"Colt" in the run-in shed, with the stolen rope!
Today, because of weather warnings later this week, I decided it was time to add a bit more space to my colt's world. After giving him his breakfast of hay, I jumped over the fence and pulled open the gate connected to the larger corral and run-in shed. He was too absorbed in his hay to notice at first, so after observing him for a bit, I headed out to hand out the rest of the breakfasts. When I returned, he still had not stepped into the other area, so I grabbed the indigo colored leadrope I had brought with me from the tack room and set to work.
Today, we wouldn't just be working on touch and grooming tools- it was time to get him used to the tools of the training trade. I wanted to start simple, so I started with a lead rope. Some may say the halter comes first, but the halter might freak him out and make him feel entrapped. A lead rope was tricky due to its resemblance to snakes and it could bring back bad memories of past experiences with ropes or wire, but it was basic and easy to pull off a horse if need be.
I took up my post in the corner of the paddock, and within a few moments I had a curious pink muzzle with me again. He was far less dubious this time, though he seemed curious as to where my brushes had went. After a few minutes of cooing, humming, and pets, I slowly pulled out the lead and let him get a good sniff. I rubbed the coil over the bridge of his muzzle, and then up the sides of his face. I let him get used to the texture and scent before laying it over his neck. He snorted, sharply jerking his head, looking confused. With a sharp squeal, he felt the lead brush his neck, and scooted back, letting it drop to the ground with a thud. Honestly? I kind of saw this coming. I waited for him to loosen up, and reached to get the rope, only to have it slip through my fingers as he grabbed it in his teeth and ran. Suddenly he knew where the open gate was, and dashed into the run-in shed. He snuffled curiously, before dropping the rope on the ground, and gave me a sheepish look.
Well, back at it again!
By the time I was falling asleep, I was happily considering the progress we had made. He was tolerating the rope being draped over his back, and flicked at his hooves. I never would hit him with it, but otherwise he was pretty chill with almost anything else I could do with it. As long I wasn't cracking it in the air- that seemed to get him worried.
You know, this list isn't really working for me. I'll just... keep thinking about it, and stop writing down the names. I won't stop considering one every night though... I thought briefly of "Ace", but that's too typical.
Today, because of weather warnings later this week, I decided it was time to add a bit more space to my colt's world. After giving him his breakfast of hay, I jumped over the fence and pulled open the gate connected to the larger corral and run-in shed. He was too absorbed in his hay to notice at first, so after observing him for a bit, I headed out to hand out the rest of the breakfasts. When I returned, he still had not stepped into the other area, so I grabbed the indigo colored leadrope I had brought with me from the tack room and set to work.
Today, we wouldn't just be working on touch and grooming tools- it was time to get him used to the tools of the training trade. I wanted to start simple, so I started with a lead rope. Some may say the halter comes first, but the halter might freak him out and make him feel entrapped. A lead rope was tricky due to its resemblance to snakes and it could bring back bad memories of past experiences with ropes or wire, but it was basic and easy to pull off a horse if need be.
I took up my post in the corner of the paddock, and within a few moments I had a curious pink muzzle with me again. He was far less dubious this time, though he seemed curious as to where my brushes had went. After a few minutes of cooing, humming, and pets, I slowly pulled out the lead and let him get a good sniff. I rubbed the coil over the bridge of his muzzle, and then up the sides of his face. I let him get used to the texture and scent before laying it over his neck. He snorted, sharply jerking his head, looking confused. With a sharp squeal, he felt the lead brush his neck, and scooted back, letting it drop to the ground with a thud. Honestly? I kind of saw this coming. I waited for him to loosen up, and reached to get the rope, only to have it slip through my fingers as he grabbed it in his teeth and ran. Suddenly he knew where the open gate was, and dashed into the run-in shed. He snuffled curiously, before dropping the rope on the ground, and gave me a sheepish look.
Well, back at it again!
By the time I was falling asleep, I was happily considering the progress we had made. He was tolerating the rope being draped over his back, and flicked at his hooves. I never would hit him with it, but otherwise he was pretty chill with almost anything else I could do with it. As long I wasn't cracking it in the air- that seemed to get him worried.
Phantom
Buck
Riptide
Joker
Whorl
Saratoga
You know, this list isn't really working for me. I'll just... keep thinking about it, and stop writing down the names. I won't stop considering one every night though... I thought briefly of "Ace", but that's too typical.
