What I need Fritzy to do is, move away from me! She always wants to step into my space. I want her to step out of my space. What I am doing is just using the end of my 22' lead and waving it at her, to get her to move forward and away. I tried using Pony Girls carrot stick, and I am not the most coordinated person, so I had to give up on the stick, for now. As I step into Fritzy's shoulder, waving the lead at her, she just wanted to step right into me and not move forward. I need her to understand that the pressure of me waving the lead at her, will get her to move, a step forward or away would be good. After a couple waves, she finally figured out that she needed to move away from my lead. So as she starts walking in a small circle, she tries to come into me, I keep waving my lead until she steps away from me, once she makes the smallest step away from me, I stop, praise and let her rest. I continue this a few times on both sides. It takes her awhile to figure out what I am asking of her.
I am not hitting Fritzy with the lead. If she doesn't move away from the wave of the lead, and in Fritzy's case, a boulder that doesn't budge, than I will tap her on the shoulder with the popper. It takes a minute or so for her to realize, that she needs to move away!
Fritzy is so strong headed, I think this ground work training is going to be a long road ahead. But I know it will be so worth it when I am done.
I was just happy that she responded, even though it wasn't a whole lot. I know I can't expect the sun and moon on the first day of our serious ground work training!
My ultimate goal, is to be able to get Fritzy to move in whatever direction I want her to go from the ground, without yanking, tugging, forcing, pushing, etc. I want to be able to put her body and feet where I want them, not where she wants them.
Of course, Fritzy received alot of praise!
Are we done yet? Yes, brick wall. We are done, for today!
In a couple of weeks, I will be on the unemployment line. So I will have alot of time to be doing ground work. I, of course, will be posting updates of Fritzy's progress along the way! Stay tuned!
And if anyone has any ideas or experience working with a very stubborn, brick wall, please feel free to leave a comment or email me (email address on the sidebar)!
17 comments:
Sounds like you are doing well with Fritzy!
I have a brick wall myself sometimes! Lilly is the same way when I am trying to get her to sidepass from the ground. I really have to poke her with a crop to get her to move! I have a carrot stick from Parelli too, but it gets so heavy after several minutes of waving it around--and I am pretty strong! I'll be watching Frtizy's progression!!
Working with the carrot stick IS hard work at first but it will come as you keep working with it. At first you feel like you are all thumbs but you will get it, I did! Horses don't need little taps to keep them off us, a very firm smack on the jaw, shoulder or butt is what it takes to let them know you mean business. Watch how they move each other around, it's pretty rough. Yes, it's hard to give your horse that you love a strong smack with the stick but in the end they will be much more respectful of your space. Just practice, practice and more practice, it gets easier every time!!! :-)
~Jane and Gilly~
What I use is the end of the rope. I twirl it in a circle inside of my space. It's very consistent because only when the horse comes into your space does it get hit but you keep spinning even if it doesn't so they become desensitized to it. Also works good if you are walking past a horse's stall that likes to bite, which doesn't happen at your place but it's a good idea.
She is such a beauty. I would love to have the summer off but not in the way you are. Bless your heart. How are the job prospects out your way?
Sounds like you are doing good work ,consistency is key , and you are on the right track as far as I can see .It can become a safety issue to have a horse that is not respectful of your space.Also when walking her straight keep her a popper /arm lenght away from you ,her shoulder level with your hip ,every tim e she crowds in bump her back out of your bubble
Oh....reminds me of my Max!!!
I miss him!!!:( Looks like your mare has a kind eye and sweet disposition. Good luck on the ground work. It really benifits them. :)
I think great progress was made that day, compared to the last time we tried with her, LOL! At least this time we got her moving her feet and thinking! I agree with Jane, don't be afraid to hit her with the carrot stick. Hit might be the wrong word. The CS is not a whip, it doesn't sting. It's just a bouncy rod and rope, probably would hurt less than your popper. I know a lot of people poo-poo Parelli or some of the other NHman techniques, but their groundwork is fairly basic and really good for horses. As you saw when doing these maneuvers with my very responsive boy! ;)
We are kind of partial to John Lyons, and his techniques.. same principles of Parelli. He has two rules, you don't get hurt, and the horse doesn't get hurt. If you have to discipline bad behavior you have 5 seconds to do it in, or it is to late. And when you end it is on a good note..
I hope the unemployment part isn't for long.. unless you want it to be!
Fritzy is such a pretty girl and I loved the photo Pony Girl posted a post back of you on the line with her.
Unemployment? Cool beans! More time for trail rides :>
Great work with Fritzy!! I'm sure you'll have her tuned up in no time!! My method is that of Stacy Westfall, arms folded in at mid rib and moving them back and forth really quick and if that doesn't work it goes to a throw up of the hands in her space until she steps back..And sometimes if necessary same thing of weaving the lead rope but also using it to bop her on the chest or shoulder, of course not hard but an attention getter!!
Aww your brick wall is pretty cute! I like that last picture.
I agree with others that consistency is key. Horses can make pretty darn good brick walls, can't they?? LOL!!! Sorry about your job, but hey, at least it is spring/summer and not winter, right??? You will have Fritzy ship-shape in no time. :)
I feel guilty now .... I do not do enough ground work...
Looks and sounds like you are on the right track, though. It is important to keep them out of your space. I don't think they realize how big and heavy they are.
Sounds like you're doing a great job with your painted princess. I would like to do more ground work with my mare, too. But now I know I'm not physically able or strong enough to do it. Frustrating.
Baby Doll is easily pushed out of my space when I throw my hand in the air, or point my finger at her and say 'away!'.
Her biggest in-your-face time is when food is coming into her paddock. She stands at the gate, blocking the way in, but thankfully, just one finger pointed at her or a hand in the air moves her away.
I hope your 'respect-my-space' ground work keeps going well. She seems like a smart horse...just stubborn. I know all about that, too. lol!
~Lisa
Sometimes all you can do is be patient and keep at it! Sounds like you are doing good!
On a side note: what kind of jeans are those? They are way cute! And they don't look like they would give you high waters when you're riding either. ;)
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