Hi, I use Carrots& pieces of
Alfalfa Cubes as a treat. I to
learned very quick never to unzip my pack, as he would
come to a dead stop at the sound for his treat. I Finally have got him to
keep going at the sound, but have to give him his treat while we are trotting,
every time I open the pack. This can sometimes be a pain but sure helped him get
over his fears. Diane & Brazz
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2002 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: [RC] Encouragement
thanks, I have used carrots after he went thru puddles a couple
times. He stopped evry time he heard the velcro. I may keep some with me. The
fear thing is pretty much under control, lessons helped me with that, becoming
a better rider and figuring the 3 ft. jump the lesson took over crossrails(2x
was experinced dressage horse learning to jump, instructor wanted me to ride
her because I was strong and she liked me)I had a tad of fear that day when I
lost my stirrup. But I can always turn him, it's the surprose thing. Luckily
he isn't that way every ride. Maybe I just have to drill him over and over and
ride alert. Laurie
----- Original Message -----
From:
Tina Rushing
Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2002 9:52
PM
To: LADurgin@xxxxxxx
Subject: Encouragement
Holy smokes, you do have your hands full. I can't
offer any additional tools, it sounds like you are using them
all.
My filly was a handful; I raised her from an egg and have been
riding her since she was 2.5 years. She really scared me for the
first 2 years. She is 8 now and much better, but I'd be a liar if I
said I never had a frightened moment. She is nimble, powerful, and
intelligent.
I took a few riding lessons which helped but much was
just mental and I had to do that alone. I can't afford riding
lessons and don't have access to an arena. I don't have a riding
buddy so we are always solo. A good "golden" riding pal is a huge
help and I would be grateful to have one.
If I had to narrow it down
to one thing, I would chose "don't fight". My horse is easily
distracted, so it was not hard to turn her attention. She would
completely forget about the battle she was preparing to wage and do the
little thing I'd ask her to do. Oh, COOKIES helped (Manna Pro
Apple Wafers). I believe that this horse would jump through a ring
of fire for a cookie. It is important to teach that cookies are
earned, never taken. I could say, "cookie?" and she would become
completely distracted in anticipation of the command that would earn her
a cookie. These days we don't have to resort to this very often but
I'm not above pulling it out if I need it. It helped recently when
I was tossed and I needed to catch her out in the wilds... "Hey-yah,
COOKIE baby?" brought her from a gallop to my hand (whew, was I
happy!)
Good luck with your horse. I'm sure you have a smart
one that could make you proud one day but if you are unhappy (bad matches
happen) you will surely be able to find him another good home.
There are plenty of good horses out there needing good homes. I
have bought and re-placed horses several times and I found this to be
very rewarding.
Tina
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