Rosie and I have had some grooming sessions and some hang-out time, but I’ve just recently started doing some ground work with her. This is a video of our second time working on figure-eights. (This is also her third session with the clicker.) She’s doing great, and catching on quickly. In later sessions, I’ll start using the target less and asking her to read my body and hand cues instead.
Targeting is an easy, low-stress way to begin on something like figure-eights. It’s easy to tell when the horse is bored, or stressed or doesn’t understand. Also, the horse has pay attention to the trainer and the pattern, while starting to learn to read body cues. Learn more about target training.
I just want to say how wonderful it is to have you working with Rosie. The auction that determined her fate was one year ago last Friday (April 11th). Frantic fund-raising for days before went on to get her and her herd out of danger.
I have seen you work with her in person, but the video somehow brought home to me how far she has come. She was thin, in poor coat, and very afraid. Even after a few months of food and comfort, she was very wary.
Now she is chubby and interested in people. The work you are doing is giving her a great basis for a good, new life. Getting any horse adopted is a challenge, and this helps. Thanks so much!
Chrystal
She’s such a sweet little mare!
I’m glad to hear she’s made so much improvement. I’ve seen her become more active and engaged over the past month, but from what you say it seems like she’s a different horse from what she was a year ago.
Hopefully the rescue can find her a great home!
cheers,
Mary