AND THE BEAT GOES ON

Jan 12

            This is probably the slowest time for training any horse. Although the Icys have been getting better all the time, I am cautious not to expect them to be really tamed in just two months. They have a façade of trained, but things can set them off. What I am trying to do is get them to give over their own decision making(run away, back away from people, ignore people…) to wanting to interact with me. So far, two have made that move, Bleu and Sam. Treat is making some headway in that direction, with Shiloh not too far behind although he still has some trust issues about being handled all over. Treat is still acting very cautious about being approached. He has gotten better, but he still turns away when I am catching the Icys up to put them away. Bleu and Sam are actually coming to me. Treat stands his ground and Shiloh goes to his stall door and waits for me.

            I have been working at touching their tails and moving them up and down. Again, Bleu and Sam are unconcerned. Treat is a little worried, but has gotten much better in the past few days. Trick still tucks his a bit, although he will let me move it. Shiloh is the least receptive to this and still won’t let me move his tail without goosing forward.

            Another activity I am doing is leaning across each Icy’s back and putting my arms around their girth area. Bleu doesn’t mind, Trick doesn’t seem to be too worried, Sam even allows me to squeeze him a little, Treat tried to grab at my arm, but is just looking at me now when I do it and still slow on the uptake is Shiloh. 

            The time I take getting the Icys used to all these moves and invasions into their personal space will pay off later when I will be adding equipment to the equation.

            Jill told me she picked up Treat’s hind feet yesterday. I’ve been working on him allowing me to touch him on his back legs so he doesn’t move them away. This was a good move for her to accomplish.

            The fun thing about all of the guys is that they have become pretty affectionate in their stalls. They let me rub their faces and ears. I can move all around them. I am starting to move them around in the stalls by pushing on their faces (originally they would push back in resistance). I pat them all over their bodies every time I go into their stalls or catch them, sometimes 3 and 4 times a day. I think they are on the road to acceptance of their new lives. I’m encouraged