Posts Tagged ‘Kyley DiLuigi
Clicker Trained Horses are Happy Horses
Yesterday I was out at the barn to exercise my new project pony, Boomer (Chesapeake Boomerang). My three Chincoteagues currently live outside in a large run-in shelter, and as I mentioned in earlier posts I frequently brush them/tack them up/etc. inside the shed while they are untied. I’ve been stressing lately that building a trusting bond with your horse will cause them to enjoy your visits and not always expect to be “worked” when you show up. I also think that not only that, but the fact that I frequently clicker train my horses while riding them (food and the clicker are fazed out once the desired skill is achieved) makes them enjoy being ridden. They are all happy to see me when I show up, no matter if I have a saddle, a brush or a treat in hand.
I took this short video to demonstrate how being ridden is not a big deal to my horses, they see it as nothing to fear or dread, because I have made it an enjoyable experience always.
Boomer waiting patiently to be ridden
Most horses (especially the ever stubborn ponies) would head for the hills at the site of their “rider” carrying a saddle out to them in their pasture. And if you notice in the video not once do I offer Boomer a treat (or click him), I simply call his name and use a “kiss” sound (I use this as my signal to all my horses when I want their attention: Lets them know its me and to them its a sound that triggers a positive experience). I have never had to clicker train Boomer to behave this way when approached out in the field, it simply is a response from working with him positively under saddle – I’m sure if I attempted this when he first came to live with me he likely would of took off in the other direction. If he had been a “problem” horse to catch I certainly would of clicker trained him to react in a different way – but from day one I gave him no reason to fear being ridden.
From here Boomer and I went on a nice relaxing trailride with my mom and Blitz (Chesapeake Lightning). Boomer had fun racing up the hills – this time he actually beat his big brother (and taller brother) Blitz, he’s got racing potential for sure!
Laughter for a Rainy Day
Its pouring rain here in Eastern Pa, and as I sit at my desk at work hoping for customers to walk in the door (I own a custom framing shop – and lets face it, no one frames artwork in the rain!) I have decided today needs a little laughter. So you’re in luck – two posts for today!
Many of you following my blog by now have probably picked up on the fact that I have a love for animals – especially equines. But did you know that I not only love to train them, but I also love to photograph them? I graduated from Kutztown University in 2007 with a degree in Fine Arts and Photography, and in 2005 I really began to push the envelope with my animal photography.
The Animal Kingdom Collection by Kyley DiLuigi
I have always been fascinated by photo booths. That little strip of paper with four tiny photos seems to exude so much of the personality of its subjects. In 2005 I chose to push our familiarity with these conventional photos by inserting animals into the picture space. Portraiture need not be limited to humans; why not give animals the chance to show a part of themselves by showcasing their portraits through the means of photo booth art? I find this method and approach to animal portraiture to be both humorous and potentially fascinating. In 2006 I was a finalist in the Adobe Design Awards for this series. I was flown to Toronto, Canada for the awards ceremony and showcase of my artwork in the Royal Ontario Museum. I used many of my own horses as my models – see if you can find Chincoteague Minnow, click on the photo to the left to see more from this series – I hope it gives you a chuckle.
"Equus Callabus" Blueprint by Kyley DiLuigi
In 2007 I began a series of animal blueprints, my favorite of the set being the Chincoteague Pony of course (you may recognize my model as my own Chincoteague Minnow)! I took on a humorous approach to “mapping out” traits specific to different species and breeds. Click on the Image to the right to see more from this series.
If you are interested in seeing more of my work you can visit my online portfolio at www.greenhorsestudios.com. The images below are just a selection of other humorous animal portraits I have taken over the years. Hopefully they will brighten your day, and give you a laugh.
My sister's horse, Jet, poses as a supermodel
My horse, Nitro, gives a big smile for the camera
