Now that we have a bit of cooler weather (today is the last day of it) I have been working with Dally on trailer loading. She hasn't been out of the pen for about a month so she was a bit looky but not spooky. The first day just as soon as I walked her over to the trailer, the neighbour kids started yelling and fighting and going past the trailer on bikes and a mini car that an adult was pushing for them.... talk about distractions....
However, Dally did well. I only asked for her to check it out and look at it, and that was enough. I brushed her as she stood with her head in the opening, and gave her some grain, which she wasn't keen on due to all the newness and distractions.
The second day, I picked a moment when there was no kid activity going on... that lasted for about 3 minutes. As soon as I got her to the trailer, here came the kids on their bikes going back and forth right past the trailer.. sigh.... oh well it is good training to get her to ignore distractions and focus on what I am asking her to do. This time, she was quite happy to stick her head in and eat. I started with the bowl at the edge of the trailer.
Then progressed to putting it farther in and standing inside the trailer myself.
That was pretty good, given the circumstances so we quit there. Today I hope to get 2 feet in.
The reason I don't load mama and then ask the foal to go in is because my trailer is not hitched to a truck and mama stepping in could tip the trailer up at the front; also because it is a way to teach baby to be more independent of mama and to trust me, and give her something to think about.
5 comments:
What a wonderful thing you are doing for the horses you breed.
She’s doing really well with learning new things. One piece at a time is a great way to earn trust. She seems pretty willing to learn her lessons. Good girl Dally!
Good Girl Dally, so glad you have cooled off a bit! :)
Tumbleweed sure is a good loader from your training methods. Dally will be, too!
Hmm, your distractions almost sound intentional...the kids are likely either curious or looking for attention. No words for the adult. Sorry, that would drive me absolutely nuts! Good thing you are such an experienced horsewomen, your horses clearly benefit from it.
Post a Comment