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Discussion on Wanted: Bomb Proofing Ideas
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Apr 2, 2007 - 6:34 pm:
What I am looking for here are ideas of different things to do, and different things to show a horse to get him to be more confident and safer as a riding partner. And I am hoping to avoid buying the book "How to Bombproof Your Horse."
Besides plastic, balloons, umbrellas, and dragging various things, any other ideas? Suggestions on order to do things? I figure you show a horse plastic, rub him with it, then have him wear it and/or drag it. Which I've done already. But with this guy I've put so much time in already and any new thing is back to square one.
Thanks!
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Monday, Apr 2, 2007 - 10:02 pm:
Miles in the saddle in all kinds of terrain and circumstances - and time with your horse so he trusts your judgement - That is what has done it for me - after 3 years my horse now totally trusts me - I am so proud of him - we walked thru smoldering and flaming forest fires this weekend (Knee high flames on one log - rest just hot and smokey) He didin't even flinch - yea his head went up and i patted him to tell him it was OK and we were all good.
Trust and time - great formula - By the way we called the forest service on 911 - they got a crew up there while we were hanging around they put it all out. (YAY)
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 12:41 am:
Scarey, Muffi! I'm glad your horse trusts you so much! I second Muffi's opinion on this. At Scottsdale they had a demo of the police horses and how they are trained. Pretty intense! I know there's a book out on how the police train their horses; I'll be there stuff on the internet, too.
Also, be sure and do the plastic bags and stuff in different areas. It might be fine when the plastic shavings bag hits his leg in the stall, but a whole different story when outside. And, be sure and get him used to things on both sides of the body. Remember horses brains are "wired" a lot differently than ours, and what they learn on one side has to be learned on the other side also.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 7:31 am:
Miles as Muffi said, when my horse was broke they also filled bags with cans, covered it with a tarp and made him walk over it. They also laid the cans over him, and put them on a stick and shook them at him. He had everything possible done to him....in a good way. They also put anything scary in the round pen with him and let him investigate for himself...everyday for a few hours.
He is NOT a spook at all, he is rather high strung and will "pretend" to spook....for an excuse to act up. I can tell the difference very easily. NOW that I don't react to his "fake" spooks they have pretty much disappeared. He trusts me, which IS important and I remain a "wet noodle"
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 8:14 am:
Angie, don't forget the noise factor as well. gun shots, firecrackers, strange sounding motors other than cars/trucks, such as weed wackers, golf carts, etc.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 9:58 am:
Sara,
Anything else you can expand on concerning the demo on police horse training? Now I am more intrigued and just might have to order another book...I keep saying NO more books!!
Sounds like just a lot more time, and repetition.
Some backround here: This is Tango I am talking about. Had some on again off again lameness as a 2 & 3 year old. (from a kick I witnessed) Didn't really get working steady until late last summer. I've only been on him 3 times it's been a challenge with him. I suspect we'll need to review, review and review some more. I have no illusions about just throwing the saddle on him and getting on after no action since last fall.
His confident level has improved tons with what I've done so far; it even shows in the pasture.
I have had him for sale for almost a year and I'd like to be able to attract a bigger group of people that could be potential owners for him. I end up telling people he's a little timid and that turns them off.
Maybe he is doing "fake" spooks too. And it's me that needs bomb proofing, lol!!
Thanks everyone!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 10:03 am:
A word of warning about "sacking out" with cans and such; we had a mare come in to be boarded who had been sent to a local trainer. The trainer "sacked" the mare out with bags and cans tied to her saddle then turned her loose in either an arena or round pen. Needless to say the mare was terrified and jumped around so much she tore all the little tendons in the front part of her hoof. I assume she landed wrong on one of her jumps. The mare could never be ridden. If you choose to "sack out" a horse this way, always make sure you have the horse on a line and can control the situation.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 10:15 am:
Angie, you may have to remind me, but I'll try and find the name of the book.
The horses are ridden around and taught to push against a huge ball, ride up against a car with its siren blowing (they put earplugs in the horses ears,) not flinch when a gun is shot, go through just about everything imaginable - rows of tires like football players train on, water, crumpled paper. They also walk through balloons hanging down,streams of crepe paper, and are taught to push against crowds to move them back. I thought it all was pretty impressive.
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 10:56 am:
I used to live in Scottsdale and seen those boys in action - Impressive does not even describe it, they are awesome.
But Angie Angie Angie. Just say not to books...
if you have a round pen or a private area you can use for 'training' just put some potential obstacles out there.
Like bags in trees, bush and on fences, Cans on the ground, Mailboxes, tires, all kinds of stuff, walk him on a lead rope thru it first. OK I am bad but I use Treats Little carrot peices the size of quarters or so, when the go by the 'bad things" I would give him a treat to stand there and check it out. Not always food - mostly praise, pats and love. yea we had some tense moments but on a lead it's easy to calm them.
in the saddle - Diane is RIGHT ON GAL! Think Wet noodle (did you have the same trainer as I did?  ) relax every part you own and sit back - if your heart is racing CALM DOWN. they sense it and think like WOW there's a mountain lion out there or that is a Horse Eating Bag I just know it! 
You're on your way to success already - too bad once you get him trained you are gonna sell them cause those are the ties that bind you and the horse for eternity (I think)
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 11:02 am:
Please don't tie or attach these items to a horse in a round pen ... accident waiting to happen. The whole principle is apply pressure and release. If objects are tied, there is no release and the horse will panic. You have to give the horse the opportunity to escape, then bring him back til he no longer chooses escape. Lots of repetitions in varying areas and situations, and time, time, time.
Angie .. this is the notorious "tango" dude eh? Just hop on him girl, I'm sure it'll all be ok.
DT
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 11:04 am:
Angie .... I sure wish you could send tango down to me for a few weeks. Sounds like a fun challenge indeed. I love a horse with attitude.
DT
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 1:01 pm:
Thanks for the reminders about attaching stuff to the horse. I did that many years ago with my Arab. She freaked out because I wanted to put a canteen on the saddle. So I tied partially full milk jugs of water to the saddle and let her go. I am really lucky that she didn't get hurt. She was so terrified she ran into the board fence, fell down a few times and just kept going and going. Very dumb move on my part.
What I've done with Tango, and others since, it I tie something like say, a feed bag to a long rope and then loop it around the horn. I can let the bag go if I have to. Of course I've run the bag all over his body before then. I've had bags of gravel on him also. Really helped with the "goosey" factor, but it was dangerous. Helped get him ready for my legs on him.
I've also done the Chris Cox "anti-bucking" trick. Guess others use it too. A rope on his halter, rope around his belly, then his flanks. Release when he quits bucking. WOW, is that a challenge!!! But I know he's not rodeo stock for sure.
Dennis,
NO thanks, I will not just hop on him, but you are welcome to do so. The good news is I think it will take maybe 30 minutes to get to the point of getting on him again this spring, (after this next snow storm) vs 30 days! But I want to cover more in the "boogey man" area of his training.
It's not so much an attitude, more a "fear factor." 
Sure you arn't planning on a trip to Upper MI soon???
Muffi,
I don't want to sell him that bad, but my husband don't have his "special" horse. We can only have 4 and he's the logical first choice to go. Brian hates going on rides with me if any of our horses are "spaz" cases. He wants 2 nice good ol' boys going side by side and I am always on a young one that is freaking out over new things. Doesn't bother me that much but he does buy all the horse feed and all.
O.K., maybe I'd better head over to Amazon, "Bomb Proof Your HOrse" isn't really that expensive and is does look good. You've all given my things to do in the mean time.
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Member:
kthorse
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 1:34 pm:
I had the book bomb proof your horse. I find I learn more from this web site than the book. I did not learn anything new that I did not already know. Just my thoughts.
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Member:
kitch
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 3:31 pm:
Angie, I agree whole heartedly with Dennis, pressure and release, if they can not get away from the scarry thing they panic. You first must gain his trust. John Lyons has one of the best sacking out techniques I have ever seen, if you can find an article with his technique it would be worth reading, I used to subscribe to his magazines.
Janine
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 7:26 pm:
Hi Angie, I would like to mention a couple things I learned from watching the clinicians. When you are working with your horse keep his head tipped toward you and stand by his shoulder so that if he gets scared you can pull his hip away. And keep your elbow up so that you can block his head from hitting you. Don't look him in the eye when you are desensitizing him, that will make him more afraid. Get a 14 ft soft line with snap, attach it to his halter and hold it the way I described. Practice tossing the end of it over his back and pulling it off. Let it fall off his rear and softly go around his legs. I take the rope around the rear on the opposite side of his head and body then slide myself down the rope until I am a safe distance away, then I put a little pressure on the rope until he follows the pressure and turns around. Don't do that until he is comfortable with the rope around his legs but when you do this he will learn to think his way out of trouble.I also take a loop of rope, put it around a leg holding the ends and teach them to lead, I help them by also pulling on the lead until they learn. Don't tie the rope to the leg in case they get away from you! I was on a group trip and my gelding stepped over a tie line that had stretched. Before I could reach him he turned sideways and put his leg back over the rope. I also teach my horses to DrOp their heads when I pull down on the lead rope but after they do it well to normal pressure then I do sudden unexpected hard yanks. Be ready for them to throw their heads up hard and hold on til they give. Even when they are taught to give to normal pressure if they step on the rope they can still flip themselves over. If you put a plastic grocery bag on a rope and then walk away from him so that the scary thing seems to be running away from him he will become curious and follow it. Then stop but keep it moving. Always do this in a pen and with a long lead on him so that you can control him. After he is real relaxed let it brush up against a front leg then pull it away fast. Do it until he is relaxed, if he pulls back follow him keeping it moving. If you stop before he relaxes you will teach him to run from anything that is scary. I once had a chip bag come sailing along and attach itself to my mare's leg. She stood there and after a moment it flew away. I never tie anything to my horse until they are completely relaxed. I have a 22 month old filly that was afraid of fly masks. I found out that she was afraid of the sound of the velcro so we spent a lot of time making that from a distance then closer til she got over it. I have used a shop vacuum with the hose attached to the out to get them used to the loud noise and the sensation of the air blowing on them. I started from several feet away casually blowing the dirt off of the barn floor. Before long I was blowing their hair getting closer and closer. I would blow toward them then quickly away, then a little longer and longer. Soon I could blow dry them after a bath if I wanted. My dog loves to be vacuumed, she will come over for it. If you always start small and build up you should be successful, think it out beforehand don't just do something on the spur of the moment.
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Member:
sonoita
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 7:47 pm:
I ride with a umbrella. i open and close it. the reason I tried the umbrella was when I feed I would use one to help with the snow and rain on my head. The horses were at first a little freaked but got used to it. Now , never ride up to a friend while you have it. Right Lilo?
I also had a horse that was afraid of garbage bags. I put him in lunge pin and lunged him around the garbage bag blown up and he finally got used to it. He did not spook after that. And garbage bags are everywhere.
happy Trails
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 9:24 pm:
Cynthia, some great tips.
Angie, Dennis is coming to Utah before he comes to your place; right Dennis? I read that part about him liking horses with attitude, and I have one waiting for him! Actually, he's really sweet; he just has a mind of his own and he has made up his mind about certain things! That old adage about "my mind's made up, don't confuse me with facts" is his mantra!
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007 - 10:41 pm:
Heck .. if I can get you all to put up with me and feed me, I may just have to load up and haul all over the country. Oh crap ... just remembered I got a day job. If I could make a living doing that, I'd be on my way today.
DT
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 12:48 am:
Um, Sara, Dennis is going to get a big ego here if we keep fighting over him. 
Cynthia,
What you shared is great. Done many of those things but I wonder if I've been looking in his eyes too much? And have to do more "noise" desensitizing. He's afraid of the sound of velcro too.
He's in a barn with shop noises going on. Shop vac, power tools, air compressor. Fine when he's in the stall. May jump a little when something first starts up. Hmmm...taking the shop vac to him, that sounds like a fun idea!!!
Wanda,
I've had a garbage bag flying all over him too. No umbrella yet.
Lots of good ideas for more things to do. And I ordered not one, but two books today written by police who specialize in this kind of training. May not be much new but maybe the methods will give me some pointers as to how to get a more confident horse. Like what to start with: plastic bags, then cans, and save the umbrella for last type of thing.
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 9:25 am:
Angie .. now you know there is no place for ego in horse training. Besides, my wife says I can't "get" a big ego cause I already have one. Now, back to serious stuff.
After you have completed your initial desensitizing work, I think it was John Lyons who had a game where he would grab a number of items .. sisn't matter what it was as long as it might make a noise or otherwise bother a horse. He would spread these items around the round pen, then starting with the least scary object, pick it up and work all over the horse with it until accepted. Then on to the next least scary object until the horse has accepted each item.
I have a method I use which has worked great for me. I spread a tarp out in the middle of the round pen or arena area. I put a barrel in the middle and cones all around. I will put sticks through the cones with plastic bags, flags, etc. tied to the sticks. First I do sending exercises at the end away from the objects so that the horse sees them at a distance, but does not have to really deal with them. I will work pretty hard, then send toward the objects to rest. If he tries to escape, I let him, then send him back. Soon the horse learns to relax near the objects. Once he is relaxed near the objects, I will repeat sending exercises, only this time around all those objects. Your horse begins to concentrate on the exercises and forgets about the objects. repeat the rest periods in the obstacle area. Eventually, I can send across the tarp and all around the objects. Once the horse is pretty good on the ground, I do the same exercises from the saddle, again starting at an end away from obstacles, then in circles around the obstacles, then through and all around the obstacles. Remember, start with work away, rest near.
I then use a lot of exercises like Cynthia has described. I will have a helper carry a stick with plastic bag in front of me, and let the horse begin to follow and investigate. Then have the person raise and lower the stick as they walk, then striking on the ground, and then eventually walking circles around me as we ride along. I then have them drive our "gator" around the area as I follow along in the same way. Add spooky objects to the back of the gator, and so on. Then we do it with a pickup truck, bicycle, or whatever you can get your hands on.
Eventually, I want to be able to ride the horse with the stick and bag in my hand until I can move it all around, tap the ground with it as I ride, etc. Be creative, and come up with exercises on your own. This is not only good for the horse, but also helps improve your riding.
This may all take quite a bit of time, but well worth it in the overall effect it has on the horse, plus, it can be a lot of fun. You will see them become braver and braver as you work through these exercises. The key is to always end session with your horse calmer than he was before you started, and reward often.
Sorry so long, but I hope it helps.
DT
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 11:02 am:
Dennis,
Those are great ideas. Two years ago we did kind of a de-spooking group activity in the arena, and I think it helped a lot. We are ready for another one.
We have had a lot of folks move in with motorbikes (shiny and noisy) and ATVs and have kids using the ATV's on the roads. I know my gelding would spook at those things. So, I am hoping to promote a training session with motorbikes and ATV's and mountain bikes. Having the horses follow initially is a great idea - I know it works for plastic bags etc.
Some of the training would have to be along the road, however, since we can't tear up the arena with fast-moving vehicles. The horses are used to tractors, lawn mowers etc., but, the difference on the road is that the speeds are much greater.
This is a great thread!
Lilo
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Member:
dove2
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 12:03 pm:
I attended a Rick Pelicano Bombproofing Clinic last fall which was interesting, to say the least. It was in an indoor arena, and we started by walking the horses past a dozen roadside emergency flairs, hissing and smoking, to start the clinic off. Most of the challenges are described in his book, but I feel that the horses were a tad better viewing other horses doing the obstacles than they might have been doing theses obstacles on their own. It made each horse a tiny bit more brave. So I would suggest, if you can, to get together with friends and other horse owners to do some of these exercises.
But the part I wanted to especially mention was the horse soccer game at the end. It seemed the horses really enjoyed the game. It had a purpose, which makes the horses relax, and they seemed to enjoy pushing the ball around. Pelicano's ball was huge and came up higher than most horses' chests, but check out this site: https://horsesoccer.com/ to learn more about horse soccer. I'm thinking about investing in the ball for my boarding barn. It seems to be good for the horses, and good for human relations too!
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 12:20 pm:
Really good ideas on the above posts! I will get on this with my spooky Arab. Dennis, when you head out on your Traveling Trainer Tour, head to Reno to do a gig!
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Member:
maggienm
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 12:42 pm:
So, Dennis, I make a great omelette, some say my steak is better than the 'Keg's', just let me know how you like your coffee....
A bonus from doing all this groundwork is you never know when you might have to ask your horse to do something unexpected.
We had a clinic this weekend, the weather co-operated by turning -18 with a nasty wind. needless to say we were having a time getting the horses dry. One of the fellows fired up the Hermon Nelson, the heat and fan from this dried up the horses in no time.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 4, 2007 - 4:15 pm:
Hi guys, I would like to know if you have or have seen the Blocker tie ring? I had seen it at the Equine Affaire but when I watched Clinton Anderson demonstrate it I had to get a bunch. It looks like a ring with half a snaffle bit that is loose. I have been using them for over a year and I can't recommend them enough. If you have a horse that pulls back this is better than a bungie or break away tie. This is also the best thing for teaching a youngster to stand tied. You use a long lead at first (14 ft. or more is best) feed the line through the ring, around the tongue and back out. During the demo he would walk up to the horse and scare the horse into pulling back. The rope would slide through allowing the horse release until they stopped by themselves. The horse went back about 10 feet then Clinton brought him back and readjusted the rope. He scared the horse again and this time he backed about 5 ft. After a couple more times the horse just stood there and looked at him. My gelding used to be bad about pulling back and the give to pressure helped but the tie ring cured him completely. Now I have them everywhere, including my horse trailer and I am not afraid to use them on my vinyl fencing. I now use a regular length lead and my horses (including my 22 month old filly) all hang out perfectly relaxed. Even if a horse gets a leg over the rope they will not get scared because of the release of pressure. Clinton called it the cheapest vet bill and I think he's right. You can get them on Clinton's web site or Charles Wilhelm's site and probably a lot of other places.
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Member:
cspanhel
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 9:53 am:
I just scanned all the posts, so maybe someone has already mentioned Clinton Anderson's Spookless audio CDs. I played these in the barn before July 4th to get the horses used to fireworks noise...also to prepare a horse for a parade. The CDs are helpful, though not the total solution. Also, you need a good audio system to play them on so the sounds seem as real as possible. cynthia
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 10:08 am:
Thanks everyone for the ideas. Right now the horses are trying to get used to all the noise the horrible wind is making! I am surprised they are chosing to be in the metal barn. Surprised also none of the roof has ripped off, grin. I have lots to work on now with all the horses, especially Tango, as soon as Mother Nature gets over her temper tantrum.
Dennis,
Don't apologize for long posts. Yours are very informative and well written. I appreciate it.
And give you wife a big hug and tell her how much we appreciate that she lets you take time for us mere mortals, (HAHAHAA!!!)when we know she is sharing you with all the horses in your life too. She must be one heckova wonderful woman!
One last question:
For those of you who have done tons of bomb proofing, did you notice if it helped with "gooseyness?" I would think it would have an all over calming affect and all areas blend together. Or is it a "cinchy" a horse stays that way?
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 10:12 am:
Cynthia
We were posting at the same time. I didn't know Clinton had a CD out like that. Sounds interesting. It would be helpful but of course the horses need to see where the noise is coming from too. Mine hear lots of gunshots every fall, so we've got that covered somewhat.
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 11:49 am:
Cynthia, I purchased a Blocker Tie Ring at the Endurance conference that was held here in Reno last month and like it very much, wish I had bought two as they were priced lower than I've seen anywhere else. I have seen them in Valley Vet catalogue. I use mine at level two, which gives a little more resistance, enough to keep them from just pulling it through should they try. A friend of mine has been using one with a spooky horse and said unfortunately the mare has learned she can pull it through, so does it every time she ties her with it and runs off. I'm assuming she has been using level one, so will most likely need to start over with level two or three...does Clinton Anderson make suggestions if this happens?
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 11:58 am:
One of the best tools to de-spook are helium filled party balloons. Not just round ones but frogs, smiley faces, rabbits, monster faces you get the idea. They are unpredictible in movement so if you tie them around an arena at different levels or create obstacle course and ask the horse to work around and thru them it makes a good exercise. However beware the horse who walks behind you liberating all the balloons just to see them float away. Cindy
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 12:08 pm:
The party balloons with faces and shapes is a great idea! I noticed in a catalogue there are fly masks with big sunglasses and eyes printed on them...I wonder how my horses would react to each other wearing those???
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 1:58 pm:
They have worked really well for my spook of an arab but as you know Carolyn my mustang will stomp them flat if he can! When the breeze is just right they will rise and sink as well as move about so you need to stay focused also, everybody gets trained! Cindy
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 3:46 pm:
Boots in the stirrup and miles on the trail. Ponying safely with a reliable, bomb-proof horse thru all sorts of terrain and weird stuff can help also. but be careful and safe. Flags flapping in the breeze add movement and sound. Also vacuums. kids screaming/playing kickball --safely outside the corral ofcourse.
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Member:
leilani
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 - 4:13 pm:
Angie,
Last year we decided to play broom stick polo. Were we prepared, not a chance. Anyway, the ball was a volleyball size with a picture of the Tazmanian Devil!!!
I was guarding the goal so all went well as long as all the riders were going away from us. Things changed FAST as the Devil Ball and horses and riders turned towards us. Mele took off like a reining horse.
Anyway, we finally worked with them, tossing the ball at their feet, etc, and they settled down. Mele never did warm to that ball.
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Member:
cpacer
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 10:47 am:
One thing I did with my horse was to let a few other horses loose in the arena and get him to move them around.
Take a mecate or rope or something to protect your horse from the others and get them moving. I think it helped my horse build confidence because he was low in the herd, but found that when he was with me he was king!
Also helped to teach him not to run off when the other horses did and to listen to me instead.
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 11:09 am:
Hi Carolyn, Sounds like your friend didn't use a long line when she started and then left her unattended. Clinton's demo really was good, he always give a lot of detail. Every time the horse went back he immediately brought it back and shortened the rope. Maybe she could e-mail him and ask what to do now.
Cynthia
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Member:
mcbizz
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 3:23 pm:
Hello again, Cynthia. I know my friend was using a long lead rope and she does watch Clinton's tapes. So, she must have made a wrong step there somewhere. She is in Europe right now, but we'll be getting together again next month. I'm sure we will talk about it. I was using the bungies also, until I purchased the Blocker tie. I like it SO much better! (I've always cringed to think what might happen if one of the bungies breaks and that bullsnap goes flying). There was some mention of the Blocker in a previous discussion about Rope Halters with positive input and suggestions.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 11:22 pm:
I'll tell you what happens when any kind of bungie type cord breaks. There was just an article in our local paper about a guy(who happens to be our home owners insurance agent) using them to secure some things during a hunting trip. He lost his eye when the cord snapped and hit him. And that wasn't even a bull snap! How many of us use those nice stretchy things to secure stuff around the barn too? Or trailer?
cp:,
Your suggestion makes sense. Make the timid horse feel like he is a superhero when a rider is on his back.
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Member:
cspanhel
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 10:54 am:
re Clinton Anderson Spookless audio CDs: my parade one has neighing horses on it, and the first time the horses heard it, they all called back simultaneously. Very amusing! But after the first couple of times hearing it, no one responded...again, a good audio system is needed. The CD did seem to make a huge difference in dealing with fireworks. cls
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 11:35 am:
Dennis, you can stop for breakfast at Lori's, but for "real food" I make the best tamali pie and sour cream chicken enchiladas ever! Come on out! (I'll feed your wife and horse, too.)
Angie, good reminder re: the bungies. Although I use them a lot, I don't use them around the horses. I had one come apart while trying to tarp hay during a storm and the end when flying past my head like a bullet! Scarey!
Some great ideas, here!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 4:51 pm:
Got the book "Bombproof Your Horse" today in the mail. Anxious to get reading it. Got a feeling I could have saved my money as from what I saw in the pictures isn't anything I haven't read here or already did.
O well.
Now, if the wind would quit blowing, the temp get at least to the 40's...maybe I can start "playing" with the horses!!
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New Member:
majoda92
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 5:10 pm:
There were so many great ideas being given in this thread, I can't wait to put them to good use! I ordered the horse soccer ball, which will be here in a couple of days. Let the games begin!!
Dbh
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2007 - 8:53 am:
Diane,
Can I ask where you ordered the soccer ball from? That looks like fun!
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Member:
majoda92
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2007 - 1:17 pm:
Hi Angie- I went to the soccerhorse.com website and ordered it from them. I ordered the package with the ball and a video that describes how to get started. It was about $60 plus shipping. I think it will definitely be worth it! dbh
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Member:
dove2
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2007 - 5:08 pm:
I've noticed yet another source for horse soccer balls: https://www.naturalhorsetalk.com/horsetoys.html
I guess it just depends how much you'd like to spend on the ball. I'd like to know how durable the soccerhorse.com balls are vs. the equi-spirit ball. Anyone have any experience with either?
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 - 9:51 am:
We have actually used the human exercise balls. I am sure they are not as tough as the horse soccer balls, and a determined horse could stomp them to bits.
But, they are good for the first introduction. Don't do it on a windy day, however. They take on a life of their own, and that really freaks out the horses!
Lilo
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Member:
dove2
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Posted on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 - 10:28 am:
One note of caution on using the human exercise balls: The smaller ball could be a little more dangerous underneath the horse, in case he spooks if it hits his belly, or steps on it wrong. Good tip with the windy day - didn't think of that!
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 - 1:14 pm:
Are you kidding me $60 for a play ball? I use an Excercise ball that is like $15 at walmart. They have had it to play with for the whole of the winter. I to take it in and out all the time but so far it is just fine.My Arab paws it and tried to bite it but it is too big, and my big red just sniffs it most of the times and runs away from it. My Dog loves to run and play with it too, and he has claws! But the size of it keeps both animals species from being able to penetrate it with a bite. I would suggest trying the excercise model first. It may be lighter and blow with the wind but that does help in Spook proofing. And on size I guess I got a large size it is at least 1=2 - 2 !/2 feet in diameter
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