Posts Tagged ‘iron horse farm
Food for Thought
I find sometimes that the “horse community” looks down on trainers that use treats to reward their horses. I think that the main resistance to this is that most people think that their horses will get grabby (which is definitely true if its not done properly) and that if they were to use treats in training it would become a crutch and they would always have to use treats from then on. These common mis-conceptions are valid, but most people that believe this are uneducated in reward-based training.
I found a video that addresses “horse mugging” when using clicker training.
I have had to address the “horse mugging” issue with all of my ponies. Being that they are ponies they can get grabby about the food, which if not addressed could lead to dangerous situations of your horse nipping at people for food. When I first began clicker training Minnow I noticed as we progressed he began to get a little grabby, he started pulling at my clothing in an effort to get his reward faster. To stop this unwanted behavior I placed him in a stall with a stall guard up. I stood on the other side with a large juicy apple in my hand. I would place the apple just in reach of Minnow’s mouth, but I would not “offer” it to him. (I consider offering to be placing my flat open palm right under his mouth.) Everytime Minnow grabbed at the apple without being offered it I closed my hand and pulled it away from him. When he did something other than grabbing at the apple (for him he began turning his head to the side – I have found that some horses “collect” themselves instead) he would then get a click and would be “offered” a different treat. It didn’t take long before Minnow realized he had to be offered his reward or else he wouldn’t get anything (I love my smart pony).
Blitz being "offered" a reward for laying down
And as far as being dependent on the treats – I think Minnow proves that you do not always need the reward to get the performance. I clicker trained him to be an exceptional mounted games pony – and not once during competition did I ever need to reward him (aside from a pat and a “good boy”). He worked and performed for me because I have made learning enjoyable for him. He doesn’t need his “treat” all of the time, but the fact that he knows it may be coming makes him work that much harder. Once I have my ponies trained for a specific skill I for the most part eliminate the treats as well as the clicker. They learn to work off my voice commands and cues – and they are happy for the occasional treat I may offer. I believe the reward-based horse training methods are one of the best out there because they tap into the horse’s number 1 focus in life – food. These methods may not be for everyone, and I’m not trying to convert everyone I meet or anything, all I’m saying is it works for me and my horses. I think any method that humanely helps you reach your goals with your horse is a success, afterall aren’t we all striving for the same thing – a partnership with our animals? I know I am.
-KD
Slow down, you move to fast
Taking small steps to get Blitz to target the ball when he first came to live with me. May 2008
I just read a great article on a Parelli Blog about moving too quickly for your horse. You can read the article HERE. I don’t really follow the Parelli method, but I think as trainers we can take inspiration from any and everything. This article really touches on what I was talking about yesterday in my “to observe” post. We all want everything done RIGHT NOW (hence why fast food came about), but the fact is our horse may not be ready for “our right now”. We need to learn to take cues from our horses about whether or not we are moving too quickly for them. Horses are smart but they aren’t mind readers, just because we think what we are asking them is so simple doesn’t mean they understand. One of my favorite trainers always says to me “ride for tomorrow” meaning ride and train your horse for what you want it to be tomorrow not today – more simply put, don’t rush it. You will have a better animal if you take simple steps to get to your bigger goal.
-KD
The Most Beautiful Chincoteague
Last night I went out after work to feed the horses. It was such a nice night (despite being somewhat cold) that I took some time to work with Minnow. We practiced “drinking out of a bottle” and I even began worked on the beginning steps to having Minnow stand on his pedestal with all 4 feet. I took some videos that I fully intended to post this morning – that is until Blitz happened!
Blitz or Chesapeake Lightning was purchased by me last May and several months later I ended up selling him to my Mom. I still consider him “one of my own” even if I don’t technically own him. Now when I say “Blitz Happened” I mean he pretty much stole me away from Minnow with his quirky antics and his beautiful face. That beautiful face of his is what made me buy him in the first place. As soon as I saw him I fell inlove instantly – something about him is just memorizing, and I’ve never had a horse quite like him. I think he thinks he’s human. Just see for yourself……
-KD
A place to call home
The new Iron Horse Farm website is up and running! I made many changes to it last night (with more to come today). Iron Horse Farm is the currently under-construction farm that the ponies will reside at in mid-may.
the new website of Iron Horse Farm
Iron Horse Farm is privately owned by my parents, Anne and Paul, and it has been a family dream for over 20 years now. We are all very excited for this move, and with it will bring many exciting opportunities. Our 150′ x 280′ ring will be one of the largest riding arenas for mounted games in our area. In the future we hope to hold practices and competitions with even the ability to rent the ring to interested parties for clinics and events. If you have any questions please contact us through our website.
-KD
Iron Horse Farm
Construction has been underway at Iron Horse Farm – future site of the Ponies’ new home – all year. Its nearing its completion stage and everyone couldn’t be more excited. Our new facility means more room for the training of new tricks. We even hope to hold mounted games competitions in the future.
Check out the farms new website: www.ironhorsefarmpa.com
