Training Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds

Morning feeding: Dan reported no problems with Phil.

After the kids finished their homework we decided to go out on the trails. The kids decided they were going to ride their bikes while walking the dogs. I saw a perfect teaching opportunity and brought Phil along. Phil has a tendency to kick at the dogs or anything moving behind him. I respect Phil’s instinctual behavior however, this is something we will have to work through if he is ever going to foxhunt or be around children and pets. You can just imagine the commotion going on with the kids, bikes, and dogs out on the trail. As soon as Phil locked an ear on a bike or kid I gently tugged on the lead rope to prevent his brain from switching from thinking to instinct (timing is everything). Read more this entry »

Morning feeding: no problems.

I vaccinated Phil today. When I vaccinate a horse for the first time I am always prepared to do some ground work, or desensitize the horse to the needle. I haltered Phil and he dropped his head right into the halter and I asked him for head down. I pinched his skin on his neck and shook the skin while I injected the vaccine. No problem. I didn’t even hold onto the lead; Phil was ground tied. I administered three injections without any questions from Phil. I had epi with me just in case he had a reaction. Read more this entry »

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Morning feeding: Phil was polite.

Great Training Day! I worked Phil in the round pen to help him focus on me for our upcoming adventure. He is less worried about the herd and a little more focused on me.

Once Phil’s brain was switched to “learning mode” I took him out on the trail for a team building session. This is my version of a Rope’s Course. I’m sure many of you have attended this workshop with your coworkers. As Phil and I were walking away from the barn I uncovered another “hole.” I could feel Phil’s energy drop and the rope began to get heavy in my hand. Phil was thinking about balking. He is codependent upon the herd and the comfort of the barn. I gave him a very simple task to focus on me. I was able to avoid Phil planting his feet. Read more this entry »

Morning feeding: All the horses around the barn where a little excitable this morning. They all had a very interesting night. One of our mares foaled last night. Phil could not see the event from his pen, but he felt the excitement from all the other horses.

I led Phil to the pasture to see the new foal. This was a great opportunity to once again practice haltering, leading, going through gates, and exposing Phil to a new situation. You may think horses recognize foals as their own kind, however it is amazing to see the reaction of a horse that has not been exposed to foals become frightened. Phil was absolutely mesmerized by the filly. It was interesting to see Momma tell Phil to back off from across the paddock.

Evening feeding: uneventful