Tire training has become one of our most important confidence builders for colts and wild horses. Loretta's colt Si Tanka recently had his first exposure to the tires. While walking through the tires is not too much of a challenge physically, it challenges their courage and trust tremendously.
Of course, the tires are only one of the obstacles to be mastered in the Amusement Park. Much to my surprise, we find that a jumpy colt relaxes as if he had been tranquilized after his first visit to the Amusement Park. Of course, that confidence must be built on and reinforced daily for it to have the desired effect during the training process.
One of the horses I broke - she's so sweet. She had already been quite broke before trying out the amusement park, but I went ahead and tried it very slowly. She "growled" the whole time through. I eventually had to get off for my own safety and lead her through it. After going through once, I could hop on her and she took it very well after that. She isn't really scared of obstacles she encounters in the woods. It's really quite amazing what the course does for horse's confidence.
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