Jasper Learns to Cross the Bridge

Learning by Observing

Melody brought 2 year old Jasper, her newest Dartmoor pony, to visit and play on agility equipment. First Jasper watched Melody and Love walk across the noisy wooden “bridge”.

Jasper checks out the bridge and my reaction

Next Jasper bravely offered to put his front feet on it. No pressure or coaxing. I just waited for him to be ready. His loose lead shows he is standing there voluntarily as he turns to me for my reaction. Since horses read human facial expressions, he knows that my smile is a good thing!

A Proud Pony!

Then he walked onto it with Melody, looking very pleased with himself.

Play Break!

Giving a horse a break to play, either alone or with his handler, is a powerful form of positive reinforcement.