Curious Jewel sniffs noses with a reindeer-brave little girl!

I have continued to work with Miss Jewel on her ground work to establishing respect and good social behaviors. A lot of the work includes leading and positioning along with catch and release game. She is a surprisingly very smart little girl who really enjoys doing a job well. She will lick and chew when she has done it right and of loves getting lots of praise. Jewel reacts well to voice cues and is quite sensitive under her mask of confidence. When she is about to or has done something wrong, just using your voice to correct her can be all she needs to make the right decision.

Jewel still is quite young and has “baby” energy that needs to be released. We have yet to find her a perfect turnout pal since the other playful horses get too aggressive with her and she thus returns with squeals and kicks to protect herself.  Savannah has been an ok companion for some turnout. However she would rather look for hay on the ground than engage with Jewel so it doesn’t solve the dilemma to finding her a buddy to help let out the energy. So for now, I get to be her “play” friend and she loves to chase down the yoga ball or run in the arena as I make a fool of myself running and playing till she thinks it’s a good idea to join in the fun! It’s quite comical but gets her to play without feeling like anyone is chasing her around.

While this mare comes across as having thick skin and maybe a little pushy, it has been my experience that she really just needs to learn her place and good social skills. Jewel is learning quickly that I will love on her with all my heart but she has to show respect and follow lead I am offering. She really wants to be the teachers pet!