Making Progress.....and better, weed wacker beaten

rm185western · 08-27-2008, 11:14 PM

There are days I can't believe how lucky I am, at the moment I feel like that when I look out of my bedroom window in the morning and this is what I see

Then I have a coffee and just have to wander across the yard to talk to and love on the herd,

The reason that they are right on the yard is that we FINALLY will be harvesting in a day or two, and there is little spare time, so I like them close so I can grab any spare moment.

I also like it because of the exposure they get to life, have a look at this

They are all ignoring all the big kit already, and Mr Gilmore is getting over his garden machinery phobia, I was sat on the garden mower, with it running, talking to him the other day

A real step ahead, when they are in the run in, I can actually get to talk to Fancy, she lets me scratch and rub her, and we're both happy with that for now

Crookedblaze · 08-27-2008, 11:33 PM

Aww! What a good start to your day.

Ah, I recall the story of Mr Gilmore vs. the weedwhacker. Glad to hear that he is accepting his fellow grass eating friends

scrapchick · 08-28-2008, 05:48 AM

Awww, they are all huddled together looking happy, that's a good thing! Bonding. Where's the bucking chair??

**gbarmranch** · 08-28-2008, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrapchick

Where's the bucking chair??

I was wondering the same thing..

What an excellent way to start your day.. they look like they are all best friends they way they crowd together like that..

rm185western · 08-28-2008, 09:54 AM

While I think it's a good thing to expose the guys to combine harvesters, big trucks, and all the noise and ruckus that goes on at the farm workshop, I"M NOT going to let the bucking chair anywhere near them, who knows what they would learn

rm185western · 08-28-2008, 09:23 PM

This is to remind me more than anything

Never forget how good today felt

Have you ever thought that someone has taken your horse and replaced it with another one

Today Mr Gilmore suddenly 'got' everything that we have been working on, so we managed

Fly spray, with only one side step
Hoof cleaning, and forward stretches practicing for next farrier visit, tried one little pull away, but stopped as soon as I growled at him.
Got him saddled with no sidestepping or trying to duck.
Worked both reins in the round pen
Stood like a rock while I put a jacket over his head, then 'hit' him all over with it.
Then he backed like a champion when I stood next to him and just lifted his reins.
Turning his head slightly and just touching him behind the girth he gave me a great turn on the forehand.

Next step............actually ride the boy

scrapchick · 08-28-2008, 10:06 PM

I bet riding Mr Gilmore will be way easier than that stupid chair. Glad he is being such a good boy!!! And, glad you had a wonderful day.

Carri · 08-30-2008, 09:46 AM

He sounds like a very smart boy!!
Next to all that big farm equipment, the weedeater will seem tame to him now.

I love your pictures, especially the one with them all three looking at you!

NoniMe · 08-30-2008, 10:26 AM

You are definitely on your way. He'll learn, and you will learn...it may take some doing, and take some time, but Mr. Gilmore will get it, and you'll 'get it', too, in regards to how he learns.

And can I mention that I'm terribly jealous of your morning view??

Best-
Noni

rm185western · 08-30-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoniMe

You are definitely on your way. He'll learn, and you will learn...it may take some doing, and take some time, but Mr. Gilmore will get it, and you'll 'get it', too, in regards to how he learns.

And can I mention that I'm terribly jealous of your morning view??

Best-
Noni

The biggest thing that we've learned is not to get into an argument, the more you corner him or pressure him, the more he will fight back. The way to win is to give him lot's of space and a bit of time, then he'll figure out what you want, and try his best

The next challenge will be Max, who is so laid back about everything, as well as being a fattie, I'm struggling to get him moving at all in the round pen

Horselessnomore · 08-30-2008, 11:17 AM

I see you have had to be creative in your choice of gate latch

. I seem to remember that Mr. Gilmore likes to liberate himself & the other horses

.

They are all looking good and it is certainly a nice sight to wake up to!

rm185western · 08-30-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horselessnomore

I see you have had to be creative in your choice of gate latch

. I seem to remember that Mr. Gilmore likes to liberate himself & the other horses

.

They are all looking good and it is certainly a nice sight to wake up to!

OOPS, you noticed the funky latch

It's supposed to have had a drop over latch made, but the boys have been busy, and I think that's to simple for Mr Gilmore to work out.

I must remember to nip round to the back cow pens and pinch one of the chains that just clip round, more elegant than the rope, and hopefull 'Appy' proof

ETA, Thanks, Max is still fat, but the other two are good, and they are the best sight to make you smile in the morning. On the other hand if they're NOT stood in their favourite spot, and you can't see them from the window

NoniMe · 08-30-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm185western

The biggest thing that we've learned is not to get into an argument, the more you corner him or pressure him, the more he will fight back. The way to win is to give him lot's of space and a bit of time, then he'll figure out what you want, and try his best

The next challenge will be Max, who is so laid back about everything, as well as being a fattie, I'm struggling to get him moving at all in the round pen

See, and Tango's really different. If he thinks you're going to give in, he'll be more and more stubborn and obstinate. But if you push him/corner him, he will eventually do it. And that's the moment he gets a reward (carrot nibble and release of pressure). If I let Tango think about it, he turns around and thinks he's only got to be stubborn and obstinate to stop working. LOL.

In re: Max's not moving, given a correct body position and correct requests, is to tie something on the end of the long whip. I don't like plastic bags for that, because he is more apt to encounter them on the trail, but I will use a string of bells *(not too likely to encounter that), and sort of slide them behind him on the ground making ringing noise. The moment he moves, pressure off...but started again the moment he thinks about stopping.

Tango responds well to the bells...and will play with the plastic bag. I've done a lot of desensitizing with a plain ol' plastic bag...he now loves to chase the bag. ROFL.

The main thing is just keep at it...

Best-
Noni

ahlihaff · 08-31-2008, 02:47 PM

Isn't that just the greatest way to start a day? I love the one of the three of them at the gate. Awesome!!

rm185western · 09-01-2008, 06:16 PM

It's raining today........................again

so no harvesting today. I decided to take the infamous gas powered 'horse eating' weed wacker out into the paddock and clear the fence line and take out a couple of patches of weeds.

I thought that the paddock was big enough that I could go in and work, and there would be plenty of for the horses to get away. So I start on the patch by the barn, keeping an eye on the herd, they are ears up, worried but not in a panic.

So I get concentrating on wacking the weeds, and find that I've worked my way down to where the horses are, and they're still watching me. I left it just idling and walked over, manged to pet and stroke Max, and get Appy's comfort zone to around 4'.

That was good enough for me, so made my way back to the barn, wacking as
I went. I was concentrating as I was doing the bit under the fence, got the thing running at full speed, when someone tapped me on the shoulder

, I jumped and turned round, as Max and jumped back.

The other two were standing a few feet away I think that they had sent Max over to see what I was doing. No more excuses over that one

Horselessnomore · 09-02-2008, 07:15 PM

See -- and they're smart too -- send in the little guy and if it eats him then they know not to come any closer

.

Carri · 09-03-2008, 08:51 AM

How funny! They definitely wanted to see if Max lived through the experience... Give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything!!

rm185western · 09-06-2008, 12:03 AM

I think that the grown ups con poor Max into leading the way a lot of the time, good job he's so placid

Gotta Love Duns · 09-06-2008, 10:27 AM

They all have come such a long way in such a short time in the world of big scary horse eating machinary!!

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08-27-2008, 11:14 PM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,663	Making Progress.....and better, weed wacker beaten There are days I can't believe how lucky I am, at the moment I feel like that when I look out of my bedroom window in the morning and this is what I see Then I have a coffee and just have to wander across the yard to talk to and love on the herd, The reason that they are right on the yard is that we FINALLY will be harvesting in a day or two, and there is little spare time, so I like them close so I can grab any spare moment. I also like it because of the exposure they get to life, have a look at this They are all ignoring all the big kit already, and Mr Gilmore is getting over his garden machinery phobia, I was sat on the garden mower, with it running, talking to him the other day A real step ahead, when they are in the run in, I can actually get to talk to Fancy, she lets me scratch and rub her, and we're both happy with that for now __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check? Last edited by rm185western : 09-01-2008 at 05:56 PM.

08-27-2008, 11:33 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,458	Aww! What a good start to your day. Ah, I recall the story of Mr Gilmore vs. the weedwhacker. Glad to hear that he is accepting his fellow grass eating friends __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-28-2008, 05:48 AM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,838	Awww, they are all huddled together looking happy, that's a good thing! Bonding. Where's the bucking chair?? __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-28-2008, 09:54 AM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,663	While I think it's a good thing to expose the guys to combine harvesters, big trucks, and all the noise and ruckus that goes on at the farm workshop, I"M NOT going to let the bucking chair anywhere near them, who knows what they would learn __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?

08-28-2008, 09:23 PM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,663	This is to remind me more than anything Never forget how good today felt Have you ever thought that someone has taken your horse and replaced it with another one Today Mr Gilmore suddenly 'got' everything that we have been working on, so we managed Fly spray, with only one side step Hoof cleaning, and forward stretches practicing for next farrier visit, tried one little pull away, but stopped as soon as I growled at him. Got him saddled with no sidestepping or trying to duck. Worked both reins in the round pen Stood like a rock while I put a jacket over his head, then 'hit' him all over with it. Then he backed like a champion when I stood next to him and just lifted his reins. Turning his head slightly and just touching him behind the girth he gave me a great turn on the forehand. Next step............actually ride the boy __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check? Last edited by rm185western : 08-28-2008 at 09:35 PM.

08-28-2008, 10:06 PM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,838	I bet riding Mr Gilmore will be way easier than that stupid chair. Glad he is being such a good boy!!! And, glad you had a wonderful day. __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-30-2008, 09:46 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	He sounds like a very smart boy!! Next to all that big farm equipment, the weedeater will seem tame to him now. I love your pictures, especially the one with them all three looking at you! __________________

08-30-2008, 10:26 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,091	You are definitely on your way. He'll learn, and you will learn...it may take some doing, and take some time, but Mr. Gilmore will get it, and you'll 'get it', too, in regards to how he learns. And can I mention that I'm terribly jealous of your morning view?? Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

08-30-2008, 11:17 AM
Horselessnomore Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,343	I see you have had to be creative in your choice of gate latch . I seem to remember that Mr. Gilmore likes to liberate himself & the other horses . They are all looking good and it is certainly a nice sight to wake up to!

08-31-2008, 02:47 PM
ahlihaff Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Western MA Posts: 3,635	Isn't that just the greatest way to start a day? I love the one of the three of them at the gate. Awesome!!

09-01-2008, 06:16 PM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,663	It's raining today........................again so no harvesting today. I decided to take the infamous gas powered 'horse eating' weed wacker out into the paddock and clear the fence line and take out a couple of patches of weeds. I thought that the paddock was big enough that I could go in and work, and there would be plenty of for the horses to get away. So I start on the patch by the barn, keeping an eye on the herd, they are ears up, worried but not in a panic. So I get concentrating on wacking the weeds, and find that I've worked my way down to where the horses are, and they're still watching me. I left it just idling and walked over, manged to pet and stroke Max, and get Appy's comfort zone to around 4'. That was good enough for me, so made my way back to the barn, wacking as I went. I was concentrating as I was doing the bit under the fence, got the thing running at full speed, when someone tapped me on the shoulder , I jumped and turned round, as Max and jumped back. The other two were standing a few feet away I think that they had sent Max over to see what I was doing. No more excuses over that one __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?

09-02-2008, 07:15 PM
Horselessnomore Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,343	See -- and they're smart too -- send in the little guy and if it eats him then they know not to come any closer .

09-03-2008, 08:51 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	How funny! They definitely wanted to see if Max lived through the experience... Give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything!! __________________

09-06-2008, 12:03 AM
rm185western Greenbroke Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 3,663	I think that the grown ups con poor Max into leading the way a lot of the time, good job he's so placid __________________ ________________________________ Okay, who put a stop payment on my reality check?

09-06-2008, 10:27 AM
Gotta Love Duns Bombproof Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dixonville, Alberta Posts: 7,965	They all have come such a long way in such a short time in the world of big scary horse eating machinary!! __________________ A penny saved is a penny you can spend on your next horse.