September Horse Directory

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Training Tips

by

Gail Destefano

Having fun at the Hampton Classic!

Oh no, September is here!

Summer is over... But, I had a great ending to the summer at the Hampton Classic.

I was once again invited to share my horses and their talents in the "World of Horse" exhibition tent for the week at the Hampton Classic. I love ending the summer here.

My horses get their Hampton vacation and I get to watch them entertain the crowds. They love the attention and excitement only the Hampton classic can offer.

Teade moved right into his lover boy act. He could not get enough oohs and aahs, kisses and scratches. The kids that could not reach Teade's face were delighted when he lowered his big head down to their eye level. He waited patiently for each kid to gather up courage to pet him.

In the demo ring Teade strutted his stuff and jumped on his pedestal whinnying to the applause. To keep Teade company, I brought three of his friends. My students horses, Rodger, Huey and Cosmo. Each horse brought with them their own distinct personality and each worked the crowds differently.

In the ring Teade demands attention and loving, Rodger keeps near the edge, close enough for little hands to be able to rub. Huey on the other hand had brought his young rider a 2nd place at the show Sunday and only wanted to relax. He had done his job!

Cosmo, the appaloosa, I brought as an untrained, blank slate. My goal was to trick train him during each Trick Training demo through out the week. Cosmo left the Hampton Classic being able to get on the pedestal, push the ball, and touch on command.

Millstone Farm owners Joan and Jennifer Van Deinse, of Northport, N.Y and their miniature horses were housed under the tent with us and they let me try my hand at trick training two of their adorable miniature horses. I was delighted to give it a try.

After working 1200 -1500 lb. horses, then working this tiny breed I found was to be very challenging. Just making eye contact brought me to my knees.

Once I got the hang of the smaller scale, I found them willing to please and quick to learn. Before long I had each one up on the pedestal and pushing the ball.

They were so loveable; it made me want to buy a mini to add to my collection of sweet boys.

During the week, I asked one of my students, Gaye to help me demonstrate how to use body language when training horses. Her horse Rodger is a character and if you do not watch his body language, he will try and do what he wants. I marked Rodger with chalk to show her where she should keep her eyes. It worked. As I guided her, she was able to get Rodger to do what she wanted!

After an exciting last week of summer, everyone is home and resting and getting ready to start working on new tricks for next years wonderful Hampton Classic.

If you are interested in learning how to trick train your horse step by step, you can give me a call or email me. Maybe next year your horse can join my boys at the Hampton Classic!