So Sudi discovered THE BOAT on Saturday. I have to say that Saturday entertained perhaps the best weather we’ve had all year (I can say this because I actually made it into short sleeves!!! I can actually be found wearing sweaters all year round) The temperature was in the lower 70’s, and there was a slight breeze to ruffle up your hair.
Sudi and I were practicing our best Sport Horse in Hand behavior up and down the driveway – at which point in time I realized that I am INCREDIBLY out of shape (*pant pant - gasp gasp*). Ending one of our trotting spree’s, we came upon the upside down boat/home made cross country jump, located nicely under a huge shady oak. Gasping for air, I flopped down onto the boat for a short break.
Now, I will try to give Sudi some credit here. This boat does have some depth to it. It’s about two feet high, by two and a half feet wide, and a nice pale green color. Sudi gave it his best “I’m a brave Arab” snort, and then proceeded to pound on it with his left front hoof. Discovering he could make a loud enough racket to wake the dead, he decided to snort and then prance around proudly. He came back to the boat for another try. The boat did not give way to his obnoxious poundings; instead, it firmly held its ground - without a dent.
As we were already practicing for his Future Event Horse competition in Aiken next month, the trainer in me decided to give the boat a try and see if I could convince Sudi to sail smoothly over it. I slowly slid to the other side of the boat and encouraged Sudi to come up and over the top of the boat. Sudi's expression blatantly said “WHAT???” Patiently, I waited for him to gather up his confidence and paw at the boat again. He banged a few courteous times, and then decided to pull his head up and take off in a beautiful passage around the boat (No one has informed him that he’s not supposed to know how to do that yet!). Several of the horses in neighboring pastures had noticed us and come up to watch. I am confidant that my little "ham" was definitely showing off for them.
Not to be dismayed, I gathered his focus again, and we proceeded again to the boat. This time I took a huge leap up to the top of the boat and down the other side. Sudi, now comprehending, decided that he too would place his front hooves on the top of the boat so that he’d be able to bunny hop over it. This idea completely backfired. As his front hooves hit the top of the boat, they both slid all over the place. The poor horse, struggling to regain his balance, pulled himself back and off the horse eating boat. His eyes were the size of golf balls and his nostrils had doubled in size. He looked at me as if to say “You deceived me MOM.” I rushed over him to tell him everything was ok, and that I was very proud of him for trying. I think he forgave me because he quickly tried to nuzzle me for treats.
My barn manager, Tammy, upon hearing the raucous, decided to help me try to get my not-so-quick Arab over the boat-jump. After MUCH MUCH persuasion, we managed to convince him to jump on top of the boat and then to the other side. I honestly don’t think he understood that he was supposed to actually jump OVER the boat. He would manage to get his front feet on top, look to me for encouragement, and then somehow lift his backend to bunny hop over the rest of the jump. Needless to say, Sudi received many praises and treats for his brave and obedient behavior – After all, he was doing it the hard way.
Tammy and I sat down on the boat and encouraged Sudi to come “hang out” with us. We were trying to reinforce that the boat was a happy/fun place not to be confused with mean-evil-horse-eating-machines. Sudi, however, had already picked this up and now equated it with all things happy and treats. As we were seated, he proceeded to start making his way AGAIN over the boat – without even being asked (nevermind that Tammy and I were both still relaxing after the whole ordeal)! With the lead still in her hand, Tammy stood up and encouraged him over. Again he crawled halfway and then did a BIG jump with his back end, firmly tucking his back legs underneath him. He landed, looked around at his fan club (the many horses milling about in their pastures staring at him), and then firmly walked over me so that I could resume his hugs, scratches and treats.
We both died laughing, but at least this was progress. Let's see if he remembers the boat tomorrow... :-)
Sudi and I were practicing our best Sport Horse in Hand behavior up and down the driveway – at which point in time I realized that I am INCREDIBLY out of shape (*pant pant - gasp gasp*). Ending one of our trotting spree’s, we came upon the upside down boat/home made cross country jump, located nicely under a huge shady oak. Gasping for air, I flopped down onto the boat for a short break.
Now, I will try to give Sudi some credit here. This boat does have some depth to it. It’s about two feet high, by two and a half feet wide, and a nice pale green color. Sudi gave it his best “I’m a brave Arab” snort, and then proceeded to pound on it with his left front hoof. Discovering he could make a loud enough racket to wake the dead, he decided to snort and then prance around proudly. He came back to the boat for another try. The boat did not give way to his obnoxious poundings; instead, it firmly held its ground - without a dent.
As we were already practicing for his Future Event Horse competition in Aiken next month, the trainer in me decided to give the boat a try and see if I could convince Sudi to sail smoothly over it. I slowly slid to the other side of the boat and encouraged Sudi to come up and over the top of the boat. Sudi's expression blatantly said “WHAT???” Patiently, I waited for him to gather up his confidence and paw at the boat again. He banged a few courteous times, and then decided to pull his head up and take off in a beautiful passage around the boat (No one has informed him that he’s not supposed to know how to do that yet!). Several of the horses in neighboring pastures had noticed us and come up to watch. I am confidant that my little "ham" was definitely showing off for them.
Not to be dismayed, I gathered his focus again, and we proceeded again to the boat. This time I took a huge leap up to the top of the boat and down the other side. Sudi, now comprehending, decided that he too would place his front hooves on the top of the boat so that he’d be able to bunny hop over it. This idea completely backfired. As his front hooves hit the top of the boat, they both slid all over the place. The poor horse, struggling to regain his balance, pulled himself back and off the horse eating boat. His eyes were the size of golf balls and his nostrils had doubled in size. He looked at me as if to say “You deceived me MOM.” I rushed over him to tell him everything was ok, and that I was very proud of him for trying. I think he forgave me because he quickly tried to nuzzle me for treats.
My barn manager, Tammy, upon hearing the raucous, decided to help me try to get my not-so-quick Arab over the boat-jump. After MUCH MUCH persuasion, we managed to convince him to jump on top of the boat and then to the other side. I honestly don’t think he understood that he was supposed to actually jump OVER the boat. He would manage to get his front feet on top, look to me for encouragement, and then somehow lift his backend to bunny hop over the rest of the jump. Needless to say, Sudi received many praises and treats for his brave and obedient behavior – After all, he was doing it the hard way.
Tammy and I sat down on the boat and encouraged Sudi to come “hang out” with us. We were trying to reinforce that the boat was a happy/fun place not to be confused with mean-evil-horse-eating-machines. Sudi, however, had already picked this up and now equated it with all things happy and treats. As we were seated, he proceeded to start making his way AGAIN over the boat – without even being asked (nevermind that Tammy and I were both still relaxing after the whole ordeal)! With the lead still in her hand, Tammy stood up and encouraged him over. Again he crawled halfway and then did a BIG jump with his back end, firmly tucking his back legs underneath him. He landed, looked around at his fan club (the many horses milling about in their pastures staring at him), and then firmly walked over me so that I could resume his hugs, scratches and treats.
We both died laughing, but at least this was progress. Let's see if he remembers the boat tomorrow... :-)
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