Woot! Tango did it!!

NoniMe · 09-01-2008, 08:55 PM

So, there's a poker run I want to do later this month for the fundraiser our barn is having. I've been hesitant to actually commit to it, because of the obstacles that are on the trail. Water and a tunnel to name a few.

In April, Tango and I tried to cross a running stream. He would have none of it. Bucked, snorted, slang his head, the whole nine. He wouldn't even follow the other horse through. It was water: scary noisy, moving, wet water...and he was not going to do it to save his ever loving soul. Now, I decided that I needed to take him out on this poker ride trail a few times before the actual ride, so that I could see if he and I could do it. I asked a very experienced lady to come with me, and told her about his water issues. She said we'd give it a go, and if worse came to worst, I'd walk him through it.

So, about 4, we left. The BO knew about our ride (we always tell people when we're going out), and saw us off. Me and Tango, she on her friend's horse. Tango in the lead...and we were off.

Out and down and around the corner, and all of a sudden there's a huge standard poodle loose and barking. Very happy to see us, apparently; wagging it's stub and just being a happy dog. Of course, her horse was not happy; he popped up, spun, and then backed. Tango, on the other hand, just stood there...lowered his head a bit and snorted, but that was the totality of his reaction. I called out for the owner to call his dog, and he did; leashed it and away they went. And away we went.

We took the easy hill down to the creek, and Tango did really well. At this point, the other horse was leading (primarily because Tango likes to take hills fast...), and then there was the water. The other horse went through it, and she turned him around. Told me to give Tango a bit of pressure, and to see what happens.

Tango was twitching, shaking, and bouncing around. He thought about trying to jump it (it's about 7 foot wide...) and I brought his head around and got his attention back on me...and then, twitching, he stuck one hoof into the water. Pulled it back, spun around, and I lined him back up. Gave him all the rein there was, told him he was a good boy, and just kept the leg pressure on his flanks. He put both front hooves in, and then backed up...and then, I swear, he tried to cross the water without his back hooves touching...butt in the air, three steps with his fores, and then he had to put his hinds in. And he did, and moved through the water quickly but sanely.

I was so proud of him. Patted him, made a great big deal of it, gave him a treat...and then on to the rest of the trail.

I had no idea the trail would have 4 more water crossings on it...and at the second one, he hesitated...but no drama. Just realized it was water, and got halfway across, lowered his head, sipped a bit, and came out. The rest of the ride's crossings, he behaved like he'd been doing this forever. On the last one, he even led across, no issues, no second thoughts, not even a twitch or hesitation.

I am pretty sure he's done this before, but not with me. And I was rather concerned because of the first attempt back in April which ended up in a retreat for him...but no, he did really, really well.

Woot! I was very pleased. He was calm and decent the whole ride; never lost it, never spooked, and it's a gorgeous trail. I can't wait to do more of this stuff with him...he did really, really well. He tries so hard for me, and really had to get his courage together for that first crossing, but he did it, and I'm terribly proud of him.

Just thought I'd share!

Best-
Noni

ray · 09-01-2008, 09:07 PM

I think you should also be proud of yourself. He is probably gaining more confidence because you are too! Bravo for you both!

DappleGrayMyWay · 09-01-2008, 09:16 PM

Noni, I am so proud of you! Tango gets lots and lots of praise too, of course, but you believed in him, you let him just get through it, and now you've got yourself a water horse!

And on a side note, that has nothing to do with horses at all...I have a good friend who's from California and she does that "woot" thing too

I love it!

Incidentally I haven't seen a Tango portrait that I can recall, have I missed a recent photo posting?!?!

Raaslita · 09-01-2008, 09:22 PM

YAY !!!! Tango is such a good boy... Its great that he earned his trust and his confidence in you....ITs also great that you did not push him hard...

Good Job...

Luvridn · 09-01-2008, 09:23 PM

That is great! I love crossing water, it is always a new experience and you never know how the horse will react on the unsure footing. Kudos to you and Tango for working through it!

DackelMom · 09-01-2008, 09:49 PM

Congrats! Isn't that just the most awesome feeling? What a team!

NoniMe · 09-02-2008, 07:19 AM

Ray, you might be right. I have more confidence in myself than before, and so Tango has more confidence in himself...it might be that.

DGMW, I'll try to get a photo up of Tango later today...there are a few floating around here, but I'll get on onto this thread. I did just let him work it out, kept letting him know it was all right; and he had seen Harley (the other horse) go through, and had a mare behind him...he didn't have much choice to wimp out. But it was amazing to be on him while he figured it out, got the courage together, and went for it...to be witness to that is pretty cool. Pretty cool indeed.

Raasalita, I've discovered with Tango that if you don't give him escape routes, he'll eventually do what you are asking him to do...it's a far more subtle pressure than "pushing" him, but it's still pressure. He responded very well...and I am very proud of him. Very proud.

LuvRidin and Dackel, thanks...yes, it's an amazing feeling to be there while he worked it out, and while he did it. What was so funny was by the end of the ride, he was all business about water; didn't phase him in the least. Actually, at one point on the last crossing, he sort of looked downstream, and I could tell he was thinking about going exploring downcreek...lol...but I didn't let that happen.

He's such a fast learner! I know this, but I'm still surprised and amazed every time he does something like this, learns this fast. He's scary smart...

Best-
Noni

Carri · 09-02-2008, 10:44 AM

That is so awesome!! Way to go!!

TanyaV28 · 09-02-2008, 11:37 AM

Noni, that is so wonderful. You have come so far and have inspired me not to give up on my boy!! The part where you gave him all the reins took enormous courage!! I dont think I am ready for that but I am very proud that you have come to that!! Congrats and yes we would all love to see pics!

country-mare · 09-02-2008, 12:01 PM

Congrats on a job well done.
The progress you write about with Tango
always brings a smile to my day when I read about.
The two of you keep up the good work.

Sunlei · 09-02-2008, 01:11 PM

You should be so proud of Tango and you. He sounds like such a awesome horse. Now he has to learn to swim and play in the water...you guys need a vacation at the beach next summer

NoniMe · 09-02-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanyaV28

Noni, that is so wonderful. You have come so far and have inspired me not to give up on my boy!! The part where you gave him all the reins took enormous courage!! I dont think I am ready for that but I am very proud that you have come to that!! Congrats and yes we would all love to see pics!

Oh, be assured I had my hand in his mane, no doubt at all...but I needed him to know he had the freedom to figure it out, but he had to cross the creek. How he decided to do it was his decision, but cross it he would. And he did. I had my legs firmly on him and I was in the Aussie, so he knew I was there...I just didn't want to yank his face if he was going to try to jump it or anything.

Sunlei, I really am proud of him. He is, indeed, an awesome horse; even when he pulls shenanigans, he's awesome. And we do have a pond, and maybe next year we will go learn to swim in it...I'd love to camp with him on the beach someday. That would be incredible.

Carri and Countrymare, thanks...and yes, we will definitely keep up the hard work. I will also make sure we incorporate trails far more often in our work program; he seemed to really enjoy the break, and so did I!

Best-
Noni

annem · 09-03-2008, 06:52 PM

Good for you NoniMe. Isn't it a great feeling? This is the first year that I have crossed rivers on my Morgan, or any horse for that matter and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I had hoped to swim with him this year but that didn't happen. For sure next year when the weather is real hot again!!

horselady · 09-03-2008, 06:59 PM

How great it is that you and Tango are really bonding and trusting each other.
I tell everyone, it takes time for them to trust us, we ask them do something and as long as there is no pain the trust continues to grow.

RenosGirl · 09-03-2008, 07:04 PM

good job noni!!! congrats with you an tango!

NoniMe · 09-03-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horselady

How great it is that you and Tango are really bonding and trusting each other.
I tell everyone, it takes time for them to trust us, we ask them do something and as long as there is no pain the trust continues to grow.

See, I think that's what it's about...he trusts me far more than he did in April, and I trust him, too. I asked him, and while he had to fight with himself about doing it, he did do it...because I asked.

Anne, it is an incredible feeling. Not just because it's water, but because of what it meant for him to agree to my request. That's an amazing feeling...cherished and held dear.

Thanks, Reno!

Best-
Noni

ChasnCans · 09-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Nonie- you are doing a wonderful job with that boy Tango!

CONGRATS!!

Keep it up and just imagen what you two can achive!

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09-01-2008, 08:55 PM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,090	Woot! Tango did it!! So, there's a poker run I want to do later this month for the fundraiser our barn is having. I've been hesitant to actually commit to it, because of the obstacles that are on the trail. Water and a tunnel to name a few. In April, Tango and I tried to cross a running stream. He would have none of it. Bucked, snorted, slang his head, the whole nine. He wouldn't even follow the other horse through. It was water: scary noisy, moving, wet water...and he was not going to do it to save his ever loving soul. Now, I decided that I needed to take him out on this poker ride trail a few times before the actual ride, so that I could see if he and I could do it. I asked a very experienced lady to come with me, and told her about his water issues. She said we'd give it a go, and if worse came to worst, I'd walk him through it. So, about 4, we left. The BO knew about our ride (we always tell people when we're going out), and saw us off. Me and Tango, she on her friend's horse. Tango in the lead...and we were off. Out and down and around the corner, and all of a sudden there's a huge standard poodle loose and barking. Very happy to see us, apparently; wagging it's stub and just being a happy dog. Of course, her horse was not happy; he popped up, spun, and then backed. Tango, on the other hand, just stood there...lowered his head a bit and snorted, but that was the totality of his reaction. I called out for the owner to call his dog, and he did; leashed it and away they went. And away we went. We took the easy hill down to the creek, and Tango did really well. At this point, the other horse was leading (primarily because Tango likes to take hills fast...), and then there was the water. The other horse went through it, and she turned him around. Told me to give Tango a bit of pressure, and to see what happens. Tango was twitching, shaking, and bouncing around. He thought about trying to jump it (it's about 7 foot wide...) and I brought his head around and got his attention back on me...and then, twitching, he stuck one hoof into the water. Pulled it back, spun around, and I lined him back up. Gave him all the rein there was, told him he was a good boy, and just kept the leg pressure on his flanks. He put both front hooves in, and then backed up...and then, I swear, he tried to cross the water without his back hooves touching...butt in the air, three steps with his fores, and then he had to put his hinds in. And he did, and moved through the water quickly but sanely. I was so proud of him. Patted him, made a great big deal of it, gave him a treat...and then on to the rest of the trail. I had no idea the trail would have 4 more water crossings on it...and at the second one, he hesitated...but no drama. Just realized it was water, and got halfway across, lowered his head, sipped a bit, and came out. The rest of the ride's crossings, he behaved like he'd been doing this forever. On the last one, he even led across, no issues, no second thoughts, not even a twitch or hesitation. I am pretty sure he's done this before, but not with me. And I was rather concerned because of the first attempt back in April which ended up in a retreat for him...but no, he did really, really well. Woot! I was very pleased. He was calm and decent the whole ride; never lost it, never spooked, and it's a gorgeous trail. I can't wait to do more of this stuff with him...he did really, really well. He tries so hard for me, and really had to get his courage together for that first crossing, but he did it, and I'm terribly proud of him. Just thought I'd share! Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

09-01-2008, 09:07 PM
ray Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 691	I think you should also be proud of yourself. He is probably gaining more confidence because you are too! Bravo for you both! __________________ If wishes were horses, then beggers would ride!

09-01-2008, 09:16 PM
DappleGrayMyWay Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC (Asheville) Posts: 880	Noni, I am so proud of you! Tango gets lots and lots of praise too, of course, but you believed in him, you let him just get through it, and now you've got yourself a water horse! And on a side note, that has nothing to do with horses at all...I have a good friend who's from California and she does that "woot" thing too I love it! Incidentally I haven't seen a Tango portrait that I can recall, have I missed a recent photo posting?!?! __________________ My sanity is with my horse, and if you see them, please send them back to the barn. Tule Pepper

09-01-2008, 09:22 PM
Raaslita Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 350	YAY !!!! Tango is such a good boy... Its great that he earned his trust and his confidence in you....ITs also great that you did not push him hard... Good Job... __________________ Life with out a horse, is not having a life.. RIP Littlebit 1997-2008,life without you will never be the same

09-01-2008, 09:23 PM
Luvridn Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 1,072	That is great! I love crossing water, it is always a new experience and you never know how the horse will react on the unsure footing. Kudos to you and Tango for working through it! __________________ If your horse wants to bolt, there is probably a nut loose in the saddle! PP

09-01-2008, 09:49 PM
DackelMom Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Penn Valley, CA Posts: 402	Congrats! Isn't that just the most awesome feeling? What a team!

09-02-2008, 07:19 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,090	Ray, you might be right. I have more confidence in myself than before, and so Tango has more confidence in himself...it might be that. DGMW, I'll try to get a photo up of Tango later today...there are a few floating around here, but I'll get on onto this thread. I did just let him work it out, kept letting him know it was all right; and he had seen Harley (the other horse) go through, and had a mare behind him...he didn't have much choice to wimp out. But it was amazing to be on him while he figured it out, got the courage together, and went for it...to be witness to that is pretty cool. Pretty cool indeed. Raasalita, I've discovered with Tango that if you don't give him escape routes, he'll eventually do what you are asking him to do...it's a far more subtle pressure than "pushing" him, but it's still pressure. He responded very well...and I am very proud of him. Very proud. LuvRidin and Dackel, thanks...yes, it's an amazing feeling to be there while he worked it out, and while he did it. What was so funny was by the end of the ride, he was all business about water; didn't phase him in the least. Actually, at one point on the last crossing, he sort of looked downstream, and I could tell he was thinking about going exploring downcreek...lol...but I didn't let that happen. He's such a fast learner! I know this, but I'm still surprised and amazed every time he does something like this, learns this fast. He's scary smart... Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

09-02-2008, 10:44 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	That is so awesome!! Way to go!! __________________

09-02-2008, 11:37 AM
TanyaV28 Started Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 2,052	Noni, that is so wonderful. You have come so far and have inspired me not to give up on my boy!! The part where you gave him all the reins took enormous courage!! I dont think I am ready for that but I am very proud that you have come to that!! Congrats and yes we would all love to see pics! __________________ Im movin on like a sinners prayer

09-02-2008, 12:01 PM
country-mare Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fred, Texas Posts: 1,422	Congrats on a job well done. The progress you write about with Tango always brings a smile to my day when I read about. The two of you keep up the good work.

09-02-2008, 01:11 PM
Sunlei Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 950	You should be so proud of Tango and you. He sounds like such a awesome horse. Now he has to learn to swim and play in the water...you guys need a vacation at the beach next summer

09-03-2008, 06:52 PM
annem Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 1,678	Good for you NoniMe. Isn't it a great feeling? This is the first year that I have crossed rivers on my Morgan, or any horse for that matter and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I had hoped to swim with him this year but that didn't happen. For sure next year when the weather is real hot again!! __________________ Anne

09-03-2008, 06:59 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,313	How great it is that you and Tango are really bonding and trusting each other. I tell everyone, it takes time for them to trust us, we ask them do something and as long as there is no pain the trust continues to grow. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

09-03-2008, 07:04 PM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 571	good job noni!!! congrats with you an tango! __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

09-03-2008, 09:41 PM
ChasnCans Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KS Posts: 1,561	Nonie- you are doing a wonderful job with that boy Tango! CONGRATS!! Keep it up and just imagen what you two can achive! __________________ In memory of baby Mayln Marie Loyd. I love and miss you! (Aug 13th-Oct 29th)While he may knock over a barrel he will never break my heart