It’s been awhile since my last update on the Haflinger’s training. If you’re following me on Instagram you are probably more up-to-date. I am proud to report that Rosemary & Jasmine can stand tied, be groomed, lunge, and wear a saddle, saddle pad, and bit! They have come such a long way from the halter broke horses I first met. Training these horses has required lots of work, diligence, devotion, and help from my sisters, but its all been worth it!
These are the first horses I have trained, so I am learning my methods as my horses do! I have already posted about leading, but today I want to share some training tips I have learned over the past three weeks of training the Haflingers.
Just Roll With It!
As I look back at these last few weeks of training, I realize just how much I just went with it! Being prepared with a step by step plan is important, but sometimes you have to go with the flow! One such example was teaching the Haflingers to stand while tied. I had done my research and had a planned method, but as I stood between the post and the horse I realized that the tool I needed was just a little ways away on the ground. Looping the lead rope around the pole, I kept one hand on the lead rope and with the other reached for the tool. The pressure from my forward pull caused the horse to take a step toward the pole, releasing the pressure. So instead of using my planned method, I spent that training session just going with this new method. I kept the rope wrapped around the pole while I brushed the horse, every time she took a step back I applied light pressure to the rope encouraging her to step forward, toward the pole, to relieve the pressure. This method worked very well for both horses, and I felt that it was a good experience for them, nothing like the fight with the pole kinda thing I had imagined.
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You Gotta Have Help!
I could not have taught Rosemary and Jasmine without help from my siblings. Being on a strict dead line, I have to train no matter the weather. Through chilly wind and cold rain, my siblings have taken time out of their day to help me. With lunging, I defiantly needed an assistant to guide the horse in a circle, keeping them from turning in, while I stood in the center issuing commands.
They held both horses as I put the saddle pad, saddle, and finally bridle on each horse for the first time! (Please note I did not put all of those on at the same time, but introduced them to the horse slowly over a few day period.) Tacking up for the first time went much better than expected, no bucking or bolting. The Haflingers stayed true to the gentle and curious disposition of their breed and accepted the new tack with no problems! Much to my surprise!
Training A Horse Takes Devotion
I train the Haflingers everyday, except Friday, at the same time. And often twice a day on Saturdays. Having never done this before, I have to take time to plan my training session. All this to say, training a horse takes time, but is worth it!
I still have training to do! I have just begun teaching them the ground driving basics! Yet it’s some of the best time of my day! I have really gotten to love these horses and to know their personalities! And I can’t wait to see them pulling the carriage! Speaking of which, our first debut will be in our small town Christmas parade! Stay tuned for that!
Tails & trails,
Reese
I’ve long thought that employing patience and gentle persistance in equal measure over a period of time is the way to go with horses. I like how you describe having a plan while at the same time remaining flexible. It is interesting how when we are open to listening to our horses that we can allow them to teach us even as we are teaching them. Sounds like you are having a great experience with your herd!
Yes, I too am finding that the horses are teaching me as much as I am teaching them!??
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