The Lockdown Series!

At present most of the world is in lockdown while we get this virus under control.  So many lives have been lost – as well as other’s lives being disrupted.  It’s a tough time for all.  However, I am in the fortunate position of living on land and having my horses here.  My lifestyle hasn’t changed too much.

I came up with the idea of posting a video each day while we are in lockdown.  They will just show everyday life here in the horse shed as I look after my four boys!  I’m sure some will be more interesting than others!  I will go through hoof trimming and worming with Magnum – and also putting a rug on him for the first time.  Here is the rug video

If you have been following my blog, you will know Magnum’s story – from the horse that could not be touched to a clicker star!  You will also understand why the process of introducing new things – and even familiar things – is so slow and steady!

I also feature the other three horses.  I try to give them all a turn each morning!  Here is Ducati having a turn!

We are coming out of a wet summer –  Saadi has Queenland Itch – or Sweet Itch so requires daily attention – and unfortunately this year Magnum has had a skin condition all over his body – as well as the regular pastern dermatitis.  Danny has cut his leg, which I am bandaging – and recently Ducati trapped himself in a group of wattle trees in the paddock and had to be rescued!

This video shows Danny getting his leg bandaged!

So there is never a dull moment!  And through all these moments, it’s the clicker training that shines.  It makes each step so much easier – and the only time it fails is when the trainer (me) messes up!  But fortunately horses are very forgiving!

The more I do this, the more I learn – I gain more and more understanding – I constantly try and put myself in their hooves!  I want to treat them in a way that I’d like to be treated.

I always think of the words Karen Pryor said to me when I met her at Clicker Expo in 2014.  She asked what animal I trained as she signed a copy of her book for me.  I told her I train horses.  “That’s wonderful to hear” she said…. “Because horses are the most misunderstood creatures and there needs to be more and more positive reinforcement trainers for them…”

I also know I made a promise to them.  If you go back to this post you can read about it Part 23 – Equitana…… an awakening….

I will keep working on that promise.  I will keep being kind.  And I will keep on spreading the word.

So if you would like to see these videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WqVZApkMzxuN7IPrIgMQw

And please stay safe during this time!

IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS STORY, PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING HERE – Part 1 – An Introduction

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