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<<It just makes things very very clear to the horse what
the correct behavior is and that if they do something incorrectly they are
not punished they just don't get a treat.  I have found it really boosts
their confidence >>

 

From the way Donna described this mare's past, this may be just what the mare needs...a boost in her confidence and positive reinforcement.

 

Dawn Carrie, Texas

 

On 4/11/08, Sheila_Larsen@xxxxxxx <Sheila_Larsen@xxxxxxx> wrote:

I agree with the person about teaching her to stand in the trailer but you
need to go waaaayyy back with her training.  This is definitely the time to
"go slow to go fast" if you want to work with this horse.  I can see the
rolling eyes now from people who know me but again I will suggest clicker
training (I know people were having success putting medication in the
horse's eyes  and having horses pick up their feet using treats).  Try
Alexandra Kurland's website and book "The Click that Teaches."   It will
help in getting the mare's trust and letting her know when she is doing the
right thing.  If you don't think this method works for very difficult
horses you may be in for a surprise.

Back to the trailer issue, you might put a long rope on her halter and run
it through a ring or something at the front.  Put the rope through the
ring, give her a treat when she stands there (if you do the clicker you can
click and treat) take a step back and if she stands give her a treat.  The
rope will just help keep her facing front if you need to or keep ahold of
her if she backs out, but let her back if she really feels the need cause
you aren't gonna be able to hold her).  Keep stepping away, if she moves
you have gone too quickly, but even if she stays every few steps go back to
not stepping away or just a step or so back.  The point is to keep her
there with positive reenforcement and within her comfort zone.  The point
of the clicker is to accurately mark the correct behavior for which she is
getting treated.  It just makes things very very clear to the horse what
the correct behavior is and that if they do something incorrectly they are
not punished they just don't get a treat.  I have found it really boosts
their confidence and for the person you start focusing on what your horse
is doing right not what they are doing wrong and it is refreshing  for all
concerned.  I'll shut up now.


Horses lend us the wings we lack.  Author Unknown


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