Connie’s first lesson

[Robert MoonShadow]

Donn ~ I don’t know about considering myself a ‘trainer’ – I associate that term with having the level of experience to be able to train consistantly with a large ability to adapt techniques & know when/how/whether to do so on any given horse -> to be able to ‘read’ the situation almost intuitively. However, I CAN see myself as a ‘teacher’ – and I hope to be able to do so with this donkey – that being, as with all my animals, to just communicate what I desire to be or happen & help them figure out ways to make that happen, in the least stressful way possible for the circumstance. For instance: sitting behind a bush near where Fat Mattie liked to crawl under the fence, on a lawn chair & a good book & a powerful & fully loaded squirtgun by my side. Every time that head poked under the fence – squitch! Right in the kisser! Never a word or sound from me. Fat Mattie no longer crawls under fences & the ‘squitch’ sound makes her hesitate in whatever she’s doing. I don’t consider that training her to avoid going under fences, but helping her learn that she really doesn’t want to, anyways. I’m wondering if there’s a way to take your knowledge as a trainer and apply it to my approach to teaching? It seems to me that there’s a lot of commonality in the ways we approach our goals.
Manes – Thank you… that is exactly the missing info I was trying to grasp… the knots. On the company mules, we use nylon halters to transport them with, and what is known hereabouts as “draw halters”… leather halters that have chains running under the jaw – not over the nose as I’ve seen used on jacks for control… not as severe but keeps them from tugging and can be used for discipline. I don’t like them, myself. And about leaving ANY type of halter on an animal at pasture – I don’t do that. The risks are too great, and every one of my animals come when I call them – goats, dog, cat, and even the rabbits (at times). Not that I have a god-complex, but my animals view me as the source of all things good & safe – and respond to situations accordingly. The first thing I teach every animal here is that they can like me… and I think perhaps they do. I spend a lot of time & effort at it. It’s the basis of why I try to follow the words of people like you & Donn & Carl & others… the way you apply your knowledge & experience to your animals. Thank you all.

[jen judkins]

I use rope halters alot for training purposes and with youngsters. The thinness of the line makes any contact bite alittle and it releases faster compared to the broad web or leather halters, so they are very helpful in making a point. That said, once I have an animal that is giving softly and does not brace against pressure, I rarely use the rope halter and go to a standard leather halter (or better yet, I work with the horse at liberty)for the horses comfort. Although that is entirely a personal preference. I do have one horse..a sensitive arab cross that just doesn’t tolerate the rope halter. But he is also the softest of horses and there is really no need for him to wear one at this point.

I agree that the major flaw with these halters is that they do not break…so hauling in them or turn out is simply not an option with them on.

Robert, I wouldn’t consider myself a ‘trainer’ either…but like it or not, I’ve managed to ‘train’ a few horses…even train myself along the way:rolleyes:. I suspect that ‘Fat Mattie’ is a goat;)…and the technique you describe is widely published…make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. Herd animals understand comfort and discomfort. Its a simple equation really. I mean there are some more complicated horses out there who require some extra sensitive timing and feel, but your approach works and if it didn’t, I’m sure you would think of something else to get the job done;). Anyone who can train a goat, can train a donkey or a horse, as far I can tell.

[Andrew]

I don’t want to derail the topic here, but your discussion on rope halters reminded me of an issue that my horse and I have with being tied up by the head. This horse desperately dislikes being tied, to the point that we’ve had some close calls. Once he realizes that he is tied he immediately hauls back with all he’s got. He does this with a traditional nylon halter or with the adjustable nylon cattle halter that I sometimes use under his bridle. If he is secured from behind (as in a chain snug against brichen ) he feels comfortable enough to accept restraint. How do I safely get him to accept being tied? The two of us often work alone in the woods, and while I try to have everything set that we can just hitch and go, sometimes I find an ominous looking branch I missed or some other thing that needs tending to before we twitch that log. Tying him up may not be my best option here, but he won’t yet stand untended either( we are working on this too). How can I best acquaint him with being tied safely?
Andrew

[jen judkins]

Andrew, there was a discussion about tying in the ‘Training Babies’ thread. You might find some helpful hints there. Its a tough problem. Good Luck.

[Robert MoonShadow]

Jen ~ Thanks for mentioning the ‘Training babies’ thread to Andrew… I hadn’t noticed it = I’m going to use those ideas on Dragon when he gets here; although he’s 4 yo, he’s a “baby” in relation to his training. Thanks!

[Andrew]

Jen, Thanks for mentioning that earlier conversation. I’ll keep working on it.
Andrew

[Ed Thayer]

Don,
How is Connie fitting in on the Farm? Have you worked her yet?

Hope all is well,

Ed

[Donn Hewes]

Hi Ed, Connie is doing great. I been gone a few days at the NOFA conference, and then came home with a cold, but I have been driving her up and down the driveway for a couple of days. My wife went on vacation with our camera or I would have posted some more pictures before now. Hopefully in the next few days I will catch everyone up on what I have done with her. How is your horse doing? Have you been driving him? Donn

[Ed Thayer]

I am glad she is working out. It must be a comfort when you get a horse that does what you want on the Farm.

I hitched up Franz, our Haflinger, today to the forecart and he did great.

It is the first time we have had him in the forecart since the bolting incident. I have been ground driving him and he has been responding well to me. I have also been working him in the roundpen and lunging him to release some energy before putting on the harness. I changed his bit from a snafle to a straight bit to better get his attention. He is a very strong willed horse.

I have decided to keep him for cart work and will be looking for another work horse this Spring. I will try to find a nice older horse for the wood and sap scoot.

I looked at your web albums and like the photos very much. The land looks perfect for farming and working horses.

Hope all is well and you feel better.

Ed

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