Sonora deflated. ..

[Equine_Woman]

Miss Sonora has steadily gotten more and more 'confident' as her training has progressed. She has respect for Robert but it's somewhat lacking under saddle. Tonight she kicked out with him on her (like she did with me that time). This time she did it completely unprovoked, just walking along and let both back legs fly. She did it twice and Robert said "I'm tired of this." and I said, "I'm tired of watching it." So after a very brief discussion (in which we both fully agreed) he decided to lay her out.

She fought of course but it didn't take long and he had her on the ground. It was very well done and I was pretty darn impressed. I took pics of him messing around while she was on the ground. He touched all under her belly and sat on her, stood over her, messed with her sensitive areas. .. lol and after about 5 - 7 minutes he let her up with him on her. She was a COMPLETELY different horse after that. She said "Yes Sir" after every cue. I don't think that one time of this will work on Sonora. She's very stud like in her fighting skills. . .constantly testing. Somehow I think she'll have to have this lesson repeated but it sure was cool seeing the instant mind change. It was like a light bulb went on and her ego deflated!

I have pics!

The beginning of the ride started out normally!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4293904745_5195157ce0_b.jpg
Bridling

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4293906379_8e2881838d_b.jpg
Checking out Robert's guns. . .


Then this was the end of the second kick. . .
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs159.snc3/18649_263171793268_673398268_3390799_2381837_n.jpg

(in other words, "This is how the fight started. . ..")

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4294652454_24711b0cd6_b.jpg
And this is how it ended.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4294654372_401301bd4e.jpg
Lol. Robert showing his true personality. Multi-tasking. . .

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4294656322_1f47768f95.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4293916385_e04871f348.jpg
Removing the leg strap

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4293920203_8e19bac33d.jpg
Ready to try this again!!!

Anyways, just thought i'd share. Wish I would have taken video but I was explaining it to my son Wyatt the whole time so I didn't get to.


(Disclaimer: This was done by a trained professional, hopefully no one untrained on how to do this properly gets any ideas. It wasn't something just anyone should do and it wasn't an 'easy' fix. If done incorrectly this could seriously injure you or your horse.)

[luckydoublesranch]

Robert cracks me up!! Just couldn't let it ring huh?? LOL!

[Remali]

Wow, he seems like an impressive trainer..... I have to say I'm very impressed, a lot of trainers around here use a lot of harshness and force when doing things like this (well, maybe I wouldn't call some of the trainers in my area "trainers", lol), but your trainer looks very professional and calm...... and you can clearly see that Sonora was not freaked out or anything...... very well done! Great photos!!

[Arrow]

Cool pics, Robert is a good trainer, just right for Sonora!

[Equine_Woman]

Wow, he seems like an impressive trainer..... I have to say I'm very impressed, a lot of trainers around here use a lot of harshness and force when doing things like this (well, maybe I wouldn't call some of the trainers in my area "trainers", lol), but your trainer looks very professional and calm...... and you can clearly see that Sonora was not freaked out or anything...... very well done! Great photos!!

Yeah his theory is it's nothing personal. . . he wants Sonora to remain calm and not fighting. He's tried for a while to ignore some of her sassyness thinking she was looking for negative attention. It's not fading away though so it was time to remind her who she was messing with. . . He never looses his temper with any of the horses he works with and has infinite patience. I'm very glad to have him on my girl!

[Tiz]

Stinker! Interesting move to get on her before she gets up. I hope she makes the association in one lesson. Sass does get old.

[vicklynn]

I sure hope Sonora takes that lesson and remembers it. Glad it went well. He seems to be doing a good job on her. Cant type much one handed, but I will try more tomorrow.

[Equine_Woman]

Aww Vicky!! Thanks for showing up!! I've been thinking of you today!! Hope your are doing okay!!

[Equine_Woman]

Honestly I don't expect the one time to solve the problem. . . she's a horse that requires things like this to be repeated. . . but it was such a non-stressful event on us all that I have no qualms with her having it done again. She fought but it was never an explosion! It was just I don't wannna!!!! And then she just laid down slowly and did what he said. Who knows, she could surprise me! She definitely reacted well to it today! It felt like she matured about 2 years in about a 5 minute span. . .all without beings stressed or scared in any way.

[lovesfortune]

Great pictures as always. Glad your trainer rocks and he's kinda cute too. lol. Love the cell phone pics.

[AUEquine]

I think Senora learned a huge lesson today! No it won't solve all future problems, but there were finally some real consequences to her actions, and she'll remember that! I like your trainer, similar ideals. Ask nice, ask nice, ask not so nice, and make it happen! Love the pics... especially of the trainer... he's kinda cute! Love to see more pics of that pair!!!

[JackieB]

Impressive. After having seen this done by a professional, I wouldn't hesitate to allow it with my horse if I thought it was necessary.

[jeezitsjacki]

wow he did that wonderfully. I have seen and heard a lot of trainers who use force, and try to scare the horse and im suprised every time it doesnt end in a broken leg or dead trainer. Seems like Robert knows the right and calm way of doing things and how to handle a problem without getting angry. Hopefully she gets it!

[Equine_Woman]

Robert cracks me up!! Just couldn't let it ring huh?? LOL!

Heck no, that's the money phone! lol

Wow, he seems like an impressive trainer..... I have to say I'm very impressed, a lot of trainers around here use a lot of harshness and force when doing things like this (well, maybe I wouldn't call some of the trainers in my area "trainers", lol), but your trainer looks very professional and calm...... and you can clearly see that Sonora was not freaked out or anything...... very well done! Great photos!!

Thanks! She's in love with Robert. . it helps!

Cool pics, Robert is a good trainer, just right for Sonora!

I agree! I'm glad we have him!

Stinker! Interesting move to get on her before she gets up. I hope she makes the association in one lesson. Sass does get old.

It worked really well I think. She just stood up and off they went back to work!

Great pictures as always. Glad your trainer rocks and he's kinda cute too. lol. Love the cell phone pics.

Evidently there is some kind of consensus on this! He's going to get a big head!! I really want to do an engagement shoot with him and his fiance! Both pretty people! (And funny)

I think Senora learned a huge lesson today! No it won't solve all future problems, but there were finally some real consequences to her actions, and she'll remember that! I like your trainer, similar ideals. Ask nice, ask nice, ask not so nice, and make it happen! Love the pics... especially of the trainer... he's kinda cute! Love to see more pics of that pair!!!

And Robert's head goes up another notch! lol. He definately gave her more than enough chances to straighten up and fly right. ..

Impressive. After having seen this done by a professional, I wouldn't hesitate to allow it with my horse if I thought it was necessary.

I really think it was the only thing to do for her!!

wow he did that wonderfully. I have seen and heard a lot of trainers who use force, and try to scare the horse and im suprised every time it doesnt end in a broken leg or dead trainer. Seems like Robert knows the right and calm way of doing things and how to handle a problem without getting angry. Hopefully she gets it!

And I can't wait to see how she is doing on her next ride!!! Let's hope she learned an important lesson!!!!!!! Thanks everyone! Having people to share this experience with has sure made this more fun!

[lovesfortune]

okay, i just have to say it - I love his shirt. i know, totally unrelated to anything here, but that first shot, I'm like, "nice!" (especially after reading his comments on FB about needing to dress better)

[Equine_Woman]

Lol Yeah I like his style. We did a photo shoot before he worked with Sonora so I had 3 shirts to pick from. I'll have to post some of his shots from the photoshoot when I get home. It was a fun shoot. I was laying on the ground as he was running his horse at me and shooting. . .lot of fun!l

[lovesfortune]

sounds neat - definitely post them! :)

[CaddoCinnamon]

That was amazing. I am thinking also of having a professional trainer help me once I decide to ride Dee because she does that to. Sonora is looking great and it was nice to see that she wasn't scared at all. Well done EW and Robert.

[gabhainn]

I have the same gun.......Kevin

[vicklynn]

Honestly I don't expect the one time to solve the problem. . . she's a horse that requires things like this to be repeated. . . but it was such a non-stressful event on us all that I have no qualms with her having it done again. She fought but it was never an explosion! It was just I don't wannna!!!! And then she just laid down slowly and did what he said. Who knows, she could surprise me! She definitely reacted well to it today! It felt like she matured about 2 years in about a 5 minute span. . .all without beings stressed or scared in any way.
I like that 2 yrs in 5 min span..lol...
I sometimes wonder if city dosnt need that done once or twice.
Im glad that there is something that brings her tude down a bit.
she sure is gonna be one nice horse when done. looks and a good riding horse! what more can you ask for!!!

[ownedby7horses]

Beautiful pics! Robert seems like a perfect fit for Sonora!! He is kinda cute, I agree with Loves!! lol

She is so beautiful, I absolutely love her!

[Reinmaker]

Nice pics and I agree it looks like Robert is doing a fine job. You are a good owner too. Some owners just don't "get it", you do and that is so much nicer to deal with. So kudos to you too.

[alittleoffkey]

Great pictures! It looks as though Robert deserves his big head - the only other person I've ever seen lay a horse down like that was my cousin (who gave me Leggy).

I think the more calmly it's done, the less likely it is to have to be repeated. She's thinking instead of being terrified into submission. A neighbor-trainer uses fright-tactics when he lays a horse down, and he always does it several times (sometimes more than once in a row). My cousin always laid them down calmly in that 'nothing personal' way, and the horses always got the point in a couple of sessions. :)

[Equine_Woman]

I agree about doing it calmly! It seems like they realize the trainer is responsible for it instead of her just fighting and falling over. I haven't heard how his next ride went. . he was at a mustang makeover yesterday. I'll probably see him tomorrow.. going to be interesting to see if it's made any lasting impression!

[Equine_Woman]

Okay, here's one of the shots from our photoshoot! I'll make a thread when I get back from the rodeo tonight!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4294906914_d680e07be8_b.jpg

This is a shot for him to send to Cashel. They sponsor him in his Cowboy Mounted Shooting event.

[Equine_Woman]

Okay okay. . one more! Cause I had time!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4294908124_6bf575cf8d_b.jpg

[vicklynn]

Heck with Sonora. More shots of Robert!!! LOL

[GrungeEquestrian]

Great pictures, I agree very well done. Robert looks like a fabulous trainer, hopefully Sonora's light bulb will keep going on...and eventually stay on.

[mandisue]

We have done this with our one mare before, she was a WITCH before and as soon as she stood up, just like you said with sonora, wahla! Perfect mare. And after she never acted up again, she listened well and hardly ever balked at doing something again.


Wanted to ad you are very talented, those pics are AWESOME.

[peace_baby]

Heck with Sonora. More shots of Robert!!! LOL

:D :innocent:

Sonora looks great! I haven't posted on the other threads but I have been following along. She's so gorgeous! *Drools* And I also agree with Loves, AUE, and VL. :p

In all seriousness though, you have such talent with your camera. I really enjoy looking at the pictures you take!

[Me'N'Chic]

Very interesting...I am impressed...i will be eager to hear how she is in the next rides as well!

LOL, Vicklyn---I am with you there girlfriend!! ;)

[gaited07]

Heck with Sonora. More shots of Robert!!! LOL

OH VL:nono::nono:


It looks like Robert is quite the trainer and I'm sure Sonora now has more respect for her rider;) Good job!!!

Oh by the way, could we please have more educational shots of Robert, I mean Sonora with Robert:innocent:;):p (he sure is a cutie:))

[Equine_Woman]

Okay! I have heard the call for educational photos and have answered! lol Here's the link. . .

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/showthread.php?p=275439#post275439

[AUEquine]

I'll have to go check out that link in a second... might need to make it my screen saver!!!! hahaha... drool! BTW, have you told him he has an internet stalker group yet?

And I just thought of another thing after reading all the new posts. I also like that Robert stopped and talked to you about the behavior and his intentions to lay her down. Like reinmaker said, not all owners understand processes like that, and view them like a non-horse person watching a youtube video! So instead of just laying her right down, he took the time to consult with you the owner. Not that I think the owner should dictate all the training, they should at least be informed. And of course you're a well educated horse owner who understands different training techniques and their uses, and saw a positive training exercise, not horse abuse!

Also, your first pic of Robert you just posted, needs to be a ad for Cashel saddle pads!

Ok, off to drool over the other new pics!

[Equine_Woman]

I'll have to go check out that link in a second... might need to make it my screen saver!!!! hahaha... drool! BTW, have you told him he has an internet stalker group yet?

And I just thought of another thing after reading all the new posts. I also like that Robert stopped and talked to you about the behavior and his intentions to lay her down. Like reinmaker said, not all owners understand processes like that, and view them like a non-horse person watching a youtube video! So instead of just laying her right down, he took the time to consult with you the owner. Not that I think the owner should dictate all the training, they should at least be informed. And of course you're a well educated horse owner who understands different training techniques and their uses, and saw a positive training exercise, not horse abuse!

Also, your first pic of Robert you just posted, needs to be a ad for Cashel saddle pads!

Ok, off to drool over the other new pics!

Lol, I did tell him today that he had some fans here. . . his fiance got a huge kick out of it! lol.

I've been pretty involved with her training, much more so than most owners, mostly because we've become pretty good friends through the whole thing and have a lot of the same philosophies when it comes to horses. We ride together even when he's not training and hang out. I really like his fiance. If they stay in the area I can see where they would get to be some really good friends in my life!

And actually Madi (Robert's fiance) sent that photo to Cashel since they sponsor Robert so maybe it will be an ad. They like to use the people they sponsor in their ads and since Robert won his division at the world CMSA finals last year so they may use it! It was shot as an advertisement of Cashel obviously. lol. Wouldn't normally put so much focus on a brand but it's what we were after!

[Bessie13]

I enjoy your photos as well. They are beautiful. I love Sonoras expression when she is both on the ground and when he is on her waiting for her to stand. She is like... ok daddy is here and he is king. Great job and enjoy her training posts.

[Equine_Woman]

Robert told me yesterday he taught Sonora some new tricks but he wasn't going to tell me what they are until I get there Sunday! lol. Curiosity is killing me!

[vicklynn]

Oh I cant wait to hear what he has done!

Fans,,,not,,,drooling ladies is more like it...LOL