Chat
08-29-2018, 05:05 PM
Hi Nanno (and others), I would appreciate some tips regarding how to keep driving lessons interesting for Koby while we are in the paddock and trying to improve our skills. I feel like we have reached a bit of a plateau and because he is very clever I need some ideas to stay one step ahead of him so he doesn't become stale. This is where we are at right now:
We can still only manage about a lesson a week - I'd like to increase this when the weather improves.
We are not ready to go out on the road - I feel this would be dangerous at this point (see below).
Koby seems quite comfortable walking, trotting and cantering. He does these mainly on command but sometimes he stops and refuses to go forward. Nanno, I have been following your advice re: whip in your driving article on your website and when Koby doesn't "listen" and move forward after being asked a few times, I get out and lead him. After re-reading your article I think I need to lead him at a trot so he realises it's more work to be obstinate rather than move forward like I originally asked him to. Am I on the right track?
He is still somewhat obsessed with treats and will sometimes "hold me to ransom" until he gets one. If he does the right thing he will get a treat, however I am trying to ask him to do more until he gets one (i.e. space out the frequency of the treats).
Koby is not quite used to how wide the cart is and will sometimes go too close to trees and fences. What is the best way to get him more accustomed to the width - should I put out some cones and get him to go around them or do I need to be more proactive with my turning aids (i.e. guide him away from obstacles before he gets too close in the first place)?
He is very strong and whilst I have never been out of control, I sometimes feel like it is a battle of strength if he decides to go somewhere I don't want him to. Do I need to sort this out before I try him in a bit, or would a bit help sort out this problem? I am used to riding horses so I know about using bits generally but the last thing I want is a hard mouthed goat caused by my ignorance regarding how and when to introduce a bit (if at all).
Thanks for any tips you can provide!
We can still only manage about a lesson a week - I'd like to increase this when the weather improves.
We are not ready to go out on the road - I feel this would be dangerous at this point (see below).
Koby seems quite comfortable walking, trotting and cantering. He does these mainly on command but sometimes he stops and refuses to go forward. Nanno, I have been following your advice re: whip in your driving article on your website and when Koby doesn't "listen" and move forward after being asked a few times, I get out and lead him. After re-reading your article I think I need to lead him at a trot so he realises it's more work to be obstinate rather than move forward like I originally asked him to. Am I on the right track?
He is still somewhat obsessed with treats and will sometimes "hold me to ransom" until he gets one. If he does the right thing he will get a treat, however I am trying to ask him to do more until he gets one (i.e. space out the frequency of the treats).
Koby is not quite used to how wide the cart is and will sometimes go too close to trees and fences. What is the best way to get him more accustomed to the width - should I put out some cones and get him to go around them or do I need to be more proactive with my turning aids (i.e. guide him away from obstacles before he gets too close in the first place)?
He is very strong and whilst I have never been out of control, I sometimes feel like it is a battle of strength if he decides to go somewhere I don't want him to. Do I need to sort this out before I try him in a bit, or would a bit help sort out this problem? I am used to riding horses so I know about using bits generally but the last thing I want is a hard mouthed goat caused by my ignorance regarding how and when to introduce a bit (if at all).
Thanks for any tips you can provide!
Happiness is a baby goat snoring in your lap