Filed under: March 2020 | Tags: boogeyman, horse training, Suffolk, Suffolk Punch draft horse, training methods
March 30, 2020
Yesterday, I spent the day working with Hank. This little guy is our stallion prospect. First he must learn to be a work horse. We will see if the whole “daddy” thing works out. I spend a lot of time with him. I teach him manners and many things that are part of the routine. He learns quickly. He is a good animal to be around. I am continually amazed by this Suffolk breed of horse.
He will turn one year old on April 23rd. I am starting him young, because I want his mind busy. He, like all teen-aged boys, has an abundance of testosterone. If I can keep his mind busy, the fidgeting is much less. Yesterday, I introduced him to a horse collar and a set of sleigh bells. He was not scared of either.
We also gave him his second haircut. The clippers, even though this was his second experience, made him very wary. I calmly talked to him, let him smell the clippers and ran the noisy, vibrating thing all over him. After just a few minutes, he calmed down and let he clip between his ears and bridle path. I cannot say it was my best job, but he did very well. We will revisit this lesson often.
His rough winter coat is showing but his new haircut and shedding progress are showing through.
We enjoyed a wagon ride in the afternoon yesterday. It was warm and spring like. The shedding hair comes out in gobs, as the girls get their summer coat, a sure sign of spring, just like the greening of the grass.
Training and transition are two words that describe much of my work these days. Abby will soon be on maternity leave. Amee will get some individualized training on a few finer points that she lacks. Hank will continue to get exposed to new experiences as we train to power the farm. He has a ways to go, but the future looks bright.
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RicelandMeadows 
Hello, my name is Pete, and I own two mares that are full sisters to your Suffolk stud colt Hank. I am thrilled that you have decided to work with Suffolk Punches as I have enjoyed your episodes on Rural Heritage(TV and mag.) and have been impressed by your Percherons and your horsemanship. I am leaving my email if you want to get in touch; I would be happy to send photos. I look forward to seeing how you progress with this wonderful breed!
Comment by Pete Mallett June 3, 2020 @ 8:41 amHello Pete! Thank you for your kind words. I am indeed liking these red horses! They have the best mind in any horse I have ever worked with. I will be contacting you. This comment went into my spam filter for some reason, but its all good now.
Comment by ricelandmeadows June 6, 2020 @ 8:27 am