I'm so impressed with you and your Mustang; have one named Cricket & although she is great on trail, downhill/uphill, bushes, etc she is afraid of a soda can popping or water bottle crinkling or anything flying by & men's voices. Just in awe how far you & your mare traveled this learning adventure....
Gosh, I'd love to see more feedback. I suspect that some commentors have a long way to go with their own horses if, after watching 8 minutes of three of horses doing a number of obstacles so calmly and cooperatively, and even bareback, that all they can say is nitpicky complaints instead of recognize all that these horses CAN do. It took MONTHS of patient work and communication to gain the trust of these horses to get them to back through an alley of blowing, shiny ribbons, to back into a cedar thicket and turn around, to calmly cross a teeter-totter (which they now stand on and tip it back and forth), to go through the water pool and the noodles, etc. I am thrilled and proud of the trust and companionship that I have built between myself and my horses, and of what I have taught others to do. The people at the end of the video were participants in a clinic I put on, and they all went away with an enhanced relationship with their horses. So please, DO COMMENT. I appreciate honest feedback from those who can, and do, really understand horses and horsemanship.
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. You are right that most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
Great job ladies. Great example of easy and inexpensive desensitizing obstacle course that any horse owner can replicate and prepare their horse for the unknown on the trail.
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. You are right that most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
With all these negative comments. I just don't understand. I'd love to ride with you ladies. I think you ALL did a wonderful job. Some people just like to sit behind their screen and nitpick. I loved it. If y'all are ever in the Hill Country of Texas...let me know. We ALL go for a nice ride.
I am in Hill Country.....or at least on the outskirts of it. I live in Belton, a sister city of Temple, straight north of Austin on IH35. What part of the Hill Country do you live in?
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
Marcia Cross that’s amazing Marcia, I’d love to see a video about you talking more in depth about your biggest lessons you learnt that helped change your horses and self for the better and your journey.
Thank you fpr postimg this swesome video!! I love it! I am planning some obstacle events in my area and you gave me some fantastic ideas. Good job with your horses, btw!!! Obstacle work is very challenging!!
I just found your channel. We used to breed and show Missouri Foxtrotters right down the road from you in Crawford. I have been riding and showing for 25 years and I think you have done a wonderful job. Most other videos don't have horses anywhere near as controlled as yours. I don't know what complaints you had, but from someone who knows I will say that if I was still in Crawford I would send horses to you for training.
THank you for this video. Im doing this with my boys. Im using a section of my property we are clearing and have lots of natural objects left over. I love your use of what you have. Dont really like the bottle next to the horse part. When the horse stopped the person should have stopped shaking the bottle. (Pressure and release) I could tell she was going to blow up. there was a better way to do that without scaring the crap out of the horse. Other than that, i look forward to using some of ideas.
I agree. The poor horse. It was difficult to watch but the rider was a guest and couldn't tell her what I wanted to tell her: QUIT! That is unnecessary and unkind to treat your horse to what to me is TORTURE. You can get the same end results but just going a little slower and bottom line: approach all tasks with kindness.
Not necessarily. Maybe yes for a green broke horse but not always. This horse is learning to trust the rider and learning that even when stopped there is nothing to be afraid of, as long as the rider exhibits a calm attitude. Stopping when the horse stops may reinforce the wrong signal. Pressure and release is great for an aggressive horse. For a scared horse it's the opposite effect. It's not cruel, it's confidence building in a horse for their rider! Yes the horse will be scared now be she DID settle down when the noise proved harmless which IS the point, yes? It's not okay for a horse to spook at noise that is not a clear and present danger. This behavior is as dangerous when the horse is moving as when it's standing still so teaching a horse to listen to the handler that things are okay and not to freak out is sooo important! I know there is a difference of opinion and that's just where this discussion will end! Agree to disagree if you'd like. I really like this video of all it's trying to teach the horse. Thanks for posting it!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. I love them so much that sometimes it hurts to head back to the house........but the reality her is that despite having had anywhere from 1 to 6 horses for over 40 years without ever an interruption, I can honestly say that I have NEVER loved any horse like I love these horses. I am convinced that that is because I have never had such a bond with a horse as I do now.....and that I am convinced is because since we developed the communication necessary to do this kind of work, we really do commune with each other over what we are doing. They look at me differently, like they are searching for an answer, like they are asking me, "What are you asking me to do, Mom?" "Are you sure this is safe, Mom?" Most important and transitional was when I realized that I had to slow down my expectations. I started out treating them like they were kindergartners and would get short-tempered if they wouldn't do very simple requests. Once I re-aligned my brain and heart to remember that they may be like kindergartners, but they are KGS from Uzbekistan or some other foreign land. I had to begin to go back to more primitive communication, like hand gestures and actually moving their feet for them, reminding myself to use only one-word commands, and be consistent. It wasn't long before they had memorized the words and could respond to words, finger gestures, body language. Absolutely thrilling!!! for them, too, I believe! Most of the obstacles are scrabbled together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
I am sorry that I didn't have time to write you back long ago and I hope that you got wonderful advice and inspiration from the clinic. Much time has passed so I hope that you and your horses have kept at it and are having the time of your lives. I have never had so much fun with horses as I have since I discovered the complicated world of obstacle training. Most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. The best advice that I can give you is about using your imagination, and being slow and kind to the horses. I used conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination. It went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
I have a horse that will be in a parade next week. This horse is scared of horse-drawn wagons ( which there will be plenty off) and I don't know what to do. We don't have access to any wagons or the money to pay someone to drive one. Does anyone have any ideas of how to desensitize her to them without having one on hand. Any suggestions are appreciated.
@@sshepard5222 Thanks! I actually didn't end up going because I broke my finger. I decided to stay home because it would be hard to handle a nervous horse like that.
Hi Erin, I am sorry to hear that you did not make it to that parade, but I hope you do still continue to participate in them. My main horse can recognize a mule from a long way and gets skittery about that despite the fact that she has never had any negative event regarding one (I know because I bred and raised her.). I put on parade clinics in my town and one of mine is usually thrown for a loop when the ponies pulling carts arrive, but the best things to do are have them turn and face the feared thing and stroke and talk to your horse. Allow it to see other horses acting like it is no big deal The other thing to do is like you mentioned. Find opportunities to expose your horse before the parade. Before I had the courage to actually participate in a parade, I would drive my horse in our trailer and park and open doors and windows so she could see the activity and smell the excitement. I was too afraid to even unload her, but it was a powerful, courageous First Step. The next parade opportunity, I did the same thing but went there with the intent to just unload and tie the horses to the trailer during staging time before the parade. Yes, it was NOT what the parade promoters would have said YES to since we hadn't registered for the parade, but I was desperate to make progress. the next step was to register and ride. Now I have my own club/group that I register and we include a truck pulling a flatbed with hay bales for children to sit on during the parade......and I put on parade clinics to help folks muster that courage. Go get 'em, Tiger!
So sorry, Eleanor, it looks like I never replied to your question. Yes, the hula-hoop had the beads inside of it so it made it a much more challenging obstacle than a plain hoop. Most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
I agree with some of the other comments on the lady ridding the bay with the blaze there was never a release of her preasure. There was no reward for the horses effort. It was just all preasure not nice to watch at times
There was never a release of pressure the bay horse just eventually gave up and stood there while continuing to be scared, for example the jug thing on the string I would have kept doing it until the horse stopped it’s feet then I would’ve given it a moment to relax then continued moving the jug until the horse relaxed while I was moving the jug
It didn't flinch or run away. That's the point. Many horses would spook and bolt at these obstacles. The idea is to run them again and again, encouraging them not to bolt. The anxiety goes away once they understand they are safe.
The first horse and rider were a good match. She didn't rush her chestnut and rewarded her with words and affection immediately. The second one, Very short clip but her horse was calm and she was light on the reins. The third one...um what are you doing jumping your horse in a western saddle?! That is very hard on their spine! If you are going to jump, do it in English tack or even bareback if you can ride at that level. The fourth one should have released the pressure as soon as her horse licked her lips and then rewarded her with a pat or praise. The horse learns from the release of the pressure. Especially when she swapped sides, the horse stopped and she just kept moving the jug up and down....you aren't telling her what you want.
She didn't give release of pressure after bay stood still with the jug. She should of done on ground first.. And she should of waved flag around each side before touching horse with it, u have work up to that.. Horses learn from release of pressure...
yes! I was just thinking that this horse may be "desensitized," or the horse may have learned to accept helplessness. I'd much rather go slowly and build on curiosity than ultimately teach my horse that there's no escaping, so why try
@@alexinefleck7141 the point is to teach the horse not to bolt when it hears a spooky sound and to trust the rider instead of running on emotions. Domesticated horses need to learn to not startle at unexpected sounds and objects. It's not safe if they either bolt or hesitate... in either situation, they and the rider could get hurt. And why are you teaching a horse to be curious about a shaking jug. The idea is that the rider has more brain cells than the horse and knows what is dangerous and what is not.
Waving the flag and touching the horse with the flag are basically the same thing. You're trying to get the horse to not react by desensitizing it to the movement and touch. If you really want to get technical, the first step is chasing the horse with the flag in a circle (which she did), then following the horse with the flag while you lead it in a circle, then following the horse with the flag and tapping its flanks. However, this probably wasnt the first session with the flag, as the horse calmed down pretty quickly. They were probably working on a trouble spot for the horse.
no. it is called desensitizing. if you stopped you would be teaching your horse that spooking is a good thing. you release the pressure, whatever that may be, when the horse relaxes.
@@mackenziewood2586 but its a try. you reward the try which is stopping. then you try again. you always reward the smallest try. This isnt a nitpick. i train too. you have to always release with the slightest try and work up from there.
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I'm so impressed with you and your Mustang; have one named Cricket & although she is great on trail, downhill/uphill, bushes, etc she is afraid of a soda can popping or water bottle crinkling or anything flying by & men's voices. Just in awe how far you & your mare traveled this learning adventure....
Gosh, I'd love to see more feedback. I suspect that some commentors have a long way to go with their own horses if, after watching 8 minutes of three of horses doing a number of obstacles so calmly and cooperatively, and even bareback, that all they can say is nitpicky complaints instead of recognize all that these horses CAN do. It took MONTHS of patient work and communication to gain the trust of these horses to get them to back through an alley of blowing, shiny ribbons, to back into a cedar thicket and turn around, to calmly cross a teeter-totter (which they now stand on and tip it back and forth), to go through the water pool and the noodles, etc. I am thrilled and proud of the trust and companionship that I have built between myself and my horses, and of what I have taught others to do. The people at the end of the video were participants in a clinic I put on, and they all went away with an enhanced relationship with their horses. So please, DO COMMENT. I appreciate honest feedback from those who can, and do, really understand horses and horsemanship.
What a wonderful relationship you have with your horses. Very nice. Thank you for this video!
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. You are right that most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling.
The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
Just found your video when searching for this subject. I thought you did really well. It takes a lot of time and patience to accomplish this.
Great job ladies. Great example of easy and inexpensive desensitizing obstacle course that any horse owner can replicate and prepare their horse for the unknown on the trail.
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. You are right that most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling.
The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
With all these negative comments. I just don't understand. I'd love to ride with you ladies. I think you ALL did a wonderful job. Some people just like to sit behind their screen and nitpick. I loved it. If y'all are ever in the Hill Country of Texas...let me know. We ALL go for a nice ride.
I am in Hill Country.....or at least on the outskirts of it. I live in Belton, a sister city of Temple, straight north of Austin on IH35. What part of the Hill Country do you live in?
This truly had my jaw dropped watching how amazing you've done with these horses. Beautiful work. I aspire to get to this level with my new mare
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
Marcia Cross that’s amazing Marcia, I’d love to see a video about you talking more in depth about your biggest lessons you learnt that helped change your horses and self for the better and your journey.
What a great course, your horses were fantastic!
Thank you fpr postimg this swesome video!! I love it! I am planning some obstacle events in my area and you gave me some fantastic ideas. Good job with your horses, btw!!! Obstacle work is very challenging!!
I just found your channel. We used to breed and show Missouri Foxtrotters right down the road from you in Crawford. I have been riding and showing for 25 years and I think you have done a wonderful job. Most other videos don't have horses anywhere near as controlled as yours. I don't know what complaints you had, but from someone who knows I will say that if I was still in Crawford I would send horses to you for training.
THank you for this video. Im doing this with my boys. Im using a section of my property we are clearing and have lots of natural objects left over. I love your use of what you have. Dont really like the bottle next to the horse part. When the horse stopped the person should have stopped shaking the bottle. (Pressure and release) I could tell she was going to blow up. there was a better way to do that without scaring the crap out of the horse. Other than that, i look forward to using some of ideas.
I agree. The poor horse. It was difficult to watch but the rider was a guest and couldn't tell her what I wanted to tell her: QUIT! That is unnecessary and unkind to treat your horse to what to me is TORTURE. You can get the same end results but just going a little slower and bottom line: approach all tasks with kindness.
Not necessarily. Maybe yes for a green broke horse but not always. This horse is learning to trust the rider and learning that even when stopped there is nothing to be afraid of, as long as the rider exhibits a calm attitude. Stopping when the horse stops may reinforce the wrong signal. Pressure and release is great for an aggressive horse. For a scared horse it's the opposite effect. It's not cruel, it's confidence building in a horse for their rider! Yes the horse will be scared now be she DID settle down when the noise proved harmless which IS the point, yes? It's not okay for a horse to spook at noise that is not a clear and present danger. This behavior is as dangerous when the horse is moving as when it's standing still so teaching a horse to listen to the handler that things are okay and not to freak out is sooo important! I know there is a difference of opinion and that's just where this discussion will end! Agree to disagree if you'd like. I really like this video of all it's trying to teach the horse. Thanks for posting it!!!
Wow good job
I'm so happy you praise her ❤❤ she knows she is doing a good job because you love on her ❤❤ love it
Thank you so much for your kind words and the recognition of how much work and devotion it took to get us to this point. I love them so much that sometimes it hurts to head back to the house........but the reality her is that despite having had anywhere from 1 to 6 horses for over 40 years without ever an interruption, I can honestly say that I have NEVER loved any horse like I love these horses. I am convinced that that is because I have never had such a bond with a horse as I do now.....and that I am convinced is because since we developed the communication necessary to do this kind of work, we really do commune with each other over what we are doing. They look at me differently, like they are searching for an answer, like they are asking me, "What are you asking me to do, Mom?" "Are you sure this is safe, Mom?" Most important and transitional was when I realized that I had to slow down my expectations. I started out treating them like they were kindergartners and would get short-tempered if they wouldn't do very simple requests. Once I re-aligned my brain and heart to remember that they may be like kindergartners, but they are KGS from Uzbekistan or some other foreign land. I had to begin to go back to more primitive communication, like hand gestures and actually moving their feet for them, reminding myself to use only one-word commands, and be consistent. It wasn't long before they had memorized the words and could respond to words, finger gestures, body language. Absolutely thrilling!!! for them, too, I believe!
Most of the obstacles are scrabbled together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling.
The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
By the way, you gained a new sub here...❤❤❤❤❤
Can anyone give me advice? I'm going to a desensitizing obstacle course with my spooky, green, thoroughbred
I am sorry that I didn't have time to write you back long ago and I hope that you got wonderful advice and inspiration from the clinic. Much time has passed so I hope that you and your horses have kept at it and are having the time of your lives. I have never had so much fun with horses as I have since I discovered the complicated world of obstacle training. Most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. The best advice that I can give you is about using your imagination, and being slow and kind to the horses. I used conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination. It went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling.
The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
I have a horse that will be in a parade next week. This horse is scared of horse-drawn wagons ( which there will be plenty off) and I don't know what to do. We don't have access to any wagons or the money to pay someone to drive one. Does anyone have any ideas of how to desensitize her to them without having one on hand. Any suggestions are appreciated.
How did your horse go in the parade out of curiosity? Hope all went well
@@sshepard5222 Thanks! I actually didn't end up going because I broke my finger. I decided to stay home because it would be hard to handle a nervous horse like that.
@@erinwallace3582 sorry to hear
@@sshepard5222 Thanks for asking :) Luckily I don't like doing parades very much 😂
Hi Erin, I am sorry to hear that you did not make it to that parade, but I hope you do still continue to participate in them. My main horse can recognize a mule from a long way and gets skittery about that despite the fact that she has never had any negative event regarding one (I know because I bred and raised her.). I put on parade clinics in my town and one of mine is usually thrown for a loop when the ponies pulling carts arrive, but the best things to do are have them turn and face the feared thing and stroke and talk to your horse. Allow it to see other horses acting like it is no big deal The other thing to do is like you mentioned. Find opportunities to expose your horse before the parade. Before I had the courage to actually participate in a parade, I would drive my horse in our trailer and park and open doors and windows so she could see the activity and smell the excitement. I was too afraid to even unload her, but it was a powerful, courageous First Step. The next parade opportunity, I did the same thing but went there with the intent to just unload and tie the horses to the trailer during staging time before the parade. Yes, it was NOT what the parade promoters would have said YES to since we hadn't registered for the parade, but I was desperate to make progress. the next step was to register and ride. Now I have my own club/group that I register and we include a truck pulling a flatbed with hay bales for children to sit on during the parade......and I put on parade clinics to help folks muster that courage. Go get 'em, Tiger!
Is the hula hoop an empty one (silent) or is it one with the beads inside that make it sound like a rattle snake>
So sorry, Eleanor, it looks like I never replied to your question. Yes, the hula-hoop had the beads inside of it so it made it a much more challenging obstacle than a plain hoop.
Most of the obstacles are scrabbles together from found objects and imagination. In the beginning, I found that my imagination was really a handicap. I was doing the same things over and over and I had to consciously study each beginning obstacle and determine how many different ways that I could develop it into a multi-purpose object. That conscious effort to set my imagination free....or in reality.... to light a fire under my imagination, went a long way to enhancing our horse-human communication and trust.......and our successes began to be thrilling.
The mare with the white legs is the mother of my redhead in the opening scene and of the paint horse. The mare had serious headshy issues where it was difficult to bridle her, and with the redhead, I took her to two different trainers, both of whom were competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions. The fellow told me that she was "dangerous. Get rid of her." and the woman trainer said, "That horse is too much for you. Get a different horse." Luckily, I had bought the three horses from my cruel father and I was determined to make a difference in their lives. I am so glad that I felt that way because it has been a wonderful journey for all of us. Learning about working with obstacles has utterly changed my life, and theirs. I have had horses straight through for over 40 years now but have never had a bond nor such a complicated-yet-successful means of communicating with my horses (they understand words, hand gestures, and body language now) until I discovered this slow and conscientious work that is involved in training a horse with obstacles.
I agree with some of the other comments on the lady ridding the bay with the blaze there was never a release of her preasure. There was no reward for the horses effort. It was just all preasure not nice to watch at times
i agree. the second she stopped you release the pressure. Then she learns to stand still when scared. without the release she doesnt know what to do.
Wineberry Farm Horse Rescue yup yup!
Well done but you need to take the 'scary thing' away the second the horse stands still/shows you it's calmed down or it won't learn the right answer
Not to say that the horse is not well trained just don't think it is safe to teach a brand new horse stuff without a saddle.
There was never a release of pressure the bay horse just eventually gave up and stood there while continuing to be scared, for example the jug thing on the string I would have kept doing it until the horse stopped it’s feet then I would’ve given it a moment to relax then continued moving the jug until the horse relaxed while I was moving the jug
It didn't flinch or run away. That's the point. Many horses would spook and bolt at these obstacles. The idea is to run them again and again, encouraging them not to bolt. The anxiety goes away once they understand they are safe.
The first horse and rider were a good match. She didn't rush her chestnut and rewarded her with words and affection immediately.
The second one, Very short clip but her horse was calm and she was light on the reins.
The third one...um what are you doing jumping your horse in a western saddle?! That is very hard on their spine! If you are going to jump, do it in English tack or even bareback if you can ride at that level.
The fourth one should have released the pressure as soon as her horse licked her lips and then rewarded her with a pat or praise. The horse learns from the release of the pressure.
Especially when she swapped sides, the horse stopped and she just kept moving the jug up and down....you aren't telling her what you want.
She didn't give release of pressure after bay stood still with the jug. She should of done on ground first.. And she should of waved flag around each side before touching horse with it, u have work up to that.. Horses learn from release of pressure...
yes! I was just thinking that this horse may be "desensitized," or the horse may have learned to accept helplessness. I'd much rather go slowly and build on curiosity than ultimately teach my horse that there's no escaping, so why try
@@alexinefleck7141 the point is to teach the horse not to bolt when it hears a spooky sound and to trust the rider instead of running on emotions.
Domesticated horses need to learn to not startle at unexpected sounds and objects. It's not safe if they either bolt or hesitate... in either situation, they and the rider could get hurt.
And why are you teaching a horse to be curious about a shaking jug. The idea is that the rider has more brain cells than the horse and knows what is dangerous and what is not.
Waving the flag and touching the horse with the flag are basically the same thing. You're trying to get the horse to not react by desensitizing it to the movement and touch. If you really want to get technical, the first step is chasing the horse with the flag in a circle (which she did), then following the horse with the flag while you lead it in a circle, then following the horse with the flag and tapping its flanks.
However, this probably wasnt the first session with the flag, as the horse calmed down pretty quickly. They were probably working on a trouble spot for the horse.
@@alexinefleck7141 Well said!!! It was very difficult watching that lady's 'training method.'
Seriously, the gal has spurs on while trying to desensitize
8:54 onward is so mean. If your horse spooks at something like that you stop for a minute to let the horse calm down. Then carry on.
no. it is called desensitizing. if you stopped you would be teaching your horse that spooking is a good thing. you release the pressure, whatever that may be, when the horse relaxes.
Sorry, I have learnt that now, this was last year!
Paige Davis no. You NEVER take the release off until they relax, not even when they stop! You only give the release when they relaz
@@mackenziewood2586 but its a try. you reward the try which is stopping. then you try again. you always reward the smallest try. This isnt a nitpick. i train too. you have to always release with the slightest try and work up from there.
Heals down
I recommend a helmet and a saddle but that is just me.
Do you ride
You don’t NEED a saddle. Riding bareback improves you core muscle, and balance. Also you do NOT need a helmet, it’s a personal choice
I would’ve desensitize that horse to the plastic jug on the ground first. Dangerous especially for a beginner don’t do that.
And a helmet
Isabella Paro Helmets are a choice not a need. It’s not a law to wear a helmet