Posts Tagged ‘trick pony
Trick Pony Goals
So I thought if I wrote down some of my goals for the Trick Ponies in 2010 it might actually help me to accomplish them. Hopefully our cold winter doesn’t last too long and I can get to training them soon! So here’s my list (in no particular order):
1. Teach Minnow to rear
2. Teach Blitz and Boomer to lay down on command
3. Finish teaching Ammo and Boomer to paint
4. Come up with a new skit for Minnow to perform
5. Make a new video of all of the trick ponies (and the Dachshund) performing
6. Move Boomer up to compete in the Masters Division in Mounted Games
7. Take Blitz to a bombproofing clinic/and or some Dressage events
8. Teach Ammo and Minnow some tricks together
9. Find more venues/performances for Minnow to do – events that raise money for charities would be great.
10. Spend more time doing “nothing” with the boys
Blitz is the first of the Chincoteagues to learn to lay down
So what do you think? Anything I should add? Suggestions on new tricks to teach the boys? I’d love to hear your goals – maybe you want to learn more about clicker training – maybe you just want to teach your horse one trick? Whatever it is, I wish you much success in the new year! Click on!
Three’s a Crowd
So as I posted before, my parents decided to feature the Trick Ponies on their Christmas Card this year. The idea was simple – get them to stand together holding fake berry swigs in their mouths. The reality was – its never that easy.
I knew I probably should have worked them on targeting a stationary spot on the ground first (like a carpet scrap or piece of wood), but of course I never got around to it. I have taught all of my boys to stationary target the pedestal. Meaning when I put out their pedestal – get them upon it and ask them to stay put, they will all do so. (well Boomerang needs a bit more practice with this one). But since I only have one pedestal, the problem arose, how do I get all 3 of them to stand together? The answer is – I never actually did! Ha!
In fact, I have never worked all three together at the same time. Not because I don’t want to – but mainly because I didn’t want utter chaos, and currently Minnow is the only one I trust to “behave” properly when the food pouch comes out and there are competitors for the treats.
So anyway – that will all be a task for another day…now onto the Christmas Card. Below are a series of outtakes from the attempt at a Christmas Card (all before the sun set). I did end up getting some nice ones, but I will have to save those for another post. I hope you enjoy a good laugh at my attempt to “corral the wild Chincoteague Ponies”.
-KD
www.ponypaintings.com
The Family Business
Ammo at 8 weeks old taking a ride on Blitz
My Dachshund Ammo has been assisting the Trick Ponies since he was about 8 weeks old. He loves pony rides, pony kisses, laying under the easel while the ponies paint and of course eating pony poop. So after 1 full year of “assistant” duty I decided its time for Ammo to join the ranks as an official member of the Trick Ponies of Chincoteague. What do you have to do to be a member? You have to be able to paint!
So a couple weeks ago I started working with Ammo on his paintbrush skills. We began by targeting a paintbrush – which Ammo took to in no time. Then he was rewarded for licking the brush, and eventually putting his teeth on it. We’ve now progressed to picking up the brush on his own and pretty soon I will ask him to target the brush to the paper. Below is a video of Ammo practicing his new brush skills.
Dog Paddling over to Chincoteague
Although this is the first time Ammo may be picking up a paintbrush – its actually not his first painting. After a painting “mishap” ammo helped Minnow to create this wonderful work of art! Its now proudly hanging in my Studio at home. I can’t wait to add lots more of Ammo’s creations to my walls.
Ammo gets painted
Sharing a video of my mom painting with Blitz. While she was away visiting her sisters in Arizona a few months ago I taught Blitz to paint. I originally bought Blitz in the Summer of 2008 but eventually sold him to my mom when I discovered he was much happier to go a slow a steady pace (I was looking for a speedy pony).
So when my mom returned home from her trip I announced that I had taught her boy to paint. Since then we didn’t have time to work with him again, but on November 29th I pulled out the easel and got him painting again. I asked my mom if she wanted to try it with him….after a few “But I don’t know how to do it” I convinced her to give it a try. So here’s the video of Blitz and my mom painting.
Oh and yes – Ammo the Dachshund gets painted in the video. His favorite spot to hang out when the ponies paint is right under the easel. He’s hoping the ponies will drop a Cheerio or a bit of grain for him to nibble on. This time he caught a paintbrush on the head. By the end of the session he looked like he had a multi-colored mohawk.
New Paintings!
"Fence Painting" by Chesapeake Lightning
I’m happy to announce the release of 4 new paintings. Chincoteague Minnow has painted 2 works of art and also for the first time EVER we are offering 2 paintings by Chesapeake Lightning (Blitz). Blitz only recently just learned to paint and I’m happy to report that he’s enjoying it just as much as his older brother Minnow. I find it fascinating that Blitz has a completely different technique when it comes to painting. Minnow prefers to be a little more “wild and crazy” with his brush strokes, while Blitz is very precise and methodical. He really likes to paint up and down strokes and is very deliberate about where he puts the brush. I like to call his style “fence painting”, because thats exactly what it looks like.
Anyway, you can check out all the boys work by visiting their online shop here. The paintings make a great gift for friends and family. And don’t forget that by purchasing a Pony Painting you are helping to support the wild ponies of Assateague Island. Two Christmas gifts in one!
Don’t forget to bid on Minnow’s Christmas Ornaments to help raise money for the Main Line Animal Rescue.
"Sugar Plum Dreams" by Chincoteague Minnow
