First I go out in the field and find them. This time, it was George's turn. He's always happy to see me, so catching him is a non-event.
Haltering him is also a non-event, once he decides to stop eating the halter.
The event starts when Alan realizes it's not his turn and he has to butt in.
Our goal today is to walk around the perimeter of the back 40.
So far, so good. Alan decides to join us, and we're all merrily enjoying our walk...
...until Alan starts acting like the two-year old he is.
Hold up, Mom, he's doing it again.
And if Alan weren't enough of a distraction...
...Deets comes out to join us.
I know when I'm outnumbered, so I gave up and ended this walk on the spot. We've since been going out one at a time, with a little more success. Nobody said this would be easy, but nobody said it would be this much fun either.
19 comments:
This gave me a good laugh first thing in the morning ... your pictures make me feel like I'm right there with you, and I'm glad you're not discouraged.
If it's any consolation, your post made me laugh so much! Especially with Allan coming to distract so much. Our fillies to that to us two, so Anette and I just train both of them at the same time. Otherwise, there's really no point as we won't be getting anywhere!
And looking on the bright side, at least you got a great photoshoot!
Warm greetings from Africa,
Esther
Look how just dang cute they are!
Deets is quite the little helper, I love your stories, sounds like things I have happen with my animals
They will let you know when they need a break and it sounds like you did exactly what they needed. Congratulate yourself that you can catch and halter them easily as donkeys can be notoriously hard to catch. It sounds like everyone had fun.
I don't think Deets has any idea he's the littlest of the "family" and Alan cracks me up!
I love donkey boy stories.
Deets is so social and seems like he has to be wherever the action is. Very much like Deets in Lonesome Dove.
What little stinkers. They are very cute. On the lens, that's a nice one. And don't worry, I've photographed wild horse with a 70-200, so you should get some good chances for environmental shots. Have fun with the new lens.
this was very fun, thanks for sharing
What a blast. I envy you your little Eden.
LOL - two-year-olds must be the same the world over, including different species!
They look like so much fun!! And, I agree with you, they're saying they need a break...so cute.
Smart lady, going back to the easy times of walking. I'm sure your little burritos are happy about that and probably need a little time out.
I used to pony a colt while I rode in the mountains on my mare, he would do the same thing... Chewing, biting, thankfully never me just the mare. I think he knew better. ;)
Linda.....be sure to check back with Nelda if you have questions, OK? I know she is more than happy to help you with anything. Did she teach you about longlining? I think she did.....If you are having trouble getting the concept of "walk forward" you may need to grab another warm body to stay at the donk's head and lead forward when you give a cluck or whatever for the donkey to move forward. Eventually they will associate your voice command with moving forward, sans person at halter. You can also employ a dressage length whip to just TAP the behind of the donkey...once again JUST as you give your forward cue. Familiarize him with the whip first so he doesn't kick or take off...it is just a cue, not a weapon! Tap, tap...say "whatever you want to say"...and donkey moves. Any move is a good move...reward with treat! (best to have person at halter treat so donkey doesn't turn around to get it from you and ruin your "frame"!) Eventually you can fine tune the movement, etc.
It is good you are having fun, that is the most important thing!
Sandy
Nothing like having the buddy sabotage the lesson. My horses do that. They like to hold back, then run up like a kamikaze and spook the other. What fun!
Deets rules after all! (Cats always do!)
I noticed a "Nelda" in the comments. My mom's name is Nelda. I never thought I'd hear of another one!
Those two are so freaking cute it kills me. And it looks like Deets is moving fast in that first picture.
The two horses I've got can be a pain like that. When I want to turn them out together, it's a chore to get anywhere because they're messing around with each other behind my back. (they've grown up together since they were weanlings. Brothers to the core)
It's nice that your two boys have bonded so. I love your pictures!!
Yours is THE VERY BEST BLOG I've come across---EVER! What photography! There are no words to describe it! I worked in NM 21 1/2 yrs. and miss it like crazy! Thanks for this site. I've toured backwards (pretty quickly to May 11th and can't wait to come back--often). What a wonderful life you've created for yourself there! I could do without the snakes though!! Belton Belle
Sandy, I've enlisted my 10-year-old neighbor to come over this Sunday to do just what you suggested. I'm a veritable carrot concession when I'm working with them but rewarding them when I'm walking behind them ... well, my arms just aren't long enough. I do plan to haul them down to Nelda's but figured we should get as far as we could ourselves fist to make the trip worthwhile.
Glad you figured out the commenting thing!
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