Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:25:59 -0800 From: klmayeda@xxxxxxxxx To: Sheila_Larsen@xxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] Training Issue CC: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Maybe other tools will work - like doing tight circles, leg yielding, lateral work to keep get his mind being focused back on you. I like the idea of doing small doses of separation, and increasing in length while you're out riding.
I tend not to hop off unless absolutely necessary because if the horse is just being dominant, it is reinforcing that behaviour. However, it's absolutely necessary if it intimidates you because a freaked out person doesn't do anyone any good. When I was riding with a friend and Drako started to spaz she said that she would have gotten off of him at that moment. Well, he was able to get me off of him in the past, and I have gotten to know his idiosynchrosies a lot better. I'm not scared. He's not doing anything dangerous. I stay on. He just learns to deal with it. Story over.
Rearing - I don't know. Never had a rearing horse. Bucking horse yes!
First, NO do not get on the horse if you don't feel it is safe, repeat do NOT get on the horse if you don't feel safe.
Secondly, I would strongly suggest that you incorporate TTeam as Naomi suggested, particularly if you have someone to help you because a person who has experience with TTeam will make it go much faster. I would add another tool which I have found pretty indespensible which is incorporating clicker training into whatever method you use. My mare was having a little bit of a nervous breakdown on a training ride so I hopped off and asked her to do an exercise called why would you leave me. It took less than a minute and I think she felt so secure doing that exercise that she started completely focusing on me. Teaching them to lower their head also calms them down.
I might also add that when you leave the other horse you might consider using a bit of acepromazine on the horse being left. I use it on my mare that has separation anxiety when I take the other one away and leave her at home. I started out using 3 ccs but got it down to about 1 cc which probably did more for me than her. I was just about to stop using it altogether when I went a long period of time without leaving her alone. So I started back with the 3 ccs but I don't think she needs it. Studies have shown that horses can learn will under the influence of a small amount of ace. Some people may object but it is better than the horse being left getting hurt, and a small dose (ask the vet) on the horse you are riding may not hurt either. It doesn't take the place of training but it may make the learning happen. People have told me about horror stories about horses on ace but you need to make that decision yourself.
If you have questions about clicker training, feel free to ask. Thanks, Sheila
And Allah took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it, and created the horse.... Thou shall fly without wings, and conquer without any sword. Oh, horse. ~Bedouin Legend
