Poptart 2014 Trainer's Challenge

Poptart was part of Days End Farm Horse Rescue's 2014 Trainer Challenge with trainer Cindy Jenks.  Below are some pictures and videos of his progress.

And here are some posts and pictures from his training:

7/17/14 "Good first day. Poptart is definitely a serial bucker - this guy would make the NFR finals for sure ! We were able to work through it and end on a good note, calm and more relaxed. Thanks Shanda and Kara ! Great job controlling your horses during Poptart's meltdown"

7/18/14 "Poptart had a huge day today. My riding students were preparing for 4h round up, which is tomorrow - I didn't want Poptart to feel like he was missing spa day so...he had a bath, clipped and a brand new pair of shoes ( you know to prepare for the trails we are going to conquer). I was surprised with a little bit of approach and retreat we were clipping ! I will post a short video of him being clipped. After spa time, we went to the arena. We had another saddling, no fear of the saddle, but extreme overreaction of the cinch. After his NFR tryouts, I worked him from Reese's back. Together we crossed a tarp !! "

7/19/14 "And the one everyone wants to see ! Our first ride ! It was not easy getting to this point as Poptart is very sensitive and reactive. Fortunately - he is an Arabian, so he is smart, forward and retains almost everything - here is to many more great rides"

8/11/14 " Poptart had a very productive day yesterday. He went on a trail ride while being ponied. I rode my lesson horse and Poptart tagged along. I am having a real hard time getting photos lol as I mostly work alone. The one below was my view from horseback. During the trail ride Poptart went under a turnpike tunnel and past a dairy farm.Poptart has come a long way already. I think sometimes people don't appreciate how hard it is to restart a "problem horse" as opposed to starting a horse fresh. There is also a lot to be said about starting a horse right, and giving them a great start from the beginning. There are some things that were done well. Poptart lunges, and flexes well. However, Poptart really has to learn what to do when he is afraid, and panic is not the answer. Again, I have felt really funny and "limited" about what to write in fear of offending the people that have tried to work with Poptart in the past. I am not here to step on toes, I am here for what is best for this little horse, because if I fail, Poptart may never be a productive member of society and be a constant drain on "welfare" or be euthanized out of danger. I don't think we are there or even close. However, I don't judge anyone that euthanized a horse due to its danger to humans.
When a horse is "spooky" most people tend to do less around them. They act very cautious and work very slow. This is not the correct thing to do. I frequently jump while leading Poptart and wave my arms. I want him to think those things are "normal" and there is no reason to overreact. I scare him on purpose. As we all get scared. The problem with Poptart is NOT that he gets scared, but that he doesn't know how to handle his own fear. Even people have to learn to control their own emotions.
He did much better for saddling. I really really wished I took video of his first saddling. His first saddling Poptart bucked harder than just about every mustang I have ever watched, and it was all pure fear. On our trail ride, he was afraid of the cows, some puddles, a down tree, and the tunnel. However, we walked by them several times and in no time Poptart was accepting these new worldly things and walked over the tree. I think Poptart enjoyed getting to go out and off the farm. I like taking young horses out on the trail this way. It allows the horse to react to the things around them and feed off the good vibes of the other horse. After the trail ride I rode Poptart in the indoor.
Overall it went well. Poptart was visited by the "horse-eating fuzzy predator", which is know to humans as a barn cat! The sweet little Cali jumped off of a round bale and Poptart bolted. I let him go forward, then I executed a "one-rein stop". Poptart faced the scary cat and must have felt a little dumb about darting across the arena over just a cat! He is finally getting curious and investigated the cat and watched him. This is a great sign of trying to investigate fear as opposed to just running from it. I think I gained some respect and trust from Poptart because I rode out his spook. He has to know I am going to be there for him. I am excited to ride him again today! Poptart has been a challenge to find proper fitting halters and tack! Anyone that is looking to adopt Poptart needs to stock up on pony halters and cob size bridles smile emoticon Want me to write more? Interact and ask questions!"

8/17/14 "Poptart was amazing tonight ! He had his first trail ride (not being ponied), first long trotting, first canter, and more !!!"

8/20/14 "I guess tonight's theme is "I'm going to stay with you"
In all fairness, I really started tonight thinking we would have a nice, gentle work session.
During saddling we just wanted to move and not stand like he did the other night, so I had to get him through that one. Poptart is no longer "cinchy" like he used to be, but needs a little desensitizing so I can throw the saddle on quicker.
We started the night slow, Poptart isn't as forward in the indoor as on the trail. We walked around, practiced some flexes, some hip control and moving off the leg.
We trotted several circles on the rail in both directions. Poptart did well and is really starting to learn to move off my leg.
After our trotting work, he got kind of lazy and he told me he would rather stand.
We worked on bending around cones.
Lastly, I wanted to ask for some more canter. Poptart didn't think this was a good idea. He kicked out and have a couple bucks. This is the first time he has done anything "bad" under saddle so I yielding those hindquarters and made it known bucking makes you work harder. This buck - cindy makes me yield pattern continued. At this point, I knew that he wasn't phased when I asked him to push those hindquarters over briskly. So I knew what I had to do....get the horse forward. Anytime a horse bucks or rears, it is a refusal to go forward. I asked for canter, Poptart kicked out again, so I sat deep in my saddle, put my heels down and pushed them a little forward, then I tapped him in the butt as I prepared for the rodeo. I had to get him to go forward, that is number one. Poptart was surprised but knew that he now had to go, I got three nice strides of the canter and asked him to stop.
Why should I ask him to stop? Well I wanted to reward him. He tried for me, so I let him jade a rest. Rest, for a crazy Arabian ? Yes, I want all horses to enjoy a good stand still on a loose rein. Poptart relaxed and I let him stand. I also strategically let him test by the tarp that was now hanging.
I asked for the canter again, this time getting more strides. I had to ride another buck / kicking out going to the right but he quickly figured out it was far easier to just follow through with the request.
I think the first mini buck Poptart thought I would bail off of him, but I didn't. Poptart seemed surprised I stayed with him. When I dismounted he stayed by my side, and followed me like a "joining- up" session. I don't practice specific Monty Robert methods, however Poptart felt the leadership and security and latched on.
In the future I need to gain shoulder control and hip control without a flexed neck. I also need to find a place to buy a kitty pool. I checked two store that were sold out for the season !"

8/28/14 "Poptart had a pretty good night last night. We worked on shoulder control and hip control. He is starting to get the concept of side passing over a pole. His canter transition improved under saddle. I need to get some round penning work done to really get him to stand for saddling without being tied. Overall I was really pleased with how far he has come"

9/1/14 "This horse is already an amazing trail horse, so endurance and trail riders, take notice to this smooth ride in a 14.1 hh package !"

9/12/14 "Hey guys ! Poptart and I didn't have a great night to start with - he was spooked them went into a bucking fit - I took a nice spill, then limped over and got back on. We ended with some nice canter transitions. Tomorrow we are going to an obstacle clinic with Terry Helder of evergreen farms! I'm really excited to see him and tackle that bridge"

9/20/14 " Last night went well, I hope I can show Poptart to the best of his abilities which will translate into a great home ! He really needs his own person ! Endurance or dressage or working western - this guy can do it for you ! "

And Cindy did a great job of preparing him and he did great for her at the Trainer's Challenge-- no meltdowns!And doesn't he look good!