Monday, March 14, 2016

Horse Challenge – Days 4-5-6




Donnie
Donnie and I worked on more clicker training with the cone. We went to the outside arena that is near the road. There are a few more distractions with cars, occasional motorcycles and bike riders and, of course, Gunnar the dog. A few more advanced moves were added like putting the cone on fence posts or on the ground. He did really well finding and touching them and seems to be enjoying his work and his treats. Once the treats were gone I decided to walk in a circle that covered half the arena to see if he would follow me.  He did in both directions and stayed at my shoulder stopping when I did and moving on with me.  So I count that as some at liberty work even though he most likely thought I still had treats in my pocket and that was his motivation.  All in all we had a good time together.




Sami
Sami worked on a short session of longeing and did very well considering he hasn’t worked on anything since last Spring.  He seemed a little confused at first but picked up the signals quickly and liked the attention.  He’s a smart little guy who lives for hugs and scratches. So he’s on his way to getting fitter and having a job.  Although he’s a sturdy little Arabian, I doubt I will ever ride him since he’s only 14.1 hands.  Then again, never say never…

Blue
Blue and I had a ride together in the outdoor arena and it went well.  He was a little on the stubborn side about moving faster than molasses rolling uphill but we eventually worked it out.  I had to correct some steering glitches because he does like to cut the corners.  Once we got that sorted out he decided it would be amusing for him to counter bend a bit here and there to see if I was paying attention, I was and we worked that out between us.  It was fun to finally trot a bit with him and then we called it a day and ended on a good note.

Quote for Today
There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse. ~John Lubbock ~

18 comments:

  1. Interesting work you are doing, with such great variety and all different horses. Guessing by the quote you chose, it feels good!!! You know what they say, variety is the spice of life! It's so nice to be riding outside, looks like your grounds are greening up faster then ours. Yeay Spring!

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    1. It does feel good to be outside in the sun. It was in the 60's over the weekend. The top and bottom pictures are old ones. We're not that green yet. I don't have any current pictures really. I usually forget my phone.

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  2. Sounds like some good sessions :) I like the methods of clicker training!! However it gets difficult with the treat side of things with my ponies needing to be on a diet.

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    1. I guess that's true about the treats. Donnie only got a sugar cube as a treat and I think pieces of carrot wouldn't be too bad for a dieting horse.

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  3. It sounds like you have beautiful weather!! Donnie, Sami, and Blue will keep you busy, and they're each at such different places. I'll have to try putting the cone in different places--good idea.

    I LOVE your indoor arena. It's beautiful. That's a nice option to have when it rains. That's my dream, as you've probably read. :)

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    1. We did have nice weather over the weekend but it's raining today. The indoor is a nice option when it rains but I couldn't do anything today. Laundry, cleaning and catching up on chores etc. back to work tomorrow!

      I have a book on clicker training called" Getting To Yes" and they have lots of good exercises in it.

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  4. Kudos! You are cookin' and I am getting motivated just reading about what you have been up to. All of these horses are gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Lori. They look good in the pictures because they were clean. You should see how dirty they are now, it rained all day.

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  5. Love the update!! When doing clicker training I have used small pieces of carrot as well as alfalfa pellets. The pellets are tiny but they love them so much - and if you have a little treat bag you can load it up and leave them there w/o spoilage. You are really going strong with this challenge! So inspiring.

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    1. I was out if carrots and the only other thing we had besides stud muffins were sugar cubes. The pellets sound like a good idea. I never thought of that,those we have. Only 94 days to go!

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  6. Your horses do look good! I'll bet Sami is a fun little ride - I love the energy (and the size) of the sturdier Arabs. Just adorable! Sounds like you're enjoying all your time spent with the horses, and I'm sure they are reaping benefits too. Okay, I just have to admit to being totally jealous of your beautiful indoor arena!!! In my dreams...

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    1. I am enjoying my time with the boys. I've always loved being around horses and working with them. I wouldn't know if Sami is fun or not I've never ridden him. He seemed too small for me but now I'm getting older he doesn't look that small anymore! My daughter who is 5'10 has gotten on him bare back and he was very sensible and willing.

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  7. I've ridden an Arabian probably about Sami's size, and I have to admit I felt just fine and in pictures looked just fine. A good horse is a good horse no matter how many hands he is. Go on. Saddle up. I bet Sami would love it!

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    1. I think I will eventually after he has more ground training.

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  8. Wow! Great stuff :) I can imagine Donnie following you around, never mind his motivation. Aw, Sami is so sweet, and what a clever guy, remembering what's required of him. Molasses rolling uphill - love it!! Is that the first time you've trotted with Blue?

    Love your new look blog, by the way, looks so refreshing and tranquil, I can almost hear the water.

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    1. It's the first time this year that I've trotted with him. Trying to take it slow until we both get in better shape. I don't want to push him too much in the beginning. He lost a shoe today and I found it. Now if I can get the farrier here?

      Thanks for the compliment about the blog.mi just like to change things up each new season.

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  9. Don't count Sami out! I'm 5'10" and I rode a 14hh Appy cross for years (we think she might have had some Arab in her). She never had a problem carrying me. The only time I looked too big on her was when I was bareback with my legs hanging down hehe.

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  10. Sami is beautiful! They all are. Looks like you have a full house.
    I'm new to your blog, but I'll be following.
    Check me out at vaquerogirl.blogspot.com

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