one of which has perforated, of the cardiac
gland region of a severely stressed neonate.
July-September 2007
But how can we relate the above to foals? Foals, up to early
weaning age, are prone to Gastro-duodenal Ulcer Disease
(GDUD). This condition primarily manifests itself in lesions in
the upper duodenum – the gullet or oesophagus. Why this condition should afflict foals, is not yet completely understood, but
consensus is that it has partly to do with stress. It has also been
noted that foals with musculoskeletal or other physical problems and those whose dams are kept at breeding farms or who
are moved around for re-breeding are more prone to ulcers. It
is accepted that most foals in the first week after birth, will have
minor ulceration and in most cases will disappear without intervention. However, in some cases these ulcers may be aggravated by factors mentioned above or other early illnesses such
as diarrhoea or pneumonia. If the right conditions are present
and a mild ulcer develops into something more serious, it can
do so very quickly. Some farms have reported fatalities from
foals that were judged perfectly healthy 24 hours prior to
death.
The same reasons that cause ulcers in adult horses, are to blame
for ulcers in foals – not nursing as intended (small amounts
during the day); stress, as listed above; confinement; drugs.
SYMPTOMS
A wide variety of observable symptoms have been reported, but
it should be stressed that not all horses with an ulcer will necessarily display any or all of these signs. It has also been reported
that some horses acted normally with none of the usual symptoms.
In adult horses, the following are most common :
* Poor appetite – not finishing a meal or taking longer than
normal
* Poor body condition
* Decreased performance
* Weight loss
* Dullness
* Rough hair coat
* Low-grade or frequent colic
* Attitude change
Treatment
In the USA, the most common medication for equine ulcers is
omeprazole which goes under the brand name of Gastrogard for
horses. The body naturally manufactures omeprazole, which
inhibits the over-production of acid. In contrast, antacids like
Maalox neutralise the acid already present. Thirdly, an H2
blocker prevents the body’s histamine from producing acid.
The trade names for these medications are Tagamet
(Cimetidine), Zantac (Ranitidine) and Pepcid AC (Famotidine).
The cost and application of the various medications vary
greatly. Gastrogard is much more expensive but is easier to
administer. A typical course of medication is about 28 days
and the horse can be exercised while healing. The normal dose
is prescribed at 4 mg/kg once a day. This course of treatment is
preferred by vets as it inhibits the secretion of acid, i.e. it deals
with the problem before it has time to cause any damage. In
addition to that, it is much more convenient to administer.
In contrast to the Gastrogard, the Maalox-type treatment is reactive, i.e. after the fact. Furthermore, administration of 240 ml
of the extra strength medication should occur every two hours
to keep the pH level above 4 in an average sized horse. Clearly,
this is very time consuming. It has also been found that not all
ulcers will react favourably to this treatment.
Lastly, the products that work on the histamine blockers
(Tagamet and Zantac type products) have been very effective in
the treatment of ulcers in horses, but it has been found that
ranitidine (Zantac) should be given in great amounts to have
any effect. The prescribed dosage is 6-7 mg/kg orally at least
three times a day. Furthermore, this treatment requires that the
medication be given on an empty stomach as the presence of
food may inhibit the effectiveness of the medication.
The cheapest way of healing an ulcer, is to give the horse full
turnout with free access to grazing or good quality hay. Lucerne (alfalfa) has been found to aid the pH in the stomach – it
lowers the acidity in the stomach for up to five hours after consumption. Lucerne contains high levels of calcium and protein
and works in the same way as antacids. It has been found that
by simply giving the affected horse enough turnout and time to
graze as much as possible, that it has healed ulcers in 90% of
cases.
Foals :
* Intermittent nursing
* “Potbellied” appearance
* Intermittent colic
* Laying or rolling on back – in some cases laying with the
legs in the air and not getting up
* Poor body condition
* Diarrhoea
* Grinding teeth
* Salivation or drooling
Diagnosis
There is only one definitive way to diagnose ulcers and that is
by using an endoscope. The common way this exam is done, is
by withholding food from the horse for about 12 hours and water for about six hours prior to examination. A three meter long
TTEAM Connections
flexible endoscope will be inserted through the oesophagus and
into the stomach. The veterinarian will then be able to see the
number and severity of ulcers, if there are any present.
26
One can’t be blamed for thinking that the incidence of ulcers
has increased dramatically in the past few months, but the reason for this is that researchers are becoming more educated
about the disease. This could happen only with the arrival of
the extra-long endoscope which enabled researchers to look
into the horse’s stomach. There is still a lot learn about equine
ulcers – ongoing education is vital. Consider this : “The recognition of ulcers has certainly grown, and some would suggest
that there are more than there used to be," says Michael J.
Murray, DVM, MS. "The truth is, ulcers have always been a
July-September 2007
References
problem, but only in recent years--with long-enough endoscopes that allow us to get in and look around--are we making
the connection with what we see and what the horse's clinical
problems are."
How Much Bute Is Too Much? A.C. Asbury, DVM;
www.thehorse.com article #194
Why Horses Get EGUS, Marcia King;
www.horseandfarmmagazine.com/index.html
Are You Giving Your Horse An Ulcer?; http://
horses.miningco.com/cs/aboutequisearch/a/eqhorseulc217.htm
and
It’s Enough to Give Him an Ulcer! Stephanie Stephens;
www.thehorse.com article #4356
“Jack Snyder, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, chief of lameness and
surgery at the University of California, Davis, undertook ulcer
studies at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics, examining show
jumpers, dressage horses, and three-day eventers: "In Atlanta
in 1996, we found 70-75% of horses had ulcers; in Sydney in
2000, ulcers were reduced to 60%, and these were much less
severe. The awareness of ulcers has dramatically increased in
the last four to six years.”
Exercise and Ulcers : Is it the Norm? Karen Briggs;
www.thehorse.com article #4281
Stomach Ulcers in Foals : Dr Jennifer MacLeay, BSc, DVM; http://
www.todayshorse.com
Equine Gastric Ulcer Study in Endurance Horses; Dr B Fleming,
DVM; http://www.aerc.org/veterinary/
EGUS, Current Thoughts on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment, AM Merritt, DVM; http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/Iwecrl/
Complementary Adjuncts for Helping Equine Ulcers
With the increasing awareness of the problem of Equine Ulcers
the challenge is often in the diagnosis because having horses
scoped is an expensive proposition for the average horse owners. Some people just go ahead and treat which is an option.
There are also complementary treatments that can be considered. Acupuncture points can be used to check for ulcers and to
help treat them along with some Homeopathic remedies and
there are various herbal remedies that have shown to be helpful.
Besides the symptoms listed in the previous article I have seen
horses that were exceptionally girthy or reactive to the saddle.
While this can also indicate other problems, such as a displaced
rib, there are some points you can check to get a better idea of
the cause. Also if your horse is reactive to belly lifts, but gets
more uncomfortable as you do the lifts further back on the
belly, it may indicate stomach problems.
Studies have been done on humans and dogs using the electroacupuncture (EAP) on ST36 which indicated a decrease in
feeding-stimulated gastric acid output.
Drawing above: ST10 (Stomach meridian) is a Diagnostic point
for stifle and stomach disorders. Located: 1 handsbreath towards the head from the junction of the front part of the neck
and shoulder. If this point is reactive and your horse also shows
other ulcer signs
There are quite a few good herbal remedies that have shown to
be helpful with ulcers or stomach problems. Riva’s Remedies
www.rivasremedies.com has some suggestions on her website
for useful remedies. Horse Sense Herbs also has products I
have used www.horsesenseherbs.ca. There are also many
other Herbal companies like Hilton Herbs that make excellent
products.
CV12 (Conception Vessel): Alarm point for the Stomach Meridian. If this point is reactive it could be a problem with the meridian or the stomach. Located half way between umbilicus and
the xiphoid process (at the back of where the true ribs meet on
the midline). If this area is sore in general it is something to
check.
If your horse or dog has a suspected ulcer it is worth looking
into all possibilities both allopathic and holistic as it will make
a huge difference to your horse.
TTEAM Connections
ST 36: used in acupuncture or acupressure—treating reduces
stomach acids. Location: Two finger widths below the button
edge of the tibial crest on the front edge of the tibia.
27
July-September 2007
DVD Presentations at the 30 Year CELLebration,
Scottsdale, Arizona, November 3-5, 2006
Yippee! The first six DVD’s of presentations at last year’s
TTouch CELLebration are ready to roll out. Jenn Merritt has
worked hard to prepare the DVDs and we can have the first six
discs duplicated in a few weeks. The DVDs range from one and
a half hours to two hours and include the Power Point presentations of the speakers.
If you were unable to attend the CELLebration, this is your
opportunity to partake of this wonderful collection of wisdom
that was presented over the three days. For those of you who
did attend, it is your chance to see the presentations you missed.
We need your help! If you pre-order then we will know how
many DVD’s to have duplicated.
The price is $20.00 per DVD.
• Puppy Lessons of Sit, Come and Stay with Andy Robertson. Australian dog trainer and TTouch Practitioner Andy
Robertson demonstrates her masterful yet simple training
method, demonstrating a respectful and loving way to teach a
puppy to sit, down and stay in a matter of a very few minutes.
• TTouch Applications for Extreme Dog Behavior
presented by Kathy Cascade, Tellington TTouch Instructor
Dealing with fearful, reactive or aggressive behavior issues
is certainly challenging and often a topic of heated debate. Unfortunately, these behaviors are often worsened by training
techniques and handling that intensify the dog’s fear and anxiety.
Based on her experience working with numerous dogs who
exhibit these often frustrating behaviors, Kathy presents an integrated approach using TTouch, positive reinforcement, and
creative exercises designed to help dogs (and people) reduce
stress and build confidence. The goal is to give the dog a new
experience of feeling safe, relaxed, and in control while in a
challenging environment or in the presence of other dogs or
people, which previously would have elicited a fearful response. Kathy describes this process as “building trust one experience at a time.”
Order three or more DVDs and you will receive a
10% discount.
Order all six DVDs and you will receive a 20%
discount.
Information about the content of the DVDs is listed below.
Aloha and Blessings, Linda
Disc 1: 105 minutes - CELLebration Morning featuring•
Opening Blessing by Sybil Taylor.
• Travels with Linda - TTouching the World with Kate
Riordan. Kate has the audience roaring with laughter and waiting with baited breath for her next adventure with the skill of a
seasoned raconteur, relaying her fascinating tales and photos of
travels with Linda in Japan, Germany, Australia and Jordan. It’s
a must-see.
• The Evolution of TTouch by Linda Tellington-Jones. Linda
describes the Influences, Scientific Support, Synchronicity and
the Role of Intention that have guided her on this journey to
birth and nurture TTouch over 30 years..
Topics to be covered include:
• Reading body language and calming signals correctly
• How to make a non-threatening approach
• The critical step of removing tension from the leash and
pressure from the dog’s neck
• Using the head collar appropriately and effectively
• TTouch bodywork to reduce muscle tension and physiological arousal
• Engaging the dog in slow, purposeful movement using the
TTouch Confidence Course
• Introducing a neutral dog in a progressive, step-by-step process
• The Influence of the Tellington Method on the Horse Industry by Susan Harding. As the former publisher of Equus
Magazine and the current director of Primedia Horse Publications, Susan gives a very informative presentation of the influcence of the Tellington Method over the span of 30 years with
archival photos and details.
• The importance of movement with frequent stops to come
into balance
• Working with dogs who exhibit fearful and reactive responses to people
• Using treats mindfully, and other forms of positive reward
Disc 2: 127 minutes.
•
TTouch for Cats, Bunnies & Wee Ones. Robyn Hood.
Robyn demonstrates TTouch techniques for little critters
- a cat, a bunny and a rat. This is a must-see demonstrating TTouch Toweling methods, use of tools other
than our hands to apply TTouch. Robyn’s quiet, confident and respectful interaction with three animals is informative and inspiring.
•
TTEAM Connections
Disc 3 94 minutes.
The Equine EEG: Immediate and Long-term Benefit
Of the TTEAM Program in an Anxious Horse
presented by Robin C. Bernhard, LCSW, MEd, Sandy Rakowitz
Introduction
The previous work of Linda Tellington-Jones and Anna Wise
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July-September 2007
suggest that TTouch and TTEAM techniques activate brainwave patterns that awaken the brain, increase focus, encourage quiescence and develop emotional and muscular balance through improved mind-body integration. Robin
Bernhard and Sandy Rakowitz explore brainwave patterns
with an objective EEG tool to test the hypothesis that
TTouch stroking with the wand would generate visible
signs of relaxation in the horse and produce an EEG pattern
reflective of this calmer, more focused mental state.
one. To become aware of different options available to us,
greatly aids us in providing the greatest comfort for as long as
possible to our animal friend.
And then there is the big decision we are often faced with:
Whether or when it might be time to ask the veterinarian to end
our animal’s life to prevent suffering. In this presentation, the
most common reasons for employing euthanasia are reevaluated from a holistic approach, opening up a whole new
perspective to base this kind of a decision on.
Conclusion
Merging ancient Tibetan knowledge about death and dying with
modern scientific findings yield a great opportunity for us to
support our animal loved ones through their grand transition,
way beyond the currently existing norm.
Stroking with the wand produced brainwave patterns reflective of quiet attention and focus. The horse’s mind was
active while the body appeared to be very relaxed. A detailed description of the brain is offered for each of the five
tests sites. This study supports the previous findings of
Anna Wise and Linda Tellington-Jones many years ago.
Our informal EEG assessment suggests whole brain activation with differentiation of function, especially in the integrative associative cortex.
Spirits in Transition was designed to give tools to people who
are interested in providing end-of-life care for their animal
friends and wish to prepare for it Contact: [email protected]
• Animals on the Other Side: Their Words of Comfort About
Life, Death, and Reincarnation presented by Lauren McCall
Disc 4: 119 minutes
Getting in TTouch with Traditional Chinese Medicine
The loss of a beloved animal is something that all animal lovers
have to come to terms with at some time during their lives.
TTouch and TTEAM Practitioners are often involved in helping
people to cope with their companion animal’s transition, and
ultimately their death. This talk is an introduction to how animals view the end of life’s cycle, and life after death. Drawing
on her work as a professional animal communicator and
TTouch Practitioner, Lauren will discuss experiences that animals have related to her about the transition process, leaving
loved ones behind, the purpose of their life, and reincarnation.
While not focusing on ‘grief and loss’, the class is intended to
help empower the Practitioners and their clients to better cope
with the loss of an animal.
This talk is an overview of this fascinating subject, primarily
using the words of the animals themselves to express their own
points of view.
presented by Sarah Fisher
Gaining a little knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine can give you more tools when working with animals.
Although the subject takes many, many years of study,
awareness of the potency of approaching animals from a
Chinese Medicine point of view can enhance your skills as
a TTouch and/or TTEAM Practitioner. At times, it can provide a vital piece of information that enables you to seek
appropriate help for an animal or suggest a change in the
management of a client’s horse, cat or dog.
Like TTouch, the aim of TCM is to maintain or restore harmony in the mind, body and soul to support optimal health
and wellbeing. Being aware of how each meridian and organ is linked to certain attributes we can deepen our understanding of our animal friends.
Disc 6: 103 minutes
TTouch and TCM is that they dovetail well together. Having the added knowledge of the attributes and associations
of each organ enables you to be a little more specific about
the exercises you may use perhaps, gives you more tools to
explain why TTouch may be beneficial for a clients’ animal
and reinforces and validates the TTouch ethos. There is
always a reason for unwanted or inappropriate behaviour.
• TTouch for You by Linda Tellington-Jones. Linda demonstrates TTouch humans and interacts with the audience while
the participants practice TTouch on themselves.
• Tellington TTouch in Acute and Critical Care: A Primer
presented by M. Cecilia Wendler, RN, PhD, CCRN
Acutely and critically ill patients and their families undergo
an inordinate amount of stress when encountering hospitalization. Pain, anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, fear, and loneliness
are commonly experienced.
Disc 5: 119 minutes
• Spirits in Transition: Providing End-of-life Care for
Our Animal Companions presented by Ella Bittel, DVM
If you are a health care professional – physical or occupational
therapist, physician or nurse –this breakout session discusses
the use of Tellington TTouch techniques that may reduce your
patients’ negative response to high-tech care.
The love of animals is a great source of joy in our lives, and
their well-being is a focus of our hearts concern. It is our
natural desire to provide the best we possibly can, caring for
our animal friends throughout the years.
This is true just as much when the time of departure from
being in a fur or feather body comes closer for our loved
TTEAM Connections
A summary of some of the research that has been done on Tellington TTouch will be featured, and future directions in Tellington TTouch for humans will be discussed.
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July-September 2007
TTOUCH AND THE KHULISA PROJECT
(Working with at risk teenagers and shelter dogs)
The Khulisa Project is a Diversional programme for teenage
first-time offenders. The teenagers are sent on the programme
rather than being sent to jail.
Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) has become involved in Khulisa and in May this year started running Saturday
morning sessions with these youngsters. The sessions are held
at their clinic which is on the Durban Deep Mines property.
So what has this got to do with TTouch? Well, Cora Bailey of
CLAW asked me if I would like to help run sessions in which
the children “train” some of the many dogs CLAW has in their
clinic kennels. The objective was for the children to have the
benefits of interacting with dogs, and for the dogs to learn to
walk on a lead, sit to command, etc, and as a result hopefully
become more adoptable. Cora wanted me to bring the TTouch
approach into the programme.
Finally, there is one young girl in the group who is really scared
of dogs. So I paired her up with my own cheerful, Corgi-cross,
Aggie. Aggie is the kindest little dog and tries so hard to please.
Aggie wove her magic and soon the two were trotting happily
backwards and forwards. Aggie worked hard, was exhausted
and slept soundly on the way home. What a good day!
We are hoping to change for the better, the lives of a few children and dogs who are at risk.
Sue White
I called in the help of Phyllis Dannhauser, another TTouch
practitioner, and so far we have run three wonderful sessions
with these youngsters. On our first session we encountered a
few children with unwilling, unhappy dogs on the ends of leads.
This was not looking very productive! The main problems
were, neither the children nor the dogs had the skills to cope
with collars and leads, these were not the childrens’ own dogs
so there was no relationship between them, the dogs had all
suffered some form of trauma and most likely the children had
too.
We know that so many people and animals have been inappropriately touched and may have real issues about touch. So our
initial focus was to explore the very important area of the
senses in general and touch in particular. We also needed to
work through the issues of safety, trust and respect and how
these are so important when touching and working with animals
and people. So we planned very interactive, fun workshops
about touch and slowly introduced one or two TTouches per
session. We also taught the children how to read the dog’s body
language, how to safely approach a dog, how to look for calming signals, and looked at the “fright, flight, freeze, fool around
response” and how to respect the animal and its response.
By Session 3 we felt the children had enough skills to start
working safely and respectfully with the dogs. They all (dogs
and children) had such a good time! Armed with fistfuls of my
homemade liver cake, the children soon had dogs trotting about
on the ends of leads. Those with frozen dogs were doing “leash
stroking” of which Robyn Hood would have been very proud!
We had dogs “sitting” and even some dogs ducking between
children’s legs!
TTEAM Connections
It was wonderful to see the dogs and the children having fun
and growing in confidence. We have more sessions planned
where we will also start looking at TTouch for people whilst
continuing working with the dogs. I will let you know how it
goes.
TTouch Practitioner 1, South Africa
From Robyn’s Desk
What a surprise, you will be receiving two
newsletters really close together as I am
finally getting caught up.
We just finished a busy summer of workshops at our farm and I
am about to start a fall trip. First to England, back to North
America for a short visit to speak at the AHVMA (American
Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) annual Conference in
Tulsa, Oklahoma and then I fly back to South Africa for a couple of weeks.
The newest book “Getting in TTouch with Your Puppy” has
just been published in English. You can order it through either
the U.S. or Canadian websites. This issue is short on dog related articles but I hope you will enjoy reading the article about
TTouch with giraffes. Using TTouch with the clicker has been
so successful with a variety of species and this is just another
example.
I also want to welcome and congratulate our newest Instructor
for Companion Animals, Lucie Leclerc. She has been very
actively involved with TTouch for 10 years and is an incredible
teacher and person.
Stay in TTouch,
Robyn
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July-September 2007
TTouch For Companion Animals - Workshops 2007
Location
Dates
Clinician
Type of Workshop
Contact
Woodbridge, VA
Sept 8
Oct 13 / Dec 15
Pam Wanveer
1 Day Hands on for Dogs
[email protected]
703 497-7878
Lawrencetown, NS
(Dartmouth)
Sept 8-9
Helen McGraw
2-Day workshop w/dogs
Jennie Waring (902) 434-2754 or e-mail
[email protected]
New York City,
NY
Sept 9
Mary Bruce
TTouch for Cats and Small
Animals
Mary at Mindful Tails 877-MiTails or
www.mitails.com
Pleasantville, NS
Sept 15-16
Helen McGraw
2-Day workshop w/ dogs
Lynne Ware (902) 688-1654 or [email protected]
Fargo, ND
Sept 15-16
Stacy Lewis
2-Day workshop w/dogs
Donna Johnson [email protected]
Colorado Springs,
CO
Sept 15
Gail Gustafson
1/2 day TTouch workshop
for competition dogs - agility, obedience
All Breed Dog Rescue 719-264-6460
Mundelein, IL
Sept 16
Claudeen McAuliffe 1-day TTouch for dogs
Contact: www.carolschultz.com
New York City,
NY
Sept 16
Mary Bruce
TTouch for Wellness &
Senior Pets
Mary at Mindful Tails 877-MiTails or
www.mitails.com
Dayton, NJ
Sept 22-27
Kathy Cascade
Foundation Training for
Companion Animals
USA office 1 800 854-8326
www.tellingtontraining.com
Italy
Sept 22-26
Edie Jane Eaton
Practitioner training for
Companion Animals
Www.tteam.it Anne Bigi-Shcuster
[email protected]
Moncton, NB
Sept 22-23
Helen McGraw
2-Day TTouch w/dogs
Anne Meylan 506 525-9651
[email protected]
England
Sept 23-28
Robyn Hood
Foundation & Ongoing
[email protected]
England
Sept 30-Oct 5
Robyn Hood
Foundation & Ongoing
[email protected]
Escondido, CA
Sept 29-Oct 3
Kathy Cascade
Foundation Training—
Companion Animals
USA office 1 800 854-8326
www.tellingtontraining.com
Milwaukee, WI
Sept 30
Claudeen McAuliffe Intro to TTouch
[email protected]
San Diego, CA
Oct 6
Lauren McCall
1-Day for Rabbits
Judith [email protected]
619 718-7777
Vancouver, B.C.
Oct 15-20
Lucie Leclerc
Foundation & Ongoing
program for Comp Animals
Canadian Office 1 800 255-2336
South Africa
Oct 19-24
Robyn Hood
Ongoing program
[email protected]
Kanab, UT
Oct 21-25
LTJ
Session 6 - Program 26
800-854-8326 [email protected]
St. Paul, MN
Oct 27-28
Stacy Lewis
2-Day TTouch for dogs
Stacy 612 817-4473
[email protected]
Rupert, QC near
Ottawa
Oct 28-Nov 2
Debby Potts
Foundation & Ongoing
Practitioner training
Cdn office 1 800-255-2336 www.tteam-ttouch.ca
Orangeville, ON
Nov 3-4
Sue Woodworth
2-Day TTouch for Dogs
Sue Woodworth 519 940-0941
Lake Elmo, MN
Nov 4-9
Debby Potts
Session 5 Program 28
800-854-8326 [email protected]
New dates
TTEAM Connections
31
July-September 2007
TTouch For Companion Animals - Workshops 2007 continued
Austin, Texas
LTJ
Nov 9
Nov 10-11
Evening fundraiser-demo
with dogs
2-day TTouch w/dogs
workshop
Marnie Reeder 512 288-0068 [email protected]
US Office 800 854-8326
[email protected]
Texas
Nov 10-12
Kathy Cascade
Advanced TTouch Practitioner Training
US Office 800 854-8326
Calgary, AB
Nov 15-20
Robyn Hood
Foundation & Ongoing
Cdn office 1 800-255-2336 www.tteam-ttouch.ca
TTEAM Equine Workshops - 2007
Copperopolis,
CA
September 8-9
Tina Hutton
2 Day TTEAM for horses & their
humans
Kim Lemke 209-785-8272 or cell 209-4796845
Atlanta, GA
Sept 14-19
Edie Jane Eaton
3 or 6 -day TTEAM clinic with
horses
Cindy Pullen 229-503-9964
[email protected]
Bath, England
Sept 16-21
Robyn Hood
5 Day TTEAM training
Tilley Farm Tel: 01761 471182
Santa Fe, NM
Oct12-14
LTJ
Fri: 4-9 p.m. - TT4U
TTEAM for horses - limited to 12
800-854-8326 or
[email protected]
South Africa
October 13-17
Robyn Hood
TTEAM Training with Connected
Riding
Lindy Dekker [email protected]
Santa Cruz, CA
Oct 28-31
LTJ
4 Day TTEAM Training - limited
no. of participants
800-854-8326 or
[email protected]
Austin, Texas
Nov 3-7
Nov 3-demo
LTJ
6 Day TTEAM Training
800-854-8326 or
[email protected]
Kanab, UT
Nov 16-8
Edie Jane Eaton
3 Day TTEAM workshop
Edie Jane 819 459-2110
New Zealand
Nov-Dec
Edie Jane Eaton
Horse and Comp Animal workshops
NZ Connections on
www.listeningtowhispers.com
Kona, Hawaii
Jan 20-25, 2008
LTJ
TTouch for You & Your Horse
800-854-8326 or
[email protected]
Bitterroot Ranch
Dubois, WY
June 8-15, 2008
Robyn Hood
Starting Young Horse TTEAM
workshop
800 854-8326 or
[email protected]
TTouch For You - 2008
Feb 10-15
Kona, Hawaii
LTJ
TTouch for You
800-854-8326 or [email protected]
Mark your calendars: 2nd annual TTouch Forum in Scottsdale, AZ,
November 7, 8 & 9, 2008
Websites & Online Stores - U.S. www.ttouch.com
Canadian Website www.tteam-ttouch.ca
TTEAM Training
5435 Rochdell Road
Vernon, B.C. V1B 3E8
TTEAM Connections
Canada Post Publication Mail
32
July-September 2007