ridecamp@endurance.net: RE: Foot Shy

RE: Foot Shy

APPYS2@aol.com
Tue, 18 Feb 1997 03:26:03 -0500 (EST)

I'm new to this list and am fortunate to have two well trained Appy's but I
recently obtained a little 5 yr old Arab that had absolutely not training at
all; particularly ground work. Therefore, he wasn't very trusting with we
humans about anything so I had to start from scratch. I am no horse trainer
by trade, but have been around them many years and just try to use good
sense. He had been trucked once in his life as a colt to the home I obtained
him from so we are still working on his training but as to "foot shy" from
this little guy that liked to actually kick; and bite this is what I did.

First, didn't expect to much from him at one time; started working with my
hands just around the wither & rump as a mare does with its foal and talking
calmly all the time. Then started bringing my hands down and stroking his
legs, again, talking to him. Do this as often but GRADUALLY as possible, at
least twice a day and preferably not while feeding. Withn 2 weeks I could
lift his foot; now I simply place my hand on him and tell him to lift and he
does. Still need to be careful, as humans, will have a bad day, and revert
so it's a constant training process. Doing the same thing with loading &
unloading, letting him feel like its his decsion- can't fight to much when
they out weigh you 10 to 1; plus it has always been this Novice's opinion
that I would rather have my animal do for me because they want to please
rather than from fear. Took 1 1/2 hours to load him day I first brought him
home; when I got to my barn, thought he would bolt out of the trailer;
conversely, he didn't want to come out; took 1/2 hour to unload him and he
was quivering from head to toe. Ironic, but once loaded he trucked super.
Now he is loading and unloading and we are taking short rides around town
and back home.

So, guess the bottom line is, if you can take the time, you'll gain his trust
and eventually be able to do anything with him. I think bonding is important
and have always tried to bond on the ground rather than mounted. Hope this
information helps but the other respondee who suggested the tapes had an
excellent idea as well.

Good luck - and don't give up! You have to win in the end!

P.S. Will be selling this little registered Arab once he is safe but will
require experienced horsey person, currently stabled in Rhode Island,
beautiful chestnut with a big heart but stubborn. Plse send inquires to
Appys2@aol.com

As to RE: Scooping water from Trough

Just feel if all riders practiced trail etiquette and consideration a lot of
pet peeves could be avoided. If I decide to do distance with this new Arab
from above; he'd bolt through the woods if someone pulled that where as my
old faithful Appy would just raise his head and snort! (smile) But, I
taught my Appy to drink on verbal command. First I started with a carrot
under water is his water bucket, then after he got the clue, tapped the edge
of the bucket and said drink; did this every day until just drink did the
trick. He was always rewarded with a carrot. It worked, out on trail when
we come up to water, I give him his head and tell him to drink, he hooves in
it first, and then mircaculously will drink! Could use advice on how much I
should let him drink!!!

Barbara

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