Sarah Weston Recommended Associate

28th January, 2012 Spring Planting

2012-01-28T17:46:00.001Z

It't that time of year again when people start to think about loading horses to go to events. I would urge people to iron out any loading problems sooner rather than later so that you have plenty of time to practice, practice, practice before you need to go anywhere.

Today I have been out to see a smashing pony club pony, a Forester, that has gone on strike about loading. His rider wants to be able to take him to rallies in half term but still has plenty of time to get practise in. This pony wasn't terribly worried about the trailer, even when in it, but even a mild apprehension, especially if reinforced with lots of people coming to 'help' on previous occasions, is enough to make him reluctant. Although he would move his front feet for pressure and release, it was actually his back feet that were planted and wouldn't move at all. With the help of the panels and a very calm approach, we got him to load after a while. After that he loaded time after time without hesitation and without us needing to close the panels at all. Moreover he didn't attempt to run backwards once loaded which is what he has done before. Bit by bit, loading and unloading in between, we put up all the bars and the ramp, checking that there were no obvious trigger or worry points as we went along. Mother, daughter and I all worked as a team, keeping our adrenalin low and trying to make it a really pleasant experience with food available in the 'hotel' once he was inside.

Email received 30.1.12: "We put the box just by the gate on Sunday. Y was the first to try to load him and he planted his back legs again but she moved the front end. After a couple of minutes she said would I try and so I took over and moved him sideways a couple of times and then he walked on to our relief – so the delay was only about 5 minutes. We then loaded him 4 more times, myself twice and Y twice and he walked straight on each time. I am going to practice again this week and the on Friday we will take him for a short journey. On Saturday we are planning to take him for a short journey and then unload him and wait a while and then load him again to come home. I will keep you informed on his progress."BP

26th January, 2012 Hands On Horsemanship

2012-01-26T22:43:00.000Z

Spent an 'office day' at HorseWorld meeting with IHRA Bronwen Packham (Bridgewater) and Jenny Major (MRPCH), along with Sarah Hollister and Mike Daw of HorseWorld. We are planning to run two day Hands on Horsemanship Courses at HorseWorld where there are an enormous variety of horses and horse related issues to work with. This is Maestro a newly arrived rescue who seemed very glad of some good company. The first course should take place in July.

25th January, 2012 I will follow

2012-01-25T22:17:00.000Z

It is counter-intuitive to horses to go anywhere on their own. Lone horses get killed by predators. Even older horses may not have been taught that it is okay to ride out alone. Rather than battle with a horse it is easier to work on this as if it is a missing part of their education. Incremental steps as always, building up from groundwork to ridden work in little stages looking out for those important trigger points where more work needs to be done.

This little horse was absolutely fine with someone on foot so his owner can now move on to ridden work. Note, it's no good expecting your horse to wade through water if you are going to teeter along the edges. Once again, wet feet and wet trousers but a horse that is happy to follow me through deep water.

"Thank you so much for your prompt "E" sending your hints and tips. As yesterday was bin day at the yard, I thought it would be a good time to try W...... out and we employed PMA (positive mental attitude), did our brisk walk forward, straight past the bags, down the lane, sharp turn and back again, this time with them on his side - no reaction - so far so good. Then led him up to them, paused, rustled them about a bit - then I was amazed that he actually stuck his nose down into them to see what was going on - RESULT!

We may try a short venture out riding by ourselves later in the week - I have told him I will choose the route and he can provide the transport!

Thank you so much for your assistance and input. It was great working with you and has given me much to think about. Will keep you posted."SP 28.1.12

23rd January, 2012 Non-contact sport

2012-01-23T19:02:00.001Z

It was off to see my favourite dressage horse this morning. Change of venue as her owner had arranged for us to work at Maggie Gill's here on the Forest. Riva has been pretty worried about working in in the warm up arena since she was crashed into by another horse and rider at one event. Fortunately it hasn't stopped her winning but her owner is keen to help her to get over it. At home, Riva rarely works with other horses around and shares her field with little ponies. She is quite slight and is understandably intimidated by bigger horses charging towards her. Facilities are not always ideal at dressage events but I do think people should be more considerate.

Warming up in her own section of the arena

Actively following Maggie on Jake. Riva, bless her, always has her working and concentrating face on but there was no doubt that she was enjoying sending him away!

Non-contact tig

Our ladies can't remember who is 'it'!

'Fly pasts' at trot with Riva on the inside..we also worked with her on the outside

Making a Riva sandwich

Joined by third horse Flossie and her rider, Natasha.

As usual, building up with lots of incremental steps. This exercise showed that Riva is helped by having a relaxed rider, there was lots of laughing and chatting going on and that she can cope with all walk and meaningful trot and being between another horse and the fence. Riva has never met any of these horses before. Once she is well established at this level, it should be possible to do more at canter.

Wonderful to work with three happy riders and three happy horses. Thank you Maggie and Natasha and of course Riva's owner, Tina, for entering into the spirit of things.

23rd January, 2012 I ought to blush

2012-01-23T16:48:00.001Z

It gives me so much pleasure every time I sell a book to know that it might be helping some waif, stray or even shy baby horse to get a good start. I was thrilled to bits to go onto the Horse and Hound Forum (which, if I am honest, normally frightens me) to find the following:

Wow just realised my favorite Horsey Author is amember!!

I have read No fear No force by Sarah Weston cover tocover countless times and have recommended it to so so many people especiallythose who take on untrained or wild horses, I’ve even bought and posted a copyto a friend in Australiawho bought a outback (wild) horse at the sales.

Now i realise Sarah Weston is a member of this very forum.

Thanks Sarah for a fantastic easy to follow book! You really are an inspirationand I am sure for those particularly involved in rescuing and re-homing youradvice and information is invaluable.
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Wow, we have fame in our 'family'.Must get that book as you speak of it so highly
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I've got that book too and thoroughly recommendit.
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I also have her book and it's been a great helpand so has Sarah
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I just hinted heavily to OH about it as mybirthday is approaching...hope I get it, glad to hear good feedback about it! I could definitely do with it with Mr Wyllt.
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Another thumbs up. Really good book.
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Me: Creeps in....says, thank you very much. This isvery kind....and runs away again! No self promotion allowed on here....but, ifthat book helps one pony I am really pleased
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Woo hoo, a big round of applause xxxxx
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*points finger and stares - is it? isn't it? It's her!!*

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I had no idea Sarah was on here, hi Sarah!*waves* Sarah has helped enormously with all our horses and our 8 month old QH foal hasbeen trained entirely with her methods and is a joy to handle!
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Trots off to look at the book.......

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I was recommended Sarah's book by a Fell breederwhen I got my two foals last November. It was a godsend, so nicely written andeasy to follow, each time I went to work with the foals I just read the nextpart of their education and followed it!! I have read around a lot, so therewasn't a lot that was particularly new to me, but it was just so clear and conciseit calmed the chaos of my own mind and gave me the confidence I needed to goagainst all the "advice" I was being given and do it the way I alwayswanted.

I spotted Sarah the other day and meant to PM, but thank you from me and twolittle fell babies for helping us get off to a better start!! I just wish I hadthe book a little sooner so they never had to be roped, but when I breed my ownI will know exactly what to do with them now
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Wow Sarah! I remember chatting in the pub in Ashburtonafter the first workshop and us all saying write it, write it and just look howmany equines it’s helped so glad you did it! It's still spreading around theworld!
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kiss-ass!No really, I am a reader too, well done sarah, and welcome to the humble HHO

22nd January, 2012 Hand feeding

2012-01-22T12:18:00.001Z

On Friday I went to see a lovely 18 month old ID x TB filly, just ready to start her education, albeit very slowly. She backs up beautifully, turns when asked whether using body language or a gentle pressure at her hindquarters. Very amenable and very trainable. However, she has been hand fed with treats all her life and once you are at her front end, she won't leave you alone or give you any space and, when I asked her to, with some very gentle body language (not touching her at all) she got cross.This set me thinking about the significance of food in training.

When a horse is hand fed liberally where there is no barrier, they can literally back you into a corner with their demands - a bit like the gaping mouth of a baby bird but in this case it keeps coming forward. Refusal often offends and yet if you give in only after they have pestered for a while, you teach them stamina instead. Horses know that food grows and they have no reason to believe that it doesn't grow on you (especially where pockets smell of heaven) - they always know there will be more eventually and what better than a human vending machine that they can nudge, shake and kick to make it release it's riches. When they are young, they do the same to their mother's udder in order to get her to release the milk and they are non too subtle about it. It's a mistake to believe that such attention is affection - it's a horse demanding to be fed, and if you give in, it works - job done as far as the horse is concerned. There is no moral angle to a horse.

Bringing a horse into you like this, may also make later training very difficult. Too much carrot may lead to too much stick - especially if you go to a trainer that knows of no other way to motivate a horse than a whip. Food tells a horse to stay close to you and to keep his head to you. Eventually you will need to ask him to go away at all paces on the end of a long rein. You'll need him to accept direction from the saddle too. Horses that have been hand fed find this hard to accept - it teaches them to be sticky.

Monty Roberts is absolutely adamant about hand feeding, he says that the horse should not associate food with the human body. He argues that horses do not reward each other with food. I actually agree completely with that save for the ultra-disciplined use of food as part of a reward system for training. When you look at horses in the field, the one at the top of the hierarchy will move all of the others off their pile of hay in turn, not because the hay is any better or there aren't enough piles, but because she can (and it's usually a she!). The others down the line then move the next one off their hay. It's a pretty strict hierarchy with some weird exceptions for foals and occasionally for a best friend. It's a funny old message then that we are giving a horse when we give up 'our' food to him. With food aggressive horses, Monty advocates feeding the place, not the horse so that this situation doesn't arise even with a bucket.

If I was a yard owner, I would make a rule that no-one is to hand feed a horse that doesn't belong to them. Feeding horses over stable doors definitely teaches them to lunge for food and to bite; not just because of the food itself but because of the inconsistency they meet with different people's attitudes to their begging behaviour. One person will feed straight away, another might tease, another might walk just out of a reach and there's always the one that will hit. Then you have a vending machine with the unpredictability of Arkwright's till.

It's well known now that I will use a bit of clicker training, food training with horses in some cases and sometimes only in certain circumstances with a given horse. The disciplines with that include working with a barrier in place at first while you set up the association and assess your horse's attitude to food; keeping the food in a bum bag that you only ever where while clicker training is being utilised and food is available as a reward and similarly only having the target around when clicker training is available; establishing small steps which the horse understands - shaping the behaviour - rather than going the whole hog in one go; not creating too great a conflict between what the horse wants, the food and what it doesn't, for example, a headcollar.

A horse may forfeit his right to clicker training if he is too avid or food aggressive but it's often (always?) the handler's fault if that happens. Your timing has to be immaculate, you have to be ultra consistent and thinking, thinking, thinking, all the time that you are working with it - utterly logical. There are some horses where you can get away with being wishy-washy - take Jack for instance, but that is because he was so frightened of people in the first place that he is careful around them. A horse that has lost his own language and is completely 'in your face' can become overly demanding and intimidating and it is all too easy to reinforce that by giving food if he offers a given behaviour. Clicker training has to be on your terms - always.

Email received 26.1.12: "You'll be pleased to know that I have stopped hand feeding S altogether and she doesn't bug me for food at all any more. Result!"

18th January, 2012 Patience

2012-01-18T15:03:00.000Z

Nicki, Peechay's owner to be, came over to see him this morning and we did a little work with him and Indiana. He hasn't had his headcollar on more than ten times so we did some leading work, picked up his feet and gave him a little brush. Nicki is desperate to take him home but also wants him to stay with me for as long as possible while he has got Indiana for company. I think we will put a bow on him in the middle of March and take him over to hers where he will have Maverick and Silver to play with. In the meantime the poor lad has got an important rendezvous with the vet.

Chancer's sarcoid is much much smaller now and we have to decide whether he needs a final, 7th, injection or not. The insurance company agreed to pay for the treatment but only for a year since it was very first noticed. After that we are on our own.

17th January, 2012 Brace yourselves

2012-01-17T21:29:00.002Z

The fitness thing is going pretty well. 12lbs down so far (and a haircut to make me even lighter this afternoon) and I'm cycling or running five times a week and going down to meet Sally at Carey's Manor once a week. Out with the Diet Coke and in with water, no chocolate, chips or cheese but plenty of fruit and veg and I'm already feeling stacks better. I've just had the shortest cold I have ever had and my best trousers are hanging off me. There's hope!!

16th January, 2012 One of those things.....

2012-01-16T09:04:00.001Z

On an average day, I get twenty emails about horses some of which need a visit and some only need brief advice. The advice I give is always hedged by the fact that I have not seen the horse concerned and therefore I rarely give black and white answers and I will urge caution. When I have seen a horse already I feel much happier giving advice knowing a lot more about the horse's character and the skills of the owner. Most of the advice I give is free - where I have worked with someone before it is part of the unofficial service level agreement. Where I haven't worked with someone before I'd like at least a thank you (happens surprisingly little considering how much effort and help I give) or a small donation to HorseWorld, the DPTC or another horse charity you fancy.

I'm going to use some of the questions I get asked as good BLOG material so here goes:

Q:"I wondered if i could ask for your input on something. As you know M was stolen at 10 months old and went through God knows what... but he's always been funny with his feet... one front leg in particular.. we've work on it and he will pick all 4 feet up, stand to have his feet picked out, trimmed etc, I've even had him wearing brushing boots etc We think they hobbled him or tied his legs together at some point as he was so funny with his legs and not sure he's ever really entirely got over it.

When we are handling his feet he is a bit funny with his front right, he will act like he is trying to bite but completely misses you and ends up biting his own leg. thinking back this is something he did with me on several occasions.. again completely missing my hand/arm and biting his own leg... its not all the time.. but quite often. Medically I don't think there is anything wrong, no lumps, bumps, cuts, heat or anything... and the fact he seems to purposely bite his own leg is very confusing to me. I used to ignore the behaviour as he wasn't actually biting me.. so he got no reaction; he isn't getting his foot put down. because he does it.

This is a pony I have met and worked with, a miniature Shetland with bags of character. To me, this isn't learned behaviour at all. It goes back to that well of instinctive, automatic behaviour that comes with being a horse...

A: I think most horses have one dominant leg which especially in males, would be the one they would use to play and fight with. The fact that he bites his own leg means that he is consciously trying to override this and not biting people. Good pony! It’s instinctive, automatic behaviour which they have to switch off rather than a behaviour they have to learn. You could try using strong body language when he does it or just ignore it as you have been doing so far.

13th January, 2012 An Inspector Calls

2012-01-13T19:49:00.000Z

Today it was big tall Phin's turn to visit Longdown Farm. Phin was three this week and his owners felt it would be a great present for him as well as an educational experience. He is remarkably calm about new things anyway and would make a great police horse. Nevertheless, he coped with a huge range of new animals, sights and sounds today and inspected them all very carefully.

From the IHDG:

"Yes he is a very special boy! Sarah first came to usjust after I bought him. I could touch his front end and put his head collaron easily but could not touch his back end! Sarah and her feather duster had ustouching him all over and lifting his feet after just a couple of hours and we haven't looked back since. We've had long lining lessons with Sarah & Phin and my daughter Kathryn has attended Sarah's 2 day foal handling course .

HavingSarah out was the best thing I've ever experienced and worth everypenny; highly recommend anyone to call on an RA for help with yourhorses!"

12th January, 2012 Irish Cream?

2012-01-12T16:22:00.003Z

I am absolutely certain that not all breeders/trainers can be tickled with the same dandy brush, and as a general rule I don't like generalisations. I am trying to be very careful how I say this. If you bought a horse from the gypsies, you wouldn't be surprised to find that the horse has been driven when it was two or that it had been tethered. In the same way you would know that if you bought an ex-racehorse, he might have been broken at two years or even eighteen months old and ridden fast. So the following is certainly not saying that all Irish people treat their horses this way or that other people don't. If you buy a horse from Ireland, you just need to be aware that this is still quite common practice. From one of my readers:

"Just read your BLOG about seeing a few Irish horses and as my Irish side of my family used to breed and sell horses I know, and I am sure you do, how hard they are on them. From what I gather from my visits anyway, the youngsters, no matter how finely bred, are left in a field untouched until 3 years old. They may have had a halter on and been tied to a post to "teach" them how to tie up at some time along the way but basically very little time is invested in them. My uncle used to pay local lads to drive them into the bogs up to their bellies so they could not move and then the lads would sit on them. When they thought they were "backed" they hauled them out and then the lads often drove them around the field, still on them, fast, turning them quickly so they would not buck. Then, while they are still exhausted, on goes the tack, a few blasts round the field and off to the sales hopefully to go on the boat to England for lots of lolly. Sounds awful I know and things may have changed - I hope so. They breed such good horses over there its a shame their early "education" can be so contrary."

11th January, 2012 He's not new! He's secondhand

2012-01-11T19:21:00.000Z

There's no such thing as a brand new horse unless you breed one. Just like second cars, second hand horses can come with all sorts of hidden problems and idiosyncracies some of which will cost time and others costs money. Some horses are mis-sold and some are mis-bought. If you have bought a horse and his behaviour changes dramatically then it's always a good idea to put the last owner on notice just in case you want to be able to send them back. Of course, that isn't easy if you have fallen in love, taken the horse on warts and all, if you can't bear the thought of them going back there or the previous owner is adamant that the horse has never done that with them. Unfortunately if you are not prepared for the long haul, it is the horse that pays if you have to sell them on again to rid yourself of the problem. With more and more people turning to IH when they encounter a problem, human/horse relationships are surviving those initial weeks and going from strength to strength. Of course, all horses will need some settling in time but a horse is much happier if reliable leadership is set up in the earliest days and at the first sign of wobbliness.

I went to see one such horse today and my goodness he is beautiful. 17.1 and still growing he is an innocent of this world and so so sensitive. He was delightful to work with and so willing to give everything a try. I hope I persuaded his owner that actually he is just a baby with a few holes in his education. She was brilliant too (photo hopefully tomorrow). He has been worried about having his bib over his head and so we worked on that was well as the basic groundwork. I did some single line work with him and he got it in three goes.

Originally from Ireland and very very tall, I wonder whether he has set the theme for the week. I've answered a few questions about Irish horses lately and am just setting up appointments with their owners but on Friday it is big tall Irish Phin's turn to go to Longdown Farm to meet all the animals. It's his birthday present from his owners and we are hopeful that he will take everything in his big long stride. Watch this space.

11th January, 2012 And so the killing begins

2012-01-11T10:32:00.002Z

Andso the killing in 2012 begins. At dawn this morning this pony waskilled by a driver. I don't know whether it was a hit and run. Onceagain the B3078 where commuters play Russian Roulette with our poniesevery dusk and dawn. 40 mph is the maximum and NOT the minimum speedlimit and yet MOST cars exceed the limit. It is difficult to see in the failing light but that means you have to slow down and if the lights of the cars coming in the other direction mean that you can't see what is to the left, you have to slow down. This filly is about 9 months old.

I am also sick of seeing people park on the grass in the New Forest. There are over 100 designated car parks on the Forest where parking and driving does not cause damage. Parking on the grass damages it and encourages other people to do the same. The ponies, that are so important for the natural conservation of the flora and fauna, need that grass to eat and people are the first to complain when the ponies get thin. How would they like it if I parked on their dinner; put my feet in their Sunday lunch??

The Forest is gradually being eaten away from within. Not by the ponies but by people who damage the grass like this or steadily pinch bits of land. People who have just moved into our village have put in a gravel track to their house that was never there before and still allowed workmen to park their transits on the grass either side. In no time at all it will become accepted as a lay-by and that will be the end of that.

9th January, 2012 Great Expectations and Value for Money

2012-01-09T15:02:00.002Z

What can you expect from a visit?

Dependingon the reason for my visit, we would normally start off by discussing yourhorse’s history and the nature of any problems that you have been having orthe work that you would like done with him/her.

Some ofthis can be done by e-mail or by telephone so that I have a good idea of thebackground before I start. We would go over any significant points before westart working and I may need further details. It helps to know exactly whatyour horse is doing in any given situation.

The firstpart of the work would be to assess your current position, perhaps to see youand your horse in action on the ground or ridden, so that I can see what hasbeen happening. Where it is relevant, we might also discuss any physical checksyour horse has had, the fit of any equipment you are using, the environment inwhich he is kept and the way in which he is fed and managed.

Where therehas been a problem the next step would be to analyse what is happening and howit might be resolved. In many cases it is appropriate to start with groundworkso that we can start to rebuild any gaps in your relationship. If your horse isfrightened of a particular thing or things in general, it may be appropriate tolook at some desensitisation work. Similarly if you are looking to start your horse’s education in preparationfor riding or fill in any gaps in his education, we might well start with basicgroundwork before moving on. These foundations are very important and can makea real difference to the confidence you feel in each other and can have anenormous impact on ridden work too. If you are already familiar with IH typetraining, then we may just need to hone your skills to make sure that they areworking in the best way possible for you and your horse. In some cases longreining is appropriate too.

For veryspecific problems we may be able to go straight to the heart of it and work onthat. This is particularly relevant to horses that are phobic about one thingor untouched horses for example.

In anyevent, I will always start to work on a problem at the very first appointmentand to include you in that work too. The idea is to leave you with ‘homework’that you can get on with so that you can make good progress yourself and onlyneed to call me out again if you need help to move forwards or if you getstuck.

An initialsession is generally one and a half to two hours although it can be shorter orlonger depending on what you want to cover and whether that is appropriate.Whilst repeat appointments are not always necessary, they tend to be shorterand can be anything from one hour to two. Longer sessions can be arrangedproviding the horse is given time to rest or if you have more than one horse forme to look at. Obviously the more complex the problem, the more appointmentsmay be needed but sometimes there is just one key to the whole lot andeverything rapidly improves at the same time.

You will beaware that I am committed to working with your horse without resorting toviolence. The techniques I use are based on key concepts of the prey/predatorrelationship; pressure and release; positive reinforcement; the into-pressureresponse and memories as pictures. My aim is to work with your horse in a non-dramaticway to achieve dramatic results.

Photography

It is souseful to be able to take photographs on a visit and you will always be givencopies of those pictures. It is helpful to me and to other horse owners if I amable to use the photographs on my blog. However, please say if you would preferno photographs were taken of the work that we do or if you would rather yourhorse’s identity were not disclosed.

After theappointment

Unless heis an untouched horse (in which I case I would urge you to buy a copy of mybook No Fear, No Force) I will send you notes after the appointment. Thesecomprise anything which is specific to your horse and more general notes aboutthe type of work we have covered. There is no additional charge for this reportwhich normally takes me twenty to thirty minutes to write.

‘ServiceLevel Agreement’

After anappointment I am happy to give further advice by email where I can. Sometimesit is critical to see the horse again so that I can advise on how best toproceed now that things have altered. In any event, I always like to be kept intouch with what is happening!

Referrals

Where Ithink your horse would benefit from the intervention of another type ofpractitioner I will say so. In particular horses should have their backs,saddles and teeth checked AT LEAST once a year. I have good contacts in many ofthese fields but ultimately the choice is yours.

To see moreabout the way I work please go to www.sarahweston.co.uk

7th January, 2012 Nelly says.....

2012-01-07T20:00:00.002Z

Why no pictures of me? (This comment is tongue in cheek). She's been back today along with Brandy and Blue and not a word to her son or one back.

7th January, 2012 I Wanna Be Like You

2012-01-07T07:58:00.001Z

I often have a word of the day: prevarication, extrapolation, badinage, that sort of thing. Anthropomorphism is a regular and I think it is a feature of many people's beliefs about horses. Just look at how many films shown over Christmas and the New Year starred talking animals - The Gruffalo's Child, Ratatouille, Shrek, Madagascar and the wonderful classic, The Jungle Book. However, to understand the REAL motivation of animals the new BBC documentary Earthflight is unbeatable. Animals fighting to survive, fighting for food, fighting for sex - and the last two go back to survival. Driven by these three motives alone - the need to stay alive. When working with horses we have to understand that there is a great well of instinctive, automatic, unconscious, behaviour and that we have to draw them up, from this before we can work with counter-intuitive, conscious, trained behaviour (in fact non-natural behaviour). We are lucky that one of the horse's natural instincts is to co-operate but otherwise it is amazing that they will work with us at all given that so much of what we do is against their natural instincts.

When a horse suddenly explodes, takes flight, bites, kicks, bucks...this is all totally natural behaviour. It doesn't mean that he has forgotten everything he has learned just that he has dropped back into that well where he is just a horse. It will take effort to draw him back up. So many "Why does my horse...?" questions involve surprise at totally natural behaviour. The answer can be very succinct: "Because he is a horse". The more complex question is: "How can I ask my horse not to be a horse."

The other danger of anthropomorphism is that it can introduce the idea of moral dimension into a horse's behaviour. Horses have no morals. They don't intrinsically know that a behaviour is 'right' or 'wrong'. They just do what works for them. In a herd environment they learn what works through the actions of other horses. Peechay knows that it is okay to share his mother's food but not Jack's. He is currently working on getting exclusive rights to the contents of the blue barrell. Horses can only learn what is acceptable around humans through actions and the actions of those humans. They don't automatically know. Until then, all they have is their instinct - the drive to survive.

One final thought. What does pain mean to horses? I think there is a huge link between pain and fear in horses. A horse that is in pain is often more spooky, more reactive, nore inclined to bite and kick. The pain itself may be invisible. Pain is a precursor to death in the wild. Animals that are visibly injured, slowing down or acting out of character are picked out by predators and soon become a meal. It is in the interests of the horse to hide pain and to increase their level of vigilance.

5th January, 2011 Shaken and stirred

2012-01-05T22:14:00.000Z

Nelly has gone back out on to the Forest now and both she and Peechay seem utterly unperturbed. He is having a fine time playing with Indiana, particularly 101 things to do with half a blue barrell.

3rd January, 2012 The Opportunist

2012-01-03T10:17:00.000Z

The bird feeder has blown over in the wind so we have a new visitor.

And another one:

3rd January, 2012 Auspicious day?

2012-01-03T09:32:00.003Z

Of all the days I could choose to wean Peechay, I chose yesterday. It was a bright, crisp day and the sun was shining. He's now really good friends with Indiana and I thought it was an ideal moment. I wanted it to be as surreptitious as possible so I just quietly closed the gate between him and Nelly while he was eating hay in one field and she was in the other. Needless to say at 4 a.m. this morning, when I was woken up by the gale force winds rattling the house and the sideways rain smacking on the windows, I lay awake and worried about him and at the very first sign of any light, drove up to the fields to see how he was. Of course he was fine and he and Indiana are happily eating hay in the field shelter whilst Nelly and Jack have tucked themselves up under a hedge with theirs. Like most owners I really the weight of responsibility for my ponies and would feel terrible if anything awful happened to them as a result of something I had done or hadn't done when I should have. Subconsciously I am always concerned about the safety of my ponies out on the Forest but balance that against the wonderfully natural life that they have and the self sufficiency they develop. Surely Peechay's calm acceptance of being separated from his mother is because he has already ventured far from her out on the Forest knowing that the earth is not flat and the world is full of horses. He knows how to socialise with complete strangers and minds his manners until he knows whether he is speaking to friend or foe.

It also helps that he is eight months old - about twice the age (and independence) that New Forest foals have normally reached before they are abruptly weaned from their mothers. In my younger days (and I'm officially older today) we used to wean our foals abruptly and take the mother as far away as possible so that they couldn't hear one another. This was often traumatic and on one occasion a foal managed to injure himself very badly in the stable and almost had to be put down. It put us off breeding horses for a very long time. I'd much rather do things incrementally like this providing it is safe to do so. Nelly will be turned back out on the Forest at the end of this week but she will still be able to come and wave at him when she comes home for her hay.

2nd January, 2012 Birthday donkeys

2012-01-02T21:59:00.000Z

In just over two hours it will be my birthday. As a present my Mum has given a donation to the Safe Haven for Donkeys in The Holy Land, and not only that, she delivered it in person while she was visiting Israel and met some of the 160 donkeys that live there. For more details take a look at: www.safehaven4donkeys.org

It is amazing to think that it is now almost 12 years sinceEnglishwoman Lucy Fensom set up Safe Haven for Donkeys in the HolyLand. Lucy continues to work incredibly hard at our outreachprojects and at the sanctuary, where there are now over 160 donkeys.

Lucy Fensom, Founder and Field Director says:

Our success relies on your very generous donations so thank you to all of you who kindly donate to help our vital work.

Since 2000 we have rescued, treated and helped over 1,000 donkeys,mules and horses and run free mobile vet clinics and educationprogrammes in the region, to teach both children and adults how to carefor their working animal.

Our charity provides the free veterinary care for thesepoor, broken down animals that their owners would otherwise have no wayof affording. By helping their working animals we are helping thepeople. We have worked hard to build relationships with many of thesepoverty stricken people and managed to reach out to their hearts. As aresult they value our help tremendously and I find their appreciationso rewarding.One remarkable thing to see at our outreach clinics daysis our small team of staff of all faiths, Muslim, Christian and Jewish- working together with the Palestinian owners solely to help theanimals.

1st January, 2012 Old Acquaintance

2012-01-01T21:07:00.001Z

Today the whole gang of us went down to Patrick and Suzanne's for a get together. Whilst Jim, Jenny and David tucked into the fondue, I fought hard to resist and nibbled on nuts and apple slices! Later we went out to see the horses where I was reunited with Rodlease Extra Special (known as Hans) who has recently been weaned. He was one of the two featured at our foal handling course last autumn. He's a solid colt, bright in colour and in intelligence.

I have joined the KICK OFF THE POUNDS KICK IN 2012 facebook page and will be donating £1 per every 1lb that I lose to Equine Market Watch. I've made a good start and already owe them money!

31st December, 2011 Hitting the Trail

2011-12-31T16:03:00.000Z

For the last day of the year, Jenny and I decided to join the boys for a trail ride. Our route tooks us through Palestine and for a rummage around Jack's Bush. We described a huge horseshoe from Pepperbox Hill, across to Cholderton and then Boscombe Down before heading home via Salisbury Racecourse and Whitsbury. It was very wet and slidy out there and we had some interesting encounters with trees, bushes, ruts and water. All I've done is sit there and balance (mostly) but I am now totally worn out!

Of course some people (!) called Jim, will run for the camera rather than the first aid kit when they see us rolling around on the floor. We were mainly rolling with laughter having previously driven straight into a bush.

I am really looking forward to 2012 with Theoden coming home, getting fitter and a Mark Rashid demo in May. We've got holidays booked in Mallorca and France and four more editions of the IH magazine to conjure up.

25th December, 2011 Christmas Lunch

2011-12-25T17:13:00.001Z

Had to try out my new lens when visiting the horses to give them their Christmas Lunch. You'd think they would do their hair and make up!

24th December, 2011 Looking for Santa

2011-12-24T17:27:00.004Z

It's been a quiet week but Jack and I have been out and about running and walking. Today we went on a completely new route across the Forest with him off the lead rein for most of the way. It was quite a gloomy day but we were very happy jumping over things although I have to say he is MUCH better at it than I am. Apologies for the blurry photos but we only had the little camera.

Happy Christmas to all our readers and Jack Fans!

18th December, 2011 We won't make the Olympics but...

2011-12-18T18:29:00.000Z

One year on and Jack and I are getting fit again. This morning we ran together for 40 minutes across the Forest on the Seven Streams route. Save for the in the field where there is fresh grass to tempt him, he is usually loose. His stopwatch is a bit dodgy and he keeps stopping after 200 seconds, cutting me up and forcing me to go round him.

This time I have got the help of a fitness instructor who is a brilliant motivator. I've already lost some weight, gained some muscle and some energy. I've even bought the gear. Who knows, our plans for a sponsored run/walk across the New Forest may yet come to fruition but don't tell Sally or she will hold me to it. Once my face is less pink than my top, I may treat you to a picture of us at the end of a run.

17th December, 2011 A Moving Experience

2011-12-17T17:28:00.003Z

Off this morning to collect out new lodger, Indiana. The reversingcamera that we have installed in the trailer is a useful bit of kit andvery reassuring when travelling horses. It is clear enough to be ableto see what they are doing and how they are reacting.

After all the introductions were over, they soon settled down. Chancer has clearly decided that she is his present although Peechay is very happy to play when he is not tooooo busy eating.

We also moved Bow, Philly and Memphis from one field to another for Alessa today. Alessa and I were competing in the most uncoordinated clothing competition but she does at least have the excuse of being pregnant whereas I am just scruffy. Bow used to take a long time to load but is a lot easier, and travels a lot better these days. David is always careful to 'chauffeur' the horses rather than rattling them around the lanes. The idea is that they shouldn't spill their champagne. As always Philly loaded in an instant, closely followed by Memphis, having only known good journeys ending in better grass!

16th December, 2011 Make that 47

2011-12-16T16:56:00.002Z

Yet another dead pony on the B3078. He was surrounded by the fur that the poor agister had had to clip off in order to see his brand so that he could let the owners know. I don't know if this was the usual hit and run in the twilight hours but this was the only evidence of the car left. Funnily enough all the cars were slowing down to have a good gawp at the body - I think they should leave them there a lot longer so that people have to face the truth. A picture of a dead pony was taken off the Facebook campaign page this week because someone had complained about it.

16th December, 2011 Untangled

2011-12-16T16:50:00.000Z

As the last few foal tangles fall out of Peechay's tail, I have brought him for the very last time in order to prepare him in for weaning and then going off to his new home. Despite the accidents, I love the life that my New Forest ponies have, their ability to socialise with others horses of all shapes and sizes and to look after themselves. Tomorrow Indiana will also arrive so that Peechay has got someone to play with when Nelly eventually goes back out and the two littlies can keep Chancer warm all winter. At the moment he's looking as plump as Jack but I know that he won't use the Nissen hut and the Hay Bars unless he has some pleasant company.

In the meantime the alfresco cafe bar has opened outside the fields with Brandy, Ginger and Blue all enjoying the waitress service.

16th December, 2011 New Forest Roads Campaign

2011-12-16T08:39:00.003Z

With 46 animals now killed or injured on the B3078 alone, I think its time that there was real and prolonged public outcry. This Facebook page has been set up to record events including deaths on the roads and suggestions for how they might be avoided. Twilight and foggy conditions create the greatest risk with commuters hurrying on their way to work and home again with scant regard for the safety of the ponies. Lovely Simon Palmer, the wildlife and equine photographer and film-maker has offered to make a special film focussing on this issue and preparations have already begun. We need to target businesses around the Forest, at either end of these commuter roads to increase awareness. During the day, delivery and courier service vehicles seem to the be the worse culprits for speeding and I have taken to ringing their companies when I see them doing it. Fortunately it does seem to be taken seriously. Please find this page on Facebook and support it.

12th December, 2011 Coming Home for Christmas

2011-12-12T22:05:00.001Z

I've just spent four days in East Sussex visiting and working with Theoden. All being well (and weather permitting) he should be coming home during Christmas week. It has been months now since he has bucked and he is much more relaxed and soft about leg and mouth contact. We still have to be tactful and fair but he is much more willing than he was.

7th December,2011 One in, all in?

2011-12-07T22:32:00.001Z

Time to go over to see Puck and co. again today for a bit more foot handling practice before Matt's next visit. I was delighted to find that the barn has now been prepared ready for the ponies to come in out of the cold and wet when they want to, to eat their hay and to have their feet trimmed when needed. Partly concreted, it has the added advantage of gently abrading their feet and letting them dry out so that they recover from thrush. It will also have a deep straw bedding put down so that they can have a bit of a snooze.

The only slight technical problem was that with the exception of Muffy,who used to walk into the kitchen at their old house, the ponies havenever been indoors before. Rather than driving them in and shutting the gate, I wanted them to be free to come and go and to explore this space which is to become their hotel to which they will have free access all winter.

They were understandably wary particularly as it was a very blowy day and there was the occasional Chinook overhead. Nevertheless, all of the girls were willing to give it ago.

Puck on the other hand wasn't all that keen to try so I used the same technique as I would with a loader to ask him to at least engage with the doorway. Once he was through the threshold (thresholds are very important and dangerous places as far as horses are concerned) he was fine.

The others followed him in and the gate was finally closed. Once settled, I was able to handle their feet sometimes two at a time...

Before they went back out again.

This is the barn where I first met my very own Nelly and Bluey when they were with their previous owner who was a previous owner of the house. A real feeling of deja vu.

6th December, 2011 That's funny

2011-12-06T19:01:00.001Z

One of the ponies at the DPTC course, Layla, was very frightened of bare hands and so I used Jenny's inside out fur lined gloves to touch her instead. Imagine my amusement when I received this card in the post from one of our students, Faye. Not sure about the hair!

4th December, 2011 Christmas Cake?

2011-12-04T16:39:00.001Z

Tomorrow I am off to see Kelly at the Leading and Loading the Less Easy Horse Course and on the way I am going to drop in to see those lovely people at M4 Design who look after the magazine. I'm taking them a chocolate fudge cake as a thank you for all the work they have done over the last year (especially Simon). So this delight, baked and cleverly iced by Mandy Castle from Woodgreen, will be sitting on my passenger seat all the way up the A34 and I shall have to keep my eyes and fingers off it!

2nd December, 2011 Walking backwards for Christmas

2011-12-02T20:03:00.001Z

Back to basics groundwork today teaching Daniel and later, Rio, how to back up softly. In Daniel's case he has never been taught (although I am sure he can do perfectly well on his own!) and has a strong into-pressure response. In Rio's case he has been backing up rapidly in the show ring when asked to stand still in ridden classes possibly as a reaction to being asked not to move forward when he has too much adrenalin running around to be able to comply. I felt that it was important for his owner to 'own backwards' on the ground first. Both horses were a good example of 'if in doubt, halve the pressure rather than double it' (the lead rein is not connected to the training ring of the Dually). Rio was a particularly good example of 'cobs can' too.

2nd December, 2011 Christmas Present?

2011-12-02T17:43:00.001Z

Stuck for a horsey Christmas present? Don't want to buy a whip from Tescos? Personalised gift vouchers are available from me through my website at www.logicalhorsemanship.co.uk where you can pay by Paypal or email me at sarahweston.logg@virgin.net for details. I can also work out fuel charges for you.

2nd December, 2011 Pig Encounter

2011-12-02T08:54:00.001Z

It is absolutely instinctive for horses to be afraid of pigs. Whether this goes back in the evolutionary chain to when they were much smaller and wild boar preyed upon them, I don't know. However, pigs can be pretty vicious if annoyed, and so their fear is entirely justified.

If you would like your horse to meet pigs in a safe environment, then Longdown Farm have given me permission to use their premises during the closed season which runs all the way through January and up to February half-term. The price for a half day session is £150 inclusive. Other animals are also available!

1st December, 2011 Remember me?

2011-12-01T17:04:00.001Z

Little Mussels is living in the lap of luxury with his best mates Elmo and Welly (Wellow Leaf). Mussels was such good company for Chancer last winter and very fortunate to find a home with Linda and her family just the day before he was due to be branded and put back out on the Forest. I also played a part in Welly's life a few years ago when I halter trained him as part of a course and he is one of the stories in No Fear, No Force. He is now being ridden and doing very well. I believe that Wellow Nettles is still available if anyone would like to buy him off Diana. They always turn into lovely ponies and of course Jack is a Wellow pony too. This winter Chancer is likely to be joined by Peechay for a month or so and a further mystery guest if she decides to come and stay.

1st December, 2011 No soft soap

2011-12-01T16:56:00.001Z

Like any village, Woodgreen has it's fair share of highs and lows and things seem to change just as quickly as in one of the soaps. In the last few weeks we've been to a couple of great parties, meeting lots of people who have moved into the village but also attended the funeral of a 50 year old man. Someone said that funerals always make you wish you had known someone better and that was certainly the case here where the tributes were very touching and poignant. Today Meryl and Brian moved out of the village to go back to their beloved Yorkshire and they will be sorely missed. They made us so welcome when we moved here 12 years ago when they ran the shop and took us over to the pub and invited us for dinner. Getting up at five to sort the newspapers every morning can't have been much fun and yet they both oversaw the shop when it changed hands and only finally stopped this year when the new shop opened in the Spring. I will never forget seeing Meryl delivering Christmas turkeys on her hands and knees in the ice and snow one Christmas Eve to make absolutely sure that no-one went without their Christmas dinner.

30th November, 2011 Team Works

2011-11-30T16:02:00.001Z

Tilly's idea of how to pick up her back feet when requested bore a striking resemblance to the 'frock wafting' that goes on on Strictly Come Dancing. One session with the clicker, a bit of team work practice by her owner Susi and her husband and we were ready for the Matt the farrier to trim her feet just one week later. One of the things with Arab horses is that they tend to take over and say, "I know, I know..." before they really do know how to do something. By showing her what we wanted incrementally, and only rewarding that, she got a lot less wafty. Like my own farrier, Guy, Matt is a real find and I am so pleased that Guy doesn't mind me two-timing him. GOOD and KIND farriers are like gold dust.

28th November, 2011 The Story of Old MacDonald

2011-11-28T16:29:00.001Z

This little piggy

Met a horse called Sparkle


Who whispered in his ear

Today a small but kindly gang of us went down to Longdown Activity Centre where we were fortunate to be allowed to run a small experiment. Amanda brought two of her horses - Hugs a laid back Icelandic pony and Sparkle a four year old Crabbet Arabian destined for the world of endurance. Sparkle has not met pigs before. I brought the round pen with me and made it into a large square opposite the paddock where Longdown turns out its pigs. Ably assisted by Julie and Hannah, and most essentially Jodie from the farm, we introduced Hugs and Sparkle to various farm animals starting off with a little piglet.

A running foot - reserving the right to leave if things get too hairy.

The idea is to work without drama. Easy to think with a confident, curious horse like Sparkle that she isn't in the least bit worried but she had the occasional running foot (also see the picture of the ducks) and liked to stay close to Hugs. Once she was relaxed we let out approximately 40 pigs into the paddock opposite and allowed the horses to observe them.

The farm's own Shire horse looked on.

The pigs were very lively and came out in quite a rush,

This one was particularly beautiful

Hugs and Sparkle watch the pigs cavaroting.

The horses stayed close to the top part of the pen, closest to thepigs, and watched them closely. They would take mouthfuls of hay andthen watch again. Sparkle licked and chewed from time to time andhuffed down her nose - but getting no reaction from Hugs she grew moreand more relaxed. So we decided to take them even closer with Hugs in the lead. We would stop from time to time but moved on again so that Sparkle could lose any energy that built up. We always walked between the horses and the pigs no matter which direction we were going in.

Hugs particularly liked the orange ones

Sparkle liked them all

Then we went and got some goats for them to look at before going on an excursion to look at the ducks, alpacas and some more pigs.

I think I need a goat in my life

Two Hugs for this goat

The ducks weren't too sure of the horses either...


...but the alpaca wanted a close up view.

Just before the end we took Sparkle back to see the pigs where she walked up and down completely relaxed.

The pigs are actually on the left hand side of this picture.

26th November, 2011 Good news day

2011-11-26T13:56:00.001Z

Not only did Monty the Appaloosa have his headcollar on yesterday (see update on post 19th November) but Melanie put a headcollar on her Exmoor foal too. She looks very pretty in pink and all done with the NFNF technique that Melanie practised on my course this time last year. Over in Ireland Catherine is giving it a go with a sturdy but shy foal that she has got:

" Yay book came today!! SO excited! and I only got time at lunch to read the first few pages but the predator/prey explanation hit home. Obviously I knew about it all before but never had it explained in that way. Anytime I have been around Willow the wild foal I have been carefulabout my body language, where I look etc, and I had him coming right upto me and sniffing me etc, but it was the hand. Today I kept my handin a fist inside my sleeve and he did his usual sniffing my outstretched arm etc, and I built up from that by retreating when he didas I had been and eventually keeping my hand in a fist but outside mysleeve i was able to rub his chin and underneath his jaw......!!!!!!! Just a knuckle first, then I stopped and just left my arm there and heLEANED INTO IT!! and I scratched him for a second more and he liked it! So then I noticed he raised his head a millimeter and I felt his heartquicken so I slowly took my arm away and went about my business beforehe moved or pulled back, and he followed me!!! I was so thrilled, I had the eyes, I had the breathing the body language etc, but I hadn't thought about my claw!! 3 pages in and we have progress ha! So delighted!!!! I am going to keep a Willow diary!" CR

and the next day, on Facebook: "RESULT!!willow has decided I can touch him! Got to scratch all the sides andunderneath his head and from ears to withers all along the top half ofhis neck. I knew once he let me once he'd like a good scratch!! Yay!!Wild foal is a bit less wild this evening!!"

24th November, 2011 A funny view of things

2011-11-24T17:24:00.001Z

At long last I have plucked up the courage to take Petra and Jack out on my own. I'm heavily reliant on Petra not reacting if Jack decided to gallop past her. As it was it was all fine and as you can see, they were both very attentive.

24th November, 2011 People look and some of them see

2011-11-24T10:38:00.001Z

Arab showing (I'm not commenting on this specific horse!)

There's a well used phrase, "People look but they don't see", which describes how people can observe something but not really see what is actually happening or understand the means by which something may have been achieved. Horses can be trained to do amazing things but the methods used to get them there either before or during an event, can be good or bad. With the great tolerance for bad practices even in public, you wonder what has gone on at home; horses hit or wearing mean gadgets, schooled using violent or abusive techniques both in the warm up arenas and even in the ring. Fantastic then to see that at long last, Princess Alia Al Hussein, a governor of the Arab Horse Society, is reported in today's Horse and Hound as castigating handlers for abusing horses. My friend Jenny went to Poland this summer and was absolutely dismayed at what she saw at an Arab Show there where the horses were gorgeous but the handling was not. It's a sad fact that horses look extremely beautiful when they are frightened - all of their flags flying - we have to recognise what we are really seeing and stop supporting events where this is the case.

If you can bring yourself to watch what happens:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW_kWUip7TQ&feature=player_embedded

From C: "Oh my goodness, just read your BLOG without my glasses and was horrified to read handlers being "castrated" for mishandling their horses . . . glasses on and all was revealed "castigated" . . . mind you, some may deserve the former interpretation . ...Cheery pip"

22nd November, 2011 Double Vision

2011-11-22T17:56:00.001Z

Head high doesn't necessarily mean that she is afraid, it just helps her to see what is behind and above her. Her bottom lip is a little tight here

Seeing things out of both eyes. Riva wasn't worried by this.


Double vision - the bags are seemingly in two places at once

The brolly was easy. She could chase that!

At the second session with Riva, she didn't even bat an eyelid as the bags on a stick came out of the shed and allowed them to touch her body straight away. This meant we could go straight off to the school where she is known to be livelier and particularly spooky in the far left corner. I introduced clicker into the equation as she is so polite about food and this really helped her to start making choices about whether she stayed or left. We were careful not to introduce to many dimensions at once so if the bags were up high we wouldn't waft them about and if we were making bird noises we wouldn't take it too close but over time we could nearer, higher and more wafty. Far from being switched off, Riva was interested and chose to stay to see what we might think of next.

Riva was slightly more worried about seeing things out of her right eye than her left and more worried if something crossed over from one eye to the other. To add to that, there is a long mirror at the bottom of the school so sometimes she could see two of everything.

The overall question has to be whether it is worth trying to desensitise a dressage horse to sudden movement when people want them to be sharp and athletic.I think it is definitely worth it as the horse can concentrate on its movements without being tense and worried about what might fly out of the hedge or make a sudden noise. Of course it is essential that there is a consistency in how things are used - it is no good using the bags on a stick to desensitise her if they were also to be used to ask her to move on - and then you have to ask yourself about the movement and role of the lunge whip (personally I would say take them to the skip). If every time something swings towards her it means MOVE, is it fair to ask her not to move if something else moves suddenly towards her? This incidentally is my whole beef with Parelli where the same 'carrot stick' is used to sensitise and desensitise.

21st November, 2011 This makes me wild...

2011-11-21T17:11:00.001Z

An email from one of my frients (that's a nice friend who is also a client):

"I love hearing about how yours are doing on your blog.. your little foal is so adorable. Its just so lovely to see the photos and how brave he is and chilled out about whatever you ask him. The yard I'm on has got some wild New Forest foals. I just have to cringe and walk away at their 'handling ways'. Its the tying them up to a brick wall because they're having a complete melt down at you being its stable and telling them off for being frightened babies technique. I just cannot stand and watch. I have had to learn to to keep my mouth shut though."

When I know just how much pleasure can be got from taming a wild foal in the sensible, reasonable, successful and gentle way, it makes me wonder just what people get out of making it into a battle like this.

21st November, 2011 Is Monday your dustbin day?

2011-11-21T08:49:00.001Z

I am just about to go off to do some more work with Riva, the horse that is frightened of birds. It's got me thinking (and not in relation to this particular horse or owner) why dealing with a horses spookiness seems to be one of the hardest things for people to do. I came up with a list of reasons and you may have more.

1. The horse should just get used to things over time
2. If our relationship is good enough, the horse will trust me
3. I don't know how to deal with it when my horse spooks at things
4. It frightens me when my horse spooks at things
5. I don't want to deliberately frighten my horse
6. I don't believe this IH stuff works
7. People look at me funny when I do this IH stuff and they tell me this IH stuff doesn't work
8. Underneath I haven't really got the patience to deal with this
9. I haven't got the time for this

Take the example of a horse that is frightened of black plastic bags. You might think because you always ride out on a Monday, and Monday is dustbin day, that the horse should get used to them - after all he sees them 104 times a year. But he doesn't. The refuse collectors don't come on bank holidays or at Christmas and so there are only, say, 42 Mondays a year when there are bags left on the street. Well, you might say, that's 84 times a year when the horse sees the bags - once on the way out and once on the way back. Since horses don't pass much information from one side to the other thought, that's really only 42 times for the left eye and 42 times for the right. You could, instead, introduce him to black plastic bags at home, 100 times a session, 4 days a week.

Trust will most certainly help - especially if the horse can trust that you know how to act when he is afraid and that you aren't going to join in with his fear by being afraid or punishing him for being afraid. You might think it's stupid to be frightened of a plastic bag but he certainly doesn't, because he's a horse, and his job is to be wary of things that weren't there yesterday, things that are changing shape and are about to eat him!

There are only three methods needed to help a horse with spookiness and once you've got them, you've got them and you only need to apply them to the specific thing to be able to address this fear. Knowing how to deal with his reactions means that you can be more confident and then he can trust you even more.

It isn't unethical to ask a horse to address his fears providing you are there to help and to control the situation and that everything is done systematically and incrementally. Repetition is the key rather than rapid progression - although that is usually what you get. The more you introduce your horse to in a safe environment before expanding his comfort zone and doing in other places, the less spooky the horse will be.

As for people looking at you funny - you get used to it after a while. I'm the one who introduced horses to umbrellas in Kenya where it hadn't rained for four years and, if it had we'd have danced naked in it never mind put up a brolly!

Hopefully photos of Riva later...

19th November, 2011 It's easier to leave than to be left behind

2011-11-19T20:18:00.001Z

Dedicated to Caroline R. Thanks so much.

Monty asks me my name and where I'm from

Accepting something over his nose

K is well padded and so is his stable

Redirecting his energy

R, the subject of his affections

An emotional day, first visiting Monty, an Appaloosa cob cross and then Kya, an Arabian. Monty was bought through Beaulieu Road Sales and has been terrified of people and of being touched. His owner has done a fabulous job of putting No Fear, No Force into effect and through clicker training started to reach his soul instead of his skin. Appaloosa, rather like Arabs, are often gifted horses but that does mean that they learn lessons from bad things as well as good things. Today we worked using clicker training techniques coupled with good old 'touch and move away' and I was able to reassure his owner that she is moving in the right direction even though it will take time. All too often people receive advice from other owners but of domesticated horses who have no idea of the needs and psychology of a 'real' horse, in touch with its fright and flight response. They seem to think that these ponies need tying up to a post and forced to accept being touched.

K is a beautiful Arabian whose favoured sport is extreme weaving. He doesn't just weave with his neck and head but with his whole body, sometimes throwing himself on the floor and banging his head against the walls. His owner, who doesn't want to just avoid the issue by never asking him to stay in a stable, has done everything she can to make life easier for him - thick bed, rubber flooring, padded bars and a great big mirror and only occasional stabling - but still he gets upset whenever his best friend is taken away even when there are other horses around. Today we worked on interrupting his script by keeping him busy with another activity and it seemed to have some effect. I suspect that this horse was weaned very early and abruptly in the first place, setting him up to be anxious about being left for the rest of his life but also that at some time his behaviour has worked and that someone has brought a horse back the instant he seemed distressed.

E-mails received 25.11.11:

"We really enjoyed Saturday, and he has been noticeably calmer this week, or maybe I have been more determined! I have also really noticed how the uninitiated go up to him to comfort as soon as he starts weaving for his food so I have been telling people off this week, gently of course.As the horses have been out during the day and Rab is in first we have not had any extreme weaving as the situation has not arisen, but still a few moments in the stable which I have controlled quite quickly. Whilst tied up outside on Wednesday Caroline was able to walk her mare past both ways and he turned to look and swayed a bit but no leaping up and down so definite progress."

"Monty's head collar is now on! He virtually put it on himself this evening! Clicker training is a success!!!! Thank you :)" SB

Monty in his head collar

17th November, 2011 A Weighty Issue

2011-11-17T14:05:00.001Z

With 100 bales of hay in my shed delivered by Weight-Rose Direct last week, it has been tempting to start handing it out. But, as you can see from the top photo, it is still sun-bathing weather at Fritham and all Peechay needs to decide is the best position in which to sleep. With the grass still growing and green, there is certainly no need to feed Jack and Petra - if I don't use the winter against them, I'll be fighting the onset of laminitis as an Olympic event next summer. Even Chancer has a slight paunch. He and Nelly (who is still feeding Peechay) are currently in the field with longer grass so that they can stay topped up but again no hay until the really need it. Bluesy is decidedly podgy and is still out on the Forest with Brandy. Brandy, who is not my pony, is going to struggle this winter (yet again) unless I help her out - she's not a natural thriver and hasn't picked up even though her foal was taken off her abruptly at just under four months.

13th November, 2011 Sandwiches!!

2011-11-13T17:09:00.001Z

Took the bags back to the farm today and met the girls and Peechay on the way. Far from running off in the opposite direction there was an almost audible cry of "Sandwiches!" as they came trotting up towards us. It was all I could do to stop Peechay eating the bags! I am sure they thought that the tiny bit of hay I gave them was a poor substitute for tuna, sweetcorn and cake!

12th November, 2011 Christmas Gift!!

2011-11-12T21:04:00.001Z

So excited that the next IH magazine is almost ready and should be received by IH members on 1st December. As well as a free IH DVD, there is a £5 voucher for TopSpec feeds and a competition to win Heather Moffett's new book. There are articles about Caesar (the horse not the Roman), horse accomodation and how to keep your horse's attention. The magazine looks absolutely lush and once again Simon, the designer, has done an amazing job with the words and pictures I've sent him. Without the contributors though, nothing!

10th November, 2011 Hanoverian Police Horses?

2011-11-10T22:30:00.001Z

Gorgeous dressage horse Riva, surprised us all today by accepting four blowy carrier bags with very little concern. The idea had been to use it to replicate flapping birds which have spooked her before. The bags themselves were quite rustly but I work very slowly only speeding up incrementally. After that I attempted to imitate the movement and calls of birds! I kept expecting the Autumn Watch crew to turn up. Riva's owner can now repeat and progress this work in various conditions and environments.

9th November, 2011 Artistry

2011-11-09T12:06:00.003Z

Hannah Steedman, who sometimes comes out to work with horses with me, has an incredible talent for recreating the true essence of a horse. She tells me that she has still got time to have commissions ready for Christmas so if you'd like a really beautiful present for yourself or someone close to you, here are her details.

7th November, 2011 Indiana Wants Me

2011-11-07T17:06:00.000Z

The shortest horse reports I write are about 'good' ponies, or rather those where they have learned no bad habits or had no poor handling. Indiana seems to have had a great start to life. Forest-bred but kindly handled she has even been through the sales without any trauma. She loves being around people and learns everything very quickly. She was bred by the Gerellis - father Tony is a Verderer and son, Jonathan, the Head Agister. Today we did some very straighforward leading work, some gentle and simple groundwork and some work on foot handling. Her new owner, Sally, is thrilled to bits with her and so she should be!

5th November, 2011 Unearthed

2011-11-05T22:01:00.002Z

Just spent the last few days in Cambridge meeting up with Janet and Kay for the first time in 20 years when we all took our MBA together. I was treated to a much needed dose of culture including paintings by Vermeer and Bridget Riley but resisted the cake! Last night it was off to see Milton Jones at the Corn Market. I must confess to feeling unearthed when I am away from horses so it was good to go and say hello to the cobs in the field just outside the hotel. They were as pretty as a picture too!

2nd November, 2011 Where's the nail varnish?

2011-11-02T19:32:00.002Z

Puck and the girls were all good for the farrier today - their very first trim. Matt, who was being paid for his time rather than per trim, was able to take his time so that not only did they end up with beautiful feet but they had nothing to worry about either. It's worth doing this in the early days so that the farrier can work without pressure and take over from where the training has left off.

"Thank you for all your hard work, care and attention shown to Muffy, Milly, Molly and Puck over the last few months. You would have smiled to yourself this evening when Puck, and Molly in particular, were racing around the paddocks. I am sure they were feeling liberated after their pedicures today! Matt has done a wonderful job and we very much appreciated his care and attention - what a lovely guy. Sincere and heartfelt thanks for a wonderful job - well done." AR

1st November, 2011 The Dragon Whisperer

2011-11-01T20:55:00.001Z

A really wonderful day at HorseWorld meeting up with Kelly and Monty and Dragon's Den regular Deborah Meaden, all the staff from HorseWorld and many other friends and trustees of the Charity. HorseWorld is IH's Charity of the Year and features in the next Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine which is due out on 1st December. Best get editing then!

Deborah Meaden is not a Dragon at all!!

31st October, 2011 Three good little witches and one warlock

2011-10-31T21:01:00.001Z

A last practise at foot handling today prior to the farrier's first visit on Wednesday. Muffy and her two daughters, Milly and Molly, and son Puck, all lined up at the gate asking to be caught and then let me pick out and scrub their feet. They all need a good trim and treatment for thrush.

30th October, 2011 Success!!!

2011-10-30T21:44:00.004Z

Endof the week. Another really successful course with head collars quietly goingon foals within a short time of startingwork and the ponies all looking much happier about the proximity of humans. Thetop graduate was Suki, a pony that had taken to clicker training immediately.All of the students did an amazing job: no fear, no force, no drama and noego. The feedback was really positive:

“...anyonewho wants to be empathetic to horse-kind would benefit from attending thecourse.” HW

“Loved,loved, loved it! The opportunity to work with the foals is priceless.” CT

“Justall round wonderful, tutors, ponies, Sarah W. Really inspirational.” SET

“Itwas very good to swap tutors as they all have different ideas and all tutor ina different way” DH

"Thank you so much for the most amazing week. I went through such a range of emotions from fear, doubt, lack of confidence to love, trust, acceptance and belief in my ability. Wow!" JH

"We learned so much about ourselves, such an honour to work with such magical little souls, I feel very humbled. How generous of them to teach us so much in such a short space of time. Therapists would have charged us a fortune for that amount of treatment and diagnosis!" GC

30th October, 2011 Hedgehogging

2011-10-30T21:35:00.001Z

Slightembarrassment on Tuesday morning when three of the ponies has disappeared overnight.Hedgehog, Magic and Layla, three much older ponies - two tame and one wild -had quietly undone the knots on the gate and wandered off up the track. Havingtiptoed across the cattle grid, they had headed off to the nearest moor andapparently evaporated. We knew that they would be fine and their owner justthrough it was funny. Half way through Wednesday morning Ro came to tell usthat she had spotted them on the roadside at Hollow Tor just above the farm,but by the time we had gone back to bring them in, they were nowhere to beseen. A brief search revealed two bays and a grey standing on a rocky outcropand fortunately it was them. Armed with a bucket and head collar we were ableto persuade Hedgehog to come and be caught and she led the way down the roadwith the other two following behind. Perhaps the torrential rain had somethingto do with it but even the wild pony thought it was a good idea to come home.

Davidand I had the afternoon off and visited the Devon Wildlife Hospital where wemet several real hedgehogs rescued following various accidents and incidents.We were encouraged to open up a Hedgehog Street (visit www.hedgehogstreet.org fordetails)

30th October, 2011 Pony Wrangling? I don't think so

2011-10-30T21:19:00.000Z

Ajoyful return to Dartmoor this last week for the Foal Handling Course. With 9students and 12 ponies, 6 tutors and 3 members of the DPTC team, 3 was themagic number. We were able to set up on Sunday in record time having plannedahead for over a year.

Weare always striving to get to the softest, safest method of training foals. At the beginning of the week we were joined byZoopharmacognosist, Fiona Habershon, to see whether the foals would benefitfrom oils, herbs and macerates. OnMonday morning Yarrow and Valerian were dropped on to our feather dusters as webegan to work with the foals and they certainly seemed to be very chilled out.

Thereis no pony wrangling here in any event. No pulling ponies around or over withropes around their necks or insisting that they face their trainer with botheyes; where ponies are happy to accept food from the hand we begin clickertraining straight away and for those that are worried about being so close tohumans we use the feather duster to establish first touch. As a result bothponies and people are very quiet and there is the air of a library about thewhole thing.

22nd October, 2011 Spots before their eyes

2011-10-22T12:01:00.001+01:00

I am helping with a small experiment on the Forest which means that this morning I have stuck reflective stickers all over my New Forest ponies. This was the brainwave of Steve Kitcher, Editor of NFED, who first noticed that ponies that had been bought through the sales and turned out with their lot numbers still attached were highly visible in the dark. He has arranged for a supply of white ones that people can attach to their ponies to see how long they last and whether they do make the ponies more obvious in the dark.

21st October, 2011 Get Carter

2011-10-21T18:50:00.003+01:00

Probably not the best angle to take a picture of one of the most beautiful horses I have seen. This is Carter the Connemara and he really is a delicious creature. Trouble is he knows it and thinks that some things may be out to eat him. Today we did some very simple groundwork and made a start on desensitisation with a shoot going on in one field and a dressage compeititon in another. It will be good to allay some of his fears and turn him into a mini police horse.

Where a horse has a habit of shooting forward when he is worried it is worth giving up carrying a whip at all even if it is only ever used as an extension of the hand or at a distance when lunging. The problem for these horses may be that they have met a whip used for a very different purpose and they find it very hard to forgive and forget. Many horses are hit for being frightened for example and then they are not just afraid, they are afraid of being afraid. I haven't carried a whip for well over ten years now and have never missed it. I understand the argument about the whip being an extension of the hand but, if that is the case, why are we using something that is thin and sharp and invisible to the horse, rather than something that is clearly visible and hand-like - surely not just because of the weight of it? When a horse has met a whip in punishing circumstances, it will always be a strong aversive in his mind. This is why I don't accept the argument from jockeys that the racing whip doesn't hurt - it might not (although I doubt that too) but the ones used at home in training certainly do.

19th October, 2011 Descending into chaos

2011-10-20T08:06:00.002+01:00

Extra Special clicker training in the field

Tetua's groupies

A kiss for Jenny

Patrick dismounts

Somewhat out of order, these are the photos from the second day of the foal handling course. After 3 p.m. Tetua stole the show and has us all fawning all over him. He is one noble horse that maintains his dignity even when standing on a tub wearing a purple scarf and a pixie called Patrick! Such fun as they say on Miranda.

18th October, 2011 Well over half way there

2011-10-18T19:35:00.000+01:00

Sometimes there is no need to start afresh with a pony or horse. In Bea's case her owner was more than half way there in training her to load more easily. She had realised there was absolutely no point in getting heavy handed with her and that the pony was susceptible to carrots. With a bit of patience, Bea would already load providing there was another pony with her. We just needed to move things on and get her to load happily on her own. With a few changes to her owner's leading and loading technique, the addition of a click before the treat and the initial use of the panels, we were able to get her flowing on and off.

Meant to add that I was really impressed when hearing that this client had disqualified someone from a cross-country event for abusing their horse. Needs to happen more often.

16th October, 2011 Let's 'Man Down'

2011-10-16T21:08:00.002+01:00

Patrick Kempe's gorgeous Lusitano, Tetua

Banksy meets Wendy and his first feather duster...

...experiences his first touch...

...and tries out a new scarf

Extra special has his face touched

Special Edition talks to Kathryn about her plans for his feet

Pictures from the first day at the Handling the Foal Course which I ran over the weekend by kind permission of Suzanne and Patrick Kempe. Patrick and Suzanne have bred sturdy, performance New forest ponies at the Rodlease Stud for a long, long time and the three youngsters we were working with were no exception. Full brothers Special Edition and Extra Special are both by Longcopse Elton out of a lovely mare Special who has bred 18 foals in 25 years and looks fantastic. Banksy is by Pondhead Panshine, making him a half-brother to the foal I bred, Sherekhan Kanuthi. All of them did really well. Banksy had his first headcollar on which he accepted very easily and was led for the first time. Extra Special was clicker trained and by the end of the two days allowed me to walk up to him in the field where he put his nose in the furry hoop in exchange for a click and a treat. Ed was starting to pick his feet up without wafting them about.

The phrase of the moment seems to be 'man up' and I would just urge everyone involved in the lives of young horses to 'man down' and just work with them carefully and slowly. It is worth it in the end.

"The course was brilliant .Also got to see the amazing Tetua ... he is stunning- and I wanted to take home a gorgeous littlefoal called Banksy who was just adorable." KW on Facebook and then email:
"Just wanted to say thank you again for a fab weekend and to say how much I appreciate you giving your time, experience and knowledge into making courses like this happen. Thanks to your patience, great teaching methods and humour, you make it so worthwhile and to gain such experiences like I had this weekend is priceless."

13th October, 2011 Born Free

2011-10-13T19:29:00.001+01:00

Having worked hard on the magazine, I felt I deserved a break and decided to take Jack out for his first 'ride' on the Forest. Petra seems to like his company and the fact that she is fed all the way round whereas in the field she just sees him as taking half of her food. She got a bit excited when he galloped up behind her but fortunately held it together. I rode her in a Dually in case I did have to resort to old-fashioned brakes!

13th October, 2011 Taking the P

2011-10-13T08:47:00.002+01:00

A non-horse day today as I am working hard on the Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine. Year ago I lost out on a very nice boyfriend because he said, "you think too much!". Ah well, now I am free to think as much as I like! Some thoughts then on 3 P's

Postponing behaviour - some horses will put off being caught, being touched, being bridled or mounted even though it is inevitable that it will happen in the end and even though when it is done, it is done kindly. It's easy to live in hope that one day they will give up their behaviour because they will see that it always happens in the end. However, working on the theory that behaviour starts for a reason and then perpetuates because it works, I think that horses will continue to postpone things even though the release it gives them is temporary. To them, if it postpones things even for a second, then it has worked and it is worth it. Once again, this doesn't make them naughty, they are just being a horse. The best postponing behaviour I ever saw was a horse that had learned to lick his owner copiously to delay her going along with his body with a big spiky dandy brush. In the end this behaviour becomes a pattern and it is only if you can come up with a alternative but kind strategy which means that the behaviour no longer works that the behaviour will go away.

Practice - advertising my book recently on a New Forest pony website I was told that there was no value in books, all it took to train a foal was practice. I beg to differ - it takes good practice, best practice and it is ulitmately the ponies that pay when we choose to practice bad practice - for example, grabbing a foal to force its headcollar on or tying him up to something solid to teach him to 'respect' the halter, chasing a horse to catch it or beating him to get him on to a horsebox. There are so many wrecks on the market all at risk of going in the wrong direction. We owe it to them to learn good practice. I wonder if the ponies ever get together and say, "When will they ever learn?".

Produced for selling - beware the pony that has been produced for sale. The foundations of its education may be very shallow.

11th October, 2011 Back to Black

2011-10-11T08:36:00.001+01:00

Petra: "This is a subliminal message, OPEN the GATE!"

Theoden in long lining class

Head boy

Great report

Mari-Lisa and Blackie

A ten hour day yesterday with six hours driving to and from Jim's to see Theoden. Luckily I had the company of Mari-Lisa who is coming for work experience next February but has seized the opportunity to come out on her days off from college. Theoden is doing really well and is much more fluid, willing and soft. The osteo is working on the muscles at the base of his neck where some of the braces seem to appear when he is asked to turn to the right. I rode him at walk and trot and felt that I could put my legs on him and ask him things without him taking offence and bucking me off. He's going to stay a lot longer so that he comes back ready to go anywhere and I can just enjoy having a 'yes' horse rather than one I've got to do lots of work with.

9th October, 2011 A is for Amador

2011-10-09T21:56:00.002+01:00

Phineas

Amador

A is for Amador and at his last session yesterday he walked calmly down the ramp every time and ended the session just standing on the ramp quietly eating some horse cubes. Today his owners practised again and took the panels away section by section. Amador continued to unload calmly and carefully. He goes for his lesson next weekend so it will be interesting to hear whether he is just as good at the other end of a journey. "We are thrilled that you were able to help us and Amador". NB and LB

Update 24.10.11:

"We are pleased to say that V managed to load him without any fuss, he travelled well and unloaded a little bit quicker than hoped but far better than previously. This we think was contributed to by a lot of activity around T’s yard and car park including M going round with a leaf blower!Having had a good lesson and feeling very tired, Amador again loaded without fuss and travelled home where we parked up in the drive in such a way that the ramp opened down towards the hedge to form a visual barrier. This worked well and he unloaded 100% walking down the ramp so we will continue to do this and hopefully get to the point whereby he will walk out even when there is no barrier."

B is for Boris. Two years ago I worked with a non-loader called Boris. I recently met his owner when I went to see another horse at her yard. Boris has loaded ever since and is now competing at eventing.

B is also for Blue, who had gone on strike about his headcollar. Anton wrote, "Nadine ismaking very good progress with him and she's now able to put on a head collarnormally out in the field. She has also put on a bridle with bit a couple oftimes so as far as she's concerned a great job done by your good self."

B is also for Bertie. "Bertie seems to be doing fine thank you, (touch wood!) we have taken him out a couple of times, each time he stops at the ramps and E just gives a little tug and he goes on in, but at home he never stops just goes straight in. (Funny little boy). So hopefully we have got over this little problem.

Thanks for your help, it's really made a big difference." SH

H is Havanna. Havanna had her bridle on using clicker training within 10 minutes IN THE FIELD on the second day that she was home with Jane after a six month break. Horses don't forget their clicker training.

K is for Kanuthi. I was delighted to hear that Blue's foal from four years ago has been trained to drive and came second in the BDS 'Sunday Best' class at his very first outing (only four days after he came back from training). Incidently Cello is also being taught to be driven so it will great to hear how he gets on.

L is for Leo. An Andulusian stallion that I halter trained when he was 10 months old, won the three year old's class at the new International Championship PRE show. The show was a qualifier for SICAB (the Spanish Championships) in Seville!!

M is for Milly and Molly who are now both having their feet picked up really easily and are ready for a visit from the farrier. They have never had their feet trimmed before because they lived out on the Forest and their feet looked after themselves. Now that they are in paddocks, their feet have become overgrown and we needed to do a lot of catching up with halter training never mind leg handling before they could have their feet done.

M is also for Magic - "Successful, calm long reining out [on the Forest] this morning, a ****** miracle!!"-

O is for Onca, the polo pony who has been terrified of having her back legs touched and particularly bandaged. Her owner has contacted me this weekend to say, "Onca is doing really well, I am able to easily brush her back legs all the way down to her fetlocks and she doesn’t bat an eyelid even if tied up. She has also become much more trusting of new people as a groom from the yard over the track has been catching her daily and putting her on the horse walker so hopefully we can play a little arena polo on her. She now comes up to the gate asking for human contact which is very unlike her. Interestingly she has also become a bit more assertive in the paddock and not getting bullied quite as much. I have no idea how much of her progress we can put down to the smelly stuff vs the clicker training but she is definitely motivated by food and quite enjoys her aromatherapy sessions!"

P is for Phineas. I haven't seen Phin for two years but I have been inregular contact with his owner and her daughter and in fact we havebecome friends. It was great to be asked to introduce him to longreins and to check over his groundwork. Jan wrote:

"What a fabulous morning today! Thank you so much for coming to us and for your patience with us and Phin. It was a shame we didn't record this session as I could see such huge changes in Phin's responses as the morning went on and could see for myself the 'little' things you demonstrated so clearly which result in massive changes."

S is for Splash, Jenny's pony. Jenny continues to make amazing progress with Splash and today rode out on the Forest. I went to see her in Tuesday where we worked on mounting as Splash was starting to move away as Jenny went to get on. She has had Splash's saddle checked and so my job was to analyse what whether there was anything obvious causing her to move away. All I could see was that Jenny was tending to point her feet toward's Splash's rear as she mounted and that as she got on her toe was just pressing into Splash's side very slightly as she got on board. By asking Splash to stand just 3" forward the problem was solved! Jenny sent me an email today: "...you will be pleased to hear today I rode Splash on the forest, quite possibly the calmest she has ever been, and the getting on, she gave me her right ear and just waited patiently for me to get on with it, clonked her on the bum with my foot (slipped slightly on the bank I was using), she didn't give a damn, nor did she care at all about the purple treat bag I left on the saddle. Quite possibly the best session I have ever had with her. All these little things make the difference - thankyou, from an extremely happy Jenny :))"

W is for Woody actually Wicklea Wakanda. He recently came 6th in his class at the Horse of the Year Show and has won all over the place this summer including Supreme at BSPS Wales, I taught Woody to accept a headcollar and to lead when he was a foal and to load later on.

7th October, 2011 Hola! 您好 Olá Hallo Hej

2011-10-07T13:16:00.001+01:00

Amazing to think that so many people come and look at this blogsite. Of the 389 people who have looked at it in the last 24 hours, 343 were in the USA, 40 in the UK, 2 in Guatamala, 1 in Brazil, 1 in China, I in Germany and 1 in Denmark. Good afternoon, morning, evening or night to you all! For the people in Guatamala, one of my favourite albums is los ultimos dias del AM by Radio Zumbido which I believe involved a guy called juan carlos barrios and was inspired by Guatamala.

6th October, 2011 Rix Farce

2011-10-06T22:47:00.001+01:00

This evening, just after I had eaten my supper, the doorbell rang and I was told that one of the wild ponies was stuck upside down in a ditch. By the time I got there there were at least 10 people around this pony including Vivienne Sherriff who made a hat for Kate Middleton, and several other concerned neighbours, one of whom went for blankets. The agister was on his way and I called the Animal Rescue Service. I was told she had been there for a while and was truly stuck and it did seem that way. I reassured her and gave her head a lovely rub and as she was totally upside down I also gave her tummy a rub too. With that, she promptly rolled on to her side, squirmed and got up. The agister's Mum (Mrs Rix) turned up a second or two later - we cancelled Peter and the Animal Rescue Team and then watched the mare (who turned out to be Peter's) for a little while to make sure she was okay.

I'm sorry anyone who has been trying to get to this blog through the usual domain name. You can now take a short cut through sarahweston.org.uk - but I guess you know that because you are here!

5th October, 2011 Double-click

2011-10-05T22:34:00.000+01:00

I've had this mad idea that I would like to be able to take Jack out loose with Petra, at least in the enclosure to begin with. It requires a bit of co-ordination to cue one, cue the other, click one, click the other and then give them separate treats - never mind trying to take photos from on board!. Petra is asked to halt with the words "and whoa..." well actually "an...." and Jack is asked to come up to the word "Jack!" (very original I know and it does make us sound like an episode of The House of Elliott). The click is the same for both of them. Petra gets her treat to the opposite side that Jack is standing to avoid them going for the food together and Jack is given the treat in the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position to save him annoying Petra. We've made a good start with me riding Petra inside the round pen and Jack circling the outside of it so that they establish some rules of engagement before they begin and are both given the opportunity to get used to the idea without coming in to really close contact. Afterwards Petra relaxed in the round pen and Jack prepared for the riderless Olympics.

Update (7th October): Yesterday I worked with Jack and Petra in the small paddock together. Apart from making gruesome faces at Jack, Petra was great and Jack was suitably careful around her. If he was too frightened of her it wouldn't work because it would set up a conflict with the clickered treats and, if he was too confident, it wouldn't work because she would definitely kick him or bite him. As it is, we are all trying to be polite and tactful. Today we progressed to the top field where we did some trotting! At last, a way of giving Jack some real exercise. I could, of course, have him on a lead rein however if I dropped it or he pulled loose for any reason he would panic about being 'chased' by the lead rein - as it is I am hoping be able to use a lead rein with an easy break away for the open forest knowing that if he does get loose he would want to come back to me. In the inclosures he can go free. We've even met other ponies in the inclosures when we've been out for a walk before. Jack goes up to say, "What's your name? Where you from?", but then canters back to me.

3rd October, 2011 R.I.P Sweet soul

2011-10-03T21:44:00.000+01:00

It's hard not to be affected by every animal that is killed on the Forest. Today this lovely donkey was laid by the side of the road in Fritham with an 'Agister Aware' sticker tied around her little neck with a piece of string. She was so beautiful. The donkeys are especially vulnerable to being run over as people insist on feeding them at the side of the road or even from their cars. It's a good way of encouraging them to stand in the middle of the road. In this weird weather with early morning and evening mist, it's hard to spot them in the gloom. She was pregnant.

3rd October, 2011 Not jumping for joy

2011-10-03T21:38:00.001+01:00

Lots of fun today working with a New Forest pony called Saffi who for a number of years has been worried about poles and jumping. The cause for her fear may be that she came to grief in a Jacob's Ladder type jump some time ago. She has been checked out very thoroughly to make sure that there is no physical reason why she shouldn't be able to jump. Originally she sought to avoid or refuse the jump until a trainer closed that option and now she rushes instead even with her rider carefully sitting pretty passively. Rushing a jump is often mistaken for a pony enjoying her jumping but it can be a sign that the pony is actually very worried and just wants to get it over and done with. Saffi is actually worried about being 'bitten' by the poles.

As well as working on the ground going over the poles, we did work on asking her rider to breathe more deeply when on board. Her rider is really good and patient and doesn't interfere. We ended the session working over one very small jump with a box of poles immediately afterwards where she could be asked to simply stand and relax. Too early to be doing more than one jump at a time and gridwork simply winds her up more quickly. Once again we wanted to work on her 'yes' and her 'maybe' rather than allowing her to practice her 'no' even if it is a forward going 'no'! This pony is very lucky to have a team of three people and a sympathetic yard owner all interested in her welfare.

"I did find it really interesting and hopefully with us all working together Saffi will get more confident and start enjoying herself. I thought she made a lot of progress, especially nearing the end. I've not experienced her starting to consistently walk over a raised pole, so I was really glad of that and it definitely gives me something to work on. I also found the breathing and looking at your own body and muscles when riding to influence the horse really fascinating, because it is so effective yet so simple."MLA

"Thanks so much for you advise and notes on Saffi. Its so lovely to have something written down in black and white especially as there is so much grey with her !!! Your memory is amazing as you remembered all the key facts about our little mare. We will definitely put into practice all you have advised. I bought a clicker today as my click sounded more like a 'cluck' and I bought her some low-cal pony nuts. We will also keep you in the loop for consistency. I feel very relieved that Mari-lisa found you and was so adaman you could help as I truly believe we will get there now. I would love to see Saffi give have safe fun over fences." FF

1st October, 2011 Hot stuff

2011-10-01T19:54:00.000+01:00

Bertie, loaded.

Lucy, long reining

A small reaction Lucy style

Calm, calm, calm

On one of the hottest days that I can remember in England and on such a date, Julie and I went to work with Bertie a pony that has intermittent problems with loading. There really was no obvious reason why he was refusing to load, no obvious trigger points or worries, but he had certainly perfected the art of planting and refusing to move at all. He apparently travels perfectly once loaded and arrives calm and happy. He unloads steadily. The only suggestions I was able to make was that the front bar could be padded and needed to be midway between the two settings available now. The trailer is a 510 and the top setting presses against his oesophagus during braking and the bottom setting is low enough for him to think about breaching it if he wanted to. In an ideal world it needs to be somewhere between the two. I also suggested that he have his back and poll checked as part of an regular MOT since he is only four and will be changing shape as he matures and starts to work in earnest.

Normal gentle pressure and release had little effect and he wasn't all that bothered about food so we put the panels in place so that we could get him flowing on and off the trailer again, practising his 'yes' and his 'maybe' rather than his 'no'. By the end of the session we were able to take all of the panels away save for one on the right hand side where he was inclined to practice his default position of turning sideways off the ramp. I have left the panels with the clients so that they can practice for the next few days without engaging with his 'no' and then gradually take them all away again.

Email received 2nd October, 2011:

"We had our first practice session this morning and all went really well, we even managed it with NO panels at the end. When we got to the last panel I moved it half way up the trailer and then 3/4s and then away completely and that seemed to work a treat, so lets hope all this good work continues.I thought what we might do is continue like this for a few more nights and then perhaps take him for a short drive then bring him back and unload and reload. E is absolutely over the moon with his progress, as you can see she loves him very much, and this was his little problem spot.Once again thank you for your help." SH

Later it was off to see lovely Lucy. Her clever owner has worked out that she is much happier accepting the surcingle if she has an exercise sheet underneath and in time this will be reduced down to a saddle pad or a towel. As an ex-racehorse she will be used to wearing a sheet but she is also used to the girth being done up abruptly while she circles around the handler on the floor. Success then today when she stood still to have the surcingle put on. We were also able to long rein her on two reins for the very first time and used the square poles to give her a job to do. Although she had a small reaction when asked to trot on the two reins for the first time, she was really calm and sweet. I think she is really starting to trust that things are not going to hurt her and to relax a lot more.

Email received: 2nd October, 2011:
"Just to say a massive thank you for the photos, I was so pleased with Lucy today. When I went to bring her into bed a couple of hours later she was still as cool as a cucumber!"JC

30th September, 2011 Pretty Pollyanna

2011-09-30T22:22:00.000+01:00

Today it was off towards Longleat to meet a horse that was bred by the gypsies before being sold to her present owner. She's not a traditional gypsy cob, her ears are more like those of a Mawari horse. Unfortunately she can't be ridden, at least for now, because of medical problems but we were able to have a lovely groundwork session with her. She was very pleasant to work with.

28th September, 2011 I adore Amador

2011-09-28T22:02:00.002+01:00

Practising the L-shaped poles

Ready to load

A quick exit

Slowly slowly

Time to visit Amador again this evening. He had forgotten nothing of his last session and backed out of the trailer step by step very carefully. It was then time to try to have some influence on the way he unloads when taken out through the front door.At present his owners have had to let him go first as he always rushes and leaps off the ramp. By using the panels in a right hand curve and having a handler on the inside as well as the outside, it was possible to ask him to take a step to the left before he exits and then a gentle turn to the right as he negotiates the doorway so that doesn't bang his right hip as he goes out. This means he is less likely to reinforce his need to leap. By very gradually reducing the space he has available when he has left the trailer it is also possible to slow his exit down; whilst not being that close that they provide a physical barrier, the panels provide a mental barrier.

By the end of the session he was walking off much more slowly AND putting all four feet on the front ramp. We need to repeat this once more and make sure that it all still works when the panels are taken away altogether and that he handler can actually walk out just ahead of him without fear of injury.

28th September, 2011 Microchips

2011-09-28T21:51:00.004+01:00

First headcollar

Peechay has his microchip inserted today. Although he was fine, he bled quite a lot and clearly felt some pain as it went in. This piece of kit, a statutory requirement these days, is of no use nor ornament to the pony. Giving no visible deterrent to theft, it would only lead to his recovery if he were actually checked for a chip by the police, port or slaughter house. Given that the police are not that good at distinguishing one pony from another, horse theft isn't at the top of their agenda and many forces don't have a microchip reader it's unlikely that he would be found if stolen. It is also a useless for indentification out on the Forest itself where the ponies live in large and ever changing groups of mixed ownership. As a microchip cannot be read from more than a metre away they are no use whatsoever to the agisters or the owners of the ponies themselves. Peechay is one of many bay roan foals thrown by the same stallion. The only way I can tell him apart from the others is that he still tends to be with his mother and Blue.

I started his halter training today and, having touched him since he was born and spent time gently desensitising his head over the last few weeks, it took just seconds to put the headcollar on using the No Fear No Force technique of going over the neck first. I put it on and took it off three times and then turned ghim back out on to the Forest.

28th September, 2011 Reaction no reaction

2011-09-28T21:40:00.001+01:00

The current state of Chancer's sarcoid

The third BCG injection

The good news is that Chancer's sarcoid is starting to react to the BCG injections of which he had the third today. These are the injections recommended by sarcoid expert professor Derek Knottenbelt from Liverpool University. Apparently it takes an average of five injections to make an impact on this type of sarcoid and the next one will be due in four weeks time. Darling Chancer is only lightly sedated to cope with these procedure and he dutifully falls asleep and doesn't react at all while Amy repeatedly injects the lesion from a variety of angles.

27th September, 2011 Glorious Guilda

2011-09-27T19:19:00.003+01:00

Guilda called in for asession this afternoon and had her first canter out on the Forest. Ifirst worked with Guilda on 12th November, 2010 and have worked withher on 24 occasions in total. That equates to just five weeks of fivesessions a week if she had come in for more intensive training. It'sbeen an interesting experiment for Jenny and I, to see just how muchdifference it makes, both for and against, to work with horses as andwhen. The advantages have been that we have been able to worksteadily without Guilda needing to live in and her owner has been ableto spread the cost over a number of months (whether she needed to ornot). This has kept Guilda really sweet and willing, enjoyingher education and taking everything in her stride. Hopefully it meansthat she will stay that way and that she should be less likely tobecome injured or sour. The downside has been that we have sometimeshad to repeat work or at least overlap sessions to make sure thatnothing has changed since the last time we saw her - it shouldbe that way anyway. The disadvantage in other cases has been that ownershave not always been able to do their 'homework' because of time orskill constraints. In Guilda's case she has been led out and aboutand long reined occasionally and she has also been out to a few shows keeping her mind and body ticking over. The other downside is that it canseem as if the starting process is taking forever but when a like forlike comparison is made, it can be seen that the pony is making just asmuch progress as if he were being worked with more regularly. We havebeen lucky that Guilda's owner has not put us under any pressure and has nofinancial or competitive urge to make us hurry up; some of the delayshave been hers! She has also been keeping her own skills up by havingregular riding lessons with June Simmonds to make sure that she isready to take over from us.

Jenny and I are having a break from starters at least for a while. I am very happy to help prepare horses for starting including everything from groundwork, desensitisation, long reining and everything else that needs doing. I am also happy to point people in the direction of those very few trainers who with starters without resorting to violence and gadgets - i.e. those that work without fear or force. Having brought a horse up without smacking him, it's really hard for people to find someone they can trust not to do so. I am also happy to work with people who want to start their own horses where it is safe to do so and they have the skills to do the work themselves if supported carefully.

26th September, 2011 Wight link

2011-09-26T22:42:00.001+01:00

No need to tie the wallabies down, sport

Crane

Penguins - it's moulting season and they seem vaguely embarassed.

A weekend of total relaxation on the Isle of Wight. David and I went to the Seaview Wildlife Encounter where people are allowed to stroke the wallabies providing they don't go off the path. in this way, the wallabies can decide whether they want human company or not. Bit like the New Forest ponies then. Lots of lovely birds too including some very noisy ducks that you are allowed to feed. Visitors buy bags of grain as they go through the entrance and I wondered whether I could introduce this for my horses!

Wouter

Over the weekend we met up with good friends and clients, Carol, Kate and Andrea and I went out for a lovely ride on the wonderful Wouter today. He was a pleasure to ride and I was able to take in the scenery from what seemed like a great height. In fact he is only 15.2, Carol tells me, but he feels a lot bigger because of his fabulous head carriage.

Wouter appeared in the last Listening Post of which Heather Moffat (Enlightened Equitation) said:

"IH has surpassed itself this time with such interesting articles! It is probably the only magazine I read cover to cover!!"
To make sure you get your copy of the last edition and all future editions, join IH through the website: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

Natural head-carriage

22nd September, 2011 Animal Magic

2011-09-22T22:06:00.001+01:00

Donkey!!!!

Ponies - they're alright...

Small Indian pony...?

Head lowering for a clickered treat

What's your name and where you from?

Today I was delighted to be asked by Amanda Barton to act as a second pair of eyes as to why her beuatiful Warmblood should be so worried about other animals. This is a horse that stands absolutely calmly next to a cattle grid as traffic streams across it. She is fine while the other animals are still and close by but if she sees them move quickly in the distance and then disappear out of sight she becomes excited and upset. We have now combined our thoughts and she's going to make a few little changes to see if they help. After that, we have a Plan B to look forward to.

"Mag was fab this morning. I marched out until I got a stitch and she walked past loads of horses. They were not running around like yesterday but we saw loads and the herd with the miniatures was on the move again. She was about 75% better than yesterday. The most interesting thing was that when she saw the pony that she sniffed yesterday in the distance she licked and chewed right away and put her head right down. She was pretty much totally fine for the whole of the rest of the walk after that. We went twice as far as yesterday as she was doing so well."AB (23rd September, 2011)

Off this afternoon to do a mass foothandling on Puck and his sisters as it won't be long before the farrier visits. Puck was also long reined for the first time and did very well.

22nd September, 2011 Cleft Stick

2011-09-22T08:08:00.000+01:00

And so the fun with the insurance company has started over Chancer's various treatments. There has been no point in claiming for the injury to his leg as the cost of treatment fell below the £250 excess although of course, I have had to declare it. This injury has resolved itself completely and it will be interesting to see whether his legs get excluded on the next occasion.

For the other two, I have been asked when I first noticed the problem. So, when is a lump not a lump and when is a loss of condition a real loss? These are both gradual processes and I think we probably notice them subconsciously first. If I reported every lump and bump that Chancer has, I'd be on the phone to the insurance company every day and my definition of a loss of condition is a lot fatter than many Throughbreds - it was more a stary coat, a lack of interest in life and just being far too docile; nothing I could really put my finger on as, there, that is a loss of condition. However, when Lindy came to work with me, she agreed that he wasn't quite right and so when the vet was out, I took the opportunity to say what do you think. She agreed too.She also felt that the lump was something more sinister. So here I am, several hundreds of pounds down the road waiting to see is my insurance company will pay up or not. And whether they do or not, I anticipate that they are likely to exclude gastric ulcers (which he didn't have) and sarcoids (which he could acquire more of) next year. We'll see...

21st September, 2011 No going back

2011-09-21T21:23:00.000+01:00

Happy to back up when only his front feet have stepped up on to the ramp

Absolutely stuck and mentally unable to back up once his back feet have gone in.

Carefully backing out, step by step.

After an early morning visit to Anna for her regular foot trim, it was off to see a Lusitano stallion called Amador. Amador was imported from Portugal by road and by sea and has proved to be a lovely riding horse. He's certainly a bright boy. Although he has always loaded very willingly and travels well, he cannot leave the trailer without leaping the front ramp banging his hip or shoulder every time. He absolutely refuses to back out of the trailer and appears to be very afraid of doing so. This can happen when a horse has never been taught that he can back out in the first place (people have this bizarre idea that backing a horse out of a trailer 'teaches' them to back out when they don't want to load), has been backed out of a step-down trailer; others may have been hit to make them load and then are not keen to back out towards a perceived threat. Amador's owner is keen to rectify this situation so that he she has both options available to her - after all, she has two ramps!

The first thing that was noticeable with Amador was that he isn't all that keen to back up on the ground even though he backs up easily when ridden; his owner says she just has to think back. When a horse is afraid, his natural, instinctive, automatic response to being pushed is to push back and if pulled, to pull back. This tends to be even more ingrained in stallions that use this into-pressure response to engage with their foe. Having backed him up a little and got him a lot lighter by not engaging with his body at all,i.e. using body language as a cue, we used the L-shaped poles to move him around forwards, backwards and sideways and ask us to trust us to manoeuvre him in this way, step by step.

When it came to loading, Amador was happy to back off again when only his front legs had gone on to the ramp, however, once he had committed his back legs, he felt there was no going back! Funnily enough he is not the first Iberian horse I have met with this issue - Raf was the same. Rather than engage with him physically by pushing him hard on the chest or pulling hard on the Dually, I kept up a consistently light ask and rewarded every step back with a click and treat - even if it was actually a repeated step because he had gone forward again. Bit by bit he worked out what he needed to do and gradually he was willing to place one back foot over the lip of the trailer onto the ramp, move it forward again and then try with the other foot. I took my time and 'thought' about him lifting up his withers and engaging his hindquarters and eventually he found the courage to take first one foot and then the other onto the ramp itself. I rewarded him every step of the way and made sure that I kept his head over to the right so that his legs would truly be in the centre of the ramp as he backed up. Once out he was given a bonus handful of pony nuts and then asked to load again.

The second time he backed out a little more fluidly and looked less worried and on the third occasion he backed out relatively confidently. We will practice this again next week and then start to work on asking him to unload through the front door.

"Thank you so very much for today. I feel a lot happier that we are making progress and will soon have Amador unloading without risking life and limb on either of us." LB

19th September, 2011 Honorary Auntie

2011-09-19T18:36:00.000+01:00

Walking in Memphis....

I am ever hopeful of being asked to be an honorary Auntie or Horse Godparent to Memphis particulary as it was me that came up with his name. Trouble is, every time I see him, that Cher song goes round and round my head and becomes an Ear Worm for the rest of the day. Here we are teaching him to lead using a quarter rope which is most appropriate given that he is a Quarter Horse. An amenable little soul, he takes to things very easily and is happy walking towarda photographer. I'm leading his Mum, Philadelphia.

"I loved the session with both of them and it was so lovely to see Memphis getting the right start. It's something we haven't been able to give our other horses and the difference between him and his parents at halter breaking is shocking really, he was just so calm and cool about the whole thing!" Alessa 25.9.11

Off to my own horses. Jack still loves jumping and, after picking his feet out, he volunteered to go and jump the jump all on his own.

Just gorgeous

Finally off to Bransgore to go and meet a daughter of Carnaval Drum. This huge Warmblood is allegedly only 16.2 hh but towered over me. She can sometimes be a handful on the ground but today worked beautifully through the groundwork exercises - like a very tall New Forest pony.

17th September, 2011 Slow down or go round.

2011-09-17T18:44:00.001+01:00

An accident waiting to happen

"A yellow-and-black triangular sign appears by the roadside. It says: ‘Animal casualty here within the last week’. Another pony hit by a car in the New Forest.It is an all-too-familiar story. And it is especially poignant at this time of year: as the foals are born the risk of accidents increases.New Forest ponies have no road-sense and they will wander out in front of traffic without warning. Foals can be skittish and, if they suddenly realise they are separated from their mothers, they will make a dash for it regardless of the road conditions. Sadly they do not know the Green Cross Code.

Around 100 animals are injured or killed on the roads of the New Forest each year. These are not just statistics: each lost animal means distress for its owner, for the Agister who attends the scene, and for the driver who may suffer damage to a vehicle or worse.What can be done? Organisations including the New Forest National Park Authority, the Verderers, the Forestry Commission and the Police work together on campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the death toll.

The temporary triangular road-signs highlight animal accident sites, warning drivers of blackspots. A credit card-size animal emergency hotlines card tells drivers whom to contact if they see an animal accident or if they are involved in one themselves. A free car sticker encourages careful driving to safeguard ponies. Animal safety messages are promoted widely in Forest leaflets, on websites, in talks and even in community radio adverts." Quoted from the National Park Authority

BUT still it does no good. Three foals have been killed within 8 days and just 0.4 miles of each other on the B3078 Fordingbridge to Cadnam Road close to Deadman's Hill.

Perhaps the driver of vehicle registration number E1 DER would care to explain to me why they still think it is okay to speed across the Forest, repeatedly overtaking other vehicles that are keeping to the speed limit.

17th September, 2011 How long is a piece of string?

2011-09-17T18:30:00.003+01:00

"Knots weaken the rope in which they are made. When knotted rope is strained to its breaking point, it almost always fails at the knot or close to it, unless it is defective or damaged elsewhere."

When someone asks me how long it might take to get a horse over a particular problem or trained to do a certain task, its tempting to respond, "well, how long is a piece of string?" So much depends on the nature of the string, not just its actual length but whether there are knots and twists in it, how tight they are and how robust and pliable the string is and what it is made from. What was it's intended use? Is it old and frayed or young and malleable; has it been left out to cope with the elements? Not only that, it will then depend on your dexterity and quiet determination to undo the knots without damaging the material; your ability to undo new knots and twists which it is in it's very nature to acquire if left untended or to its own devices.

The key is to find the very end of the string and to start to unravel it, methodically working your way along it's length and tackling each twist and turn leaving it neatly coiled and not under immense tension. Fortunately most string is readily straightened out and once the first knots and twists are loosened it all gets much easier but sometimes it is like looking at a plate of sphaghetti and you're not even sure there is only one piece of string. The knots may be fiddly and intricate and the string falls easily back into the same kinks through years of habit. Then it can be frustrating and long winded, like working in freezing temperatures with no mittens and blunt fingernails. Nevertheless the same painstaking, methodical approach works rather than attacking it with a pair of scissors and affecting a temporary and weaker repair.

17th September, 2011, The Man with the Golden Helmet

2011-09-17T17:54:00.001+01:00

Early canter transition

Out and about in Ashford Forest

Returning to the trailer

Would you like a leg up Jim?

Happily on board

Things are going slowly but surely with Theoden. Jim is encountering his 'no' much less often and he is starting to offer his transitions much more readily. People keep asking me why I am not working with him myself - the answer is simple, when he bucks I come off and I really don't want him to learn that it works. Jim can get on and stay on and yet rides with tact and diplomacy. Finding someone who works with the same values as me and isn't going to hit Theoden is really important to me. It's all too easy to turn your back on a horse that has gone to school and to pretend that horrible things don't happen to them. I have had the opportunity to watch Jim working with a variety of horses during the week and it has been great to be around someone who speaks the same language that I do even though he is working with bigger and trickier starting horses than I would ever attempt. Aswell as running courses and training horses in East Sussex, Jim is tour manager for Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks.

17th September, 2011 Practical Skills Development

2011-09-17T17:41:00.002+01:00

How many IH students does it take to change a lightbulb?

I have just returned from a week in East Sussex where I was able to visit and work with Theoden every day. I arrived just in time to observe and appreciate the Practical Skills Development Course which is run by Jim (Goddard, IHRA) and fellow IHRA's Rosie Jones and Sandra Williams. This is a really excellent course for people hoping to become RA's themselves as it gives them a valuable opportunity to practice, maintain and hone their skills with all kinds of horses with all kinds of backgrounds. The next course is due to take place in April and it is the sort of course that people could go back to time and time again and learn something new each time. For details keep an eye on the IH magazine and the IH website.

9th September, 2011 By George Part II

2011-09-09T22:25:00.001+01:00

I received this lovely email from George's owner today.

"So far it is going really well, he was getting on really well with the head collar so I decided to see what happened when I tried to put it on outside! Again using the clicker technique I started in the small paddock and then in his field! Since Sunday I have been leaving the head collar off completely and have successfully been able to put it on everyday so far so good! Also the clicker technique has enable me to get George to trot with me too!!" CG

Brave George

I am going to be away for a week now as I am visiting Theoden in Sussex and reading a lot of books. Also hoping to work with Graylie and Pep. I'll keep notes...

E-mail received 19.9.11:
"No headcollar is going great there is absolutely no hassle whatsoever anymore, the headcollar doesn't seem to be too scary. I am still trying to introduce George to more and more things every time I go up there now. I used the umbrella again but this time with it up over Dad's head and he was fine with it and I have been trying to desensitise him to having things on his back. I started off with a little blanket scrunched up and rubbing it all over his body and at the end of the week I put it on his back and took it off again. He seemed pretty happy, so I opened it out a little bit more so it was slightly over both sides of his back and we did a tiny circle around the field, and he was great. I am going to continue doing this, making the walk bigger, and also opening the blanket up even more.

So far so good, he is doing great I can't get over how much he has improved with in the last 2 weeks - it is incredible." CG

9th September, 2011 The fish that got away

2011-09-09T19:01:00.003+01:00

Another wonderfully restorative day. Guilda is now a fully fledged riding pony and was ridden by her owner at walk and trot out on the Forest. That pony loves migrating and her grin was almost as wide as her owners. Guilda is going to go and have further schooling now with June Simmonds at Fir Tree Equestrian Centre but will pop back for occasional bits of training on things like traffic.

"Oh WOW !. Apart from my son being born this was the best day of my life."KG

Then off to Lucy where there has been a dramatic change. Not only is she much mellower, but her owner is too and she's no longer afraid of Lucy's big behaviour; she just calmly deals with it and moves on. Lucy coped with two long reins at the end of the session and tried her hardest to be good all the way through.

Guess what...forgot the battery in the camera again so no pictures to show of all this happiness...

9th September, 2011 The Essence

2011-09-09T09:20:00.000+01:00

A much better day yesterday, despite my cartoon thumb that felt about ten times its normal size. Working with semi-feral ponies is always my favourite job. In the morning I worked with Milly, Molly and Puck. Milly had her headcollar on easily three times having got over her real fear of having things enclosing her nose. The £1 fluffy purple scarf worked once again. Molly had graduated to having her headcollar on out in the big field in exchange for clickered treats. Puck had a jangly surcingle on and we did some one rein work before finishing.

In the afternoon I went to see Charlie the sheepdog pony. In fact his sheep have been taken away because he is tormenting them so I have suggested they take up the offer of a tame pony companion. Charlie was much more relaxed from the outset today and the really great news is that his owner has a wonderfully calm demeanour and will be able to carry on from while I am away next week; he get's it. I have to say that I love working with men on these sorts of tasks and watching them let go of any ego and macho and start to really think about what the pony needs from them.

By the end I got to the stage where Charlie was leaning in to me and curling his neck around me so that I could rub his neck all the more. By tracing the bones of his face, I was able to touch him all over it and later Mike did the same and gently removed Charlie's headcollar which has been getting a little tight.

Sorry no pictures....

(A huge thank you to everyone who sent me a hug yesterday).

7th September, 2011 What time is it Mr Wolf?

2011-09-07T17:38:00.001+01:00

What time is it Mr Wolf? Two o'clock

What time is it Mr Wolf? Dinner time!

After a lousy day at 'the office' I thought these pictures were much more fun. This filly obviously couldn't work out quite what was in front of her and the little hinny didn't care to explain.

Why lousy? First of all Chancer had to have the first injection into the sarcoid on his eyelid. He withstood it very well and fortunately there were none of the instant side effects that there can be with BCG such as anaphylactic shock. Amy, as usual did a great job, and we will be seeing her again next week. Just a worry that's all.

Then Brandy's owners came over to see her and decided that the best way keep weight on her for the winter was to take the foal away. I know that this is the way things are on the Forest but I couldn't help feeling very sorry for her and her foal to be parted so abruptly. It is happening all over the Forest at the moment with the drifts on; she's not the only one. Luckily Nelly, Blue and Peechay turned up and took her off with them but I could hear her neighing all the way across the green. Luckily too she gave me something to really cry about. Having avoided injury all year she managed to jam my thumb against the gate latch and now I have a black nail and a skinless bit. Sat with my finger in the water butt for a while and cried my eyes out.

Then, to cap it all, my neighbour came to have a go about me having a 'habit' of taking trailers through to the front gate. Since I haven't taken anything that way for months or on more than the very odd occasion for years this feels unbelievably unfair. Letting one Commoner (who has the right to go anywhere) collect a foal from another Commoner (who also has a right to go anywhere) on one occasion does not constitute a habit. I think I am now going to be blamed for every stock trailer that goes in that direction simply because I have a stock trailer too. Galling because I have gone out of my way not to create any tension here.

This, just two days after I helped a customer to deliver her horse to another trainer for breaking in. That trainer sternly told me that she would rather have a horse when it had done nothing - so where was she when the horse didn't know how to lead, load, have his feet picked up or tie up? The two big lunging whips outside the stable block didn't fill me with great hope either.

In the grand scheme of things it isn't so bad. The anniversary of 9/11 certainly puts things more in perspective. I just wish I was a little more robust.

5th September, 2011 Wild boys

2011-09-05T18:47:00.000+01:00

Charlie, the Collie coloured pony, lives with four sheep

Available on www.logicalhorsemanship.co.uk, NFED or Amazon

It's getting to the time of year when people are thinking about halter training their foals and making sure they are ready to be microchipped. The requirement to microchip ponies could cause another welfare issue for ponies if it means that headcollars are forced on and foals forcibly restrained. Much better to get the halter work done quietly and nicely and to teach a foal how to stand, or to gently hold them with a figure of eight arrangement. I'll let you know how I get on with Peechay when his turn comes.

Charlie is a two year old Shetland colt that has lived out with his mother until very recently. His headcollar was put on in the trailer as he arrived and at some stage he has had his feet trimmed. He also managed to get out of the field and was manhandled back in again. My friends Katie and Andy called me in having done some initial work with a hand on a stick and I carried on with this today. By the end of the session he was accepting touch from the back to the front, under his neck and chin. He had also accepted the scarf around his neck and was starting to come towards a very gentle pressure. Back again on Thursday for another session.

3rd September, 2011 Traffic Chaos

2011-09-03T18:56:00.000+01:00

Guilda asks David whether he is The Stig

Me and my shadow

"...and what time did you say the MotoGP is on tomorrow?"

Not worried about the car sploshing through the puddle

"Do we need to thumb a lift?"

More traffic training with Guilda today. She has been a bit worried about traffic approaching from behind so lots of practice required with Kym keeping her own adrenalin way down too.

3rd September, 2011 On our way...!

2011-09-03T18:23:00.001+01:00

On the way home we met Jenny riding Splash out on the Forest. You will remember that this is 'Mystery Pony' who had the horse equivalent of a nervous breakdown following an incident just after Jenny bought her. It seemed at that time that her education was built on very wobbly foundations. A year on and Jenny has a stronger pony mentally and physically. She's done a great job with her. A shining example of IH enhanced with clicker training.

2nd September, 2011 Cow pony

2011-09-02T20:22:00.003+01:00

Back home via the horses to see Peechay out on the green with a herd of cows. One of these days I am going to photograph a day in the life of the Fritham water trough.

2nd September, 2011 Olympic Venue

2011-09-02T20:15:00.004+01:00

Off to Weymouth this morning to meet up with Sonny and Millie. Sonny, a pretty solid New Forest pony, is great under saddle but inclined to barge and to pull on the ground. We did some groundwork and worked on planning ahead so that his owner, G, chooses the route into the stable yard rather than him! G picked up the techniques from watching them just once and was soon looking a lot more confident. Millie a Welsh pony, came via the RSPCA and is another pony that has landed on her feet. Tracy, her owner, has only ever had two sessions with me and has got a firm grasp of the key concepts enabling her to befriend her pony changing her from a timid, wary pony into a confident and affectionate one.

" Thankyou once again for a very enjoyable and inspirational afternoon." TW

"Thank you for this (the notes) and for yesterday we have learnt so much. It was also lovely to see G watching, listening and working with you (and taking it all in). It was also the main topic of conversation last night!"KA

1st September, 2011 By George

2011-09-01T20:27:00.003+01:00

It's always wonderful when a pony falls on its feet with kind owners. George is a forest-bred New Forest pony that had already had three different owners by the time he was a yearling and had had his headcollar forced on him. He is still finding it difficult to overcome that experience even though he is quite brave about all kinds of other things. I have introduced clicker in the hope that his least favourite thing will become his most favourite.

"I would just like to say thank you again, for taking your time to come out and see me and George. I really enjoyed the whole experience and felt like me and George were already making some progress."CG

E-mail received 3rd September:
"Thought I'd keep you updated on George even though it's only been a few days! I did the touch and release technique with my partner Mike as George has always been very wary of him and after he had done this he was able to walk up to George and catch him in the paddock and lead him back in to his own field! We were both really chuffed as normally if George isn't on his lead rein Mike can't even go near him!" CG

31st August, 2011 Puck and co revisited

2011-08-31T19:33:00.003+01:00

Back to Puck and his sisters today and with Milly now accepting a headcollar very easily, it was time to see how Puck might feel about long reining. He took all the preparations in his stride and Molly thought that she might join in.

"I thought you did, as always, a great job. Well done and a big thank you. I can't tell you what it meant to see you and Puck in harmony together - that boy loves you to bits! Not forgetting dearest Milly in her head collar - gorgeous!" Angie