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| Author |
Message |
    
Karen Medley
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 24, 2000 - 8:10 am: |   |
When training two of my 2 y/o fillies, I came across two very typical problems characteristic of teaching young horses: crossing a ditch and small stream. Being a middle aged woman, mother of 3, and a teacher gave me some refreshing insight when attempting to teach both fillies to quietly cross obstacles when asked. Obviously, force is useless. Making myself a landing target on the other side was not optimum, either. But in the same way a teacher often teaches by example (you see, students seldom with do anything the teacher won't do), it occurred to me, due to my eye contact with one of the fillies, she was waiting for me to do it first. Erringly, she had been imitating me when I crossed (I had been jumping or stepping asided). I finally led her through the ditches by slowly taking small steps down into and up the other side. It took only twice. One of these fillies still "tiptoes" through ditches to this day. |
Marion Dickinson
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 24, 2000 - 9:06 am: | |
Karen, I have encountered the ditch, water, ravine problems on a couple of my horses too. I laughed when you mention being a landing target, because I, too, tried that method.
Neither of my horses would go by following other horses (which is what most people recommend). Lots of books I've read say not to dismount. I disagree.
I was successful with one horse by leading her across. But the other horse that wouldn't cross a small stream--I dismounted and BACKED her into the stream. Once she was standing in the water, she was no longer fearful.
I also agree with the imitation theory. Just the other day, my yearling saw snow for the first time and was afraid to leave the barn. The other horse was out and she wanted to go, but just stood then screaming. Then I walked out in the snow and she followed. It's all about TRUST. But how are we going show them to jump those 3 foot coops (lol).
Marion |
Holly Z.
Member
Username: Cowgrl
Post Number: 60
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Mar 31, 2004 - 5:13 pm: | |
A horse I had used to follow the dog and if the dog could do it, then my horse decided she could do it. Worked great on those muddy puddles that the horse can't see how deep it is. |
