training

well I spent a couple of hours moving the horses from the field back on to the livery yard. Free decided the horsebox was the most frightning thing he'd ever seen in his life and angel ran off to the other side of the field to hide. So i had to chase her around until she decided to cooperate.
All the horses were pleased to be back and I decided to make the most of the indoor areana to get some much needed schooling started. Caitlan and Free worked on their parelli level one exercises. Free has learned to follow, move away and halt on direction without using a rope. They also worked on his free jumping, top of the wings, not bad for a baby.
Lolly started his parelli training and did very well with his following and halting. Bee and angel had a jumping lesson with caitlan and her friend connor. Pete and I hacked spook and baby up to the local pond to practice their road work in heavy traffic. Pretty good day all round.

equine facillitated learning

Just realised some people will have no idea what my horses do. Through exercises and interaction with the horses, people can learn about confidence, body language, positive social demenour, independence, asertiveness, cooperation and lots more. It is ideal for management training, adolecents with behavioural problems, autism, depression and lots of other people too. In fact anyone wanting to build self esteem and social skills would benifit. Currently only spook and bee are trained to perform the exercises but the other four are also in training. it takes quite a long time to train the horses to be safe to use and not all personalities are suited to the job. Our Baby will unfortunately never be suitable although he is great for normal riding lessons. The horses that can do it have to be very gentle and willing with no sign of impatience or it can be off putting to the learner.
so to have another one showing potential is great.
the weathers improved now, the sun is shining finally so i think a spot of showjump building could be just the thing for this afternoon.

4 april

Wonderful british weather has caused trouble again. We've finally given up with trying to fitten the horses in a deep muddy field and it's time to go back to the livery yard. Spook and bee have some bookings for equine facilitated learning so definately time to get some work done.
Am a little worried about the foot and mouth in bulgaria. I hope it doesn't spread right round the country like it did here.
Lolly is slowly improving. As the youngest of the gang he has a lot to learn before he can be trusted to take part in lessons. but he's getting there. Yesterday he learned to lead quietly for autistic children. what a star.
Time to check the horse box ready for leaving the field tomorrow. Fingers crossed they feel co operative.