Monster & Spook
November 9th, 2024
Saw these cute little guys at Simon's Sales Barn and couldn't resist! Said to be full sisters & broke to drive by two different auctions. Hoping their actually broke to drive but won't know until I try! They're not as friendly as I'd hoped. Spook is skittish and spooky but seems to have the most handling (She seems to be the older one) and is more respectful but tries dodging getting pet. Monster is more willing to allow you to pet her, but she is feisty. She likes to kick, rear, and bite to get out of things. She has more of the young/baby mindset yet so I'm sure that'll be fixed up with enough handling. They both stand tied nicely and you can lead them around but if they get scared, they go to drag you and it's very hard to get them to stop lol.. They also absolutely hate their hooves being touched. More updates to come as they get handled/trained. It is in the plans to get them both broke to ride eventually.
Saw these cute little guys at Simon's Sales Barn and couldn't resist! Said to be full sisters & broke to drive by two different auctions. Hoping their actually broke to drive but won't know until I try! They're not as friendly as I'd hoped. Spook is skittish and spooky but seems to have the most handling (She seems to be the older one) and is more respectful but tries dodging getting pet. Monster is more willing to allow you to pet her, but she is feisty. She likes to kick, rear, and bite to get out of things. She has more of the young/baby mindset yet so I'm sure that'll be fixed up with enough handling. They both stand tied nicely and you can lead them around but if they get scared, they go to drag you and it's very hard to get them to stop lol.. They also absolutely hate their hooves being touched. More updates to come as they get handled/trained. It is in the plans to get them both broke to ride eventually.
December 26th, 2024
Before these two entered my training program, I wanted them to be able to be caught a bit better and more friendly in a sense. They were practically feral, wouldn't let anyone up to them in a pasture much less a stall, and genuinely seemed scared of people. I started small with treats getting them interested in people this way and once they started becoming familiar and less afraid, their personalities really came out and so did the drama! Needless to say, the treats were minimalized to only if they allowed themselves to be caught and handled by myself.
Before these two entered my training program, I wanted them to be able to be caught a bit better and more friendly in a sense. They were practically feral, wouldn't let anyone up to them in a pasture much less a stall, and genuinely seemed scared of people. I started small with treats getting them interested in people this way and once they started becoming familiar and less afraid, their personalities really came out and so did the drama! Needless to say, the treats were minimalized to only if they allowed themselves to be caught and handled by myself.
Spook
January 2nd, 2025
Got a short video of how Spook is for her hooves before my phone quit cause of the cold. Spook isn't good with her hooves at all. She will dance, stomp, quiver, and snort (in a feral type of way). Which would make anyone nervous handling her feet but before I start working with her on them, I figured I'd get a quick video posted. My goal is to have her good for her hooves within a month. Mr. Exxcel is being cute in the background.
Worked with both Hinnies today despite not being able to take much more videos without my phone instantly shutting off. Worked on tying time, tying time alone (no other horses in sight), leading, learning how to stop when I stop and say "whoa", and learning to back up. I want to get them easier to handle as if they get spooked/upset they take off and will drag you. They're super strong for their size and this is not an okay behavior to have. Both seemed to enjoy it. It's taken me a month or so to get these two to allow being caught and interested in people. They are now currently following me around the pasture and letting me catch them as long as I don't have a lead rope in my hand lol.
Got a short video of how Spook is for her hooves before my phone quit cause of the cold. Spook isn't good with her hooves at all. She will dance, stomp, quiver, and snort (in a feral type of way). Which would make anyone nervous handling her feet but before I start working with her on them, I figured I'd get a quick video posted. My goal is to have her good for her hooves within a month. Mr. Exxcel is being cute in the background.
Worked with both Hinnies today despite not being able to take much more videos without my phone instantly shutting off. Worked on tying time, tying time alone (no other horses in sight), leading, learning how to stop when I stop and say "whoa", and learning to back up. I want to get them easier to handle as if they get spooked/upset they take off and will drag you. They're super strong for their size and this is not an okay behavior to have. Both seemed to enjoy it. It's taken me a month or so to get these two to allow being caught and interested in people. They are now currently following me around the pasture and letting me catch them as long as I don't have a lead rope in my hand lol.
Spook
January 6th, 2025
Spook - 1st training session - "Standing For The Farrier"
In under 20 minutes, Spook went from not wanting her legs/hooves to be messed with to allowing them to be picked up and held for a short period of time! Her demeanor went from scared/fearful, to calm and thinking through what was going on. I gave her plenty of time to think in between switching sides and she got a brushing as well! I used Positive Reinforcement methods on her for this session and will until she is comfortable getting her legs/hooves messed with consistently!
The video does not have much for sound as I am using an action camera in a protection case. Yes, she is wearing two halters as she likes to pull back being tied and is hard to catch. So, I do not want a halterless Hinny on the loose that doesn't want to be caught! This will change once she is comfortable being worked with and easier to catch 😊
Spook - 1st training session - "Standing For The Farrier"
In under 20 minutes, Spook went from not wanting her legs/hooves to be messed with to allowing them to be picked up and held for a short period of time! Her demeanor went from scared/fearful, to calm and thinking through what was going on. I gave her plenty of time to think in between switching sides and she got a brushing as well! I used Positive Reinforcement methods on her for this session and will until she is comfortable getting her legs/hooves messed with consistently!
The video does not have much for sound as I am using an action camera in a protection case. Yes, she is wearing two halters as she likes to pull back being tied and is hard to catch. So, I do not want a halterless Hinny on the loose that doesn't want to be caught! This will change once she is comfortable being worked with and easier to catch 😊
Monster
January 6th, 2025
Monster - 1st training session - "Standing For The Farrier"
Monster surprised me with how well she was for her training session today! Minus trying to kick at me a couple of times despite having some preparation beforehand, knowing her and her attitude, I won't complain very much! I figured it would've gone a lot worse lol. We got to do all 4 legs without issues by the end of the video and I'm very happy she shouldn't be as difficult to get her hooves done. She is a very spicey girl though so it might be dependent on her mood, but we'll see!
The video does not have much for sound as I am using an action camera in a protection case. Yes, she is wearing two halters as she likes to pull back being tied and is hard to catch. So, I do not want a halterless Hinny on the loose that doesn't want to be caught! This will change once she is comfortable being worked with and easier to catch 😊
Monster - 1st training session - "Standing For The Farrier"
Monster surprised me with how well she was for her training session today! Minus trying to kick at me a couple of times despite having some preparation beforehand, knowing her and her attitude, I won't complain very much! I figured it would've gone a lot worse lol. We got to do all 4 legs without issues by the end of the video and I'm very happy she shouldn't be as difficult to get her hooves done. She is a very spicey girl though so it might be dependent on her mood, but we'll see!
The video does not have much for sound as I am using an action camera in a protection case. Yes, she is wearing two halters as she likes to pull back being tied and is hard to catch. So, I do not want a halterless Hinny on the loose that doesn't want to be caught! This will change once she is comfortable being worked with and easier to catch 😊
January 7th, 2025
Spook - 2nd training session - "Standing For The Farrier" & Beginning of Desensitization.
Worked on picking up her front feet, the start to desensitization, and worked on getting her hind feet desensitized as she apparently is not good for her hinds at all and will kick with the slightest amount of pressure! Left off on a good note and gained some progress on each task for today though which I was happy about!
Spook - 2nd training session - "Standing For The Farrier" & Beginning of Desensitization.
Worked on picking up her front feet, the start to desensitization, and worked on getting her hind feet desensitized as she apparently is not good for her hinds at all and will kick with the slightest amount of pressure! Left off on a good note and gained some progress on each task for today though which I was happy about!
January 8th, 2025
"Playing in the pasture"
"Playing in the pasture"
January 16th, 2025
Spook - 3rd training session - "Standing For The Farrier" & Beginning of Desensitization.
It's been a while since our last training session as it's just been way too cold. If the horses are shivering when outside, I won't be working them at all. It was Spooks 3rd training session today and I was curious if she was going to respond well as she did her last session or if she would need a refresher before being okay with me picking up her feet again. Luckily, she remembered everything. Only thing is that she was noticeably a bit uneasy with what I was doing at first, not as comfortable as the last session. Which is okay, she still did what was asked and still got rewarded for doing so. These Hinnies have such a strong fight or flight drive right now that it's very hard for them to trust you're going to do something good or keep them safe. It seems as if they've been solely relying on themselves and each other more so than anything. But with enough time and training, that'll certainly change for the better
Spook - 3rd training session - "Standing For The Farrier" & Beginning of Desensitization.
It's been a while since our last training session as it's just been way too cold. If the horses are shivering when outside, I won't be working them at all. It was Spooks 3rd training session today and I was curious if she was going to respond well as she did her last session or if she would need a refresher before being okay with me picking up her feet again. Luckily, she remembered everything. Only thing is that she was noticeably a bit uneasy with what I was doing at first, not as comfortable as the last session. Which is okay, she still did what was asked and still got rewarded for doing so. These Hinnies have such a strong fight or flight drive right now that it's very hard for them to trust you're going to do something good or keep them safe. It seems as if they've been solely relying on themselves and each other more so than anything. But with enough time and training, that'll certainly change for the better
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January 28th, 2025
Monster before and after an hour's worth of training I've just accepted this is her personality so far so training this little gal will sure be eventful.
Monster before and after an hour's worth of training I've just accepted this is her personality so far so training this little gal will sure be eventful.
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January 28th, 2025
Spook got saddled today too. Definitely won't be attempting to ride these two until they're fully desensitized and sacked out but I like to start saddling early to get them used to the saddle while starting groundwork |
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January 29th, 2025
Monster had a nice long training session of learning how to lunge and not run away, bolt, and pull. I have a sturdy post I use to lunge around that keeps the horses from dragging me when learning how to lunge in the event they're not easy to teach this to. They learn pressure and release naturally without hurting anyone or themselves. If she had it her way, she'd pull a whole house down! She's just the cutest though.
Monster had a nice long training session of learning how to lunge and not run away, bolt, and pull. I have a sturdy post I use to lunge around that keeps the horses from dragging me when learning how to lunge in the event they're not easy to teach this to. They learn pressure and release naturally without hurting anyone or themselves. If she had it her way, she'd pull a whole house down! She's just the cutest though.
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January 30th, 2025
Monster had a nice long training session of learning how to lunge and not run away, bolt, and pull. I have a sturdy post I use to lunge around that keeps the horses from dragging me when learning how to lunge in the event they're not easy to teach this to. They learn pressure and release naturally without hurting anyone or themselves. If she had it her way, she'd pull a whole house down! She's just the cutest though.
Monster had a nice long training session of learning how to lunge and not run away, bolt, and pull. I have a sturdy post I use to lunge around that keeps the horses from dragging me when learning how to lunge in the event they're not easy to teach this to. They learn pressure and release naturally without hurting anyone or themselves. If she had it her way, she'd pull a whole house down! She's just the cutest though.
February 21st, 2025
This is how Spook is currently doing with her hooves While we had two weeks off due to weather. I can proudly say she's allowing all of her hooves to be picked up without any fear, drama, or threatening! She was really difficult for a bit there with her hinds and immediately wanted to kick at me and the cane out of fear. But after she realized, I wasn't trying to hurt her and that she gets rewarded for good behavior, it's made all of the difference! Now she looks forward to her hooves being picked up without worry. Spook also has the start to learning how to smile. It was noticeable that when she wanted attention, she'd move her lip on her own, and I just went with it! Pretty soon she will probably be smiling nonstop for attention and snacks!
We had our farrier out February 4th to attempt to get both the Hinnies hooves done. While I figured both would still need an extra week of training to accomplish this, I decided to try it anyway just in case. Monster was able to get all four of her hooves done with minimal issue. She did try to kick a few times, move around a bit, but overall, she didn't do any damage and got them trimmed. Spook on the other hand, did not allow to be touched at all by our farrier and instead of pushing it as she was very uncomfortable, we decided to wait and try again next time. She seems to have really intense trust issues with new people. She's okay with me, but someone else is not okay right now. So that's next on the agenda!
This is how Spook is currently doing with her hooves While we had two weeks off due to weather. I can proudly say she's allowing all of her hooves to be picked up without any fear, drama, or threatening! She was really difficult for a bit there with her hinds and immediately wanted to kick at me and the cane out of fear. But after she realized, I wasn't trying to hurt her and that she gets rewarded for good behavior, it's made all of the difference! Now she looks forward to her hooves being picked up without worry. Spook also has the start to learning how to smile. It was noticeable that when she wanted attention, she'd move her lip on her own, and I just went with it! Pretty soon she will probably be smiling nonstop for attention and snacks!
We had our farrier out February 4th to attempt to get both the Hinnies hooves done. While I figured both would still need an extra week of training to accomplish this, I decided to try it anyway just in case. Monster was able to get all four of her hooves done with minimal issue. She did try to kick a few times, move around a bit, but overall, she didn't do any damage and got them trimmed. Spook on the other hand, did not allow to be touched at all by our farrier and instead of pushing it as she was very uncomfortable, we decided to wait and try again next time. She seems to have really intense trust issues with new people. She's okay with me, but someone else is not okay right now. So that's next on the agenda!
February 21st, 2025
This is how Monster is currently doing with her hooves While we had two weeks off due to weather. I can proudly say she's allowing all of her hooves to be picked up without any fear, drama, or threatening! She was pretty skittish/spooky today when she usually isn't, but it was quite windy, and she was out tied by herself without any other horses in sight. She did pretty well given the circumstances and being she likes to throw temper tantrums in these situations. I'll take spooky over drama. Monster was allowing her hooves to be picked up here and there without issue but once every little while she'd attempt to get fiesty with her hinds and want to kick. Her kicking was more of just an "I don't want you touching my back legs" more so than a fear thing. But being Monster is a very spicey girl and everything seems to have to be on her terms only, I just went with it and ignored the bad behavior, only rewarding the good. So now we're here. Monster also has the start to learning how to smile. It's not as pronounced as Spooks quite yet, but we'll get there! She understands what I'm asking for without much prior training for it. I like teaching these tricks as an "extra" bonding/connection learning experience for horses in my program. Some have natural tricks that I can sense and bring out while others need more training and encouragement for it. Most of them respond really well and enjoy being worked with more in a sense when they enjoy what they can do and aren't always just put to work!
We had our farrier out February 4th to attempt to get both the Hinnies hooves done. While I figured both would still need an extra week of training to accomplish this, I decided to try it anyway just in case. Monster was able to get all four of her hooves done with minimal issue. She did try to kick a few times, move around a bit, but overall, she didn't do any damage and got them trimmed. Spook on the other hand, did not allow to be touched at all by our farrier and instead of pushing it as she was very uncomfortable, we decided to wait and try again next time. She seems to have really intense trust issues with new people. She's okay with me, but someone else is not okay right now. So that's next on the agenda!
This is how Monster is currently doing with her hooves While we had two weeks off due to weather. I can proudly say she's allowing all of her hooves to be picked up without any fear, drama, or threatening! She was pretty skittish/spooky today when she usually isn't, but it was quite windy, and she was out tied by herself without any other horses in sight. She did pretty well given the circumstances and being she likes to throw temper tantrums in these situations. I'll take spooky over drama. Monster was allowing her hooves to be picked up here and there without issue but once every little while she'd attempt to get fiesty with her hinds and want to kick. Her kicking was more of just an "I don't want you touching my back legs" more so than a fear thing. But being Monster is a very spicey girl and everything seems to have to be on her terms only, I just went with it and ignored the bad behavior, only rewarding the good. So now we're here. Monster also has the start to learning how to smile. It's not as pronounced as Spooks quite yet, but we'll get there! She understands what I'm asking for without much prior training for it. I like teaching these tricks as an "extra" bonding/connection learning experience for horses in my program. Some have natural tricks that I can sense and bring out while others need more training and encouragement for it. Most of them respond really well and enjoy being worked with more in a sense when they enjoy what they can do and aren't always just put to work!
We had our farrier out February 4th to attempt to get both the Hinnies hooves done. While I figured both would still need an extra week of training to accomplish this, I decided to try it anyway just in case. Monster was able to get all four of her hooves done with minimal issue. She did try to kick a few times, move around a bit, but overall, she didn't do any damage and got them trimmed. Spook on the other hand, did not allow to be touched at all by our farrier and instead of pushing it as she was very uncomfortable, we decided to wait and try again next time. She seems to have really intense trust issues with new people. She's okay with me, but someone else is not okay right now. So that's next on the agenda!
March 3rd, 2025
It's been a good while since I brought these two out for a training session! They're on the back burner and are not a priority at the moment as I plan on keeping them BUT they still need work! This is how Monster did for picking up her hooves today! I accidentally poked her with the hoof pick on one of her hinds and honestly thought I was going to get kicked but she didn't even flinch I can confidently say her training for her hooves is complete. She just needs trust building and to be away from her sister when being worked with as these two feed off of each other so badly one gets upset and the other is like "Oh my goodness what are we upset about? Nothing? Here let me also be upset about that nothing." But I'd like them to be together too. Such silly girls.
It's been a good while since I brought these two out for a training session! They're on the back burner and are not a priority at the moment as I plan on keeping them BUT they still need work! This is how Monster did for picking up her hooves today! I accidentally poked her with the hoof pick on one of her hinds and honestly thought I was going to get kicked but she didn't even flinch I can confidently say her training for her hooves is complete. She just needs trust building and to be away from her sister when being worked with as these two feed off of each other so badly one gets upset and the other is like "Oh my goodness what are we upset about? Nothing? Here let me also be upset about that nothing." But I'd like them to be together too. Such silly girls.
March 3rd, 2025
How Spook did for picking up her front feet today! In the time that she's been "sitting" and not being worked with she has fallen back some on her trust level. Not just today, but out in the pasture. She seems more like the type that needs consistency in order to flourish and earning her trust is more on a day to day basis vs long term. But that's okay we'll get there eventually! You can tell she isn't relaxed or happy about this training session but she still did better than she could've and still allowed me to clean her fronts out even though it wasn't a smooth process! Her training for picking up her feet is definitely not complete and she is going back on my daily training list until it is as she also needs her hooves trimmed! And yes, Monster was being a bit of a puke and if you haven't been around Mules/Donkeys before, they do like to kick on purpose without warning if they aren't getting their sense of adequate attention so please don't copy my bad habits and think how I was going about being in the middle of these two silly gooses was a good idea, because it wasn't at all. Fortunately, Monster didn't attempt it
How Spook did for picking up her front feet today! In the time that she's been "sitting" and not being worked with she has fallen back some on her trust level. Not just today, but out in the pasture. She seems more like the type that needs consistency in order to flourish and earning her trust is more on a day to day basis vs long term. But that's okay we'll get there eventually! You can tell she isn't relaxed or happy about this training session but she still did better than she could've and still allowed me to clean her fronts out even though it wasn't a smooth process! Her training for picking up her feet is definitely not complete and she is going back on my daily training list until it is as she also needs her hooves trimmed! And yes, Monster was being a bit of a puke and if you haven't been around Mules/Donkeys before, they do like to kick on purpose without warning if they aren't getting their sense of adequate attention so please don't copy my bad habits and think how I was going about being in the middle of these two silly gooses was a good idea, because it wasn't at all. Fortunately, Monster didn't attempt it
March 3rd, 2025
Here's how Spook did for her one hind. My phone ran out of storage by the time I needed to video for the other hind which I will be getting on video yet! Just needed to upload these first lol she did not do what I'd call good for her hinds but given how she first was for picking up her hind feet, this is still considered "progress" being I'm able to pick them up with minimal damage but she also wasn't really trying that hard to kick, it was kind of sassy, which made me think this was more on the rebellious side of a reaction. Fortunately she decided getting treats for letting me clean out her hoof was the best approach and I got the one done!
Here's how Spook did for her one hind. My phone ran out of storage by the time I needed to video for the other hind which I will be getting on video yet! Just needed to upload these first lol she did not do what I'd call good for her hinds but given how she first was for picking up her hind feet, this is still considered "progress" being I'm able to pick them up with minimal damage but she also wasn't really trying that hard to kick, it was kind of sassy, which made me think this was more on the rebellious side of a reaction. Fortunately she decided getting treats for letting me clean out her hoof was the best approach and I got the one done!
March 3rd, 2025
Here's how Spook did for her one hind. My phone ran out of storage by the time I needed to video for the other hind which I will be getting on video yet! Just needed to upload these first lol she did not do what I'd call good for her hinds but given how she first was for picking up her hind feet, this is still considered "progress" being I'm able to pick them up with minimal damage but she also wasn't really trying that hard to kick, it was kind of sassy, which made me think this was more on the rebellious side of a reaction. Fortunately she decided getting treats for letting me clean out her hoof was the best approach and I got the one done!
Here's how Spook did for her one hind. My phone ran out of storage by the time I needed to video for the other hind which I will be getting on video yet! Just needed to upload these first lol she did not do what I'd call good for her hinds but given how she first was for picking up her hind feet, this is still considered "progress" being I'm able to pick them up with minimal damage but she also wasn't really trying that hard to kick, it was kind of sassy, which made me think this was more on the rebellious side of a reaction. Fortunately she decided getting treats for letting me clean out her hoof was the best approach and I got the one done!