Many years ago, I got a ride-and-drive donkey. Jack knew ALL about the world and was an absolute treasure of a schoolmaster for my changing population of ponies in rehab. However, local livery yards were not so keen and some silly owners indulged their horses in their totally unfounded fears. Poor Jack! All he wanted was to be a quiet friend, yet here was someone literally screaming at us to 'get out of their way' when all we were doing was meandering along a bridleway ... People who were 'real' horsepeople were always delighted to see us, and no matter how nervous their mount was, it would soon realise Jack offered only harmless, undemanding friendship. Others ... not so much. What memories I have of hooves thundering away into the distance as Jack waggled his ears in a quizzical way ...
Well done Barry and Mel for mentioning the secret trick some drivers have of sedating horses before going in the ring. I feel this is something many people view as acceptable when its far from it. In my time I've come across plenty of well-known names who follow this practice, often people who are held up as examples for others to follow. What you do may not be considered normal in their books but I'd take a well-trained, unsedated horse over a poorly-trained sedated one any day! Great video folks.
Excellent video (as are all of your videos). I just wanted to offer a tip for your viewers, specific to conditioning horses frightened of Alpaca. I live in a very horsey area, just down the road from a huge national horse show grounds, however it is not a rural area, it is very suburban and exclusively equestrian. So, the horses in our area (mine included) do not get to see a lot of farm animals of any kind, let alone Alpaca. About a year ago I found myself in possession of a pet Alpaca and he caused quite the stir in the neighborhood. Especially since his paddock borders a popular bridle path. This is what I have figured out from watching many horses’ initial reaction to seeing an Alpaca: I believe the horses think they are predators/meat eaters in nature. Something about the snake-like movement of their exceedingly long necks doesn’t sit right with the horse. Their slow, gentle movements I think can also be mistaken for predatory stalking, like a cat. They even look like giant sheepdogs from a distance. For these reasons, I believe a horse is even more intimidated by an Alpaca than they would be a sheep, or a cow. So extra care in introduction may be necessary. In numerous instances, I have discovered that if a horse can see and hear an Alpaca engage in grazing behavior, the horse becomes instantly more accepting of the animal. I have literally witnessed the exact moment the light bulb goes off for the horse. It’s like “Oh, you’re a fellow herbivore. Well ok, then.” So my advice is, try to position the concerned horse so that he can observe grazing behavior among the Alpacas. If the sight itself of them grazing from a distance doesn’t fully convince the horse, the familiar and comforting close-up sound of happy tearing and chewing of blades always seems to seal the deal. So, I pretty much echo the theme of your video: get closer, not farther away, but with the added specificity of making sure the horse gets to see the animal graze. If the horse and suspect Alpaca are forced together in close quarters and the situation is a dry lot, where no grazing is available, I find allowing the Alpaca and the horse to “break bread” by sharing a flake of hay (hand-fed if necessary) works just as well. Alpaca and horses actually get along exceedingly well once accustomed to each other. I have found mine to be an invaluable companion with calming effect on the horses he is pastured with.
What a lovely little Dartmoor mare, who clearly wanted to go & say "Hello" to the alpacas, although they weren't so sure! She was clearly assisted by the calm, patient way she was introduced to the herd. Usually they don't upset too many horses? I had an Arab cross riding pony who would become very upset about with miniature horses...he was fine with draught horses though!
I am ecstatically happy to have found you all and this video. I have two mammoth donkeys and some folks at a horse boarding facility next to a public trail think my donkeys frighten or excite the horses in their paddocks and want me to leave the area. Some horses seem to like (love!) donkeys, and some seem to be fearful. The donkeys have their own fears, so your video is really helpful.
Thank you so much for all your instruction. I am living in the states and need to find quality harness and cart as seen in your video. Can you please direct me to the best makers? Happy New Year!
Desensitization..... Animals take *many* of their behavioral cues from us, something that we are barely aware of. If your horse, or dog, is nervous about something, take a long, honest look at yourself; you might be surprised! ;)
Sadly, Merlin is terrified of having the harness put on. His back legs buckle and he clamps his tail down hard. Even if I get it one as I did this afternoon and spend time reassuring him, he is still liable to rear and bolt as he did this afternoon. Sadly,I think I have to call quits on him :(
Many years ago, I got a ride-and-drive donkey. Jack knew ALL about the world and was an absolute treasure of a schoolmaster for my changing population of ponies in rehab.
However, local livery yards were not so keen and some silly owners indulged their horses in their totally unfounded fears. Poor Jack! All he wanted was to be a quiet friend, yet here was someone literally screaming at us to 'get out of their way' when all we were doing was meandering along a bridleway ...
People who were 'real' horsepeople were always delighted to see us, and no matter how nervous their mount was, it would soon realise Jack offered only harmless, undemanding friendship.
Others ... not so much.
What memories I have of hooves thundering away into the distance as Jack waggled his ears in a quizzical way ...
I totally agree…Raise the standard! We owe that to the horse/pony
Well done Barry and Mel for mentioning the secret trick some drivers have of sedating horses before going in the ring. I feel this is something many people view as acceptable when its far from it. In my time I've come across plenty of well-known names who follow this practice, often people who are held up as examples for others to follow. What you do may not be considered normal in their books but I'd take a well-trained, unsedated horse over a poorly-trained sedated one any day! Great video folks.
Excellent video (as are all of your videos). I just wanted to offer a tip for your viewers, specific to conditioning horses frightened of Alpaca.
I live in a very horsey area, just down the road from a huge national horse show grounds, however it is not a rural area, it is very
suburban and exclusively equestrian. So, the horses in our area (mine included) do not get to see a lot of farm animals
of any kind, let alone Alpaca. About a year ago I found myself in possession of a pet Alpaca and he caused quite the
stir in the neighborhood. Especially since his paddock borders a popular bridle path. This is what I have figured out from watching many horses’ initial reaction to seeing an Alpaca: I believe the horses think they are predators/meat eaters in nature.
Something about the snake-like movement of their exceedingly long necks doesn’t sit right with the horse. Their
slow, gentle movements I think can also be mistaken for predatory stalking, like a cat. They even look like giant
sheepdogs from a distance.
For these reasons, I believe a horse is even more intimidated by an Alpaca than they would be a sheep, or a cow. So extra care in introduction may be necessary.
In numerous instances, I have discovered that if a horse can see and hear an Alpaca engage in grazing behavior, the horse becomes instantly more accepting of the animal. I have literally witnessed the exact moment the light bulb goes off for the
horse. It’s like “Oh, you’re a fellow herbivore. Well ok, then.”
So my advice is, try to position the concerned horse so that he can observe grazing behavior among the Alpacas. If the sight itself of them grazing from a distance doesn’t fully convince the horse, the familiar and comforting close-up sound of happy tearing and chewing of blades always seems to seal the deal. So, I pretty much echo the theme of your video: get closer, not farther away, but with the added specificity of making sure the horse gets to see the animal graze.
If the horse and suspect Alpaca are forced together in close quarters and the situation is a dry lot, where no grazing is available, I find allowing the Alpaca and the horse to “break bread” by sharing a flake of hay (hand-fed if necessary) works just as well.
Alpaca and horses actually get along exceedingly well once accustomed to each other. I have found mine to be an invaluable companion with calming effect on the horses he is pastured with.
What a lovely little Dartmoor mare, who clearly wanted to go & say "Hello" to the alpacas, although they weren't so sure! She was clearly assisted by the calm, patient way she was introduced to the herd. Usually they don't upset too many horses? I had an Arab cross riding pony who would become very upset about with miniature horses...he was fine with draught horses though!
She is showing great interest in those Alpacas. It's hard to believe she ever had a problem with them.
I am ecstatically happy to have found you all and this video. I have two mammoth donkeys and some folks at a horse boarding facility next to a public trail think my donkeys frighten or excite the horses in their paddocks and want me to leave the area. Some horses seem to like (love!) donkeys, and some seem to be fearful. The donkeys have their own fears, so your video is really helpful.
Laurie Morgan see
What an excellent video. Lots of good information and encouraging advice.
Excellent. Thank you to EmC for the share. God Bless you both. ♥
A fear of alpacas. How interesting. I would love to know what the horse thought about alpacas.
I have the same reaction to alpacas, don’t blame her at all.
Thank you so much for all your instruction. I am living in the states and need to find quality harness and cart as seen in your video. Can you please direct me to the best makers?
Happy New Year!
I love this harness, especially the breast collar, what is it?
Desensitization.....
Animals take *many* of their behavioral cues from us, something that we are barely aware of. If your horse, or dog, is nervous about something, take a long, honest look at yourself; you might be surprised! ;)
Sadly, Merlin is terrified of having the harness put on. His back legs buckle and he clamps his tail down hard. Even if I get it one as I did this afternoon and spend time reassuring him, he is still liable to rear and bolt as he did this afternoon. Sadly,I think I have to call quits on him :(