Day One- and we're off!

Day one today of the new regime: school run, walk dogs and off to see Carats. He was pleased to see me and I got a big whicker on arrival.

Nom Nom

It took me forever to muck out even though Jo had been awesome and skipped out for me just because it needed to look perfect! All Jos other stables are immaculate and I had serious stable envy ha ha. The order of this rest period is plenty of attention for Carats and things to keep his brain ticking, after he tipped over and DRUNK my whole cup of tea I decided I had better give him some other challenges.

Clicker Savvy Ponio
He was subjected to a thorough groom and cuddle and then I decided its time to start training! Yes I can't help it, I am at heart an animal trainer so couldn't resist the chance to have a play with a pony. First challenge 'prime the pump' (e.g. pair the clicker with the reinforcer). In conjunction with this I wanted Carats to learn food manners (no mugging) when working. Criteria (Head Straight) So challenge one in underway.

I needed to set him up for some level of success and also set up so it can be to be clear for him. I stood just behind his shoulder with treats in my hand and pocket etc, at first he just tried shoving his head at me and nibbling on my hand, he a a lovely boy so I didn't worry about him biting and just waited it out for a bit, as soon as he moved his head away from me I clicked and rewarded away from
me for head position. I must admit I don't think I have given Carats credit before as to what a very bright boy he is- the same as any animal the reinforcement just has to be correct. He picked this up amazingly fast and although he still tried to steal he very quickly corrected his head position to earn his Click and Treat- super boy!

Ooo this smells good...

Tomorrow and over the next few days we will continue with this. I need to be careful as the clicker is such a powerful tool and I could see today that Carats thought the click was coming for head tucked in as I think I was probably reinforcing too close to his body, tomorrow I will vary a bit more and try to reward further out. Reward Placement is of course key!

Walkies And Decehedrons
We went for a little in hand stroll around the yard today to keep him from getting too bored, the tracks are mostly concrete so nice and hard and non slippy for him. He was really quite forward going and loved having a sneaky peek at the farm and we found a patch where he could do a little hand grazing. We didn't go for long but he was very happy to get back to his fresh stable and hay.

I also gave him his stable toy- a flat sided ball that contained grapes and carrots. This has a hole in the
side where the treats can fall out as the horse knocks it around- Carats had it cracked from the word go and took great joy is kicking and moving it around.

A big kiss goodbye and he is left in peace until after the school run when I will pop back up to skip out and check hay/ water. What a wonderful morning I had with my boy.