trained Orion and us in the first step of teaching the horse to go down on his knees "a genoux" is the French term for this trick. We had lots of fun and so did Orion. It is so good for a young stallion to be forced to really use his apple sized brain, as well as strectch his muscles during such a session. It was an honor to have the son of a trainee to Sokolov work our little boy.

1. Kerri-Jo Stewart03/28/2007 01:26:22
Homepage: http://Akhal-Teke.ca

too cool! Looks like fun. I also love how the stallions are trained to rear - very spectacular.

And Orion looks great as well!

2. maria03/28/2007 08:19:34

I am amazed Kanat has his ears intact! Orion is obviously not realising there is a tasty treat just a few inches away and completely within his reach. Or perhaps he had a tooth ache on that day and didn't feel like eating ears. Kanat isn't planning a trip to the UK by any chance? I am envious!

3. Heather03/28/2007 08:37:43

How cool! When the trick is mastered we must see a photo of Orion in the full bow!

4. Jessica03/28/2007 09:30:31

Kerri, rearing is much easier than bowing, with instructions from Kanat I have taught Orion to rear on the command "off" which he does quite good now.
Maria, Orion never bites, Kanat allowed him to nibble and touch. I was impressed on how quickly Kanat bonded with Orion. I'm not spoiled with equestrian professionals who have hands-on experience of training as many Tekes as Kanat have. Kanat's World Tour is planned to 2008, I will check his schedule to see if we can fit in England. It will be so different from the western cowboys and the European classical dressage people! This will be the original Central Asian djigit.
Heather, yes I know I will have to deliver on this, I have a tough homework!

5. Heather03/28/2007 14:57:58

Jessica,
I was thinking - if Kanat and his wife are ever performing somewhere, please let us know! I think that would be something wonderful to witness! They're so nice, and Gwynn loved their beautiful little daughter. I love the pic Todd posted on his blog - too funny! They told us a little about the Black Circus (wasn't that what it's called?), but I couldn't find anything on it online. Just a thought...