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Mary Hunter and her horse Apollo


On this site I share stories of my animal training adventures, information about the science of animal training and behavior, and tips and advice to help you improve your training.

Join me as we explore the best training strategies for creating fast learning, effective communication, and enthusiastic, willing animals.

If you’re new to Stale Cheerios, I recommend that you start by visiting this page to learn more about Stale Cheerios and that you visit my Top Posts page.

~Mary Hunter

Recent posts from the StaleCheerios blog

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Chewie’s Diary Week 75: Baby Teeth

By on July 17, 2026 in Chewie’s Diary

After breakfast today, Chewie left me a present in her tub.  A baby tooth! Horses continue to loose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth until they are around five years old.  Chewie is three, currently, and she certainly looks like an adult horse now.  But, finding the baby tooth was a good reminder that […]

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Chewie’s Diary Week 70: Chin rest

By on June 12, 2026 in Chewie’s Diary

Chewie and I have a new behavior we have been working on recently — a chin rest! Here’s how this behavior works: I hold out my hand, under Chewie’s head Chewie backs up a couple of steps She stops when the underside of her head touches my hand I reposition my hand slightly so my […]

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