It’s been a while! Let’s update you on some things.
First and foremost: Gypsy is confirmed to be pregnant. She is due any day now, so keep an eye out for a TON of baby pictures and posts, as this blog will feature training for Gypsy and her little baby as well. Baby will not be going anywhere and will stay with us for it’s entire life. It works out perfectly because while Chief and Scarlett do not act their age (21 and 26 respectfully), a time will come when they will no longer be rideable. So having two young, strong and well sized horses to replace them will mean less stress and heartache when that time comes.
Now, onto more exciting updates!
Gypsy is easily haltered but was still very nervous about the lead rope. Understandable, as it’s foreign to her and things other than my hands or grooming equipment touching her can be scary.
With guidance from my farrier, I have stated having Gypsy learn to yield to pressure using the lead rope. As you’ll see in the video linked below, this doesn’t always mean actual pressure. This can mean me just looking at her hip and swinging the end of the lead rope as encouragement. You should know, nothing I do will ever be to harm any of my animals. The “thwap” you hear in the video is just the leather straps on the end of the lead rope slapping together to make noise. It' acts as a form of pressure other than just physical touch.
To start off, I just wanted her to yield to me pulling on her head with the lead rope. Giving to that pressure. This means that as SOON as I feel her head drop even the slightest amount, I lighten my grip and take that pressure off. While initially this is just teaching her how to lead, this will eventually mean that when it comes time to ride, she will understand that when I squeeze with my legs, that means go forward. I stop squeezing when she moves. Essentially, I am teaching her the first part of the equation of 1+1 =2. The better foundation you set up with “basic” behaviors, will set you up for success when it comes time to start doing the tricky stuff….or algebra. ;)
Next, I wanted her to yield her hindquarters away from me. I want her to learn the difference between my queue of “Pick up your foot” and “Move your booty”. So instead of running my hand down her leg like I do when I go to pick it up, I just look at her hip. I increase the pressure (in this case, using my hands will send mixed messages, so I don’t use them…instead I use the lead rope) until she does what I ask, then reward by removing the pressure.
Please enjoy the video below and as always, stay tuned for more! This smart cookie is proving to be wonderful to train and I can’t wait to work with her more.