Tricks
Its a Trick Day!
So since I strained by shoulders and neck I can’t really ride – big bummer! So yesterday I decided to get out my trick stuff and work with the boys. Boomer was first up and I started working on “fetch” with him. Didn’t take him long to figure out what I wanted – he just needs more practice to get his response faster.
Next I worked with Minnow and his tuff ball. I am still in awe when I see him with it because when I think back to 3 years ago Minnow would have NEVER let me near him with that ball. Now I have it balancing on his back and I can even throw it at him without any negative reactions from him. (btw sorry for the crude filming – I need to figure out a new system to film myself).
As I worked with both Boomer and Minnow, Blitz was close by observing. Blitz has a lot of fear issues (especially with the ball right now). And I really think it has to do with trust as well. He doesn’t trust my mom (his sole rider right now) and me (his trick trainer) to keep him safe. Up until this point in his life I don’t think he’s built a relationship with any one human. Yes I think he knows humans will take care of him, and they are a source of food, and we’re not scary. But I don’t think he’s ever had that one person where he knows “hey thats my person there” and they take care of me and keep me safe and I like spending time with them. Minnow was the same way when he came to live with me. By that point (after coming from a neglectful situation) he had begun to learn that humans were ok – but he had still yet to build that trusting bond with someone. 6 years later and now Minnow and I can read eachother like a book. Minnow sees me coming and he lights up, he’s ready to learn, and he wants any and everything to do with me – its such a great feeling. Boomer I think has had that relationship with someone before, and he’s been quicker to warm up to me. I don’t think he’s quite there like Minnow is, but he’s much further along than Blitz. Blitz will get there someday – but its just going to take him a little longer. He did make a little progress yesterday as he went up and touched the ball – but as soon as the wind would blow it into his leg he’d take a giant leap back. It was interesting to see that he was ok with touching it when it was his decision to do so, but as soon as the ball (or wind) took control and decided to touch him – he was definitely not ok with it. He’s for sure going to be a pony that needs to be allowed to make decisions on his own time, instead of being rushed into something by his handler/rider. Its going to be tough for my mom, because she tends to want results “right away” (don’t we all), but I’ve been slowly teaching her how to take a step back and wait.
My mom and I have very different personalities when it comes to working with the horses. I’m very quiet, slow and methodical when it comes to teaching a horse. I would wait all day if I had to just to get my horse to take one step forward. My mom on the other hand is having a hard time breaking her “show them whos boss” methods she learned as a youth. And the energy she gives off is hurry up and do the task I have things to do I can’t wait all day for you to take a step. I’m trying to help her get rid of this energy – and she’s improving – but its hard to break old habits. My next task will be converting my little sister too….who only knows one speed and its fast all the time and she has absolutely no patience what so ever. She’s definitely going to be a challenge! Maybe I should get into the people training business not the horse training business haha.
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
One Tuff Ball
Yesterday I ordered a Tuff ball from Toysforhorses.com for the ponies. I’m very curious to see how this thing will hold up – the photos of horses jumping on top of them are amazing! I’m already scheming of new tricks to teach them all using the ball and I’m hoping to work the ball into Minnow’s act at this years Pony Penning.
-KDPlaying fetch with a pony
Yesterday I began working with Chincoteague Minnow on some new tricks for his performance in Chincoteague this year. Some of the new tricks will be a part of his “skit” that I am developing – I’m going to keep the skit a secret for now so that when its all complete it will be a big surprise.
I started teaching Minnow how to drink out of a bottle, eventually he will be able to do it on his own without assistance from me, not bad for a days worth of work.
And just for fun I also played fetch with Minnow while I rode him bareback and bridle-less. He already knew how to play fetch, but I don’t think I’ve ever played with him while I rode him. He really didn’t require much training for this trick, he just figured out I was on his back instead of on the ground and was able to hand me the toy.
-KD
How did you do that?
Its the question I get over and over again….How did you teach your horse that? Sometimes I think my ponies are exceptional and that they learn simply by watching – which may be true to some extent – but the truth is my horses learn because they trust me, and they want to learn.
It may help if I start from the very beginning….
It all started in 2003 when I was given Chincoteague Minnow as a free lease to be used as my new mounted games pony (as I had just retired my 20 something Arab/Welsh cross).
Keep reading here!
Pony Penning 2009
Chincoteague Minnow will be attending Pony Penning Week 2009 from July 27 – July 31 at the Chincoteague Pony Centre. We’re currently working on an act (and lots of new tricks) to debut at the Pony Centre this year. So if you want to see a great show be sure to come watch Minnow as he will perform daily at 4pm and 8pm each night. He will even be auctioning off a painting during each show. So this will be your chance to own an original!
Chincoteague Minnow performs at the Pony Centre in 2008
-KD
