Horsin’ Around
- April 25, 2009
- Category: Daily Diary
- (13) Comments
Khyrsta sat idle this past winter due to icy conditions and subzero weather. Now, it’s time to be out and about on the trails. But as sure as the sun rises, we have had some problems. Every time we’ve left our farm, Khrysta has seen spooky things that have caused her to jump way up high. Her jumping combined with a shoulder injury of mine have not made for an easy time for either of us but I am never one to quit so I started doing research on horse training.
There are as many methods as there are riders but I finally found one that is more in line with my personality. I started this training method which allows you to listen to your horse, acknowledge her fear and then work through the fear as a team and I’ve had great results. In fact, I had such great results using this method, I started wondering if I could clicker train Khrysta to do some simple things for me.
As a dog trainer, I’ve always used positive methods and clickers but would it work with a horse? I set out to try.
The past few days have found me at the barn with Khrysta teaching her to walk to the mounting block on her own and then to stand there and stay there. I am teaching her the stay just as you teach a dog to stay; meaning stay where I put you until I tell you it’s okay to move.
Now, training a horse has been a challenge for sure but it’s also been a blast and not just for me but for her too. It’s been amazing to see that moment when she gets it and understands what I want her to do. Now, we’re not perfect yet. I need to teach her to line up a little straighter and a few other refinements but she has the stay down perfectly.
I can’t even begin to describe the bond Khrysta and I have formed while we’ve been working together. The trust now between the two of us is amazing and today I had the pleasure of riding down the trails with her in total harmony.
Anyway, it was really hard to video her but here’s my attempts and some still photos as well. Keep in mind that Mountain Man was running a tractor and an excavator behind us while we worked. And, what you see is only after a couple of days of working at this task. I’m so proud of my baby I just have to brag. And, one thing I’ve learned is to always listen to what your heart is telling you, pay attention to that inner voice and there’s always a way.
That is great progress! Is always best to do what works for you and this is your way for sure. Nicely done and three cheers.
Date: April 25, 2009
Good news and it makes for a safer ride for both of you!
Date: April 25, 2009
What a good girl!
Happy riding,
Tracey
Date: April 25, 2009
I’m impressed, good work on this. She is such a pretty girl! I wish I lived with my horse (well, not with him, but closer to him!) I’d be able to work on things like his aversion to de-worming, with more consistency.
Date: April 26, 2009
Oh this is soo awesome!I am so impressed with your trining with Khysta! She is such a good girl! I would like to know more about that method sometime…Wa is all about treats if it has them involved at all.
Time in like this really really helps with trust on the trails! Sometimes a few hours of hand grazing and asking for this, that and the other from Wa in that environment gives her the confidence in me elsewhere.
Hope your riding is nice this week!
Kac
Date: April 26, 2009
PS. what kind of saddle is that?
Date: April 26, 2009
You are so cool!! I think that is excellent progress and a great achievement!! You should try teaching this to horses that work with the handicap! I think your great!
Date: April 26, 2009
Very intersting! I like horses, but don’t feel comfortable riding them. Just never had them around that much when I was growing up. My dad had cows.
Date: April 26, 2009
Boy, you’re making great progress! Good for you. And I love her little pink saddle blanket.
Date: April 26, 2009
Good job!
It is so much fun when you learn a way to “talk” with your horse.
Date: April 26, 2009
Wow! Very impressive.
You know I respond better too when people talk nice to me.
My 12 yr. old daughter (we) have a black lab that is a year old ~ I am going to have her read your blog about Dog problems and training…..maybe it will help our Daisy. She is such an menace;)..She tries to be a good girl but boy is it ever hard for her…….the dog…not the girl……well the girl is a menace too but that is a whole different story;)
Date: April 27, 2009
Another horse whisperer in the making? A book, a video perhaps? Patience pays off! It helps to have a good student also.
Date: April 27, 2009
Great job training! And your saddle looks super comfortable. Sounds like you are getting a very positive start to a fun season of riding.
Date: April 27, 2009