STOCKYARD
HORSE  DISCUSSION FORUMS

admin

Love the clip WR, well done and thank you for sharing it with us all.

cheers...admin

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Western Ranch

The first week we worked a lot on desensitizing Jimmy. Before we even go near a saddle the horse has to show respect on the ground and be comfortable with ropes, halter and other equipment that's around. The first days Jimmy was still hard to catch in the paddock, but we didn't need Winchester any more. Jimmy is a very sensitive horse. It took the full week to get to the stage you see in the video. He doesn't like us picking up his feet yet but all in all we are happy with his improvement.

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au

Western Ranch

This week we worked some more on desensitizing. We added the bridle to his program. First we get him used to putting a finger in his mouth so he opens it. Then we put the bridle on without the reins and brush him, pick up his feet etc. This way he has time to get used to the bit without any pressure. In the video Jimmy has the saddle on for the second time. The first time he bucked with it, but as you see today he is fine. He needs a lot of time to feel relaxed around us, bridle and saddle. With a horse like this there is no rushing through steps. Patience is the word...

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au

Western Ranch

On the video you see Jimmy's first ride by himself in the round yard. This week we practiced getting on and off and leading him around on a lead rope. He has also been taught to give to pressure from the rein. In the beginning we always mount from a mounting block. Erwin leans over him fist and when he is comfortable with the weight he swings his leg over. I help getting on and off the horse till we feel it's safe for Erwin to do it by himself. Jimmy is very sensitive under saddle. You see in the beginning he is a bit lost without me on the ground but after a while he starts listening to Erwin's aids.

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au

Western Ranch

We keep the horses in the round yard untill we have control over the walk, trot, stop and steering. Jimmy is almost at this stage. Next week he will be riding in the arena. As you see in the video he still scares sometimes, but that's okay. He will get over this.

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au

Western Ranch

Jimmy takes a bit longer then the average horse we start. He has a very sensitive disposition. This is an advantage in later training. It means that he is very tuned in to your aids. Erwin likes riding him, he's got a lot to give. But it doesn't work when you push him to quick. In the video you see his first ride in the arena. He did a good job. Sometimes he wanted to go to fast, so you see Erwin stopping him with a one rein stop and letting him settle down again. Which he does. As you can also see we use cones and poles in the arena to get them used to objects and to make them bend.

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au

admin

** bump **

__________________
Keep your family and friends close but keep your enemies even closer!

Western Ranch

Jimmy had some more training in the arena. He has also been into the bush. In the bush he was a bit nervous but did very well for a young horse. He only shied away a couple of times but was otherwise fine.
In the video you can see one of his last rides in training. That morning it was windy and we had some spectators. He looks more upset then he normally is.
Jimmy is ready to go to a new home. He needs an experienced rider who can give him the trust that he needs. This young horse will go far with the right owner. He is very responsive and smart.
We will keep riding Jimmy till he goes to his new owner.

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Give your horse a good start www.westernranch.com.au