Mounted search and rescue

[Naturalhorse101@aol.com]

In case you can't make the clinic.........

 

First gain brief understanding of Learning Theory and the power of Positive Reinforcement with horses.

 

Then find out what your horse's FAVORITE treat is, (close call with mine between wheat bread and carrots) so I used wheat bread as it's easier to carry and keep clean.

 

I used about a dozen kids to help me and had about a 50 acre grove filled with cedar trees of varying sizes in a 200 acre pasture for the final 'testing.'

 

Start out with short 'searches' and make certain your 'target' is upwind out of sight.

 

Gently touch and momentarily hold a piece of clothing the target has worn for some time.

 

Mount up, say whatever cue word you want to use for 'search,' (I used 'find').

 

Then slowly, guide the horse to the target, immediately dismount, loudly/happily say "GOOD BOY!" or GOOD GIRL and give them a rub on their favorite 'itchie spot' and a sizeable treat.

 

Repeat several times in different areas on alternate days while giving them as little 'support helping them' as possible.

 

While all horses have tremendously underrated olfactory systems, each horse has varying abilities and motivational determinants.

 

It took Boss two times the first day to 'catch on.' It took Able five days, (three times each day) to maintain a consistent long distance 'find.'     

 

Chuck Mintzlaff & Kids
Lady, Able, Sundance & Combustion
(And Nikki, Rebel & Boss)