During the last couple of months I have taught The Horse a new trick. Well… it could also be called a-way-of-preventing-The-Horse-from-trampling-me-for-a-treat, but that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.
His new trick is to touch an object that I indicate, before getting a reward. Often I’ll use my helmet, but anything large and obvious enough will do.
One evening Mum came to the yard and experienced a different version of this trick.
I entered the stable, a couple of treats in hand, helmet in the other.
“I smell food!”
“Of course you do, horse. Nobody has a better nose than you.”
“Gimme!”
“No, you need to work for it. Remember.
See this?” I hold the helmet up.
“Yes.”
I hold the helmet out to the side. “Touch!”
“Can I just take it from you? They’re in your hand. Just gimme!”
“Horse, touch!”
“Alright, watch, I’ll do it. See! Done it!”
“Good boy!” I move the helmet above my head. “Touch!”
“I got this.” The Horse almost knocks the helmet out of my hand with his enthusiasm. But I tell him he’s a ‘Good boy!’ and give him the treat. Playtime is over and I continue to tidy up while Mum watches. However The Horse is not done.
“Touch. Gimme a treat. Touch. Gimme a treat. TOUCH. Gimme a treat. TOUCH. Gimme a treat.” he looks between me and Mum expectantly.
“What are you doing Horse?”
“If I keep touching Mum’s hands, I’ll get a treat right?”
I shake my head. “Horse, you’re only meant to do that on command.”
“Treat?”
“No.”
“Just one?” he looks hopeful.
“No.” I say with finality, before adding “You’ll get one when you go to the field.”
“YES!” The Horse looks pretty excited, but when ones life revolves around food, who can blame him.