So, yesterday I went out to do groundwork with Pepsi. I was going to put him in the roundpen but someone was already in there lunging, so we went to work in the ring instead.
I started off with the chain and a crop. After a few minutes of him tuning into me really well I took the chain off and we continued to work- hindquarters and shoulders over, back, walk, jog-in-hand, etc. He got a little looky and spooky at some deer, but we worked through it. Finally, after about 20 minutes I went to take him back to the field.
As we were walking up he wanted to trot up and I made him halt, back, halt, walk, back, move over, etc. until he got the idea that he had to do what *I* wanted him to. Finally, when we got to the gate he started blowing and snorting, so I backed him up again until he listened. I opened the gate SLOWLY and made him walk, halt, back and walk up again until I trusted him to walk through without trying to bolt back to the herd.
Finally, as I was turning him around to take off his halter, he thought for a split second about just taking off, and jumped in front of him, waved the crop in front of his face, growled at him, and he went "NEVER MIND! I'm staying RIGHT HERE!" We then did even MORE gorundwork until I had his full attention again, and after he gave me a VERY nice sidepass when I asked him to move his shoulder over I gave him a rub, told him good boy, and quit for the day.
He waited patiently for me to take the halter off, and as soon as I gave him the signal (I backed away and waved my hand) he TOOK OFF galloping back to the herd. Silly horsey just needs someone to gallop him 2-3 times a week. ;)
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4 comments:
Sounds like today went much better! I'm glad he responded when you jumped in front of him.
Remind me and I will bring ALL of my rope halters so we can find something that fits him.
It does sound like things went better today! :) I'm glad he responded when you jumped in front of him, too. Maybe he needs to do more groundwork in the pasture like that, "in the face of temptation?" ;)
Haha, I'm picturing his face as you jumped in front of him. :) But YAY for Pro's good boy vibes making it all the way to Pepsi!
Im so glad you are really working with him on this.
I used to work at a barn that had a horse that would take off as soon as you reached for the halter. There were several times were she would get away and run around in the pasture with her halter and lead line dragging the ground. It was so scary. She was dangerous.
Pepsi seems to be getting the idea that you are the one in charge. Good for you!
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