Videos of Beauty's hoof training [Archive]

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 11:39 AM

Natisha thought I should post Beauty's hoof training videos. I decided I would because some one could definitely learn from them- Natisha's training method is awesome!

You guys know how Beauty is about having her hooves handled- impatient, pushy, always moving around and jerking away . And she kicked at the farrier and wouldn't let him trim her back hooves at all. And was very nervous about the fronts. When she misbehaves with the farrier I think she's nervous and probably a little pissed too. When she misbehaves with me it's just bad manners, she's not scared of me. So I decided it was past time to do something about it. She needs to respect me and her hoof issues are getting ridiculous (remember she's 14 years old.).

So I've been working with her following a method that Natisha is teaching me. She gives me instructions and I try to follow them. I've done it three times so far. I know I made some mistakes (Natisha is a great teacher though so I'm getting the hang of it) but the results are still pretty amazing, at least I think so. Obviously there's still more to do and I'm still going to work with her as often as I can, at least every other day. I'm taking it slow with her. One step at a time.

If you're interested, here are the videos in order:

First time: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b2a5f358d8e730adb20acb

Second time: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b2c730e407e740c76c2d8f

Third time (last night): http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b300494deb4220d40fc0bf

Ignore my extreme vampire-like paleness, fatness, dorky helmet (I was a little worried about getting kicked in the head if she freaked out) and you can mute the audio if you don't want to hear me babbling to my horse and sounding like a moron.:innocent:

ETA: oops, this should have been in the Training & Tack section. My bad!:o

JackieB

06-21-2010, 11:52 AM

Holy Smokes! I'm only a few minutes into the first video and she looks like a wild mustang (sort of)!!!!! That is awful. And she's doing that with you!

I can't wait to watch the rest and then the other videos when she gets better. It's time to lay down the flippin' law with that horse. You're right that she's not even the tiniest bit afraid. She's just saying "Let go of the foot Dakota, or I'll kick you to Kingdom Come if necessary."

Thank goodness for your wonderful friend, Natisha. What a treasure it is to have someone who can help you from a distance that way. Now make this your "starting point" in a lifelong relationship with Beauty and the many horses that will undoubtedly come after her (since you are so young). That type of behavior is nonsense for a horse her age. I'm definitely not criticizing you though, Dakota. You are learning and that's all that matters.

And I couldn't possibly be prouder of you for wearing that helmet. It looks fantastic. But more important, it shows that you are demonstrating good judgment. That's a dangerous situation and you are doing what you can to manage the risk.

Better make sure that hitching rail is solid, solid, solid.

Good job, Dakota!!!!!!

Tiz

06-21-2010, 12:00 PM

Hobbles. Single cuff, tied off to a rope around her neck. Let her pay the consequences when she kicks, instead of you getting your arms pulled out by the roots.

"Better make sure that hitching rail is solid, solid, solid. "

My thoughts exactly, J. When Miss Porky puts her muscle, and her weight, into sitting back it must amount to quite a chunk of horsepower.

JackieB

06-21-2010, 12:05 PM

Just finished the first video. Great job! I loved seeing the kitty come limping through like a little wounded soldier. :) Not that I want to see a kitty limp of course, but it was just cute.

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 12:15 PM

Holy Smokes! I'm only a few minutes into the first video and she looks like a wild mustang (sort of)!!!!! That is awful. And she's doing that with you!

I know. A little extreme, isn't it?:rolleyes:

I can't wait to watch the rest and then the other videos when she gets better. It's time to lay down the flippin' law with that horse. You're right that she's not even the tiniest bit afraid. She's just saying "Let go of the foot Dakota, or I'll kick you to Kingdom Come if necessary."

Thank goodness for your wonderful friend, Natisha. What a treasure it is to have someone who can help you from a distance that way. Now make this your "starting point" in a lifelong relationship with Beauty and the many horses that will undoubtedly come after her (since you are so young). That type of behavior is nonsense for a horse her age. I'm definitely not criticizing you though, Dakota. You are learning and that's all that matters.

And I couldn't possibly be prouder of you for wearing that helmet. It looks fantastic. But more important, it shows that you are demonstrating good judgment. That's a dangerous situation and you are doing what you can to manage the risk.

Better make sure that hitching rail is solid, solid, solid.

Good job, Dakota!!!!!!

Thank you. I am very grateful to Natisha for helping me. I didn't know what to do so I owe it all to her.

I hate that helmet, it's hot and I look stupid.:doh: But I knew she'd be kicking and acting like an idiot, and I knew you'd be worried and I didn't want to get my head bashed in by a flailing hoof. I actually wore it with you in mind.:p You'll be really proud of me in the other videos- I'm wearing the helmet and gloves so I don't get rope burns!;)

Yep, the hitching post is solid. My dad and I built it.:) I don't think it's going anywhere. I may need a new lead rope soon though. That one is taking a serious beating.:doh:

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 12:17 PM

Hobbles. Single cuff, tied off to a rope around her neck. Let her pay the consequences when she kicks, instead of you getting your arms pulled out by the roots.

Not a bad idea, but not really necessary anymore. If you want watch the other videos, especially the third one. You'll see.:)

"Better make sure that hitching rail is solid, solid, solid. "

My thoughts exactly, J. When Miss Porky puts her muscle, and her weight, into sitting back it must amount to quite a chunk of horsepower.

The hitching rail is solid. My dad and I built it.:) It's pretty strong. The leadrope took quite a beating, however.:doh:

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 12:21 PM

Just finished the first video. Great job! I loved seeing the kitty come limping through like a little wounded soldier. :) Not that I want to see a kitty limp of course, but it was just cute.

That's Pittance. She's my favorite barn cat. She disapeared a few months ago and just showed back up a few weeks ago really skinny, with kittens, and limping. She's gaining weight now that she's eating regulary again, and she moved the kittens so I don't know where they are. As for the limping there's no visible wound but the leg looks a little funky. Like she broke or sprained it. She's getting around amazingly well though, even climbing the ladder. And she's still really friendly and loves being petted so that's good.

JackieB

06-21-2010, 12:37 PM

Beauty vs. Hobbitt Round 2 :hysterical:

I've watched all three videos now and I'm very impressed! And I'll guarantee you that those kisses you planted on Beauty at the end of the last video mean more to her than the did in the past, because she respects you now.

Those were really impressive training videos. I'd handle her feet every single day now.

Awesome job, Dakota. And what a great help Natisha has been to you!!!

WashingtonBay

06-21-2010, 12:42 PM

I've only watched the first one and see improvement by the end! Great job! :cheers:

PaintedDreamer_0110

06-21-2010, 01:56 PM

Hmm haven't watched the other video yet but ouch! I had to desensitize Driftens feet a few years ago (bought him wild). I used a dog leash...It stayed snug on his foot where your hand would sit and it gave you alittle room to step away out of the fireing range. I would just stand there and let him kick till he was done. Then I would give him hoof back when I wanted too....Also a watering hose works...You can tie it around the hoof and if the horse freaks the it will not become rope burned around its hoof....Idk, thats what worked for me. Just my .02 cents....Im off to watch the other vids...

ETA- Watched number 3. GOOD JOB :)

Buckpoco

06-21-2010, 01:58 PM

You don't look stupid in the helmet! The difference between 1 and 3 is phonomenal. I'm really impressed.

natisha

06-21-2010, 02:55 PM

Well it's about darn time you taught that mare who's boss! ;)
She certainly taught me a new definition for "She's bad with her feet"
Nice job mongoose.

JackieB

06-21-2010, 04:07 PM

Nice job mongoose.

Ooh, awesome nickname. A mongoose is a tough little creature. Perhaps it's time to retire "Hobbit" for "Mongoose". Beauty sure learned that there's a new sheriff in town! And high time, too.

This is a good example of the challenges we all face as horse people. Dakota saved Beauty from a terrible environment, gave her everything she had, and Beauty could care less - until Dakota started to demand Beauty's respect using a language that Beauty totally understands. Good job....mongoose!

natisha

06-21-2010, 04:19 PM

Yes a mongoose is tough & also has very fast reflexes, like Dakota in those videos. :eek:
That may come in handy for the next steps. Stay tuned.

Tiz

06-21-2010, 05:36 PM

This was all one session, D?

natisha

06-21-2010, 05:41 PM

This was all one session, D?Hi, I will rudely answer for her. It was 3 separate days.

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 08:12 PM

JackieB: thank you very much.:) I agree- she does respect me now, at least a little bit. Her whole attitude in general seems different, in a good way.

WashingtonBay: Thanks!:D If you saw improvement by the end of the first vid, wait til you see the third!

PaintedDreamer_0110: Thanks.:)

Buckopoco: Thank you!:) I'm actually pretty impressed myself!:p By the end of the third video I was like, "ok, who are you and what have you done with my horse?" :p :D

natisha: lol, I told you she was really bad!:p I knew eventually you'd see her in action!:p Thanks so much for all your help! I'll have another video for you tomorrow.:)

Natisha & JackieB: Hmm, mongoose... I think I like it.:cool: That's a new one. I have a lot of nicknames, but almost all of them have something to do with my small size.:p This one has a fresh approach. Yep, I like it.:cool:

Tiz: It was three separate days like Natisha said.:) Sorry I didn't answer sooner, I was off riding my other horsie.:D

Dakota Sunrise

06-21-2010, 08:15 PM

Yes a mongoose is tough & also has very fast reflexes, like Dakota in those videos. :eek:

Hehe, thanks.:p It was hand to hoof combat or a while but I prevailed!:cool:

That may come in handy for the next steps. Stay tuned.

I don't know if I like the sound of that.:o ;) As long as it doesn't involve tapping on her hooves with anything I'm up for it!:p I am never shoeing that horse. She finally has her new Old Mac hoofboots sitting in the tackroom waiting for her. She's all set now.

JackieB

06-21-2010, 08:17 PM

JackieB: thank you very much.:) I agree- she does respect me now, at least a little bit. Her whole attitude in general seems different, in a good way.

And she'll continue to get better as long as you follow a solid training approach.

Buster nickers loudly when he sees me, always tries when I ask him to do something, ground ties like a champ now, and so on. He never would have done any of that stuff if I hadn't put him (and me!) through a solid training regimen (Clinton Anderson) and then maintained it. Horses, with the possible exception of some stallions, want that leadership.

Go, mongoose!

Bessie13

06-21-2010, 10:10 PM

Well I can't see the videos right now, but I am curious. I know DS's determination and will power with her animals. She shows them great love and respect and definitely deserves it in return, even if she has to get tough. I love watching her with her horses.

HeavensEast

06-22-2010, 08:38 AM

I just wanted to pop in and say:
Wow, Lizzy!
I'm amazed at the transformation of Beauty in just 3 sessions. Keep up the good work and eventually you could get shoes put on her if you want. Look how far you've come already. :)

Bessie13

06-22-2010, 09:14 AM

Well I have only watched Round 1, but wow. Beauty has no choice but to give in. Your tenacity is true, she sees it, she knows she will lose in the end. On another note, she doesn't seem terribly bothered by your presence, maybe annoyed at times, but not mean at all. Just spoiled. You and your long distance coach are a great pair. Poor Beauty. Her ways are quickly changing. :)

Dakota Sunrise

06-22-2010, 11:28 AM

Bessie13: Thank you very much!:) And you're right- Beauty is not a mean horse. In fact she can be really sweet at times. She is just used to getting away with stuff (which is mostly my fault, but not completely. Her old owners really messed her up:mad:) and thinks she's the Lead Mare. But I've got news for her- she's not.:cool:

HeavensEast: I know, right?:p It's crazy how different her behavior is after just three times!:eek: Thank you and Natisha so much!:D
If the rain ever stops I'm going out for round 4 this afternoon.:cool:

zoel_222

06-22-2010, 11:55 AM

Awesome progress Lizzy! See what a little discipline can do for ya? :)

Ranger44

06-22-2010, 01:40 PM

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing that. I think a lot of people can learn something from your videos.

I'm impressed with your determination. It looks like the two of you are well on your way to greener pastures.

Dakota Sunrise

06-22-2010, 05:40 PM

Here is Round 4: http://wwww.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b33b4ea367853f4c4f2834

Ok, a few things- tonight's new assignment was to start holding her hooves the way the farrier does after we did our normal routine. It looks a little odd in the video, I've never tried to hold a hoof like the farrier does before and it felt a little awkward to me.:o Also, ignore my baggy old camo pants.:innocent: I threw those on over my shorts because I wasn't sure how she'd react to me holding her hoof against my knee like that. I thought if she pulled away fast she could scrape up my legs, so I threw on those cami pants just in case.
I only held her front hooves that way tonight, still working up to her hind legs. I want to take it slow so we don't have any freak out set-backs. I can probably ditch the gloves and helmet now though. Maybe I will.

Dakota Sunrise

06-22-2010, 05:50 PM

Thanks, Ranger and Zoel! :)

Dakota Sunrise

06-22-2010, 07:31 PM

Bump for the new video!:D I can't believe it's the same horse as the one in the first video!:p

JackieB

06-22-2010, 09:50 PM

I agree. I just watched the 4th video and the transformation is nothing short of amazing. Incredible what proper training techniques will do.

Great job, mongoose!

Tatesgram

06-23-2010, 11:06 AM

Just watched all four. Very impressive. Very good job Lizzy. I really admire the way you stuck with her and got the job done. Seems like a totally new horse.

Can't wait for the sequel :). Number 5!!

Aina

06-23-2010, 11:44 AM

Great! I have been wondering how to desensitize the pony to having her feet done and now I know how. New training starts next time I go out! It is amazing to see the difference in Beauty. And the pony already has better ground manners(usually) and respects me more than most other horses I know, I've just never really tried with her feet because I am afraid of being kicked, but this will be a great help! Thanks for posting these!

natisha

06-23-2010, 01:13 PM

Nice job but I feel I must give you a little lecture. :nono: Now is the time when you need the helmet more than ever. You're bending down with your head right next to her feet & upping (is that a word?) the intensity & pushing her tolerance limits.
Also many horses seem to reach a stage where they think all this obedience is a passing thing & they will give you a test by going partially back to their old ways. Beauty may not do that but if she does you need to be prepared & that includes protecting your noggin.
Even someone with mongoose reflexes needs to be careful.

JackieB

06-23-2010, 02:02 PM

Also many horses seem to reach a stage where they think all this obedience is a passing thing & they will give you a test by going partially back to their old ways.

Good advice. I've heard of that quite a bit.

Dakota Sunrise

06-23-2010, 02:38 PM

zoel_222

06-23-2010, 04:10 PM

Great job!!

Great job, mongoose!

I adore this new name! :D

Toodlestoo

06-23-2010, 04:33 PM

Very impressive Lizzie! Great job with her. Natisha, you're wonderful for helping Dakota like this. Kudos to both of you.

natisha

06-24-2010, 07:27 AM

Very impressive Lizzie! Great job with her. Natisha, you're wonderful for helping Dakota like this. Kudos to both of you.Thank you but I will admit when I saw the first video I was pretty shocked. If that is DS's idea of bad I would hate to see her idea of horrible :eek:
I think we were all shocked at how naughty Beauty was-was.

natisha

06-24-2010, 07:34 AM

:doh: Oh, fiiiiine.

;) (I really do hate that helmet though!:doh:)Believe me, you'll hate a crushing head injury even more. Quit yer whinin' :p

Dakota Sunrise

06-24-2010, 02:22 PM

Thank you but I will admit when I saw the first video I was pretty shocked. If that is DS's idea of bad I would hate to see her idea of horrible :eek:
I think we were all shocked at how naughty Beauty was-was.

I told you she was bad, I wasn't kidding, lol.:o And that definately wasn't her worst performance either. She is way worse when the farrier is there.:innocent:
But hopefully that will change too. Her behavior with me certainly has.

Horseaholic

06-24-2010, 08:33 PM

Great Job Lizzy..really...great job!

ps. maybe you should try out some dif helmets..I forget I have my helmet on half the time. :)

Dakota Sunrise

06-25-2010, 04:58 PM

Great Job Lizzy..really...great job!

ps. maybe you should try out some dif helmets..I forget I have my helmet on half the time. :)

Thank you.:)

My helmet just seems so big and bulky.:doh: It's a medium because the small was too little, but the medium is a little too big (fits good enough with the adjustable dial thing in the back, it just looks so huge). It's a Troxel Legacy Gold. A nice helmet, my grandma bought it for me for my birthday years ago when I was like 14 or 15 which is the only reason why I have one that expensive (my old one was the original Troxel model, they're pretty reasonable price-wise). I just hate helmets.:doh: They never look or feel right to me.

Dakota Sunrise

06-25-2010, 05:01 PM

By the way for those who care to know, I'm going on an overnight trail ride this weekend.:D My best friend is picking us up tomorrow at 7:45 a.m. and Dakota and I won't be back until Sunday evening. So the next Beauty hoof video will probably be posted Monday night. I'm in a packing frenzy right now, have been running around here like crazy all day!:crazy:

WashingtonBay

06-25-2010, 05:13 PM

Have fun!

Dakota Sunrise

06-25-2010, 07:18 PM

Have fun!

Thank you!:D I'm excited.:) I just hope the weather forcast improves, they're calling for storms tomorrow night.:( So we may not get to camp.:(

natisha

06-25-2010, 07:27 PM

I hope the weather holds out & you have a good time. :)

Dakota Sunrise

06-25-2010, 08:01 PM

I hope the weather holds out & you have a good time. :)

Thank you!.:) I hope so too.xD

oursarge

06-26-2010, 04:44 PM

Have a great time and a safe trip, I just saw this. My friend does something similar with the ropes when a horse doesn't want to pick it's feet up. It works for her too, I should use it with Sarge, He will pick his fronts up fine but his backs he will be a brat about. Rompy is the opposite, it's hard to brush his legs because he hands them to me!!! You just look at them and he picks them up. It's nice he does that but brushing is a pain since I have to keep telling him thank you but I don't want to hold your hoof I want to brush your legs!!!! I am going to try the rope on Sarge, I had forgotten all about it until I saw your video.

Hope your trip was enjoyable and the rain stayed away. It's raining just a little here, on and off.

Dakota Sunrise

06-28-2010, 12:09 PM

Here is the video of Round 5: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b3e419928f0372d7799e18

natisha

06-29-2010, 10:26 PM

Doing good. Keep it up & continue to add new stuff. I like how she is now offering you her feet & not in the way she offered them to you in the first video ;)

JackieB

06-29-2010, 10:42 PM

I like how she is now offering you her feet & not in the way she offered them to you in the first video ;)

Right. Like not offering to take your head off with them! :eek:

natisha

06-29-2010, 11:23 PM

Right. Like not offering to take your head off with them! :eek:LOL, that was scary, wasn't it?

Dakota Sunrise

07-01-2010, 02:36 PM

Ok, here is Round 6: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b42e7b5a008f3889e6ddf5

This session did not go quite as well as I had hoped. It started off good and the first three hooves were fine. She gave me some problems with her back right (she doesn't like your hoof slap idea, Natisha. Who would have thought that I'd need steel toe boots as well as a helmet and gloves?:innocent:), but we did work through it. I think her issues were kind of my fault, I don't think I handled her misbehavior very well.:doh: Oh well, I'm still learning.:o

Please ignore all the babbling I do to her in the video, as well as my really baggy hoodie (it was colder than I thought it was outside so I just grabbed it as I was going out the door), and kind of short-shorts.:innocent: I'm a poor dresser, what can I say.:o

JackieB

07-01-2010, 08:11 PM

I think her issues were kind of my fault, I don't think I handled her misbehavior very well.:doh:

Oh no, not at all. I think you did beautifully.

She was being a dink with her right hind, but that will happen sometimes. And when it does (with Buster anyway), the mood's probably not going to change a lot for the rest of that session. So, after trying a few times to bring her around like you did, I'd just end on a high note like you did with the few additional taps before you ended with that leg.

If she acted up like that with you every single time, I might say that different techniques could be in order, but overall, she's coming along quite nicely.

Your reprimands when she was acting up were appropriately firm. And you'll notice that she never kicks out. That was the behavior that caused me to drop my jaw, and hopefully it's over with for the rest of her life.

Perhaps others will have different advice, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'd just keep on with the sessions.

Dakota Sunrise

07-01-2010, 08:33 PM

Oh no, not at all. I think you did beautifully.

She was being a dink with her right hind, but that will happen sometimes. And when it does (with Buster anyway), the mood's probably not going to change a lot for the rest of that session. So, after trying a few times to bring her around like you did, I'd just end on a high note like you did with the few additional taps before you ended with that leg.

If she acted up like that with you every single time, I might say that different techniques could be in order, but overall, she's coming along quite nicely.

Your reprimands when she was acting up were appropriately firm. And you'll notice that she never kicks out. That was the behavior that caused me to drop my jaw, and hopefully it's over with for the rest of her life.

Perhaps others will have different advice, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'd just keep on with the sessions.

Thanks, JackieB.:) I'm definitely going to continue with her training- I'll just try to keep my toes out of the way this time because that really hurt!:p

I noticed that now even when she's acting up, her entire attitude is different than it used to be. You're right- she hasn't kicked since Round 2. And when she pulled away from me yesterday it wasn't as maliciously as before. It was almost like for the first time she was a little nervous about what the consequences for her actions would be. I'm not saying she was afraid of me, but just.. I don't know. Like she knew she was in trouble and wanted to give in. Before we would have fought over that hoof for a longggg time and I probably would have lost and we both would have been upset and pissed off. That wasn't really the case here. There was a brief moment when I was upset and she got all keyed up, but when my foot stopped throbbing and she relaxed everything worked out and ended well. That's definitely an improvement.

livaward

07-01-2010, 08:50 PM

I'm gonna get you to work with Midnight and her feet.....great job!

natisha

07-01-2010, 08:52 PM

WashingtonBay

07-01-2010, 09:19 PM

I think you did great, even when she didn't want to. That's always the test. All part of the fun :)

Great progress with her. Great ideas, Natisha!

JackieB

07-01-2010, 09:24 PM

It was almost like for the first time she was a little nervous about what the consequences for her actions would be. I'm not saying she was afraid of me, but just.. I don't know.

She was showing you respect. Not absolute respect, but definitely respect. Kind of like you do with your mom and dad. I'm sure they'd say that you give them attitude now and then, but you know where the boundaries are and you would never cross them. Beauty is now headed in that direction. And she couldn't put it into words, but she likes it. It makes her feel more comfortable to be able to look up to a leader.

You're doing a great job, Mongoose!

natisha

07-01-2010, 09:34 PM

I think you did great, even when she didn't want to. That's always the test. All part of the fun :)

Great progress with her. Great ideas, Natisha!;) Thanks

Cedarsgirl

07-01-2010, 10:18 PM

Not sure how old your horse is but, way to go on the training. Just goes to show that if you are willing to put in the time and if you have a good mentor anything is possible. Congratulations.

Cedarsgirl

07-01-2010, 11:03 PM

You did a fabulous job!! Went through the same training process with my untouched yearling and it works. Farriers will appreciate a horse that handles well (and so will you). :)

Dakota Sunrise

07-02-2010, 12:17 PM

Ok, I think a few things were going on, it was a cooler day, breezy & there were gun shots or something going on & she is tiring of this game. She decided to test you. Though none of this excuses her behavior it does explain it. You did the right thing by working through it.
Remember you have what, 2+ hours total invested in this project? That's a relatively short time compared to Beauty's lifetime of not allowing her feet handled. So you really are moving along pretty fast. Keep the rope on her back feet for a while yet so even if she gets away you still have a hold of her in her mind.

And sometimes the mongoose gets tagged by the cobra ;)
I hope your toes are OK
I missed Dakota's whinny

Thanks.:)
Yup, the Mongoose got tagged.:doh: But I'm good to go, she didn't break any of my toes- yay.:D

I'm going to work with her again tonight so I'll have another video for you coming soon. I'm thinking about riding her too, and trying out her new hoof boots. I haven't ridden her in a long time. I miss it.

Dakota Sunrise

07-02-2010, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the nice comments, everyone.:) Cedarsgirl, my mare is 14 years old.

Dakota Sunrise

07-02-2010, 08:05 PM

Well, I didn't do a full hoof training session with Beauty tonight. I decided to ride her so I just picked out all four hooves and put her new hoofboots on her fronts- no problems, she behaved very well at the hitching post.
Undersaddle was a whole nother issue.:rolleyes: I swear that horse acts like a baby who doesn't know anything. She has an awesome whoa, but that's about it. It wasn't a good ride.:doh:

Dakota Sunrise

07-06-2010, 06:40 PM

Here's Round 8: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b4de596d61d7fd620a53e7 :)

natisha

07-06-2010, 07:13 PM

Here's Round 8: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b4de596d61d7fd620a53e7 :)Not to be a stickler but what happened to round 7?:p
It's hard to believe that is Beauty. I think she's ready for the next step, are you?

Dakota Sunrise

07-06-2010, 07:32 PM

Not to be a stickler but what happened to round 7?:p
It's hard to believe that is Beauty. I think she's ready for the next step, are you?

I knew you'd ask that.:p Round 7 wasn't videoed because I rode her that day (which was a very frustrating expereince:doh:) and just picked out all four hooves and put her new hoofboots on her fronts and that was it. She behaved really well though.

As for being ready for the next step, we probably are. She's been doing great other than the minor foot stomping incident of Round 6. But before I say yes maybe I should ask what it is first?:innocent:

natisha

07-06-2010, 08:02 PM

I knew you'd ask that.:p Round 7 wasn't videoed because I rode her that day (which was a very frustrating expereince:doh:) and just picked out all four hooves and put her new hoofboots on her fronts and that was it. She behaved really well though.

As for being ready for the next step, we probably are. She's been doing great other than the minor foot stomping incident of Round 6. But before I say yes maybe I should ask what it is first?:innocent:Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly.

Dakota Sunrise

07-06-2010, 08:17 PM

Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly.

I don't think I like the sound of that. Why do I have the feeling that neither Beauty nor I are going to like our next homework assignment?:huh::innocent: ;)

Dakota Sunrise

07-07-2010, 08:34 PM

Round 9: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b50041eb583e4145beabf6 Sorry it's so long.

FYI stuff for when (if) you watch the vid: yes, I am rubbing a flat wooden stick over her hooves in the video. We're pretending it's a rasp.;)
Yes, I do talk to her a lot when I work with her. It's a weird habbit, I know.:innocent: I'm a lot more quiet around people.:huh:
Yes, I do have issues holding her front hooves like a farrier does. It just feels (and looks :o) awkward to me and I almost lost my balance and fell over a few times.:innocent: I have issues holding her back hooves in general. Good thing I'm not a farrier.

A few more things to keep in mind:

She did pull away from me a few times today, but there were a couple factors involved that make me feel inclined to cut her a little slack. One, it was 90 some degrees out and the flies were HORRIBLE (even though she had fly spray on). Two, I have issues holding her back hooves and couldn't grip it right and balance. So I'm sure that was part of her problem. Did you notice how when she pulled away she didn't move? She wasn't all mean about it like before. She was actually very well behaved. She's changed so much- thanks, Natisha.:)

JackieB

07-07-2010, 10:05 PM

You both did great, Mongoose. She behaved better than Buster will when the flies are really bad and he's tied up. Good job. She's not being mean, just fidgety.

Dakota Sunrise

07-08-2010, 09:25 AM

Thanks, JackieB.:)

I don't think Natisha has seen this yet, hopefully she'll be pleased with Beauty's progress and are newly discovered rasping skillz.:cool: :p Where are ya at, Coach?:D

natisha

07-09-2010, 02:13 AM

Dakota Sunrise

07-09-2010, 10:32 AM

Looking good but you know I have to pick on you a little.
At 8:30-ish she was bothered by bugs before you started, she was still OK but try to be aware of all she is telling you so she has the best chance of behaving perfectly. At this point you don't even want her to accidentally get away with anything. Later you did notice the bugs & took care of it though so you're good.

I know, my bad.:o There were so many flies I couldn't get them all, but there were a few big ones that I took care of for her when I saw them biting her legs and belly.

12:48 it looks like you were ready to put her foot down but she was a half second before you so that made it her idea (in her head)

It was sort of a combo- I was about to put her foot down and lost my grip so she kind of put it down herself. Again, my bad!:innocent:

14:05-after thinking that 12:48 foot put down worked (remember she thinks it was her idea)she again put her foot down, you picked it back up. No big deal to you but it was to her- she then got worse until you punished her. See how she was testing you in little ways leading to bigger ways? You want to catch the little stuff to prevent the big stuff.

You're right. But did you see how it doesn't take much to get her to straighten up and behave anymore? It's like she actually wants to behave now. It's crazy!:p

You both did great with the rasping. Maybe farrier work is in your future? You have the reflexes for it, you're strong & smart, you don't have to lean down so far & many horses prefer women. Something to think about.

Lol, it's funny you said that. In the video at some point I tell Beauty it's a good thing I'm not a farrier because I suck at it.:p

You've made amazing progress with Beauty. I just watched #1 again, it still shocks me. A few more things & Beauty should be ready for her big debut. How is your next assignment coming along?

It is hard to believe. She's changed so much. I just hope it lasts when the farrier comes. If it doesn't I might have to learn to do barefoot trimming myself. Scary thought.

The assignment involving another person? I asked my mom if she'd help me tonight (she's just going to stand there and be a distraction, I'm not letting her anywhere near Beauty's hooves just incase Beauty does do something stupid. My mom is not a horse person and I definitely don't want to put her in a situation where she could get hurt) and she said she would, but it's storming now. Hopefully it will stop by tonight.

For those of you following this I usually PM DS this little boring detail stuff but I thought I'd let you see what torture she has been going through.;)

Good times!:p

Dakota Sunrise

07-10-2010, 09:08 PM

Round 10: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b56094dcbce00564d4e46e

My new assignement was to have another person with me when I worked with Beauty's hooves. Beauty knows my mom but she's still not used to having anyone else around when I work with her, so it was still a bit of a swtich. Next time I might ask my big bro (he might say no though) to be the other person if I can get him to come over because Beauty doesn't know him as well and he's a guy, so maybe that would help her get used to having some one other than me around her. So then when the farrier comes she won't freak out... I hope.:innocent:

My mom is not a horse person and is never around when I'm riding or working them, but this time she very generously agreed to be the second person.:) She's great.:)

Please ignore our random chit chat, and my appearance.:innocent: Both that t-shirt and the shorts are wayyy too big on me. When I'm working with the horses I don't really dress to impress because I always end up dirty and covered in horse hair, sweat, and slobber.:rolleyes:

:) And Just because (ignore the silly brace grin and squinty eyes, the sun was really bright):

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_5069.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_5071.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_5072-1.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_5073.jpg

natisha

07-10-2010, 10:34 PM

You should be proud of yourself. Great job.
Your Mom is very pretty.
Hey, ask your bro to pick up her feet! j/k;)

JackieB

07-10-2010, 10:59 PM

Great job, Mongoose! It was nice to see your mom, too. You should be so proud of Beauty's progress.

Dakota Sunrise

07-11-2010, 02:53 PM

You should be proud of yourself. Great job.
Your Mom is very pretty.
Hey, ask your bro to pick up her feet! j/k;)

Thank you.:) Beauty is doing really well, isn't she? xD
Yes, my mom is pretty, thank you.:) It was a little weird having her with me when I was working Beauty though, I'm used to going solo.:p But then it was kind of nice too, especially since I don't have very many pictures of me and Beauty together and she agreed to take a few for me!:p

Lol, I thought about asking my bro to pick up her feet.:innocent: :p He's 20 and acts like he knows everything- so I think the tough guy can take it.:cool: Lol, jk. I probably shouldn't have him actually handle her since he knows nothing about horses.

Dakota Sunrise

07-11-2010, 02:53 PM

Great job, Mongoose! It was nice to see your mom, too. You should be so proud of Beauty's progress.

Thank you! I am proud of Beauty, she's been doing so well.:)

Dakota Sunrise

07-16-2010, 08:08 AM

Round 11: http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=b607c023ab7e68e430f59a

Should I keep posting these or just let this thread die? I imagine it's getting kind of redundant now. I can always just pm the videos to Natisha.

Sorry it's so long, you don't have to watch to the end. It's just me wetting her hooves like Natisha suggested and then putting hoof conditioner on. Not overly exciting.

WashingtonBay

07-16-2010, 08:20 AM

Farrier is coming this week, right? Are you going to start out the appointment with the rope work? I think I would! Go through the whole process with him standing right there. Let him work the system as well if needed. I think it would be good to show him what you've been doing, both as a testament of the work you've put in to improving her behavior, and as something he might be able to apply to other customers who need to do the same thing.

Dakota Sunrise

07-16-2010, 08:35 AM

Yep, he comes on the 26th. I hope she'll remember everything I've taught her and behave herself. Nothing he'll do should surprise her now, I've done just about everything he will with her already. It's kind of funny, I almost wish I could learn how to trim so I could just do her hooves myself. I'd still want a real farrier to shoe Dakota of course, but it would be great if I could trim my own horses, especially Beauty. I think I could actually do it with her now if I knew what I was doing. I'd probably be the smallest farrier ever!:p

Natisha said I should do a quick run thru of our routine with Beauty when the farrier gets here and then work from there. I'm going to explain it to him when he gets here and hopefully he'll be willing to wait while I go through it with her and won't think it's weird or get impatient.

WashingtonBay

07-16-2010, 08:39 AM

Dakota Sunrise

07-16-2010, 08:43 AM

I do think it's important for her, since you've taught her this routine, to not change the routine any more than you have to on farrier day. Try to do it exactly as you have been every other day. With what the farrier's been through with her, I think he'll understand, and be interested, or at least, he should.

Yes, you're right. He's only seen her in action once (this is the new farrier remember), but hopefully he'll be willing to give it a try if it means no more kicking and freak outs.

You could ask him if he has an old dull rasp he'd let you have to work on with her... not so you're actually rasping so much, but so you could go through those motions with her too.

What, you don't like my pretend rasp?:p It works pretty good! Lol, jk.;)

Horseaholic

07-18-2010, 06:09 PM

You've really done a great job DS....I can't wait to hear how her appointment with the farrier goes.

gabhainn

07-18-2010, 08:02 PM

good job I am very very impressed, its nice when hard work pays off. As for your safety gear, might have saved you a rap on the bean or a pair of rope burns so I would say all and all that was a pretty smart call........Kevin

natisha

07-19-2010, 09:20 AM

If my chosen one is impressed you know you did a good job.

I think you should keep posting the videos. I'm sure someone, somewhere has been following along & perhaps doing what you've been doing.

Are you going to film the farrier visit?

Dakota Sunrise

07-19-2010, 11:38 AM

Horseaholic: Thanks!:) I'm anxious for farrier day to come too, the supsense is killing me!:p

good job I am very very impressed, its nice when hard work pays off. As for your safety gear, might have saved you a rap on the bean or a pair of rope burns so I would say all and all that was a pretty smart call........Kevin

Thank you! I owe it all to Natisha- I couldn't have done it without her. The method is all hers, I just followed instructions.:)
I'm usually not overly concerned about my safety when I'm with my horses, but Beauty used to kick a lot when having her hooves handled so the helmet seemed like a good idea. And I realized after Round 1 that gloves were a must. Neither one is really necessary anymore I don't think, but I've gotten in the habbit of "gearing up" now before I work with her so I still wear the helmet and gloves. I won't on farrier day though because I look like a dork in my helmet!:p

Dakota Sunrise

07-19-2010, 11:42 AM

If my chosen one is impressed you know you did a good job.

:D

I think you should keep posting the videos. I'm sure someone, somewhere has been following along & perhaps doing what you've been doing.

Ok, I will. Any new instructions for me or should I just keep doing what we've been doing?

Are you going to film the farrier visit?

I don't think so, my farrier may not like being on film. I could ask him, but then I'd have to explain why and for some reason people look at me funny when I tell them about the friends I have on a horse forum. So probably not.

natisha

07-19-2010, 11:50 AM

I won't on farrier day though because I look like a dork in my helmet!:pOh yes you will, dork or not. If Beauty is going to be bad it will be that day. Also, it will show him how serious you are to get the job done safely. He should be impressed that you cared enough for his safety & the good of your horse to make the extra effort.
Please don't blow it now-wear the helmet!!!!!

natisha

07-19-2010, 11:52 AM

:D

Ok, I will. Any new instructions for me or should I just keep doing what we've been doing?

Just try to find something to put her feet on, keep working with her.

Dakota Sunrise

07-19-2010, 12:01 PM

Just try to find something to put her feet on, keep working with her.

I actually did try.:doh: Everything either tipped over or broke when we tried it.:innocent: To her credit she was very patient about it. Any ideas on what would work?

Dakota Sunrise

07-19-2010, 12:03 PM

Oh yes you will, dork or not. If Beauty is going to be bad it will be that day. Also, it will show him how serious you are to get the job done safely. He should be impressed that you cared enough for his safety & the good of your horse to make the extra effort.
Please don't blow it now-wear the helmet!!!!!

I am planning on wearing my gloves but I won't be the one working with her back feet this time so I didn't think it was necessary anyway.

natisha

07-20-2010, 10:01 PM

Do you have a mounting block, overturned bucket, chunk of firewood, camel saddle?

Dakota Sunrise

07-21-2010, 06:32 AM

Do you have a mounting block, overturned bucket, chunk of firewood, camel saddle?

No mounting block. I was afraid she'd break the bucket so I ditched that idea (it did work though, she put her hoof on the bucket). Have no idea what a camel saddle is?:p And the firewood is a maybe, if I can find a wide, solid piece.

Dakota Sunrise

07-21-2010, 04:03 PM

Ok, I haven't finished editing the footage of Round 12 yet, but it looked a lot like Round 11 anyway.

Today was Round 13. I added two new things to our routine, so of course my camera decided to turn itself off three minutes in and I never realized it until after I had finished the whole session.:doh: It was hot and the flies were bad so I didn't make her stand there while I repeated the whole process for the camera, so I'll just describe it:
It looked a lot like Round 11 also, but this time I talked my big brother into being my second person because he's a guy and he's never really spent a lot of time with Beauty (he's so not a horse person). I just had him stand near her and switch sides when I did and Beauty didn't seem to care at all. The flies are our biggest challenge and she was much more concerned about that. I promised him he only had to stay and help me for five or ten minutes, so my brother wasn't there for the whole session. But I picked out all four hooves and "rasped" them and did the tapping while he was there. And then before he left I had him pick up both of her front hooves, which went quite well.:)
I also had her put her front hooves on a bucket and hold them there. Not as good as a hoof stand but I think she's got the general idea.

Dakota Sunrise

07-25-2010, 07:23 PM

Tomorrow is farrier day! :rant: I'm actually nervous!:( If this doesn't work I have no back-up plan, I've done everthing I can to desensitize her. Leave it to me to have a horse that won't let anyone else handle her hooves but me.:rolleyes: Beauty, please be good tomorrow! If not for my sake than for yours. No hoof no horse!:nono: So behave yourself!!!!!!!!

Wish us luck, we'll probably need it.:innocent:

JackieB

07-25-2010, 09:15 PM

Good luck, Mongoose!

Dakota Sunrise

07-26-2010, 09:42 AM

Well, the farrier just left. I don't have much time to type because I have to mow the yard, wash an insane amount of dishes that are stacked higher than I am tall, and do some laundry before I take Kota for a trail ride later on, and I haven't even eaten breakfast yet! But I just wanted to let you guys know....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

that I'm smiling!!!!!! :D :banana: :clap: :happydance: :D
Beauty was AWESOME!!!!! Natisha, if you were here right now I would hug you because I'm so freaking happy and I owe it all to you!:p Thank you thank you thank you!:D Beauty is like a different horse, the farreir was soooo impressed. He loves her, he thinks she's gorgeous and a really nice mare. Which is very nice to hear, most people don't really appriciate her.

I can't believe she was good!:clap:

natisha

07-26-2010, 10:48 AM

Dakota Sunrise

07-26-2010, 07:13 PM

:) You're welcome.
I'm so happy for you. It's good that the farrier knew what she was like before so he could appreciate your efforts. I'll bet he wasn't looking forward to that call.
What did he say about her feet? Is she on her way to getting sound again?

Well, that one front right hoof is the real problem. Ever since the abscess blew out at the coronary band she's had problems with it. Well, before that too but it got a lot worse after the abscess. Right now the abscess spot (for lack of better name for it?) is growing out and is about half way down. Unfortunately her hoof cracked and chipped right up to where the abscess spot is now. It looks really bad, but she has been pasture sound for the past month or two. I haven't really been riding her so I don't know if she's undersaddle sound, but I'm assuming she is. I'll find out soon, I want to start riding her reguraly again. I have her hoofboots to use too.
Anyway, the good news is that my farrier said although it will get worse before it gets better (because it's just going to keep chipping and breaking until the abscess spot grows out completely), it's all cosmetic. She should stay sound and not have any real problems with it, and when the abscess spot does grow out completely her hoof will return to normal with no lasting negative effects.:) So that is definitely good news.

JackieB

07-26-2010, 07:52 PM

.

:D :banana: :clap: :happydance: :D
Beauty was AWESOME!!!!! Natisha, if you were here right now I would hug you because I'm so freaking happy and I owe it all to you!:p Thank you thank you thank you!:D Beauty is like a different horse, the farreir was soooo impressed. He loves her, he thinks she's gorgeous and a really nice mare. Which is very nice to hear, most people don't really appriciate her.

I can't believe she was good!:clap:

That is the best news I've heard lately! Natisha is a fantastic friend to you! I hope you get a chance to visit her someday.

And you really need to give yourself credit for following your training program so well. Awesome!!!!

Bessie13

07-26-2010, 09:43 PM

Wow, great news. I am thrilled that Beauty did so well. But, if it weren't for you and your consistency and the support of Natisha the outcome may not have been quite as well. So, pat yourself on the back, send hugs to Natisha and keep going. Beauty may be the next best thing. Congrats on all your efforts.

WashingtonBay

07-27-2010, 07:05 AM

Congratulations! This was really good work by both of you.... all three of you actually! You, Natisha, and Beauty. :cheers:

OwnedByOurHorses

07-27-2010, 01:31 PM

Your video showed all your hard work paid off in a big way. The help you recieved from Natisha was amazing and I want you to know that my daughter is now following your videos in hope that she maybe be able to fix a simulair problem we have with her horse . A week before a show he throw a shoe and my reg farrier couldn't get out so I called another one , He put a nail in all screwy and lamed Scoot up for a few weeks and thanks to that he won't allow anyone to get any where near his hind hooves unless he is put into la la land.(that farrier has been removed from my emergency call list) after talking with my regular farrier we decided to quit shoeing him on the rears and just focus on a good trim and let Jessie have time to work with him.
So she has been studing your videos so that she can begin working on her baby.

Dakota Sunrise

07-27-2010, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the nice comments, everyone!:)

Your video showed all your hard work paid off in a big way. The help you recieved from Natisha was amazing and I want you to know that my daughter is now following your videos in hope that she maybe be able to fix a simulair problem we have with her horse . A week before a show he throw a shoe and my reg farrier couldn't get out so I called another one , He put a nail in all screwy and lamed Scoot up for a few weeks and thanks to that he won't allow anyone to get any where near his hind hooves unless he is put into la la land.(that farrier has been removed from my emergency call list) after talking with my regular farrier we decided to quit shoeing him on the rears and just focus on a good trim and let Jessie have time to work with him.
So she has been studing your videos so that she can begin working on her baby.

Really? I'm so glad the videos can help some one else with their horse's hoof problem. I hope the method works for your daughter and her horse as well as it worked for me and Beauty. Just tell her to be consistent, practice often, and not give up. I almost gave up in the beginning after Round 1 because Beauty was so horrible and I honestly didn't think she was going to change. But I couldn't have been more wrong, and I'm so glad I stuck with it.:)
If you don't mind, let me know how Jessie does with her horse. I'm curious to see how quickly this training method works on other horses besides my girl.