2008-10-06T13:58:08Z http://horseplay.playwithhorses.com/comments/atom.aspx Quick Blogcast tag:horseplay.playwithhorses.com,2007-09-05:509363 Malok http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/ 2007-09-05T08:44:43Z 2007-09-05T08:44:43Z tag:horseplay.playwithhorses.com,2006-07-27:82604 Viv 2006-07-27T20:19:18Z 2006-07-27T20:19:18Z
First, condition the pony to the clicker yourself and make sure that the pony is well versed in food manners.  Then introduce the kids to how the clicker works and the food manners that are expected of the pony.  Actually show them and let them practice with the pony on 'look away'.  If necessary they can do this over a fence or stall while you supervise and the pony understands that they are also in possession of the magic sound that provides good things for good behaviour. 

Immediately teach the pony to target with his nose - on a hand or some other easily carried object.  This is counter-conditioning he simply cannot present his butt to kick if he has his nose on you.  Teach the kids to ask the pony to target if they are near him.  He will soon learn to target the hand\object instead of being such a little bully.   

Other solutions to this problem include teaching 'ears forward', head down or stand in a particular 'pose' when approached.  When a horse puts its ears forward it 'cannot' do nasty things, it's a physiological attitude changer, just like its much harder for us to be in a bad mood if we physically smile.  If the kids have time and understand how to apply the clicker\rewards correctly these are things that they can teach the pony.  This will establish them as more important in the pony's mind and make him more interested in interacting with them than getting rid of them. Again, if you are worried about them being unsupervised let them train him over the fence or some other physical barrier.

You can also teach 'nice' behaviour towards other animals.  All these things are possible with the clicker and positive reinforcement and once you start you may be surprised at how quickly it can happen.  Good Luck]]> tag:horseplay.playwithhorses.com,2006-07-27:82546 Sharon 2006-07-27T19:56:21Z 2006-07-27T16:26:30Z tag:horseplay.playwithhorses.com,2006-07-12:71889 Jill 2006-07-12T16:47:50Z 2006-07-12T16:46:26Z