Inevitably I ended up doing some bits and
pieces with Debbie's ponies – not just because she is a wonderful host but also
because it is good for my soul.
Somali pony, Da Vinci, was frightened
of humans when he arrived at Debbie's was inclined to climb the walls of
his stable and bolt out of the door. He cannot be caught from the field.
Despite all of this he has been ridden and won things. He came to Debbie as a
companion having been left to his own devices for a while because he had COPD.
A change of environment seems to have resolved this and he has also calmed down
a lot.
I started work using clickered treats to
set up an association between the click and then worked with one headcollar going on over another and then just a lead rein around his neck, stage
by stage. Although he was on a lead rein no pressure was put on it, it was just
there to ask him not to leave altogether because we were working in a large
schooling area. Alfred and James, a neighbour's syce, watched intently as I
worked and I took the opportunity to acknowledge the work that they do and the
role that they play in setting up a relationship of trust. We talked about the
importance of doing things with love. By the third session, Da Vinci was walking a few strides to be
caught and was engaging in the 'Piglet Catching Game' with Alfred and myself.
