Val was MUCH improved today. We went into the round pen again (this time armed with a flash for the bridle!!! Yea!!!!!). The flash didn't help all THAT much--he has very dexterous lips, but at least it helped him understand a little more that he's not supposed to grab a hold of equipment and "take over".
We started out with a "trail walk" and he was very well behaved. We had horses who got very upset seeing him walk by and started galloping back and forth excited, egging him on to join them, and while he went to the end of the lead rope and tossed around a little bit, it was nothing that wasn't easily handleable and he "came back" and kept walking quietly within a stride or two. Great opportunity, and I even asked him to STOP, STAND and STAY while the horses right next to where he was standing were running around and snorting like idiots and he DID. It was also a COLD WINDY day, and he was much better overall. Still gotta work on bridling without chewing on the bridle or tossing me over with his head, though.
Now that the round pen environment wasn't as fascinating, he was much better. I think Dolly insulted him before LOL! He was able to walk, trot, stop, stand, and move OUT! and away from me on command much easier and was very attentive and responsive. He did try the "stop, stand and IGNORE" evasion tactic a couple times, but didn't persist with it and overall was much better and more consistant. He responded better to my insistance that he not chew on the lunge line, lead line etc. Since he was doing SO well, I spent time roughhousing with him when he stopped on command, grabbing his head and "mugging" him (and daring him to try to bite me.....he's got to learn "acceptable play" with humans!) and he was very good. Didn't try to bite, but sure did lift me off the ground a couple times. Strong bugger!
He did MUCH better, going all the way out to the edge of the round pen, still tried to stop and talk to Dolly, but was better about anticipating that I would not let him and stopped trying.
We jumped some poles in hand at the end and he was good about getting the bridle off and general handling/manners in his stall. His stall manners overall have greatly improved and continue to do so every day.
3 comments:
Yay! I wish I could have seen Dolly give him the what for! LOL That had to be priceless! Tell her thanks!
Val is a world class planter! Sometimes he stands looking at me and won't budge! Then he pouts when I get after him and I cave. Not a winning combination! I see you have gotten around that in a hurry! Great Job!
This was really fun to read! I love your descriptions! LOL
Fran
Dolly charged the round pen several times that first day, ears pinned and full force. She always stopped about 10 feet from the fence. Even kicked up at the round pen when she'd turn back around to go eat her round bale. She really let her opinion be known, and I was yelling "thanks for the backup Dolly!" from the center. It really was a hoot.
Sunday she just pinned her ears and looked meanly at him without interrupting her hay any time he tried to stop. I think it was enough. Her point had been made!
WOW! Dolly sounds like she was taking no prisoners! Just wanted to give Mom a hand. That's amazing, and she is just the sweetest thing too. She's not taking nonsense from any juveniles!
I just love that girl!
Fran
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