Jeffrey’s update.

[Cecosugi]

I just love reading your updates.

 

[HersheyMint]

I walked and jogged with Jeffrey last night around my turnout area. It has been a while since I had (shame on me!) He did good. Hesitant to jog but we managed. At one point, I carried a cloth bag with empty plastic bottles on my shoulder. He has always shied away when I have things in my hands. As a start, slow and steady we went. I then took him down road for a short walk. He did very well. Mint, was having a fit because she was locked up. She exercised herself

 

[Standards Equine]

Go Jeffrey!!! I'm so glad you got to play with him. I bet he really enjoyed the attention and getting to do things.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Mint, was having a fit because she was locked up. She exercised herself

Ha! Ha!

 

[HersheyMint]

It has been very hot here. 105 & up. This weekend predicted 111 ugh! So I have been trying to get Jeffrey to like water. The site of the hose, the sound of water and he is gone. I have a bucket of water and a sponge. I can slowly wipe all four legs with the wet sponge now and he stands fairly still. I have not tried anything further yet. I can pick out his hind legs now. All though his left hind, he does have issues with some days. Something must of happened on that side. He does not like to be approached or halted on the left.
He does not like being sprayed either, for flies but not surprised there. I have been able to approach him with the bottle in my hand without him turning away. I have not tried to spray him as of yet. We are making progress. He is teaching me donkey steps I think it has been a while since I shared a pic. Here he is this morning.

 

[LostandFound]

Someone taught me that when it's time to teach a horse about fly spray, fill an empty one with water. That way you can spend the time getting them used to it without wasting expensive fly spray or getting way too much on them. And, of course, you can always spray it on a damp rag and rub it on him while you are waiting. The heat has been miserable here, but it finally broke yesterday, hope yours does soon.

 

[HersheyMint]

L&F, Thanks, that is a good idea to use water first. I wish they were noiseless spray bottles

 

[Marsha Cassada]

What is it about spray??
I don't know if it works with donkeys, but when I was teaching spray and bathing I did not tie. I held the halter and let the horse move away as I spritzed. Of course, if Jeffrey goes ballistic, that wouldn't work. But the idea he could sort of get away -not being tied- seemed to help. Thanks for the update! Love your water tub, too.

 

[HersheyMint]

Marsha, you are right Jeffrey handles better not being tied. Constant pressure is a constant fight. I usually don't tie him. I can see him going ballistic as you say when I spritz him. Maybe he will surprise me

 

[Standards Equine]

Hooray for Jeffy updates!!! I've learned that you need to be able to teach a donkey something 3 times, the right way, and they'll know it for life. Phillippe had 3 "schooling" sessions with a spray bottle and now has no issues standing for it. It's very simple. He's not tied. I spray a leg or foot with water first. He can move all he likes. I'll continue spraying until he stands. When he stands, I stop. Then I'll move on to another body part. If he stands, I'll spray once, and stop. Then once again, and stop. Pretty quickly they all learn to stop moving around because there's a whole lot less spraying when they do!
The hose, however, is still not something he likes very much. Donkey pout is a real thing!

 

[HersheyMint]

Standard Equine, thanks, good advice for the spray bottle. I had to laugh at "donkey pout" I have experienced that with Jeffrey. I never heard of that term but it fits perfectly.

 

[HersheyMint]

It has been a while since I reported on Jeffrey and picking up his hooves. Last report I was able to pick fronts with ease and his hind legs sometimes, or not.
I got a farrier stand and rasp, thinking I could help with the chips. I always work with Jeffrey last. He watches all that I do with the other two. "See, this didn't kill them, Jeffrey step on up." He definitely thought it was going to or at least hurt him as soon as I picked up the front hoof.
I was back at step one, like when I first brought him home. It took me a while to get back to where I was.

My farrier was out yesterday, after the mini horses were done I asked him let's try to only trim Jeffrey's front hooves. I asked, I will hold him, come inside, no tools, first. He picked up his hoof, he stood. Great start. His helper walked in the pen with the stand and Jeffrey was, like no! We learned he doesn't like stands. I calmed him down, no stand in sight, and mission accomplished. The farrier and I were very pleased at how well he stood after that. His hind hooves will still be taking donkey steps. Jeffrey, he is a funny guy. He may not want to show it often but we are buddies.

 

[MaryFlora]

A great example of teamwork between people and a little equine, you all did great and you must be proud of Jeffrey. He has grown so much since you first shared him on the forum!

Jeffrey trusts you and tries for you = love.

 

[Standards Equine]

That's so awesome! Thank you for the update!

 

[HersheyMint]

I decided to work with Jeffrey on loading into the trailer. To bring him home I had to enclose him in with panels until he had no where else but the trailer to go. I have had him 1 1/2 years. I was able to have him step into the trailer with his front legs within 15 minutes. I was very please.
The 2nd day I tried he stepped up in about 5 minutes. It is going to take time, patience and donkey steps to get his hind legs in.

 

[Standards Equine]

When he figures out he's safe, he'll climb all over things with you!

 

[HersheyMint]

When he figures out he's safe, he'll climb all over things with you!

I forgot to let it be his idea, plus a little hay and he owned it. Next step to try with the halter again

 

[Standards Equine]

YES!!! You are learning donkey very well!

 

[Marsha Cassada]

What a character!