Those of you that remember my post regarding the stealth phesant scarying the bejesus out of me and the horses…I was back at that yard and who should rock up…
Todays non loader being an absolute superstar ⭐️ 🐴 #positivereinforcement
The joys of the 2nd winter after the false spring in February 🐴🌧️ 🫣😃
New bed day for this old fella however, he either felt my sweeping up skills were inadequate or I wasn’t going quick enough for him so felt the need to help me clear this old stuff out the way ready for the nice fresh clean miscanthus 🙄 please excuse the banging and clattering in the background that’s the other troublesome old boy trying to kick his way into the treat box! 🤦♀️
The importance of making time to perform these exercises with your horse as soon as possible pays dividends. If you have acess to a trailer or lorry do this as often as you can. Make the trailer a good place to be then when you do want to go out on fun rides, schooling or god forbid an urgent trip to a vet etc your horse will load like a dream. I have been called out countless times to “I need to take my horse to [insert thing you are going to here]” and expect me to turn up and by some miracle walk their horse straight on all calm and Fonzie like after others have spent hours trying to drag them in previously, wrapping lead lines around legs and bums then pulling on them (this horses owner definitely didn’t do this but, I have seen it many times) The owner is stressed because they have to load, this feeds down the rope to the horse who gives a big FU I’m not going in there and everyone ends up in a bit of a situation. I can also say I do go out to plenty of people who want to help having seen their horses stress on lorries and trailers and never want to see them like it again or those that have youngsters planning ahead knowing that they will eventually want to take their horses out and have them well prepared.
I have ridden in the back of a trailer and I can say it is not a pleasant experience the noise is phenomenal you are thrown around and I’m a person and can drive so understand breaking, cornering and accelerating and this reinforced my respect for these beautiful animals who time and time again walk in to that trailer, follow down that scary path because once you build that bond and trust they will follow you to the ends of the earth.
Put in the time and your horse will thank you for it, I promise 🐴😃
Working with this girl and some trailer loading.
I was called out to this one as the owners couldn’t get her on the trailer for love nor carrots and she is big enough (and knows it!) that if she doesn’t want to go somewhere those feet aren’t moving.
So day 1 with no head collar or lead line used at all today she has been strolling on and off as when she pleases and when she does stroll in there are some yummy pony nuts too have a nibble on.
When you walk through the donkey field with hula hoops for a quick snack (for Me) then you forfeit personal space …
I received a phone call plea for help this morning. This boy was displaying threatening behaviour towards people pinned ears, turning his bum threatening to kick and has possible food aggression (additional videos in comments as can only load one it would seem) he is new to the yard and brand new to his owner so lots of upheaval causing him to be a bit angsy. So start at the very beginning and create a connection, communicating with him the whole time through body language relaxed, matching foot steps and of course offering some yummy fresh grass. We went from a crazy loon to a lovely calm demeanour and a really sweet boy. Timing and understanding is all it takes.
I’ve said it before and will say it again I LOVE MY JOB 😃 ❤️ 🐴
Today’s non loader walking on happily with her owner. This lovely youngster had an accident in the trailer she managed to untie herself, turn around so she was facing out the back and then fell over. After that incident she would refuse to load again. So after a bit of connection away from the trailer and some gentle work near the trailer we managed to build her confidence enough to get her to walk on nicely behind her owner (notice where the lead rope is?) Happy Pony happy owner!!
You can’t beat a good tummy scratch when you can’t reach it yourself 🐴
This is Jelly and she is a very special horse who has helped many people at Herefordshire Riding for the disabled. Jelly is due to hang up her reins and retire this year.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ COMING SOON ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
SUPER EXCITED!!!! Work has begun on the mini ménage. This will allow us to have your horse stay for training and pampering, or you can bring your horse over for a session if you have limited facilities and fancy a trip out 🐴 🐴
Nothing like your neds being pleased to see you! 🐎 🐎
Had a request to assist with this beautiful lady today. Normally when she sees a bridle she is off, turns her butt on you, today when I arrived was no different! If you do get to her head she raises her head high, backs away and pops little rears.
After breaking down into bite sized chunks and slowly progressing asking a little more each time we finished the session on a high. From her running away from the bridle to her chasing it around …See the progress for yourselves!
#positivereinforcement
#treatbasedtraining
#slowandsteady
From stressed wanting to be anywhere but where I am to following me around having a roll with a lovely lowered head letting go of any stress and anxiety.
