At 15:49:39 on 16.10.09, Flicka wrote:
I read about a trainer called Emma Massingale a while ago who had helped rehabilitate a really difficult horse by getting it to play football. I found this idea interesting and it tied in with something else I'd read in the past about an Australian natural trainer who takes on difficult horses and then uses them to herd sheep which seems to sort them out. I take it that a horse moving an object or another animal gives it confidence? I would be interested to know what anyone thinks and whether you have used a football to train your horse.

At 23:10:02 on 25.10.09, plodalong wrote:
hi flicka, i play with Bojangles with a big gym ball,i tried a football but he almost tripped himself up when the ball got stuck between his legs, the big gym ball does the job.I think it has helped bo to be less afrraid of moving things, now he will trot to the ball, push it with his nose and kick it, he will do it while being ridden.and appears to usually have fun with it.To get him used to it when i first introduced it i would have bo on a long leadrope and roll the ball in front of him until he got curious enough to sniff it.and realise that it would cause no harm. the reason i started with the ball in front of bo was because i was trying to think like a horse and predators dont uusually run away,

At 08:23:34 on 26.10.09, Flicka wrote:
Hi Plodalong-yes that's what I was thinking of getting a gymball, think that's what the horse is kicking in the picture. I'll start off with the lunge rein like you suggest. Glad you answered my question because you've prompted me to go out and get one today!! By the way when I was on my horse listening course we used the see saw as in your pic-it was great fun and such a good idea-want to make one for home-all these things are so good for your relationship with your horse. Be interested to know what other things you use.

At 19:27:05 on 26.10.09, plodalong wrote:
i try to introduce things that will get his attention and get his mind working. the last introduction a few weeks ago was a plastic fly thing, they are often used on the caravan door to prevent flies from getting in. long coloured strips. i got my other half to put some old frame tent poles into the end of strong hose pipe then bend the pipe and put into the top of cones. this is then secure, make sure that its high enough for your horse to go through it without catching his head.then get the coloured plastic strips and fasten them onto the arch you have just made. zip ties did this job. now for the fun bit, just have it in your play area and act as though its not there. take no notice of it even if its windy and your horse is a little worried.when he gets curious then play with him closer and closer .after a few play sessions he will ignore it because it hasnt caused him any harm so far. now play approach and retreat. if he willingly takes a step toward it then ask him to back away from it.that is his reward.now when you get a real willingness to investigate and your horse wants to put his nose on it let him and then leave it another day.eventually he will rush through it, reward in whatever way is appropriate for you both and leave it again for another day.Bo will now just walk through it ,even when its really windy and the plastic strips are blowing everywhere.I know this as the squeeze game.it helps your horse to gain confidence in you as a leader and in his enviroment.forgot to say. you should ask your horse to go through while you stand to the side ,not by leading him through.this game also helps horses to go into trailers first,thus ensuring the safety of the handler.We havnt quite got to grips with the teeter totter.if your horse will do all this then you can up the anti by taking off the plastic strips maing another arch so you are using two ,cover them with a tarp making a tent type archway and start again with the approach and retreat.asking your horse to walk through.When i first got bo he wouldnt stand while i sprayed fly spray. i got one of those air freshners that make the same noise whilst dispensing at intervals the air freshner, you can imagine the comments i got. bo soon got used to the sound as i put it high up in his stable and set it off every time he came in. eventually he never worried and accepted flyspray without fear.Bo has his feathers dried with a hair dryer and has just had a bib clip without any fuss at all. the clipper man said he wished more horses wwere as accepting of the clippers.if you want more ideas look for a book by rio barret, she was a parelli trainer, the book is called 101 naturalhorsemanship excercises to do with your horse, have fun,keep it interesting and keep your horse thinking not reacting.

At 19:14:28 on 27.10.09, Flicka wrote:
Thanks for that Plodalong-that should keep me busy!! And thanks for tip on the book sounds interesting. By the way here's a pic of Ruth and Daisy who were on the Horse Listening course with me going over the seesaw.

At 11:42:54 on 28.10.09, plodalong wrote:
just look at the interest that daisy is displaying,ears forward,sniffing,and she looks as though she is enjoying herself,its always nice to see happy horses.

At 12:59:08 on 29.10.09, Flicka wrote:
Hi Plodalong-found this video of Rio Barrett doing her thing-love it!!

At 13:05:42 on 29.10.09, Flicka wrote:
And here is another good vid-this time of her students-more inspiration!!

At 19:58:47 on 29.10.09, plodalong wrote:
thank you Flicka, i enjoyed the clips, thats what natural horsemanship is all about, love ,language and leadership in equal doses.

At 07:15:27 on 09.12.09, Sue862 wrote:
"football for horses"