WESTERN DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2002
Basil's a far cry from the horse that feared us
Last week, Sarah Fisher wrote about the amazing progress which Basil, the Caspian stallion, has made during the summer. He has changed from a flighty creature who resisted human contact, into a horse who is now well on the way to becoming a much happier and more sociable animal Much of this progress has-been achieved.by Fleur Scott, who has put in many patient hours working alongside Sara Fisher to effect Basil's continuing development. Fleur's mother (and Basil's owner) JANE SCOTT tells World of Horses the story from her own viewpoint
THE stallion Basil was "a planned and wanted baby". Caspian horses are a very rare breed and the continuation of the few bloodlines we have is of major importance. Basil is the son of the most used, but now deceased, Caspian stallion in recent times. His sire was a superb example of the breed in conformation, although he was not the most well behaved horse, particularly in the show ring! We were, therefore, very pleased indeed to find that the son, Basil, matured into an even better prospect than his father and is now, perhaps, the best stallion we have bred in over 20 years. But, he had a problem! There was no doubt that he wanted so much to be friendly but obviously had a hang up somewhere that prevented him from allowing himself to be touched. Despite all the attention and loving care devoted to him, he appeared to be frightened of the human touch and this was causing us considerable concern for his future. It was therefore more in hope, I must confess, than expectation that we accepted the offer of TTEAM treatment from Sarah Fisher. I was sceptical but impressed with Sarah's knowledge, confidence, and successes in the past - and I now readily acknowledge that the "treatment" over the past weeks has been interesting, educational and, most importantly, encouraging. I could not have believed that, in so short a space of time, such a change in Basil's behaviour would occur. Using the techniques and equipment recommended by Sarah, my daughter has worked on him patiently and regularly, to the point where she obviously has his confidence. Now she can not only touch him, but also stroke his neck and feed him from her hand. We are not yet at the point where she can approach him directly at the head to catch him, but if the progress continues, I feel sure we can overcome - or he can overcome - this problem and develop the desire for human contact and friendliness which are among the characteristics of the Caspian breed. I am now convinced that this method works. Previously, Basil has had numerous hours spent on him. Many have sat in his stable talking, coaxing and feeding him - to no avail. He was reared with a group of about seven others born that year and treated no differently. All the others have been quiet and easy to handle. His dam is one of the quietest, kindest mares we have although, interestingly enough, was born in Iran and only first generation from wild. Basil reminds me of a wild horse. His stance is often that of a mustang, he is proud and aloof and his coat, despite no grooming, is always bright and shines. Basil is a changed horse in so many ways. Some are hard to articulate and are changes only those who know him well can see. He now stands looking into the yard, he doesn't dive to the back of the stable when anyone approaches, and he calls when you walk up the yard. He has even started banging his stable door when he wants your attention. A far cry from the horse that stood at the furthest point from you, and would almost climb the walls when you entered his stable. It is a great joy to see him so relaxed and happy and we now see a future for him. You never know, maybe the coveted prize of Breed Champion one day.