LEFT: Taba is learn- ing that when he pushes the ball into the corner, it chang- es direction. He followed it through the corner and down the straight side of the training stall.
RIGHT: Taba is learn- ing to “track” the ball and follow it through two corners. He gained confi dence and started really using his nose to direct it. Tracking de- velops determination to complete the job at hand and builds self-carriage, which means he is acting and thinking on his own.
sions, the goal is to have the horse approach the ball, lower his head and touch the ball. Be quick to give him a reward when he touches the ball. We usually walk along with the horse (slowly) and push the ball a few inches with the but of the whip when he touches it. He will initially think that he pushed it and you can praise him as he starts to understand the game.
PRAISE EARLY AND OFTEN Aſt er the fi rst few sessions, begin to work
toward small, incremental improvements. The goal may be to push the ball along a wall of the working enclosure and then to a designated corner. Stay near him or he will lose his concentration. Remember that this is a trick of engagement—and you both must be engaged! Extra praise or a jackpot of treats is required when he gives a really big push or goes aſt er the ball. When the horse is pushing the ball consis-
tently in a straight line, it is time to start using the corners. Encourage him to push the ball into the corner. T is will usually result in the ball changing directions slightly or following the corner. If the horse has learned to push and follow the ball, he should begin to follow it around the corner. T is is a very important
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TIPS FOR HERDING THE BIG BALL
• Understand your horse’s maximum concentration time
• Keep your patience and focus
• Do not get frustrated with your horse’s progress or lack thereof
• Stay close to him until the pushing with the nose behavior is confi rmed
• Although some horses will begin to push the ball almost immediately, don’t expect each horse to do this
• Each tiny push or touch (in the begin- ning) is an accomplishment
• A horse needs your support, encour- agement and engagement to stay motivated and focused
• Don’t leave the ball with the horse without supervision. Use it only as an interactive training tool
• Always end each session while the horse is still interested
• Each horse’s incremental progress is diff erent—know your horse.
SERIES ABOVE: Navegador guides the direction of the big ball with concentration and determination to
“Bring it Here” to Allen. He has devel- oped a “Want-to-Do” work ethic.
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