Ground Training Archives - Page 5 of 7 - Training Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds

Day 13 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

Herd punishment: The worst punishment the Alpha mare could administer is to isolate the belligerent one from the protection of the herd. Out in the open the horse is very vulnerable to predators. This is the concept behind sending Phil far away from my space is that I want to make my message clear “if you are in my space you are going to get sent far away from me.” At this point, I am Phil’s herd.

Day 12 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

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.”

Day 11 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

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.

Day 10 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal – Tying

Today’s lesson: Tying

This morning I tacked Phil up with a heavy roping saddle. Phil was unconcerned about the saddle, so I did not have to desensitize him to the saddle. I did not “tip toe” around Phil, just because he has never had such a big, heavy saddle on his back. If I was concerned, then Phil would feel he needed to be concerned. I was respectful not to just plop the saddle on his back.

Day 9 – Phil’s Courage’s Journal

The model: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

* Forming: The team meets for the very first time, members behave independently.
* Storming: This is necessary for growth, can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, many power struggles.
* Norming: Members adjust their behavior, begin to trust
* Performing: Members function as a unit, the job gets done smoothly without conflict