This last week has been about de spooking with the gang, Segura has seen the objects before so her calm influence will tell the ponies that all is ok to go ahead and explore. It has been facinating as both Hope and Valiente have been engaged and wanting to explore and investigate. This is very interesting as horses which are shut down generally do not want to explore their surroundings and get involved with what is going on. they are in a sad place and their SEEKING system is depressed. It was really good to see especially Valiente being so curious.
I started the week by hanging things in the trees, a ball, a dog toy and a large water bottle, as the gang now understand targetting I asked them to approach each object calmly and investigate the swinging objects.
We walked from object to object targetting each one, practicing standing calmly and then walking on again to the next.
The different objects were ready for when the gang came down to the main field after having their breakfast. Having new things just appear is great as they get used to unexpected things happening. This actually becomes a concept to the horses as the reinforcement history with new things becomes rewarding and nothing to worry about. What might have been a big spook, spin or bolt previously will become a lesser reaction and much safer all round. As we know we can’t prepare for every situation in the real world, but de- spooking exercises will help our horses learn to deal with the unexpected.
Other things I’ve used this week include a childs’ shopping trolley and a robot (eventually this will be switched on too with ligts and noise)
Next object a big pub umbrella left inside the rectangle so that everyone stays safe whilst they have a good look.
First down to the field was Segura………………………followed by the ponies.
The week has gone really well so we finished off with  a plastic sheet on the ground, which is different underfoot and sounds peculiar when walked on too giving them more to think about. I had placed the familar barrel with target stick in front to encourage them to touch that first if they were hesitant.
As you can see from the video Segura had a look then decided that it was nothing to bother about and wandered off to forrage in the field. This was great as it gave Hope and Valiente time to touch and smell safe in the knowledge that she wasn’t worried so they shouldn’t be either. Their confidence was lovely to see and I rewarded them by throwing some alfalfa nuts onto the plastic to reinforce them and keep building their positive experiences. Barrel with target stick not needed 🙂
In between sessions I have been leaving the wheelbarrow and buckets in un expected places, upside down and back to front. I’ve noticed that over the week the gang have been looking at these things less and less. In the real world I want my horses to be prepared, but certainly not shut down, non reactive and internalising fear. I want them to communicate with me how they feel so I can support them if they feel anxious at any point.
Another interesting, enjoyable week all round out in the gorgeous sunshine we are blessed with at the moment. So it’s off to buy some batteries for the robot and raid the childrens’ toy cupboards for more novel objects ready for next time.
Cortijo de Segura 