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[RC] [RC] bolting issue - Michelle Fink

Hi Lauretta,

One of my horses was really scared of mechanized things, ATV's, motorcycles,
bicycles...  He would try to bolt if he saw an ATV a half mile away, and
freaked at the sound of one off in the distance.  We HAVE an ATV & tractor &
bicycles - and he has been fed from an ATV a lot.  He will run after me in
pasture if I am hauling hay, so he definitely distingushes between our ATV
and others.  I ended up doing tons of clicker training with him to help him
get over his fear on trail.  At first, it was dismount and move him as far
off trail as possible while an ATV went past and hold the reins loosely so
he could jump a little without fighting me, and CLICK/TREAT right when the
scary monster was going by him.  That was a start at him learning to stand
still.  We have progressed to him being fine just moving a little off trail
while mechanized beasts zing by, and I don't have to dismount anymore.
Knock on wood, he stood like a rock last summer when we encountered them.  I
also spent time riding my bike in pasture and using C/T until I could ride
my bike right at my horses and skid to a stop.  They might not be bombproof
about bikes, but it's a good start.   I still C/T him when we see mechanized
things, just to reinforce the good behavior that has developed.  It's been a
positive way to deal with a basic fear/panic issue.

Happy Trails,
Michelle
(Colorado)


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