More New Horses: Bert and Ernie

[risuenaVT]

Dug out some pics of BB from about three months after my friend got her.

This photo, of Marzo (dark bay ottb, JC name: Ides de Marzo) and BB, about three months after my friend got them, really reminds me of one of the pics Heinz posted of Bert and Ernie in comment 96.

And then, just cause, here this pic of the two of them with my first lease, KC, who was the best grumpy yet sweet old man (RIP). I think both photos are from the first week after quarantine when she turned them out with the rest of her herd.

[MNick]

@Heinz_57 I haven’t been on for a few days and it looks like you’ve made quite a bit of progress already Bert’s behavior reminds me of my OTTB when I got him… guarded and curious. Now he’s a goon that loves to play. So fun, so cool to watch these boys grow!
Edited to add…they are going to be massive

[Heinz_57]

@MunchingonHay

this made me tear up and my heart swell for Bert and Ernie. I am so glad that found a soft landing with you.

There was a time when I would’ve felt more of a rush and listened to the horses less, but not anymore. Getting them caught is not as important as getting them to be willing to be caught, and I’d rather do it right or not do it at all.

@Paint_Party luckily, I have the good fortune of living somewhere warm enough that I can easily hose the mud off them this time of year

@risuenaVT she looks like a stout, smart girl!

@MNick yep. Bert especially is going to be LARGE, but I don’t think Ernie’s too far behind - just a little slower growing.

[ParadoxFarm]

Lovely! I will enjoy following them. We have a DHH who is also registered KWPN in the harness horse “book”. You may check with them as well.

My guy was very stoic at first. It took him maybe two months to show his sweeter side. He is still grumpy at feed times, but he does not hide in the back of his stall giving us the stink eye anymore.

[Heinz_57]

I’ll be resuming normal activities tomorrow - stay tuned.

For now, I can report that these two let DH pet them this afternoon much as I appreciate being the special chosen one, it’s always better when other humans can be trusted too.

Still have to use your imagination a bit to see what can be polished underneath all that scruffy hair and dirt, but they sure are cute. And both have joined the resounding chorus of nickers at feeding time.

[2bayboys]

Goodness, Ernie is all long legs and long nose!!

[Heinz_57]

Ernie and I are besties now.

In fact, we’re a little closer than I’d like. Boy thinks I’m his personal scratching post and personal space isn’t in his vocabulary. He leads, in the most general, roughest sense unless he wants to go a different way than I do. But he’s good natured, and that makes up for the lack of education. Haltering was a non-event.

Bert - Bert is mad at me right now. Bert isn’t one to be ignored for a few days and then expected to just pick up where we left off. Bert holds a grudge. I was, however, permitted to gently curry his face for a few seconds after he inspected it and the brush, which was too tickly. He also inspected the halter, accepted touching it but said that’s enough for now.

And when all was said and done, Bert was nice enough to chase Ernie into a trot for me to see They don’t really run around or play much so it was a rare treat.

Unfortunately I was not fast enough getting my phone out to catch anything good on video. I don’t want to start chasing them around at this point when I’m still trying to convince Bert to be my friend.

[Spudsmyguy]

Love Ernie’s matching socks.

[findeight]

Yay on the halters, likely they have seen them before or maybe just born broke. Thinking yeah OK if that is what you want instead of don’t come near me with that thing. Hopefully will continue when your food fairie wings have to come off

[Heinz_57]

They were led around in their Bowie videos, so both have definitely been haltered and led before.

I probably could’ve cornered and caught Ernie without a fight, and I probably could’ve fought Bert and eventually won, but “GOTCHA” methods are a last resort for me. I’d rather take the 10 days or whatever it takes to build the relationship and willingness that they choose to let me catch them (or in Ernie’s case, they catch me). It’s much more pleasant and less stressful for all of us!

Ernie’s well weaned off the “food for touches” exchange, now he just barges right up to me and asks for grooming. If anything he’s a little TOO friendly, no concept of manners yet, but he’s very go with the flow. Not hot or reactive at all, IMO - I see him being an ammy-friendly type, and he definitely has no idea he’s still intact right now. He still clacks his teeth at Bert when Bert is feeling grumpy.

Bert still needs a lot of time, he is much spicier and far more emotional about things. I’ll probably need to remove Ernie to make real headway with him.

All that said… I just saw Bert’s canter for the first time and it is TO DIE for. I can’t wait to get some video of these guys moving so I can share it!

[Heinz_57]

Let the groundwork begin! Today we touched on:

• How not to run your human over
• You have to go this way even if you don’t want to
• Giraffe Relaxation Techniques
  And our most crowning achievement:
• Backing Up Is Fun

[pony_grandma]

DHH are often used for dressage!

[fivestrideline]

Those floppy earssssss!!

I’m a sucker for a good chestnut. I have 4. And I know Bert is bay and being a princess about things at the moment but… he has my heart I think

Fancy canter and opinions? Sign me up lol

[findeight]

Also managed the first decent, halfway flattering camera pose here too

[cayuse]

Big change in a short time!

[Aussie_2020]

Love his ears! He looks so sad, are you giving him enough cookies for the back breaking work you’re expecting him to perform?

[Paint_Party]

@Heinz_57

I just saw Bert’s canter for the first time and it is TO DIE for.

I knew it! Wait until gobs of time have passed and he shows you how he can lope down a line to a scopey oxer.

[Paint_Party]

@Heinz_57

He still clacks his teeth at Bert when Bert is feeling grumpy.

What a sweetie baby.

He needs and wants a mom. And I think he found one.

[MNick]

Haltered and getting ground lessons Good job, Ernie! That’s fantastic Love that you aren’t rushing things with Bert. It’s so counterproductive when trying to gain trust!

[2bayboys]

@Paint_Party

@Heinz_57

I just saw Bert’s canter for the first time and it is TO DIE for.

I knew it! Wait until gobs of time have passed and he shows you how he can lope down a line to a scopey oxer.

That is exactly what I envisioned when I saw his movement video at Bowie!