Archive for category: Trailer Loading

Days 84-90 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Categories: Ground Training, Jumping Training, Phil's Courage, Trailer Loading - Tags:

90 Day Progress report

• Extremely well behaved in all aspects of daily interaction from de worming to under saddle
• Balking has disappeared
• No problem with impulsion
• Rearing was not an issue and no signs of rearing present
• Ear sensitivity has disappeared
• Head shyness has disappeared
• Girthy behavior has disappeared
• Polite and patient on cross ties
• Stands quietly for bathing
• No snacking on grass while working for handler
• Trailer loads and hauls politely
• Tolerates lifting tail and taking temp
• No problem cleaning sheath
• Absolutely no threats of biting or kicking
• Halter broke-comes to be caught even in a large pasture, puts head enthusiastically in halter, tips nose towards handler, lowers head, ties patiently, ground ties patiently, can be lead anywhere and light on end of lead
• Enthusiastically accepts bit during bridling
• Rides in haltermore (no bit)
• Yields to less than 4 oz of pressure
• Responds to slightest cue from handler in round pen (I just look in the direction I want him to travel)
• Feeding manners are excellent
• De worms without halter or lead
• Rain no longer bothers him
• Comfortable with 24/7 turnout
• Noticeably more free movement from shoulder
• Increased flexibility
• Still tight in hindend, but improved
• Does not travel with nose in the air anymore or hollow back-still needs improvement
• Responds to pre cues such as cluck (trot), kiss (canter), whoa
• Absolutely loves the trails and has never spooked, bucked, or bolted
• Tolerates the hunting dogs on the trail and in his pasture
• Bending improved
• Backing softly
• Takes correct leads
• Free jumps 3’ with tons of scope and room to spare, nice tightly tucked knees, ears always alert and forward
• Turns on haunches and front end
• Beginning to side pass at walk
• Will open gate with rider in saddle

Day 29 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal – Show Day

Categories: Phil's Courage, Trailer Loading - Tags: , ,

We were at a local schooling show today and hauled Phil along. He did not hesitate to load in the trailer even though it was dark.

Phil was shown exhibition in HUS, English Equitation,Western Equitation, Barrels, and Poles. He placed 2rd in hunter in hand and 4th in halter geldings. If we keep up this pace Phil may be eligible for a Year End Reserve In Hand.

Day 13 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Categories: Correcting Bad Behavior, Ground Training, Phil's Courage, Trailer Loading - Tags: ,

Morning feeding: Phil’s energy was a bit pushy. Although he did not come into my space his posture was very “pushy.” His head was high, his eye was hard. The Alpha mare would not tolerate this disrespectful posture and would “put Phil back into his place” in the herd hierarchy. This is typical young colt behavior, but must be corrected. I waved Phil off and put his feet in action. I drove him around 2 times and he softened. His demeanor was submissive. I asked him to come into my 16ft circle and rubbed his head. He followed me to the food dish. You see there isn’t a “quick fix” with horses. Read more