Who's Teaching Whom?

[Ferrous]

We have been continuing to work with 'The Squirt' and we are thrilled with the wee lad's progress. We have lunged him several more times with him wearing the surcingle, and he has settled into the routine quite well. He is adjusting nicely to carrying a bit, and we have progressed from a rubber bit to a 'Happy Mouth' bit so that he can adapt to a bit with some rigidity (the rubber bit is soft and bendy). The Happy Mouth bit is smaller in diameter and so it actually fits him better, and he seems to be quite comfortable with it.

Since he is contentedly carrying a more solid bit, we have started to 'install the steering'. We are currently using two lead shanks as 'reins' and The Squirt is nicely giving to rein pressure. He is quickly figuring out turns, halts and even backing. We have a long way to go, but he does seem to be getting the concept. Once he is consistently responding to our cues, we will progress to proper long reins and the real fun can begin... and I will start to really get some exercise! ;)

This week The Squirt has been a bit of a brat, and we have had a few "do I have to?" moments. We have occasional days when he acts like he has never seen a *insert-familiar-item-here*, and this week it was the surcingle (last week it was a treat bag!). He also briefly 'forgot' how to lunge this week. These sorts of moments generally just require a brief 'reminder', and then he remembers and he does do what we ask of him (usually preceded by a big "oh fine" sigh). One has to expect that occasionally a youngster is going to have days when the attention span isn't quite there, or he'll have a 'rebellious' moment. Hmmm, I am starting to have a little insight into what my mom had to deal with when I was a kid!

I have learned that The Squirt really wants a good leader, and sometimes he tests us to be sure that the humans around him do deserve their 'leader status'. Each individual person has to earn The Squirt's respect. My boyfriend is now starting to work with him on occasion (he is new to horses), and he does get quite a few more "make me!" moments. It is fascinating to watch their relationship develop... I'm not quite sure who's the boss at the moment! ;) The Squirt is very smart (maybe a little too smart), and he is quite good at figuring out how to manipulate a person into giving him his way! I have warned my boyfriend not to let my horse train him. *lol*

When I am cleaning hooves the wee lad anticipates which foot is next and typically lifts his foot as I approach it. My boyfriend however often has to physically ask for the foot... sometimes a couple of times. The Squirt occasionally doesn't want to follow him when being led, and he will 'plant' himself (usually at the hay bale), or he may lead my boyfriend, or he intrudes into my boyfriend's space. Seeing 'my boys' go through these challenges as they work out their respective 'ranks' makes me realise how far I have come with my horse. It also emphasises the importance of being firm and consistent. My boyfriend is learning to be firm and clear in his requests, and now The Squirt is starting to respond. Horses certainly are good teachers!

Of course, if you let them, they will also be commanding overlords! ;)

[Jennifer Lamm]

enjoy the squirt!!

[Ferrous]

Heehee. That's a great way to put it. Obviously our two lads are cut from the same cloth! :)

A lot of the time 'The Squirt' is also like a dream pony, and he tries very hard to please on the first request, especially with me. However he definitely has plenty of 1-2-3 days, and with my boyfriend he currently is a bit more 1-1-1-2-3. *lol* He is also in the midst of a growth spurt and I think that all of the changes within him, as well as the external changes associated with the cooling weather and moving to the 'winter pasture' (complete with apple trees and hay bales) have made him go "wheeee"!

Ah well, he certainly is entertaining. :)

[Queenrider]

Sorry, I had to rush off before I could finish. I call Scooter the 1-2-3 horse. One , he decides he doesn't want to do it, two, I tell him- sometimes with a firm tap of the whip and 3 he graciously gives in and does it anyways. He is going through another of his hormone rushes and he really tries to get away with stuff, push his limits and be dominant. In between these he can be like a dream pony and does everything correctly.

[Queenrider]

Ha, Ha... I recognize that kind of behaviour.