Newbie Despooking-Making Progress

HorseMomToSage · 11-06-2007, 08:43 PM

I have decided to try out for a mounted patrol position near my house-our test is on the 21st and because I am one of those who likes to be very very prepared I have been working with my horse everyday on things that I expect will spook him. Last night was an umbrella-tonight was a "giggle ball" it's a small ball with nubs on it and it shakes. I put it on the ground and first he snorted and planted his feet on the ground and kinda set back. I just walked him back and forth and after about 20 minutes he was standing there while I rubbed him with it....while it was on!!!! I'm so excited because I'm no trainer-I just am crazy about this horse and he seems to really trust me...at least on the ground. Unfortunately he is not as confident with me in the saddle but we did walk on the trail with only a slight jump-then the rest of the way was quiet.

Mule Fool · 11-06-2007, 08:50 PM

That sounds great! I need to do more of that with my mule. I wanted to get one of those giggle balls, I can't even imagine what she's think of it.

the other night I was looking at stuff on youtube and there are alot of videos of mounted patrols doing obstacle courses like that. Good luck with yours.

HorseMomToSage · 11-06-2007, 09:01 PM

Thanks-I'm extremely nervous...probably because I've been obsessing about it

It's a part time job and if I don't pass I can re-take the test so there is no real pressure but I really want to (1) do well and (2) not end up on the ground. The only time I've fallen off him was when I was doing a trail obstacle course and he spooked at an envelope. Sometimes I get really nervous just riding in the arena even though he's been perfect-I think it's cause I worry I'm going to end up on the floor of the arena again. There will be firecrackers, sirens, flags etc.

But I'm just going to get on him and act as if I'm not scared out of my mind.

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11-06-2007, 08:43 PM
HorseMomToSage Coming two Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: A Whole Other Country-TX Of Course Posts: 1,501	Newbie Despooking-Making Progress I have decided to try out for a mounted patrol position near my house-our test is on the 21st and because I am one of those who likes to be very very prepared I have been working with my horse everyday on things that I expect will spook him. Last night was an umbrella-tonight was a "giggle ball" it's a small ball with nubs on it and it shakes. I put it on the ground and first he snorted and planted his feet on the ground and kinda set back. I just walked him back and forth and after about 20 minutes he was standing there while I rubbed him with it....while it was on!!!! I'm so excited because I'm no trainer-I just am crazy about this horse and he seems to really trust me...at least on the ground. Unfortunately he is not as confident with me in the saddle but we did walk on the trail with only a slight jump-then the rest of the way was quiet.

11-06-2007, 08:50 PM
Mule Fool Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,283	That sounds great! I need to do more of that with my mule. I wanted to get one of those giggle balls, I can't even imagine what she's think of it. the other night I was looking at stuff on youtube and there are alot of videos of mounted patrols doing obstacle courses like that. Good luck with yours.

11-06-2007, 09:01 PM
HorseMomToSage Coming two Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: A Whole Other Country-TX Of Course Posts: 1,501	Thanks-I'm extremely nervous...probably because I've been obsessing about it It's a part time job and if I don't pass I can re-take the test so there is no real pressure but I really want to (1) do well and (2) not end up on the ground. The only time I've fallen off him was when I was doing a trail obstacle course and he spooked at an envelope. Sometimes I get really nervous just riding in the arena even though he's been perfect-I think it's cause I worry I'm going to end up on the floor of the arena again. There will be firecrackers, sirens, flags etc. But I'm just going to get on him and act as if I'm not scared out of my mind.