Re: unwilling trot out

["superpat" <superpat@gateway.net>]

Dede,
Just a suggestion. Instead of having someone there ready to punish him, why
not first try having something with which to *reward* him even if it is only
a tiny try. Are you familiar with clicker training (operant conditioning)?
Wearing a little fanny pack with some treat in it, (grain, cut up carrots,
sugar, etc) and using a verbal cluck and then immediately giving the treat
will go a long way toward encouraging your guy to move out a bit more
quickly. Start by rewarding even a lean in the forward direction. Then
reward for a step.....etc. Takes time but a lot less than you might imagine.
A little tip a friend gave me was to trot out my horse after a training or
pleasure ride before putting her in the trailer for home. After taking off
the saddle just head out onto the road and trot out. Helps the horse to
expect this and you may not find resentment when he thinks he is done and is
then asked to trot out. This also gives you a chance to assess his way of
going after every ride.
Good luck,
Pat

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott & Dede Johnson <scottj@cyberlynk.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2000 8:54 PM
Subject: RC: unwilling trot out


> When it is time to do  a trot-out with my horse, whether it be pre-ride,
> post-ride, or at home just for the heck of it, he will not willingly trot.
> It takes him a good 5 strides of putzy walking and then maybe he will go
> into a half-hearted trot.  It brings down his impulsion score every time.
I
> was thinking of practicing at home with someone standing behind him ready
to
> give him a smack on the rump as soon as he appears to not want to go.
> Hopefully, if done enough times, this will condition him to go right into
a
> trot when I ask.  Anybody have any ideas if this will work?  Thanks!
>
> Dede
>
> Justice-When you get what you deserve
> Mercy- When you don't get what you deserve
> Grace-When you get what you don't deserve
>
>
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