Ridecamp: [RC] Alpha--Not what you thought it would be!

Since you asked....

Being "alpha" is a state of existence. An "alpha" is certain of its
decisions, sure of itself, will brook no challenges, will defend its
possessions to the death if necessary. When the term is loosely bandied
about by writers and others--the chances of their having an "alpha"
experience are slim to non-existent. When YOU as a horseman are trying to 
become like an "alpha", you must spend countless hours watching, watching, 
watching herd behavior. It is the only way to BEGIN to understand what it 
means in horses. You should also be aware that "alpha" is present in 
canines, and humans, too. It's not a subject to be learned, nor mastered in 
a short time, nor from a single source.

Is it an important skill?

Maybe. It all depends on what you want to use it for. "Alpha" does NOT
make a good controlling relationship. "Alpha" understands what is required 
of its charges, and performs its requirements for the advancement of its 
charges. Even if you understand "alpha"-- it's a completely different set of 
parameters to BE one. The responsibility is considerable.

Alpha is a simple, complicated, way of life that is (for these intents and 
purposes) divided into three areas of function.

They are:

1.) Purpose. What is the function of an Alpha, and why?

2.) Capability. Is the individual able to function as Alpha, and be  
accepted as Alpha?

3.) Environment. Does the individual's environment support the purpose and 
capability of the Alpha idea.

If you take a minute, you'll see that these are three simple things. If 
however, you take another look,you'll see that they are inextricably 
intertwined within each other and are at the same time dependent
upon one another for support of the sustenance of Alpha, but, each, as a 
concept can stand alone; but cannot alone support the Alpha concept. THIS is 
the simple and complex that I was referring to above.

That is all well and good, right? When's the HORSE stuff come in here?  
Well--soon. If ya wanna know this, ya gotta go through the dry stuff so you 
kinda got an idea of where you're gonna be when you're dealing with your 
horses.

OK--Purpose. What the dickens IS an Alpha, anyway?? Well, there are TWO of 
'em, actually. One male variety and one female variety. The idea of having  
"Alpha" at all is to help in the perpetuation of the herd-band, in the 
interrelation of members within that herd-band, and in interrelations with 
members of other herd-bands, as well as other species. That's a mouthful, 
right?

How 'bout we make it simple--Alphas keep things level and peaceful for as 
much of the herd-band as they are able/allowed. Alphas, in THIS case are 
kinda like a Super-Mom and Super-Dad. The Male Alpha is
responsible (BIG definition here) for the general plan of the band and its 
execution. The Female Alpha is responsible for the DETAILS of executing the 
general plan, and setting  and enforcing the basic social norms for the 
band, as well. Each member of the herd has some Alpha responsibilities, as 
well. In descending order from the Alpha/Alphas.

See? Here's where a lot of folks goof up with Alpha.

YOU are NOT going to be THE Alpha. Not with ANY horse. You CAN'T. Because 
you're NOT a horse. They know the difference, believe
me. What you CAN be is ACCEPTED as a herd-member of equal, greater, or 
lesser herd status, BUT you will always be species-deficient in THEIR eyes 
'cause you're not a horse.

The key, here, is HERD-MEMBER status. Once that is achieved, you can move up 
or down the social order depending on how YOU are perceived by your  
herd-mates. THIS is where it starts to get interesting. YOU have
to figure out your standing in the herd, what it means, what has to be done 
to change it, does it NEED to be changed, what would happen if it WAS or 
WASN'T changed. In order to do ANY of this stuff, you ABSOLUTELY
MUST spend LOADS of time watching YOUR herd's behavior. IF YOU DON'T DO 
THIS, ALPHA WILL JUST PLAIN NOT WORK  FOR  YOU.  Period.  So, you can stop 
here if you can't, won't or don't want to be a watcher.

Whaddaya get by being a watcher?? Herdsmart.

Yup. Herdsmart means you are getting the hang of who's who in your 
herd-band,  what their behavior is like, what's socially important, who's 
boss, and for how long are they boss (it changes), who's in, who's out, DO 
they ostrasize, for how long, what is accepted behavior, what is not, and 
how can YOU fit in with YOUR horse. All of a sudden you figger out that he's 
really NOT your horse, is he?? He is his OWN HORSE. Just as you are your OWN 
HUMAN.  Think about that for a while, please.  How can this realization 
affect YOUR relationship with that horse??

HAAAAAAAAA!

So ya wanna be a trainer, huh??? THIS IS THE FIRST LESSON! Who are you, and 
what are you doing here??  Who is THAT, and what is it doing here?? This 
should start you thinking on Alpha, and all the rest of the puzzle.

Yes. I know an awful lot about this. No, I'm not bragging, I'm letting you 
know where you can go for more, if you need it, 'cause I'm not going to 
write a book here about this. But I will answer your pertinent e-mails. So, 
feel free to send 'em

Hope this got y'all started thinking. It IS a fascinating subject.

Ten Things To Know About Horses

1) Spend the time to watch your horses.
2) If you watch, you will eventually see.
3) When you see you will begin to understand.
4) When you begin to understand, watch some more.
5) Remember that horses live on Horse Time, not yours.
6) 90% of what you hear is wrong, and the other 10% is hard to find.
7) When the horse does it right, tell him so.
8) When you do something right, tell you so.
9) None of this is hard, it's just elusive. Go watch some more.
10) All of your lessons are taught by the horse.


Karl
Dixie Midnight
No-Sweat vent pads
http://www.dixiemidnight.nv.switchboard.com
Come see us!




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