It’s been very cold and windy here in New England the last few days. In fact, it is the time of year when my seasonal depression kicks in, leaving me struggling to do the basics like muck stalls, brush the horses, and top off water buckets. Seriously. It’s stupidly cold.
The nice thing about clicker training is that it immediately lifts your spirits. It is so easy and simple, that a five-minute session will reinvigorate me even when I feel like both of my feet (and my heart) are concrete blocks. The horses are so happy to engage in the clicker game, and their enthusiasm is infectious.
On this particular day, I popped out to the barn to top off water buckets, only to find myself immersed in an impromptu R+ session with Clarabelle. It was 15 degrees, 15 mph winds, and she was very interested in what game I might have brought with me to the barnyard. How could I let her down?
After two five-minute sessions, one to practice liberty leading and one to introduce the target, Clarabelle and I were both happier than we had been all day. And, we can count one more building block in our training pyramid!
Next time, we will work more on relaxed liberty leading and turning to the right, as well as continuing with introductions to the Target.
This little mare is just the sweetest thing. So calm, so pleasant, and so self-assured. I cannot wait to see what kinds of adventures we’ll get up to! -HgH