Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Getting Tumbleweed Ready for 2 Year Old School

An update on Mr. Tweed who I'm trying to prepare for June kindergarten. I don't want to instill any bad habits in him, so I'm really only concentrating on the basics -- at the heart of which --- is rewarding him for try.

He stands tied everyday  --- started with Uncle Cowboy --- then progressed to time alone --- each day the time tied increases --- his release is when he cocks a leg and relaxes.


The work Shirley did with him sure helps with this, but it's never fun for a horse to stand for long periods of time alone. When he goes to training, he will consider that time his chance to relax.  He will stand tied for hours a day -- but that's for June --- this is now --he stands tied about 30 minutes.


We grab a glass of wine or clean stalls while he is practicing being tied. The dogs even get in on the watching action.  I kind of feel sorry for Tweed, but I know it's going to make him a better horse -- and golden horses always have a home in this world -- no matter what happens.


We started lunging after a long winter break.

la resistance'!



la blow up'

Like every horse, he is great at doing just enough --- but take him slightly past just enough -- you will discover resistance.  That is our goal -- find it -- remain calm -- continue with your plan -- do not let him get away with it. Um no, I asked you to continue on that way, T'weed.  


And voila! You get a well-mannered boy.



And well-mannered boys get some lovin'.


He is trying to understand what I want and give it -- but I'm trying to get him to the point that he understands that when we're together -- it's a creative process -- different ever day --- no time limit -- no set amount of laps on the line -- it's an all in experience for however long it takes.

I call it a work ethic. He's going to need it in June. He's going to need it in life with humans.



A couple day of packing various blankets. I work with him until I can drop his lead, have him stand "ground tied" and allow me to throw the blanket all over his back, butt, neck, head -- from both sides -- as well as --- drop it on the ground on both sides -- pack it at a trot -- allowing it to fall off on both sides as he's moving.

The blanket training was interesting. He was quite scared of the blue bareback pad. I would hold it out in front of him --- and when he looked at it, I'd withdraw it. That advanced to when he put his nose on it -- I'd withdraw it.  And all that advanced to him not caring one wit about it.

The training wasn't about the pad -- really -- it was about facing what he fears and seeing the scary thing move away.  Oh, he's so powerful, that boy!  He just looks at the monsters --- and they dissolve!


We're still good buddies, and he still comes trotting up to me when I come out to get him.  I guess we're okay.

I sure am going to miss him when he goes to kindergarten.

6 comments:

  1. You got some good basics going on! I'm sure your trainer will appreciate the work you are doing now. And he is just adorably cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, Beamer makes cute babies. I think my trainer will appreciate it, he will be less stressed, and I will get more bang for my buck! I really want him to be prepared to get the max out of it. After he comes home, I’ll continue the basics and get him ready for his 3 year old year. That has been my plan all along, but I can hardly believe the time is almost here!! Crazy.

      Delete
  2. Such a wonderful start to him. He's learning that there's an answer and to look for it. Well done. Also, being able to dissolve monsters is a great life skill.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a great skill. He has been so babied by Mama, he thinks hiding behind her also dissolved monsters. 😂

      Delete
  3. Tumbleweed looks like he's going to be an "A" student when he gets to school thanks to his Mama teaching him how to behave at home! Bet he's going to miss you and you him when he's gone for a bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know. It makes me so sad!! 😭😭

      Delete

Please feel welcome to join our discussion by telling us about your own thoughts and experiences.