Been a little while since I’ve posted videos of my crew!
Now that the days are a more pleasant temperature, we’re back to some of our usual training.
Pepsi and Snowflake together at liberty today for the first time!
These guys have only had a handful of sessions together, so I’m stoked with how they’re going! We’re keeping the circles small and keeping the goals easy to reinforce the paired work with a high rate of reinforcement so that they both can enjoy it.
Very excited for this little team!
Reminiscing on days when we actually had weather that was pleasant to work in….. aaah those were the days 😅
The lay down is one of my absolute favourites to teach, and to practise! Honey, Poncho and Snowflake are all trained to lay down… all with very gentle low pressure methods and no ropes 🥰
Smile!
Slow motion of a lovely boy learning to smile today. Notice the little lip wriggle as he works it out, the perked up ears and joyful expression, the little tilt of the head. These are all the tiny things we should be paying attention to - feedback from our horses. His happy expression and instant try tells us he is enjoying learning this new trick.
Most horses do get a lot of joy out of simple, fun tricks and it’s very rewarding to teach them!
A little snippet of where Mr Snowflake is at with his liberty and tricks these days!
Rear, laydown, little circles, big circles, draw, Spanish walk… not sure if there’s anything this little smartypants can’t do! ❤️❤️❤️
Paddy went home on the weekend after three weeks here as his first outing away from home!
Being only a yearling, little Paddy’s sessions were kept short and had a big focus on giving him confidence in a new setting.
During his three weeks here, little Paddy learned:
⭐️ Basic ground work skills including understanding how to move off pressure and familiarising him with the training process.
⭐️ improving handling skills (leading, tying, float loading, feet etc)
⭐️ Building bravery through curiosity with unknown objects and obstacles
⭐️ Improving proprioception with a range of obstacle challenges requiring him to carefully place his feet
⭐️ Building bravery with regular explorey walks and teaching him how to stay safe around people when feeling nervous
His lovely owner has done a wonderful job with him and took him home armed with a very detailed report of Paddy’s time here, as well as short-term and long-term individualised goals for him.
Great work little man! Look forward to seeing the lovely gentle horse you will grow into 😍
Can’t even complain because I’m just so grateful to have rain!! Bring on the dirty ponies!
Teaching young ones is such a passion of mine 😍 Little Paddy (affectionately known around here as Paddycake!) is doing such a great job with his first trip away from home.
In this video, I’m helping him understand to:
- Move off gentle pressure during movement
- Apply his knowledge of shoulder yields into a new situation (I.e; walking on the circle)
- Walk circles and change direction
- Keep your focus and attention on me whilst working
Within this, I’m checking for understanding and acceptance, which is seen through relaxation. He keeps his inside ear on me, lowers his head and shows me that he understands the task. What a good boy!
Sometimes I’ll do this one more as a forward moving ‘falling leaf’ style pattern if you have a rushy horse, or they need a bit more space.
My beautiful boys enjoying a snuggly snooze in the sunshine!
Miss Honey Bee snoring in the background 😍
Surely I’m not the only one who still to this day sees my horses laying down and squeals “ooh he’s laying down!” And then runs to the paddock for photos and cuddles 🤣🤣
Training the lay down, session one with Snowflake!
Training the lay down, session one with Snowflake!
Snowflake’s first ever time working on the lay down and he got it almost instantly. He may just be the smartest kid on the block 🤫
Trained at liberty just by shaping behaviours from head down, to pawing sand, back legs coming under and then front legs buckling. Snowflake is making it look much easier than it is, usually this takes a fair while to get each stage and put them together!
Sneak preview for our liberty competition tomorrow! 😍
Pulled out of the paddock, filthy as can be. One wash with Pelipa Park Equine Products and we are good to go! 🤩 All ready for a liberty comp tomorrow!
