I trailered blind Cash into Missoula today for his first day at boarding school. He's going to spend the next month with Will Balis, a professional horse trainer who works at the Flying H Stables. I had interviewed Will a couple of weeks ago about training Cash. Will had been recommended to us by our equine vet, Dr. Erin Taylor. (The young lady who trained blind Nikki for riding a few years ago has moved away, so we had been searching for just the right person to work with Cash.) When I took the photo above, Will was meeting Cash for the first time.
After a month or so of training, Will expects to have Cash under saddle for riding, doing a little loping, able to back up, and perhaps doing some side-passes, too. In other words, Cash will still be "green" but he will have learned a lot in a short amount of time. At that point we'll consult with Will on Cash's next stage of training.
As part of his skills training, Will also will work on trailer-loading and unloading, though this morning -- for Cash's first trailer ride since he was 4 weeks old -- he did amazingly well. It took just under a couple of minutes to get him loaded. I walked him up the ramp, and as soon as he realized the surface was different, he stopped. I let him smell the trailer, collect himself a bit, and then I pulled on the lead-rope again. I kept pulling until he took one step forward, then I released the pressure. I gave him a little more time to think about it, pulled on the lead-rope again, and after he took another step forward up the ramp, I released the pressure. So far so good.
On the third round, he took a step forward and then decided to go up in the air, knocking his head on the rim of the trailer door. That must have, dare I say, knocked some sense into him, because then he waltzed right into the trailer with me. He rode well all the way to Missoula, and he unloaded like a champ.
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Thank you!
Cash is so beautiful & I love the expression. How exciting for him to be going to school. He'll be the most popular boy in school!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 22, 2010 at 08:35 PM
Good Luck Cash! We know you are a champion!We love you!
Posted by: Mary | February 21, 2010 at 03:36 PM
Cash is so handsome! Love the tilt of his head and his expression. Have fun at school, Cash!
Posted by: Ann | February 18, 2010 at 05:55 PM
I cant help but say what a handsome pair they make!
Posted by: Kate & Luke | February 18, 2010 at 04:10 PM
So horses are trained not just to do whatever it is they're trained to do but also to be a "better" horse?? Or are your horses ridden by visitors?? Gosh, I learn so much reading this blog.
Cash is so adorable with that head tilt of his. The trainer is kinda cute too! ;-)
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 18, 2010 at 01:21 PM
A+ to both of you for your trust in each other and patience with each other. Have fun Cash.
Posted by: Ev | February 18, 2010 at 11:45 AM
What a great idea! I imagine horses can get tired of the same old routine so he's out and about, meeting new people, and learning new things. Dogs enjoy training, especially the really smart ones because they get bored. So I think he's going to benefit in many ways.
Posted by: Miranda | February 18, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Most horse who go up and hit their heads loading, then shoot back and it really puts them off loading. My bet is because Cash couldnt see what he hit, he thought YOU had disciplined him for his transgression and he thought he`d better shape right up and behave! Very very interesting to try to think like a blind horse. Go Cash! I can`t wait for his training updates!
Posted by: randy jackson | February 18, 2010 at 09:31 AM
Good boy, Cash! Sounds like you are a fast learner. Enjoy your time away at school and do your best! We'll all be eager to hear how you are doing. :-)
Posted by: Lisa K - San Diego | February 18, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Well done, Cash....a young man always needs some schooling. Think of how much he could teach people about blind horses....he could be an ambassador! He has always been a "looker"....and just gets even more handsome as he grows up.
Posted by: Debbie | February 18, 2010 at 07:43 AM
Cash is sure one beautiful boy! I hope he is a star pupil!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 17, 2010 at 09:11 PM