Posts Tagged ‘Training’
Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks – You Are Never Too Old For a Lesson
Stevie Loverboy and Missy Miller learn new lessons together.
I am finally sitting down to write a long overdue update about Loverboy…I say overdue because we have been so productive and had so many great moments in the last few months that I don’t know where to begin! Due to a run of sick kids, rain, and wicked cold weather, I actually suffered through a 2 week stretch without a single day in the saddle…needless to say, it was a very big “Mom Moment” when the next time I saddled up, I was able to hop right on Loverboy without even longeing him and he was amazing!
We have also started trying to do regular weekly lessons with Alice with the goal of trying to do a horse show, and not embarrass ourselves, by the end of the year. Loverboy seems to really enjoy the work and the variety and is responding so well. . . Read the rest of this entry »
Getting Caught Up with Tru Native
Tru Native and his herd leader Lauren Wittkop.
Hi Elizabeth,
Just a quick email to let you know how SUPER Truman is coming along this last week. He is even now accepting lunging with side-reins (very loose) with some cantering. He is getting stronger, balanced and more confident each day. I will be sending off another success story in the next week or so with new pictures of me riding and trotting.
I haven’t seen the story I sent you early last week up on the website but will keep checking. I love your website and look at it everyday, it is so interesting to look up different horses success stories and read them. It’s addicting and fun…
Have a great day, and I will keep in touch with a new “Tru” story soon. I just love him!
Best,
Lauren
Elizabeth’s Note: OK. OK. Lauren is really applying the lessons on training I shared with her. She is making it difficult for me because I have not gotten her Tru Native Success Stories up on the site! Lauren’s stories really give insight to how easy it is to train an off-the-track Thoroughbred if you understand some basic natural horsemanship concepts. Go back and read Tru Native’s Success Stories from the beginning and see how Lauren has learned to become the herd leader.
New Herd Leader for Tru Native
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you sooooo much for the phone call consultation two days ago and all the links about training, it has been a great education for me. Here is my story for the website success stories, and what a success it has turned out to be, thanks to you…
These last two weeks have been quite confusing and chaotic for both myself and Tru Native aka “Truman”. I was so busy being a loving and caring Mom to him, wanting him to feel comfortable in his new life, he figured that he needed to keep up his role of the “herd leader”. He could tell from day one immediately that I was not, which turned bad quite quickly as he is extremely intelligent!! Also, which did not help the situation was the training progressing WAY too fast, i.e., lunging with side reins, the lunge-line over the poll (which turned the bit into a gag!! OMG!!), and pushing him to try to canter on a 20 meter circle, all me, unknowingly, and my trainer’s mistakes, lead Truman to become very frustrated, upset and he even started throwing tantrums. So each day became worse and he started pushing me around, rearing on the lunge, getting in my space, and pulling away on the lunge-line, dragging my trainer all across the arena to the aisle door, pushing his way through each and every door or gate he could muster.
Tru Native Learns who is the "Tru Leader".
The one thing that did not change was his dynamic, sweet way he had to be so loving, he even calls out to me when I come into the barn. He never kicked out or was intentionally mean during all of this commotion, a sign that he is really a SUPER, level-headed horse. We definitely love each other tons, but I knew I needed the help of Elizabeth and something had to change. I never once, though, regretted buying this horse through all of this, because I knew I was doing something wrong and it could be corrected efficiently and quickly, if I just knew what it was!!!!
I needed to be the “HERD LEADER”!!!! and get tough and firm about his pushing me around. I had to give right back and even harder, and more swiftly than he gave. You know what, IT WORKED. He is so smart and a quick learner, and most of all wanted and needed a leader, almost seems relieved now. I have taught him to back up from doors and wait while I open them, and claim them as my own. He is to wait until I allow him to make a move, if he doesn’t he gets a HARD whack on the shoulder. It has only taken once or twice and now he is patient at gates and doors. He also stands completely still at the mounting block while I get on. And… waits for my signal to walk off.
Tru Native and his herd leader, Lauren.
In the beginning, before I talked with Elizabeth, when I rode off from the mounting block, he would turn and run back to the door that leads out to the aisle. I tried to turn him the other way, and it did work, but he always wanted to get back to that door and would protest, trying to scare me. After, my phone call with Elizabeth, we don’t have any of that anymore. I followed through with the HARD smack on the shoulder with a stiff crop when he would turn toward the door. Now, he has given that up, because he knows that he made the wrong CHOICE to do that and there is a consequence now. I let him CHOOSE to make the right decision and praise like crazy, or the wrong decision followed with annoying him anyway I can. He has been so much fun to ride, even though we still swerve a bit, but he is getting better everyday!! No cantering yet, just getting him stronger and happy in his work.
I know the road ahead will be filled with new obstacles, but I know have a great support system in Elizabeth and this time won’t hesitate to call for help and not wait until things get so bad. So, Tru is still my baby but a baby with rules, regulations, and limitations. I have learned that every time I go into his stall, I am teaching him something and have to be consistent from the get-go for him to become a good-horse-citizen!! I am so happy with his progress and am so proud of myself. You were right, Elizabeth, I can do this myself. Your encouragement means the world to me!!
Attached are some new photos of us and my first “official” ride as Truman’s boss.
New Herd Leader,
Lauren
Elizabeth’s Note: Wow! I wish everyone could read this Success Story and learn from it. Off-the-track Thoroughbreds are no different than any other horse breed when it comes to training. The natural horsemen trainers all say the same thing. It is most important that you to take charge and be the leader. How you do it will vary from horse to horse, situation to situation but the basic concept is to make it easy for the horse to do what you ask, and difficult for him if he does not choose to cooperate.
More than anything, the horse just wants to get along and be a part of your herd. If you do not take charge and become the leader, he will. In the wild, it can mean life or death to the horse is the herd leader is weak. The second horse in the herd (beta) will always challenge the leader (alpha) to make sure the leader can lead and protect the herd. If you show weakness, don’t be surprised if your horse gets bossy and difficult. If you are afraid of your horse, get help or get another horse.
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Tru Native aka "Truman" | 
Tags: Ground Training, Lunging, Training, Training Notes
“Tru” Love Success Story
Tru Native gets body clipped for the first time.
Hi Elizabeth,
“Truman” is adjusting beautifully. He has quite the personality and is a barn favorite for sure. He is VERY social and absolutely craves attention. Since he has been living in the field all alone for the past year this has been a complete life style change for the better for him. He now LOVES sugar cubes, beet pulp, horse cookies, etc. He has figured that whatever I offer him now it must be delicious. He is quite pushy and knows his size. So we are just slowly working on him respecting my space! By the way, we measured him and he is an unbelievable almost 17.2 hands!! Just massive and oh so sweet.
Tru Native begins training to be a dressage horse.
It has taken hours to get the clipping done. Of course, when I turned them on he backed up on the cross-ties and sent them flying down the isle about 30 feet, we just hit the ground knowing they would snap. He then slowly walked down the isle, so proud of himself, and into an empty stall. It didn’t take long at all for him to realize that the clippers won’t hurt him. Just lots of patience… I’m still working today on finishing his face, but don’t get next to his ears!! He did get a bath and was sooooooo good for that. He thinks he has “gone to heaven”! Absolutely loves grooming and stands perfectly still while he gets groomed. But, don’t walk away, he will follow! I now have to replace two sets of cross-ties!! Nothing seems to startle him much and is quite confident.
Tru Native admired the gorgeous horse in the mirror.
He loves his turnout paddock and loves his new horse buddies. He has bonded with his neighbor, Abby, a 31 yr. old OTTB. He loves toys and is VERY curious about everything, not spooky at all. When I brought him into the indoor for the first time, he was shocked at our huge mounting block, and then he got to see that gorgeous horse in the mirror. Tail straight up and trying to show off. He is learning to free-lunge and then decides to go straight over to the mirror, pulling me along, to see the horse that lives in the mirror. He is really a gentle giant and doesn’t mean to do that to me, but his curiosity gets the best of him. He has shown me his gorgeous, floaty, slow rhythmic trot out in his turnout paddock. I can’t wait to see how he comes along with dressage training. I think I found a “diamond in the rough” for sure. Have not seen a canter yet, so looking forward to getting a look at that as well.
I have not ridden him yet. The vet who did the pre-purchase said his teeth were in need of immediate floating and a baby tooth needs to be pulled. My vet is coming out on Monday to do his teeth/sheath, etc. His training will start later next week and I can’t wait!!! My trainer and I will take it VERY slowly with him. I want him to enjoy his daily work and be happy and relaxed.
Tru Native and mom - "Tru" Love
I am totally in love with my new baby. I don’t want to leave the barn and when I am at home, all I want to do is go back to be with “Tru”. Thank you sooooo much for your support and assistance. This happened so fast, but I knew when I saw his photo on your website that was it. I was in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and had to meet him if possible. And possible it was, I was so lucky and blessed. He also has the same birthday, April 28, my horse that I just sold. I knew he and I were meant to be together. Everything fell into place perfectly. He is so far turning out to be an amazing, beautiful horse inside and out. But, just look out, when he wants something, he will get it. Quite strong-willed that way but I will surely enjoy this wonderful, exciting journey.
HAPPY NEW YEAR… It’s going to be a good one!
Lauren
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Tru Native aka "Truman" |
Tags: Dressage, First, Lunging, Prospect Horse, Training
Brett Gets a Close Shave
Just want to share our news–prob not that exciting, but further proof of your often stated philosophy of slow and steady with these guys.
Brett’s only ‘hole’ has been head shyness–especially his ears. Joan and I have spent three years on this issue, slowly but consistently exposing him to more and more head/ear contact. I’ve ‘clicker trained’ him, and that’s how he learned to tolerate having his muzzle clipped–took me a good 3 months, but we got it done. The ears have been a much more challenging issue, as it took a full year until I could hold one, and it’s taken another year + to get to the point that I can grab an ear (gently) and he drops his head and turns it to me.
Friday, Joan and I were chatting as I clipped his muzzle. I wasn’t wearing my glasses, so Joan trimmed the hairs along his jawline. She then slowly sneaked the clippers up to his bridle path…and he stood there. A few minutes later he dropped his head and turned it to me. I quickly gave him a treat, and indeed, Joan was clipping his ear! No twitch, no drugs, just consistent rules and cookies when he offered the trained behavior. He now has two beautifully trimmed ears, and he looks like the fancy show horse he is. I’m pretty darn proud–not of the neatly trimmed ears, but rather of the trust that those ears represent.
Of course, this is Brett….so he is now facing nearly daily ear trimming until we are sure we have installed the new behavior!
Patience and consistency win again!
Da’ Boyz Do Gymnastics and Dressage
Hi Elizabeth,
Hope your travels went well. Glad to here Dakota’s brother, Brat Maverick, has a new home. I hope to see him sometime.
I’m again enjoying this lovely weather! Da’ Boyz (Dakota Spirit & Chilletecaux) are coming along great! This past week and this week they graduated to gymnastics (three jumps on the one stride) and cantering simple lines. They both LOVE IT!! The dressage is coming too. Of course we all think the jumping is more fun…
My husband, Slim, is a superstar at setting jumps! He walks distance and sets poles perfectly – how lucky am I ?? My step-daughter, Desiree helps me change horses and rides some after I school them on weekends.
Dakota Spirit and Chilletecaux have a new horse trailer.
I’ve ordered the truck. It should be here around Thanksgiving – I’m getting antsy to get them out to play. We’ve gotten bored with the trails at home. Still there’s plenty to work on and we’re having a good time!
Hope everything is going great with you and your crew.
-J
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Chilletecaux, Dakota Spirit |
Tags: Dressage, Gymnastics, Prospect Horse, Training
Lovely Weather – Lovely Thoroughbreds!
Off-the-track Thoroughbred, Chilletecaux and his owner/trainer Jane Chance
Wow, this weather is so wonderful! The boyz (Chilletecaux and Dakota Spirit) have been doing so well. Nancy (the older Ms. Lane) came out to watch both horses go which is great for me given she is such a good ground person. She reminded me not to let Chille get me leading with my body, to keep open to help him stay slower. So easy without someone on the ground and she has such a good eye.
Also on the other hand to try not to help Dakota and let him find his feet. So funny to ride the ‘day dreamer’ to the jumps and feel the surprise when his mind has wondered. Nancy could tell Slim where to place poles as we went – THANKS Slim!
Started little verticles this week and the tiny outside line. So easy for both horses. Went for a short trail ride thru the woods behind the barn – first time it’s been dry enough lately. Can’t wait for my truck to get here… we have plans!
Talk to you soon,
Jane
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Chilletecaux, Dakota Spirit |
Tags: Dressage, Eventing, First, Gymnastics, Jumping, Prospect Horse, Training
Retraining Thoroughbreds Takes Time and Patience
Hi Elizabeth,
Hi, how are you? Hope all is well on your end, just a quick note to let you know Shaman (Little Silic) is doing great. We have been very busy and he has earned himself a brand new saddle, I ended up buying the Stubben Genesis Deluxe with the Biomex, and just like you said, Stubben makes a great saddle. It is so comfortable and I love it!!
Little Silic has put on weight and filled out since he was a Prospect Horse For Sale on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site in 2007.
I am attaching a pic of my baby he looks much better than he did coming from the racetrack, it definitely takes a little time to see the changes occur, you will be happy to hear I am finally back in the saddle after the last two years of medical issues. He is so great. He is getting so good, that I am close to not being able to lunge him before riding. He gets it — he’s incredibly smart, even when he’s feeling good. He respects the cues and knows his job.
He has become VERY lazy in the ring, Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in B&B Success Stories, Little Silic aka "Shaman" |
Tags: Ground Training, Natural Horsemanship, Prospect Horse, Training
Rap It Up – Cuts Up at His New Home
I haven’t gotten on Rap It Up yet. By the time I got home Sunday evening, it was too dark to let him get much exercise, so it was yesterday afternoon before I could let him out for a good romp! And boy did he romp! We just missed snapping a pic of him when all fours were LITERALLY 3 feet off the ground! I will be on him in the next day or two, I want to make sure he is good and settled in and has had plenty of time to relax. I did tack him up and work him in the round pen a little yesterday after he had time to play for a while. That went well, so I plan to do that again today and probably get on him this afternoon depending on how he does.
I’m glad to hear you found a good home for Banker. He looks like an awfully nice horse!
I’ve attached a few pics from his first time in the paddock on Monday. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and was much more relaxed afterwards.
I’ll keep you posted on his progress.
David
Allegiant Arrives at Bits & Bytes Farm
Allegiant has arrived at Bits & Bytes Farm.
Allegiant will be starting her new career at Bits & Bytes Farm while waiting for her family to finish their vacation.
She traveled though severe thunderstorms in Kentucky on the way home. She handled the trip well which is normal for an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Usually there is little that upsets them.
Allegiant got a chance to to stretch those long gorgeous legs of hers and she showed her hidden potential. She may not have made it as a race horse but she should excel as a hunter/jumper or eventer with her new mom Amanda. The mare can move! It is breath taking to watch.
Watch for more photos when Amanda gets home to meet her new off-the-track Thoroughbred! I love to take photos of the first time these horses are turned out after being cooped up at the track. They are breathtaking! Within a day or two they are settled and quiet. The best time to get photos is during the first turn out.
