Training Tips and Best Practices
I'm by no means a horse trainer, these are just the tips and tricks I've picked up that have worked for me with Cinnamon and other horses and animals I've worked with.
1. Never use negative reinforcement. This hopefully is obvious to most people, but negative reinforcement will just not work for a rescued horse (or dog) because they've likely been damaged by abuse in the past. Not only will this not work, but if attempted, this technique will leave you with a nervous animal that cannot absorb any training for the rest of the session. If Cinnamon does something non-desirable, I just ignore it, and wait for a good behavior to positively reinforce.
2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
3. Less is More. I try to always err on the side of less activity, especially in the beginning. This means for the first couple weeks I only took Cinny out for 10-20 minutes per day. When exercise started, that meant beginning with 10 minutes of walking and trotting. This allows the horse to adapt comfortably and it lessens the chance of the horse getting overwhelmed and having a bad experience, which I think is a big setback. The more positive training sessions, the more the horse enjoys going out, learning, etc.
4. Always End on a Good Note. This is another reason to keep training sessions short and sweet. I try to always end with Cinnamon doing something good, then receiving a big reward and ending the session. I think that horses remember the last few minutes of the training session the most and I think this is the part that "sinks in". I also always end with giving her supplements once she's cooled down and put away, which she looks forward to. 2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
These are Cinnamon's Favorite Treats, In Peppermint
They are only $2.99 a pack and the horses go crazy for them. I also like them because they're nutritionally complete.
Cinnamon's Supplements
Here are the supplements I've been using. I selected these based on recommendations, nutritional analysis and value. I feed once per day.
I use a general multivitamin, a coat supplement and a hoof supplement because they all have different active ingredients. I mix them with Oat-Mo because it is relatively inexpensive and Cinnamon is a VERY picky eater, but she likes these when they're mixed with Oat-Mo.
I have found that Stateline Tack has the best prices, especially when you get free shipping during one of their sales.
General Multivitamin Supplement: For-A-Flex Pro-Vita
$12.99 for 5lbs or $0.17 per day
I like the idea of feeding a general multivitamin for overall health, immune system and organ function. This is fairly economical and has good nutritional content.
Coat Supplement: Grand Meadows Grand Coat
$27.49 for 5lbs or $0.35 per day
I believe this is the supplement that is making the biggest difference in Cinnamon's coat. It is much softer and is beginning to really shine.
Hoof Supplement: Source Focus HF
$19.95 for 3.5lbs or $0.53 per day
This is the most expensive of the supplements and takes the longest to see results. I am going to evaluate at 3 months and reassess whether I want to use this. I probably would not use this on a horse that already has good feet considering the relatively high cost.
Training Tips and Best Practices
I'm by no means a horse trainer, these are just the tips and tricks I've picked up that have worked for me with Cinnamon and other horses and animals I've worked with.
1. Never use negative reinforcement. This hopefully is obvious to most people, but negative reinforcement will just not work for a rescued horse (or dog) because they've likely been damaged by abuse in the past. Not only will this not work, but if attempted, this technique will leave you with a nervous animal that cannot absorb any training for the rest of the session. If Cinnamon does something non-desirable, I just ignore it, and wait for a good behavior to positively reinforce.
2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
3. Less is More. I try to always err on the side of less activity, especially in the beginning. This means for the first couple weeks I only took Cinny out for 10-20 minutes per day. When exercise started, that meant beginning with 10 minutes of walking and trotting. This allows the horse to adapt comfortably and it lessens the chance of the horse getting overwhelmed and having a bad experience, which I think is a big setback. The more positive training sessions, the more the horse enjoys going out, learning, etc.
4. Always End on a Good Note. This is another reason to keep training sessions short and sweet. I try to always end with Cinnamon doing something good, then receiving a big reward and ending the session. I think that horses remember the last few minutes of the training session the most and I think this is the part that "sinks in". I also always end with giving her supplements once she's cooled down and put away, which she looks forward to. 2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
These are Cinnamon's Favorite Treats, In Peppermint
They are only $2.99 a pack and the horses go crazy for them. I also like them because they're nutritionally complete.
1. Never use negative reinforcement. This hopefully is obvious to most people, but negative reinforcement will just not work for a rescued horse (or dog) because they've likely been damaged by abuse in the past. Not only will this not work, but if attempted, this technique will leave you with a nervous animal that cannot absorb any training for the rest of the session. If Cinnamon does something non-desirable, I just ignore it, and wait for a good behavior to positively reinforce.
2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
3. Less is More. I try to always err on the side of less activity, especially in the beginning. This means for the first couple weeks I only took Cinny out for 10-20 minutes per day. When exercise started, that meant beginning with 10 minutes of walking and trotting. This allows the horse to adapt comfortably and it lessens the chance of the horse getting overwhelmed and having a bad experience, which I think is a big setback. The more positive training sessions, the more the horse enjoys going out, learning, etc.
4. Always End on a Good Note. This is another reason to keep training sessions short and sweet. I try to always end with Cinnamon doing something good, then receiving a big reward and ending the session. I think that horses remember the last few minutes of the training session the most and I think this is the part that "sinks in". I also always end with giving her supplements once she's cooled down and put away, which she looks forward to. 2. Be generous with positive reinforcement. I use voice, physical touch (a pat on the shoulder) and treats in that order. If Cinnamon does something small that warrants a reward, I tell her "GOOD GIRL!". If she undergoes a somewhat stressful experience like picking up her hooves for the first few times, I give her a treat to reward her (which she considers a pretty big deal). This system has been pretty successful in getting her to learn desired behaviors.
These are Cinnamon's Favorite Treats, In Peppermint
They are only $2.99 a pack and the horses go crazy for them. I also like them because they're nutritionally complete.
Cinnamon's Supplements
I use a general multivitamin, a coat supplement and a hoof supplement because they all have different active ingredients. I mix them with Oat-Mo because it is relatively inexpensive and Cinnamon is a VERY picky eater, but she likes these when they're mixed with Oat-Mo.
I have found that Stateline Tack has the best prices, especially when you get free shipping during one of their sales.
General Multivitamin Supplement: For-A-Flex Pro-Vita
$12.99 for 5lbs or $0.17 per day
I like the idea of feeding a general multivitamin for overall health, immune system and organ function. This is fairly economical and has good nutritional content.
Coat Supplement: Grand Meadows Grand Coat
$27.49 for 5lbs or $0.35 per day
I believe this is the supplement that is making the biggest difference in Cinnamon's coat. It is much softer and is beginning to really shine.
$19.95 for 3.5lbs or $0.53 per day
This is the most expensive of the supplements and takes the longest to see results. I am going to evaluate at 3 months and reassess whether I want to use this. I probably would not use this on a horse that already has good feet considering the relatively high cost.
Essential Grooming Tools
These are my favorite grooming tools to date. Click on the title links to see where to purchase!
Grooming is a very important part of bonding with a horse for me. I also find that it's a great way to channel energy and relax. For the first two weeks all I did was groom Cinnamon every day then turn her out. This was important because it got her used to being handled every day and her coat really needed it. It's a great way to connect with a new horse and get them looking great!
Ultimate Groomer
This is what I start with every day to remove any mud, extra hair, etc. Even sensitive horses seem to love it. It's like a massage and it helped Cinnamon get used to being handled and to start to enjoy grooming.
The Best Shedding Tool Ever
This can take some getting used to with a skiddish horse, but it takes the old hair off like nothing you've ever seen. It makes any coat shine. Warning: don't get it wet or it will melt, but each block should last at least a month or two, and at $3.99, that's pretty good.
Grooming is a very important part of bonding with a horse for me. I also find that it's a great way to channel energy and relax. For the first two weeks all I did was groom Cinnamon every day then turn her out. This was important because it got her used to being handled every day and her coat really needed it. It's a great way to connect with a new horse and get them looking great!
Ultimate Groomer
This is what I start with every day to remove any mud, extra hair, etc. Even sensitive horses seem to love it. It's like a massage and it helped Cinnamon get used to being handled and to start to enjoy grooming.
This can take some getting used to with a skiddish horse, but it takes the old hair off like nothing you've ever seen. It makes any coat shine. Warning: don't get it wet or it will melt, but each block should last at least a month or two, and at $3.99, that's pretty good.
I put this on every hairless patch, scratch or wound every day and it miraculously clears them up. The horses seem to like the soothing feeling and it's much cheaper than Cortisone. I even use it on my own scars. If you're worried about flies, put SWAT on top of this.
This is the best fly spray I've found. The horses (and people) don't seem to mind the smell, but it repels flies for several days. I spray about 4 sprays per side, then wipe the whole horse down with a rag to evenly distribute. You really only need to use it every other day.
This is the coolest little tool in the world, and it's only $1.89! If you're like me and you don't want to torture your horse with clippers or scissors, you'll love this! It's a little one sided razor with a protective siding that you slide over your horses muzzle and it shaves their whiskers. Cinnamon even likes it! I haven't found it online yet, but they have it at Mary's Tack and Feed. You only need to use it about once a month and it takes about 5 mins.
Deworming a Horse the Easy Way!
Why didn't I think of this? I read about this method on the Internet. After trying it, I'm scratching my head as to why I've needlessly traumatized myself and horses in the past de-worming the old fashion way.
Normally, the quarterly process of de-worming a horse involves a wrestling match to deposit the de-worming paste in the back of their mouths. Not anymore! Mix the paste with OatMo or AlfaMo and the horse will happily devour the medicine!
Here's proof!
Start with the wormer, a yummy treat, and a feeding dish.
Deposit the correct amount in accordance with your horse's size.
Mix it up!
Warning: Wash your hands immediately or wear gloves.
Happy, healthy horse!
Grateful for the delicious treat!
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