Ok - Pony news on his buckaroo'ing *long*

S

Smallhorses

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Right. here’s what happened next:

So, I went to take pony out of his field. He was easy to catch but wouldn’t walk forward so I firmly raised my voice and said “walk on! And gave him a gentle crack on the shoulder with his lead rope” He walked on. Mission 1 accomplished!

I put him in his stable and started to tack him up. He always used to walk forward towards his stable door and either crush me or walk on my foot. But, yesterday I decided that wasn’t going to happen anymore so I said “Stand!” and stared vigarously at him for about 5 seconds. I carried on tacking up. Every time he even flinched I shouted “Stand”! stared for a while then praised him. This was the incredible part – he proceeded to remain still, in the middle of his stable, throughout the whole tacking up process. He didn’t even move when I left the stable. This was a first for him and I. Mission 2 accomplished.

He then walked casually out of his stable into the indoor sandschool. I decided to go ni here as one of you said to ride him somewhere where he behaves the best.

I thought about all of your advice and support and felt I really had to do this and get on with it. I took everyone’s advice and applied all of it.

The first bit of advice was to desensitise him. So I left his stirrups down and started messing about with the saddle and made allot of noise. I patted his back, withers, bottom, legs neck. Then I praised him. I then walked him round the school and stopped did the desensitising thing again, praised him and walked on.

I then walked him over to the mounting block and lent over him. He didn't move so I patted and praised him. Then slid off, made a fuss because he didn’t move, and gave him a treat. I did that a few times and made him walk a few paces with me just lent over him each time. I then halted him, slid off, gave treat and praised. Mission 3 accomplished!

I walked him over to the mounting block again and without thinking (because it just felt right) I mounted him from the ground (my partner was watching and I swear he didn’t take a breath for this bit!).

I got on quietly and sat very still for a second gradually taking up the reins and watching his ears intensely for a sign that he might bomb off. He remained still so I stroked him and lent over, gave him a treat and praised him. I then got off and repeated this process three times making him walk on a few paces each time before I got off again.

The whole thing took about an hour as I didn’t want to rush it.

By the end of the session we were happily trotting and cantering round the school. He was completely calm and relaxed, we even had soft contact in trot which was brilliant (normally it’s a bit of a struggle). His whole demeanour had changed from when I had made him stand in his stable. He didn’t even run over to see his companion when he was turned out. Massive massive progress. It was amazing. For something so minor to most people, it was MASSIVE to me.

I am unsure why he acted like that with my friend on Monday or whether he will do it again. I am unsure whether he needs riding everyday, or whether he feels more settled with a companion or whether I became more firm and he felt he couldn’t get away with it. Who knows!

I am going to give him a day off today and do it all again tomorrow to see if there is any difference when he has a day off.

Without your help I would never have done this – thank you so much for helping me overcome this problem.
 
jemima_too said:
Yay, he backs down when you stand up to him. Well done and long may it continue.
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I suppose its just getting to know him and what makes him tick. Its not ideal but I think I will continue with this process of mounting for a while until I feel right to get on him without worrying.

The treat thing really works. I don't care if its bribery as long as it keeps me in the saddle!
 
good!
he is probably starting to settle a little bit more now as well.
you need to treat them like children sometimes and be the boss (kindly and firmly).


N.B - would have any horse/pony/donkey/goat rather than children.
 
Fantastic update SH, massive well done. Takes nerve to do that after recent events and you did it. More than that you gave him a really good experience and told him don't worry, I'm here and will keep you safe if you just trust me.

So happy for you, great work x
 
Smallhorses said:
I suppose its just getting to know him and what makes him tick. Its not ideal but I think I will continue with this process of mounting for a while until I feel right to get on him without worrying.

The treat thing really works. I don't care if its bribery as long as it keeps me in the saddle!
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ewrrrrrrmmmmm its not bribery if you treat him for doing a behaviour that you want him to repeat ;) ..... its called positive reinforcement :D :D :D :D

so please dont think it was "just" the setting of boundaries as to what was unacceptable behaviour .... you also let him very clearly know what you actually wanted him to do and gave him positive rewards for doing so...... that is brilliant * we need an applause smiley here :D


I feel its important to mention that part of what you did as so many people do do the treat / praise thing ....... and then say they dont "do" pos reinforcement .... but they do even if its just occasionally .... and it does work ;)


great you took the time it took too, it paid off !

so glad you are feeling good about your pone again :D
 
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Yay well done. I've been reading your posts with interest for the last few days. Once you're comfortable, maybe the treats could be every other time you get on, with just a big pat in between, so he has to do a bit more to get them. Well done though, so pleased you're making progress.
 
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