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Desensitizing your foal - a Facebook favorite!
Training your reluctant foal or zebra to lead
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Desensitizing your foal - part 2
Training a wild baby zebra - Kenya day 2
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Lace lying down after only around 7-10 times of teaching her this. Just as some people are more willing to learn and easier to teach, so are horses. They are motivated by different things, as are we, and can have strong likes and dislikes. Most horses can be taught anything, but there are some that will not take to a specific task. This does not make them bad or wrong, it just isn't what they are meant to do. We try to find out what they enjoy, by trying many different things with them and go from there. Lace took to lying down quickly and easily. Some of our horses do not like it and if, after a few tries they are still very resistant, we move on to something they like better. The video to the right has a few tips on this, sorry we aren't always serious enough :)
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We try to find what your horse wants to be and likes to do and go from there. You can't force them to do things they don't like, well, you can, but it will always be a struggle for you and your horse. If they are energetic and athletic we try to make them a nice jumper or speed horse. If your horse if quiet and calm, then a great trail horse is always wonderful to have! And occasionally we are lucky enough to train what we call a true "baby-sitter" - a horse that totally takes care of his rider. This is a true gift, you can't train them to do it, they either have it or they don't. They make wonderful therapy horses or family horses. To the right is foal training 101 - teaching your month old baby to lead and pick up their feet.
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A few important things to remember when handling your horse-
1. Respect begins on the ground. Your horse shouldn't pass you while leading, invade your space, or circle around you (unless you ask them to). 2. There is no need to get aggressive, unless your horse is. 3. Try not to get angry while handling your horse and NEVER take it out on them. If you need to - walk away for a while. 4. Especially under saddle, your horse should never make a move without you asking them to do it. If they take a step forward without your guidance, they must take two steps back. |
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A simple trick to make your horse safer to mount is to have them stand quietly after you get on for 1 -5 minutes. No need to rush off right away! This helps your horse associate mounting with calmness. I got this amazing tip from Travis Braden, a famous arabian trainer in Dallas, who is wonderful if you are in that area.
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Great Lameness and flexion exam -
Great front leg flexion and lameness exam you can do yourself...