Malka is always given time to familiarise himself with new items before I add them to our routine. Not sure I'll let him 'taste' my saddle when the time comes though.... π¬π
This is a long video and shows his first introduction to a fly mask. I fully expected a rush backwards when I pulled the velcro π
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We did the same routine one more time and he allowed me to put it on.
So proud of him π₯°
Blowing a gale here and yet this boy was still so good in his lesson.
Came into the yard when called and allowed halter to be put on first go.
Day 2 of float familiarisation.
Such a brave and clever boy π₯°
I've been float training one of my other horses and thought I'd give Malka a try.
Awesome bravery for his first go π€©
Future lead line pony? Pack pony? Malka doesn't want to be left out π
A clean hat? Let me fix that for you π
Another morning playing with the boy.
The wind added an interesting challenge to his heightened natural flight response.
His lesson was still wonderful though and I am super proud of him.
I like to sit and let him process each new 'ask'.
Today there was a lot of licking and chewing and he initiated lots of engagement with me.
I don't do treats, so this is just him saying "G'day."
This cheeky fellow could barely raise a trot when he joined us last June.
Look at him now π
Malka Zoomies to greet the approaching storm.
I called to Malka and he came up to say hello.
Considering he has a lush 40 acres to roam, I felt very privileged that he chose to come up and interact. I tried his new headstall on for size and we spent some time scratching out his winter coat.
Tomorrow we might try the scary brush on him. π
I was out this morning putting up some electric fence to keep the horses away from the boggy areas.
Little man came to supervise proceedings π₯° No sign of my other two domestic boys. This little horse just loves to be involved β€οΈ
It's been a busy couple of days for me at work so wasn't planning any horse work today.
After work this morning I came home and took Tempi (the over active Jack Russell) for a run. Then we sat for a minute in Malka's round yard only to have him meander in for some company.
We did a little liberty lesson and he did so well, I thought I'd add his halter and a lunge rein. What a clever boy π. We walked a couple of circuits in each direction responding nicely to voice cues. Halting on command.
He is still very wary so I am slow, quiet and consistent with him. My aim is simply - 'no bad experiences'.
For the first few weeks I was focussed on Malka allowing me to approach and touch him with no restraint and no bribes.
He is very wary of people.
He now knows me and follows me around and initiates contact.
I have begun introducing Malka to voice commands.
He is learning walk on and move away from me gently and whoa, turn to face me and touch.
We do this at liberty. Our lessons are 10, maybe 15 minutes followed by lots of scratches and touch on neck, shoulders, front legs, loin, rump.