Hi all, just posting an update on my horse who had surgery on his hoof in June. Transition to turnout went well. Conditions have been too wet for 24 hour turnout so he’s out during the day, in at night, and I’ve been meticulous about hoof care and applying keratex hoof gel. Hoof wall looks great.
Soon to start tack walking.
It has been an interesting journey. I don’t feel that this time has been wasted as all of the consistent Handwalking and gently insisting on his full attention and good manners has really reaped great benefits. Even in full work he’s always been ‘exuberant’ and could be a handful.
Because recovery requires that he stays under control with no leaping about I really had to resort to making tiny corrections very early, and not going to step B if A is not perfect. Seems to eager coming out of the stall? Then put him back and don’t walk out of it until he’s focused on me. Little snaky head shake? Gets an immediate and mild pull on his lead, and we stop until he stands quietly and then proceed. Paying attention to these little details has paid off so much and I feel he’s now got the habit of paying attention and being such a good boy - I’m proud of him.
He also listens to me now when scary things happen - I can say Easy and put a hand on his wither and he’ll flick an ear ito me and look at me rather than spooking.
I hope this carries over to riding. I know I will not use ace as I tried it when first Handwalking and don’t like him on it. I feel I get better results being very consistent and methodical.
He has also lost some annoying habits like chewing on lead ropes and cross ties.
This experience has made me think of all the training method and ground work Approaches I’ve studied. Very little of the ‘recipe’ methods were of use. Some basic
Philosophies have been useful, paired with me just looking at the horse in front of me and trying to figure out how I’m going to get the job done quietly, and what exact behaviors I want. The biggest helpful idea is Ray Hunts - about most people doing too much too late, instead of a little, early. I think you have to have a very specific plan, then be a very good observer and react quickly,
I’ll post again when we are riding.
