Posts Tagged ‘trick
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!
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
‘Tis The Season To Give
Chincoteague Minnow - Head Painter
Since 2007 Chincoteague Minnow has been creating paintings. What started off as a fun project to do with my spunky little Chincoteague Pony turned into a way to give back to my community and evolved into not just one painting pony, but a herd of painting ponies. Since Minnow’s very first painting was created I have been donating some of his profits to some of my favorite Charities. This year we raised enough money to donate $150 to the Chincoteague Pony Association. All proceeds generated by the Chincoteague Pony Association goes directly to the care, maintenance, and support of the wild ponies of Assateague Island, VA for items such as – Feeding, Veterinary Bills, Farriers, Inoculations, etc. The wild ponies of Assateague have been on the island for over 300 years, and my very own Chincoteague Minnow was born on the island in 1993. I choose to donate to this organization because they use the money to help continue on a 300 year old legacy and preserve a breed that likely would have otherwise been extinct. Each year volunteers from the Chincoteague Fire Company visit the island to provide medical care to ponies in need, they also provide hay for the ponies when food is scarce and they bore holes in the ice so that the ponies have water to drink in freezing conditions.
Myself and Minnow with one of his paintings
I am thankful for those who care enough for this wild and ancient breed to donate their time to keep them happy and healthy. It warms my heart to know that Minnow (and the other trick ponies’) works of art can go towards helping their own kind, and their wild ancestors.
This year I have also decided to donate to one of my local animal shelters, Main Line Animal Rescue. Rescues are extra special to me, because Chincoteague Minnow was once a victim of irresponsible horse care. It took me a long time to regain his trust again, and I am thankful everyday that there are those out there that rescue and give love to animals just like Minnow.
To raise money for the Main Line Animal Rescue Minnow painted 2 Holiday Christmas Ornaments on November 29th. We will be giving away these ornaments on the blog to whomever bids the highest. 100% of the sales will be donated to the Main Line Animal Rescue.
In order to be the highest bidder simply comment on this post with how much you are willing to donate. The two highest bidders will each get one of Minnow’s custom painted Christmas Ornaments along with a 4×6 photo of Minnow painting. So get into the Holiday Spirit – help a worthy charity – and get something unique for your holiday tree!
"horse-painted" ornaments by Chincoteague Minnow
HOW TO WIN:
Comment: Place a comment on this post with the total amount that you are willing to donate. You may comment as many times as you like – your highest bid will be used in the contest.
Prize: The two highest bidders will each receive a custom ORIGINAL painted glass Christmas Ornament by Chincoteague Minnow along with a 4×6 photo of Minnow painting. Payment will be accepted by paypal at the close of the contest.
Deadline: The deadline to bid is December 12th at 10am EST
100% of the sale of Minnow’s Holiday Christmas Ornaments will be donated to the Main Line Animal Rescue.
Don’t forget that there are lots of great paintings still available in the Ponies online shop. With each purchase you are helping to raise money to help feed and care for the wild ponies of Assateague Island. Several new paintings will be going up for sale soon!
-KD & The Trick Ponies
www.ponypaintings.com
