Hi all,
Silke is learning to accept the bit, we tried several and finally ended with a great myler bit that I had, she loves it. she has accepted bending and flexing with the bit and she is backing ok with it, but needs more improvement. I desensitized her to the tarp and she was not even a bit concerned she actually carried it around for a while until it dropped and she didn't react in the least. I even put it over her head, no problem. she is learning to accept all kinds of saddles, treeless, English and western of all shapes sizes and weights. she even got one with a back cinch and she barely noticed. I want her to have every experience possible. I want no surprises, later if I can help it. I am working with her 2 times per day, 5 days a week. the progress is great. I noticed that she didn't move away from solid pressure on her sides as well as I like so we are working on that too. All in all she is coming around nicely. Thanks for listening
Cheryl & Silke
ground play
May 2011 Silke's blog
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Silke n me
Hi all,
Silke has learned to do a lot of wonderful things and she is coming along nicely, however, not everything has gone perfectly. she has learned to buck under saddle, I know that a lot of you will want to send me well meaning advice on this subject, however that is not my reason for sharing with you. I want you to all realize that any horse can buck, bolt, kick, bite and much more. Silke has done everything she would normally do out in a herd of horses. I wish I could say that none of these things had happened, but they have. Silke is still a fabulous horse and I have no doubts that this too will pass, (sometimes like a kidney stone) she has already improved so much. I am really enjoying this wonderful horse. She truly is a wild horse and I am very fortunate to be her owner.
Thank you for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Silke has learned to do a lot of wonderful things and she is coming along nicely, however, not everything has gone perfectly. she has learned to buck under saddle, I know that a lot of you will want to send me well meaning advice on this subject, however that is not my reason for sharing with you. I want you to all realize that any horse can buck, bolt, kick, bite and much more. Silke has done everything she would normally do out in a herd of horses. I wish I could say that none of these things had happened, but they have. Silke is still a fabulous horse and I have no doubts that this too will pass, (sometimes like a kidney stone) she has already improved so much. I am really enjoying this wonderful horse. She truly is a wild horse and I am very fortunate to be her owner.
Thank you for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Monday, June 27, 2011
Icelandics are different?
Hi All,
I went out to the barn last night at 8:30 PM it was great, Silke and I decided to go into the big Arena and just "Play" I am so impressed with her. I have worked her at liberty (off line) in the oval pen and the round coral, but she tries to bolt when I work online in the big arena (with others around). Last night was different, she played the stick to me game and followed me all over the arena, I even sat down in the dirt and she stood over me with her head down. we were both quite comfortable with each other. I have had a couple of my trainer friends work with her while I watched over the last few weeks and it was very interesting to see how she reacts to others. I really learned a lot about her and about me. It was wonderful to watch and it was also difficult to watch because I wanted to tell them how I do things and how I move with her, I really had to bite my tongue so that I could see the purity of her reactions. I was the only person in the Arena last night with Silke and I know that if I had tried to ride her it would have been a wonderful ride. I didn't because I knew if something happened, I would be out there by myself for a very long time and I didn't have my cell phone with me, Oh and I don't really bounce anymore, I am not as young as I feel. I know I could have ridden her easily. I did climb all over her and sit on her and she just dropped her head.
The funny thing that happened was that my Cat (Miss Kitty) decided to join in on the fun so she jumped up onto the mounting bench and introduced herself to Silke, Silke put her nose gently down to say Hi to her and Miss Kitty decided to let her know that she is the owner of the barn she promptly slapped her in the nose, and Silke pulled her head away but did not spook at all and Miss Kitty didnot use her claws. It was great!
The other interaction was with my Dog (Allie) she is not usually allowed in the Arena but I asked her in and Silke went right up to her and They said Hello and it was OK.
At one point Silke decided to walk away to the corner where she can reach grass under the rail, (where she normally bolts to) I just walked over and grabbed her a handful of grass and fed it to her she looked at me sideways and dropped her head. I think she figured out that she doesn't have to leave me to get where she wants to go. I can't wait till tonight!
Thanks for listening!
Cheryl and Silke
I went out to the barn last night at 8:30 PM it was great, Silke and I decided to go into the big Arena and just "Play" I am so impressed with her. I have worked her at liberty (off line) in the oval pen and the round coral, but she tries to bolt when I work online in the big arena (with others around). Last night was different, she played the stick to me game and followed me all over the arena, I even sat down in the dirt and she stood over me with her head down. we were both quite comfortable with each other. I have had a couple of my trainer friends work with her while I watched over the last few weeks and it was very interesting to see how she reacts to others. I really learned a lot about her and about me. It was wonderful to watch and it was also difficult to watch because I wanted to tell them how I do things and how I move with her, I really had to bite my tongue so that I could see the purity of her reactions. I was the only person in the Arena last night with Silke and I know that if I had tried to ride her it would have been a wonderful ride. I didn't because I knew if something happened, I would be out there by myself for a very long time and I didn't have my cell phone with me, Oh and I don't really bounce anymore, I am not as young as I feel. I know I could have ridden her easily. I did climb all over her and sit on her and she just dropped her head.
The funny thing that happened was that my Cat (Miss Kitty) decided to join in on the fun so she jumped up onto the mounting bench and introduced herself to Silke, Silke put her nose gently down to say Hi to her and Miss Kitty decided to let her know that she is the owner of the barn she promptly slapped her in the nose, and Silke pulled her head away but did not spook at all and Miss Kitty didnot use her claws. It was great!
The other interaction was with my Dog (Allie) she is not usually allowed in the Arena but I asked her in and Silke went right up to her and They said Hello and it was OK.
At one point Silke decided to walk away to the corner where she can reach grass under the rail, (where she normally bolts to) I just walked over and grabbed her a handful of grass and fed it to her she looked at me sideways and dropped her head. I think she figured out that she doesn't have to leave me to get where she wants to go. I can't wait till tonight!
Thanks for listening!
Cheryl and Silke
Friday, June 24, 2011
Silke's progress June 2011
Hi all,
Silke and I are really getting to know each other. we are spending a lot of time together. I have to brag a little she is really good at getting wormed, we have practiced by putting my finger in her mouth where the bit would go and every time she lowers her head I take it out, it is a great game to play. she is wonderful for the farrier he has no problem with her at all. she will stand tied for as long as I ask her to. I think her first long trailer ride convinced her to just stand there and not move. We are going to give her, her first shots this week, but I doubt she will be too upset. her biggest issue is the first touch of the day, but once she realizes it is OK she is fine.
Silke has had a few flight moments but they are getting to be a lot less dramatic. I am starting to get every one that is available to touch her so she gets more used to it from other people. She is now accepting my worker to put her out in her pasture each day, but she still won't let him catch her. I go out to her pasture and call her name and she comes to me with her head down and waits for me to put everything on, it is the same everyday!
Thanks for listening,
Silke and Cheryl
Silke and I are really getting to know each other. we are spending a lot of time together. I have to brag a little she is really good at getting wormed, we have practiced by putting my finger in her mouth where the bit would go and every time she lowers her head I take it out, it is a great game to play. she is wonderful for the farrier he has no problem with her at all. she will stand tied for as long as I ask her to. I think her first long trailer ride convinced her to just stand there and not move. We are going to give her, her first shots this week, but I doubt she will be too upset. her biggest issue is the first touch of the day, but once she realizes it is OK she is fine.
Silke has had a few flight moments but they are getting to be a lot less dramatic. I am starting to get every one that is available to touch her so she gets more used to it from other people. She is now accepting my worker to put her out in her pasture each day, but she still won't let him catch her. I go out to her pasture and call her name and she comes to me with her head down and waits for me to put everything on, it is the same everyday!
Thanks for listening,
Silke and Cheryl
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Silke's progress June 2011
Hi All,
Sorry I have been very busy and I will have to get you all caught up on the latest info. Silke and I are working on other people handling her, we are having a lot of ups and downs, litterally. she has had some very good days and she has had some days where she decided she was not going to let anyone else touch her. I play with her every day just a little so it is starting to be very consistent. Today she let my worker put her out into the pasture, but she would not let him bring her back in from the pasture, but when I go out and call her name she looks up and comes to me with her head down as if to say oh it's you, no problem and I halter her and take her in or I hand her to my husband or worker to be put in, that seems to help, but they are not always available for the process.
I am starting to put the saddle on again and get her used to it now that the weather is starting to cooperate a little, but I am taking it really slow so she accepts it well and consistently. That seems to be very important for her progress. Let me tell you she is 7 yrs old and she is experiencing humans handling and riding her for the very first time in her life, there was no foal imprint training she has had to learn all the firsts in her life since November, when I got her. She is very good at remembering everything I teach her and everything she experiences, good or not so good. This part of her training is not as progressive or interesting to the readers as it was in the beginning. But, I have to say I am enjoying every minute of the time I get to spend with her, it is so amazing to know that I am helping her to be a willing part of my life and I am grateful for this opportunity to be a part of her life. Thank you for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Sorry I have been very busy and I will have to get you all caught up on the latest info. Silke and I are working on other people handling her, we are having a lot of ups and downs, litterally. she has had some very good days and she has had some days where she decided she was not going to let anyone else touch her. I play with her every day just a little so it is starting to be very consistent. Today she let my worker put her out into the pasture, but she would not let him bring her back in from the pasture, but when I go out and call her name she looks up and comes to me with her head down as if to say oh it's you, no problem and I halter her and take her in or I hand her to my husband or worker to be put in, that seems to help, but they are not always available for the process.
I am starting to put the saddle on again and get her used to it now that the weather is starting to cooperate a little, but I am taking it really slow so she accepts it well and consistently. That seems to be very important for her progress. Let me tell you she is 7 yrs old and she is experiencing humans handling and riding her for the very first time in her life, there was no foal imprint training she has had to learn all the firsts in her life since November, when I got her. She is very good at remembering everything I teach her and everything she experiences, good or not so good. This part of her training is not as progressive or interesting to the readers as it was in the beginning. But, I have to say I am enjoying every minute of the time I get to spend with her, it is so amazing to know that I am helping her to be a willing part of my life and I am grateful for this opportunity to be a part of her life. Thank you for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Silke's The Velveteen Horse
Hi all,
I want you to know that I have been spending time with Silke about 3 to 4 times a day. I go out every morning and catch her in the stall and put her in her own pasture next to other horses. she eats and then I go back out and catch her several times during the day and sometimes I just let her go again and other times I just pick grass for her to eat out of my hand. I also take her into the round pen and we play at liberty (no lead or halter) she follows me around the pen and goes wherever I go she seems to really like playing that game. then I walk away and ask her to stay and I walk up to her to halter her several times, she is getting so good she lowers her head and leans into me to make it easy to put the halter on. I know this sounds very basic. I am the only one who can catch her right now so I am creating a pattern so that others can catch her too. sometimes my husband can get her, but my worker tries to sneak up on her and she has his number and she won't let him do it. she will let a few other get away with it from time to time, but I am the only one who can get it every time. I hope this helps those of you who are having trouble catching your horses. I have had to leave the halter on so I could get hold of it, ( something I would never do with any other horse) I also give treats, something I normally would not do. I am really enjoying my extra time spent with Silke It has really given me a lot of ways to read a horse and has taught me how to understand her way of thinking.
Today she was so good at everything that I thought I would introduce her to the hose of cold water. I was surprised at how well she accepted the water touching her mouth and then she was curious enogh to let it touch her feet and when ever she would relax I would turn it off or move it away. she stepped back a couple of times but she really was enjoying the game of touch and go with the water tomorrow will be even better. she likes to be with me and play the games of exploring new things.
As you all know by now we have a match for her DNA and she will be able to be registered soon. It reminds me of the book the" Velveteen Rabbit " she is now real to me.
Thanks for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
I want you to know that I have been spending time with Silke about 3 to 4 times a day. I go out every morning and catch her in the stall and put her in her own pasture next to other horses. she eats and then I go back out and catch her several times during the day and sometimes I just let her go again and other times I just pick grass for her to eat out of my hand. I also take her into the round pen and we play at liberty (no lead or halter) she follows me around the pen and goes wherever I go she seems to really like playing that game. then I walk away and ask her to stay and I walk up to her to halter her several times, she is getting so good she lowers her head and leans into me to make it easy to put the halter on. I know this sounds very basic. I am the only one who can catch her right now so I am creating a pattern so that others can catch her too. sometimes my husband can get her, but my worker tries to sneak up on her and she has his number and she won't let him do it. she will let a few other get away with it from time to time, but I am the only one who can get it every time. I hope this helps those of you who are having trouble catching your horses. I have had to leave the halter on so I could get hold of it, ( something I would never do with any other horse) I also give treats, something I normally would not do. I am really enjoying my extra time spent with Silke It has really given me a lot of ways to read a horse and has taught me how to understand her way of thinking.
Today she was so good at everything that I thought I would introduce her to the hose of cold water. I was surprised at how well she accepted the water touching her mouth and then she was curious enogh to let it touch her feet and when ever she would relax I would turn it off or move it away. she stepped back a couple of times but she really was enjoying the game of touch and go with the water tomorrow will be even better. she likes to be with me and play the games of exploring new things.
As you all know by now we have a match for her DNA and she will be able to be registered soon. It reminds me of the book the" Velveteen Rabbit " she is now real to me.
Thanks for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Silke's progress
Hi all,
Silke has been making such great progress lately. She watched as Sally trimmed her Andalusian Horse with Clippers and she was less than 5 feet away she was not bothered at all and she ignored them after a while and just turned her back and started eating. she also had her feet washed at the wash rack, she didn't like it but she stood still long enough for me to end on a good note so we can build on it tomorrow. the best thing that is happening is that she is finally allowing other people to catch her to lead her outside and then back into her stall. my husband even did it with out any assistance!!!! she comes when I call her name and motion with my hand to come. I am so pleased.
Thanks for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
Silke has been making such great progress lately. She watched as Sally trimmed her Andalusian Horse with Clippers and she was less than 5 feet away she was not bothered at all and she ignored them after a while and just turned her back and started eating. she also had her feet washed at the wash rack, she didn't like it but she stood still long enough for me to end on a good note so we can build on it tomorrow. the best thing that is happening is that she is finally allowing other people to catch her to lead her outside and then back into her stall. my husband even did it with out any assistance!!!! she comes when I call her name and motion with my hand to come. I am so pleased.
Thanks for listening,
Cheryl & Silke
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