I met a very special little horse today - one of those 17 hand horses in a 11.2 hh suit. Diesel is a four year old Shire horse who has lived an idyllic, almost semi-feral life, as a youngster. My friend Claire has recently been enlisted to begin training him for driving, the only issue being that he doesn't want (or know) how to be caught, and doesn't like anyone touching his face or the lower parts of his legs. Claire, who worked with Spotted Pony, Barney who appears on the front of one of my books, knew exactly where she wanted to start. Clicker training! Only problem, he wouldn't accept treats from her hand. I advised her to try different foodstuffs but couldn't resist the temptation to go and meet him myself.
Diesel arrived with a headcollar on but until he accepts having his face touched, it doesn't seem like a good idea to take it off. Claire's first concern is to 'seduce' his face and show him that it is pleasant to have it touched. With a soft scarf to hand, we began by offering him coarse mix as a clickered treat and for the first time he began to softly take food from the hand.
Having found the key, Claire and I then took it it in turns to start touching his face and asking him to touch the scarf and our hands. All the time he was very focused and really thinking about what he was doing.
Leaving Claire with the scarf, I was no longer needed, but I imagine I will find some excuse to go and see him.
p.s. David informs me that two stroke is made with petrol not diesel. Sort of spoils the pun.
