Yes, She Can (Blow a Horn That Is)
- October 16, 2009
- Category: Daily Diary
- (20) Comments
This is the last post this week I promise. I’m busy catching up with all of you and having a great time doing so.
I’ve been clicker training Khrysta for the past couple of weeks in order to develop a stronger bond between the two of us. I had clicker trained my dogs but never thought about using it for a horse. I had read so many negatives: it makes the horse pushy, they mug you for treats, and on and on. But I’ve been at the end of my rope on how to handle this spooky mare I love so I had nothing to lose. I purchased Alexandra Kurland’s books on clicker training horses and it’s been amazing. I’ve been in tears every day as I watch this spooky, hesitant mare flourish. Nor have I experienced any of the negatives because the first thing you train is not to mug you ever.
Yesterday, I taught Khrysta to blow a bicycle horn. When I first blew the horn, she freaked and went running off but in no time at all, she was taking the horn, putting it in her mouth, blowing it and returning it to me. The video will only allow you to hear her blow the horn because my hands were full of treats, clicker, video camera and the horn. When Mountain Man returns, I’m going to have him film us so you can see all of it in action.
Anyway, I promise no more posts this week and thanks so much everyone for hanging in there with me. You are all such a blessing to me.
Karen said she was skeptical that it was actually Khrysta blowing the horn and not me and I can understand why so I ran out to the barn and shot this footage. I had to jump back really fast after she took the horn to film it so instead of handing the horn to me, she decided to throw it. Got to love her sense of humor.
That is cool. Why do people have a problem with you trying to train your horse… Oh Well!
I thought of you this morning…we had our first snow!! Yeah, it's gone now, but I was very happy to see it! Keep up the good work!
Date: October 16, 2009
LOL! Funny video, I look forward to the remake when we can actually SEE the HORSE blow the horn. How do we know it wasn't you just blowing that horn? I think that is wonderful that you are able to train your horse with clicker training. I wonder if it would work for cats?
Date: October 16, 2009
What a neat trick!!! I dont think my silly mare would go for that. If she did decide to squeak that horn Im sure her little donkey buddies would go running!!
Date: October 16, 2009
That is really amazing! That is such an accomplishment! You should be very proud of yourself and of Khrysta. I would never have thought to teach a horse to do that. Congratulations and have fun with the training:)
Date: October 16, 2009
Pretty amazing. And funny! You may remember I have a talented cat, Spooky. And people think some animals can't be trained!
Date: October 16, 2009
Good for you and good luck!
Date: October 16, 2009
Wow! That is great! I like how you are working on your relationship instead of just giving up on it considering the fall and all. Good for you!! Good luck you two!
Date: October 17, 2009
My granddaughter loved seeing her blow the horn!
Date: October 17, 2009
Very clever girl. I'm glad you are keeping yourself busy while home alone. I like your new header picture.
Date: October 18, 2009
I can see how she would want to honk the horn. I am really glad you are finding a new way to get her less spooky with things. Each horse needs a different approach so if it is working keep doing it!
Date: October 18, 2009
Wow! You are a training goodess! I should bring down the two dogs and see if you can't train so sense into them
Date: October 18, 2009
Seeing Khrysta blow the horn was a real treat. My daughter and I really enjoyed the video. I used to whistle train my dogs and it does make your relationship closer. There is more understanding on both sides. One thing I always taught my dogs was to come and sit at a whistle command. That came in handy.
Date: October 18, 2009
Oops! Sorry, I miss typed. I know you are clicker training.
Date: October 18, 2009
That's cool. I never imagined training a horse to blow a horn, but now that I think about it, why not? They can be trained to jump over hurdles, run tight circles around barrels, keep cows from straying from the herd, and all the other neat things I've seen them do at rodeos.
Date: October 18, 2009
Good for you!!! I have been training horses for years. What works for one might not work for another. You really have to be able reach them in their soul, connect, and let them learn to trust. You did it!
Khrysta is so lucky to have you, and I bet you feel the luckiest for having her!
Misha
Date: October 19, 2009
Hi Again, Come on over to my Paws and Pray blog, I just gave you the One Lovely Blog Award!
Have Fun!
Date: October 19, 2009
Way to go Khrysta, and you too Mountain Woman. That was adorable and very amazing to me. She is a very smart little girl.
Date: October 19, 2009
What a fun horse!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Date: October 20, 2009
I had no idea horses could be trained to control something that small. Very cool.
Date: October 23, 2009
It was certainly interesting for me to read this post. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.
Date: November 18, 2009