In a shameless attempt to attract more readers to this blog, I am forgoing my usual thoughtful post that takes hours to compose, and instead I’m sharing cute photos!
Alas, I do not have an adorable cat to drive viewers here (I’m allergic.) So, instead, let’s start with these two:
Here’s Pip.
And here’s his twin brother, Caper.
If you like having a little chaos in your life, then you’ll like keeping goats. If you want to know more about these two, take a look at the archives at my HenCam blog. I’ve written many stories about them there.
Speaking of HenCam, you can still watch the hens, live-streaming, here. Or, as I call them, the resident dinosaurs. Here’s Jasper.
Perhaps a photo of this ridiculous darling dog will bring readers my way.
Phoebe is the mistress of her jungle. This is a happy bunny (as long as you cater to her and give her half a carrot and two banana chips daily, as is her rightful due.)
Or, perhaps, this view of Tonka will convince people to follow my blog.
It’s possibly my favorite perspective of my horse. Nothing better than sitting on the floor of his stall and having a chat. Here’s a 3-second video of the conversation:
In all seriousness, please subscribe to this blog. It will arrive in your email. There’s a super easy button on the right to click on to do it. It’ll take less than 30-seconds. Don’t rely on FaceBook to find my posts – if I don’t pay to promote the post, most of my followers don’t see the feed.
I so enjoy having you along for the ride! Please say hello in the comments.
I love following your blog and have for quite some time…you are a wealth of great information! And even though I didn’t need the coercion of cute faces to follow you, it is lovely to see your crew!
I’m glad that this post gave me an excuse to photograph those faces. It’d been awhile since I’d photographed the goats. Hilarity ensued, of course 🙂
Hi Terry! I will happily subscribe. I was a devoted follower of HenCam. I’m not a horse person, but very much enjoy your wonderful pictures and thoughtful posts.
Just like the HenBlog wasn’t really about chickens, The Cooperative Horse isn’t entirely about horses. Both are ways for me to discuss the bigger picture via a small focus. So, I’m happy that that is coming across and you’re still with me!
I have many adorable cat photos and the adorable cat is sleeping right in front of me, so seeing photos of other adorable species is fabulous. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! And golly, when I take a close look at Jasper’s face I see chickens do look like dinosaurs. 🙂
Not all dinosaurs died out. Some evolved into birds. So, technically, chickens are dinosaurs!
Love your blogs. I have learned a lot from you so far.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Keep blogging.
Thank you! I certainly will keep blogging!
Hi Terry
You need to have your dog or a chicken on Tonka’s back! That’s all over the internet these days!
Yes, I’ve seen some of those. What I’m interested in are inter-species interactions that aren’t staged. Those can be fascinating! 🙂
I had a horse whose best friend was a magpie for a couple of years before the magpie disappeared some day (probably met a bad end because I can’t imagine “Maggie” just voluntarily leaving). She hung out on Kahl’s back, played with him, shared his grain, slept on his neck. It was in the days before iPhones, or it would have been viral video for sure.
And that close up of Tonka cracks me up!!
We don’t have magpies here, but from what I’ve read, they’re fascinating, intelligent and interactive birds. Wonderful story, thanks for sharing.
I’ve been following your blog as a subscriber for some time. As a lone horse clicker trainer in a small town where almost everyone thinks I’m nuts, I learn from you every day. What I like best is that you ride dressage (I want to event again some day at the baby levels), so you’re showing me how to use clicker training under saddle and with showing. I really struggled to transfer it to ridden work at first.
My mare was horrifically ear shy when I got her to the point she had flipped over on people trying to bridle her. Now — thanks to clicker training — she accepts the bridle totally calmly and steadily. We’re working on a “yes” button, with my goal being that she’ll actually reach out and take the bit, rather than waiting for me to bring it to her (she does open her mouth for it nicely now). I am sure that a lot of her calm demeanor about life is because she trusts me because of the clicker training work we have done. She was a reactive, challenging mare when I got her, and is becoming more and more of a pleasure to be around. (I always had a feeling she had a lovely temperament beneath her extreme anxiety and reactivity, and I was right.)
I also appreciate your comments about the challenges of having a boarded horse. She needs to be able to be handled by anyone at her barn, and nobody there trains with treats, so I have to be careful about how I do it.
I love that you have such a similar track as I do. We finally found a saddle that fits my extra-wide mare and got it reflocked a few weeks ago. I am beginning to compete at lower level dressage shows for the first time this year (Tr. 1 this last Saturday — started with Intro A in the spring, so are making progress). My mare has a physical issue that means it’s better for her if I ask her to go with good “posture,” like Tonka does. And I wish I had clicker trained a guinea pig before I ventured on this path. It’s been a challenge! But you’ve helped for sure. Thank you, and please keep writing, and good luck with Tonka.
It sounds like you’re aware of physical and mental limitations and you’ve found the right mix of training methods. Congrats on going training 1! Do you have a good dressage instructor? I offer video consults – send me a video and I’ll review, and we discuss. Sometimes it takes just a small tweak to make big improvements. (This is for a fee. Email me at terry@terrygolson.com if interested.)
I board at a tiny barn run by a couple of ex-event riders. The sister of the owner lives next door. She’s a clinician who’s been breeding, riding and training horses her entire life and who tried out for the ’72 Olympics in dressage under De Nemethy on a quarter horse (it’s a lovely story, and he loved her riding). She’s technically retired, but she does a clinic once a month and gives lessons to a handful of us. She’s a traditional trainer who thinks using treats to train is bribery and useful only for teaching tricks, but she humors me with Lexi on the ground. In the saddle, if I’m taking a lesson, it’s the traditional “give her a break,” “tell her good girl,” “scratch the withers” communication. I’m learning a lot from her and Lexi is improving, though Tara doesn’t know how far we can go in dressage because of her physical glitch. Correct riding is physical therapy, though, and she has improved, so maybe she’ll work out of it. In the meantime she’s a happy horse who always trots and sometimes gallops to the gate to meet me and is lovely to handle. (The local dressage club also brings in Mike Osinski who’s a USEF “S” judge and FEI 3* judge who judges nationwide in national and international events (and has his gold medal himself, of course). I haven’t ridden with him yet because Tara is so good, but I imagine I will one day). So I’m lucky given where I live to have access to quality trainers, even if they are not clicker-trained! Thanks for the offer, and if I ever feel stuck, I’ll let you know.
Sounds like you are in the right place! Riding with clarity, and praise and breaks at the right moments (and frequently) is effective and kind. As long as your horse is happy, physically and mentally, you know you’re on a good path. Enjoy!
Lovely to see all the old faces, I have followed you for years and read all your blogs. Jess and I enjoy reading about your on going adventures with Tonka, long may they continue.
Thank you for updating on the rest of the extended family when you can. How are Steve and the Boys, they grow up so quickly. All the best, hope you get lots more readers. 🙂
Sorry Terry forgot to ask, as you have my email do I still need to subscribe? I open your blog everyday to read the comments but am not notified of new blogs by email. As you probably gather I do not get on with anything technical, my grandkids usually sort things out for me. Thanks.
All you have to do is enter your email in the box when prompted. I can’t do it for you. I’m sure a grandkid will sort it for you 🙂
I followed the hen cam for a long time. I remember when your latest ladies arrived as little chicks. I would wake up in the early dawn and repeatedly click on your cams waiting for it to be dawn where you were. I’ll never have chickens, goats or a horse but have had two Border Collie mixes that were both clicker trained and have a dog now very much in temperament like Lily. I enjoy your posts very much.
Border Collie mixes can make for a very full house! And if you have a dog like Lily, then she keeps you occupied 🙂
I found you via the Hen Cam and still pop in. I also follow you on Instagram and FB too and I still see you all the time. I am a huge phoebe fan!
I enjoy your weather pictures as well since I live in very very hot South Carolina and I do miss the snow !
I should write more about Phoebe. She adores my son, who is now in college, and she holds a grudge against me that I’m not him. Even rabbits have people preferences.
I just subscribed! Much easier than remembering to load your site once a week or so. I don’t own a horse, or chickens, or goats, but I enjoy your thoughtful writing about your relationships with your animals. Thanks!
If you have humans in your life, the musings are still applicable 🙂
Terry,
I started ‘watching’ the hencam just about the time you changed over to Tonka. I know nothing about horses but you have taught me so much. I follow your blog and Facebook page. Will try to share with some of my friends who might be interested. By the way, what are those diamond studded things on Tonka’s feet? I am sure they have a purpose.
Keep up the good work.
Good question! Those are called bell boots. They protect the fleshy tops of his hoofs from being clipped by the rear hoofs. The bling is just for fun 🙂
I “follow” you on Blogger, so each new post shows up in my “Reading List.” Wouldn’t miss a post, frivolous or thoughtful!
I use Feedly to keep track of the blogs that I follow. It does keep things manageable to use one of those services.
Hi Terry, I have learned so much from reading your posts about horses, and previously about chickens. I still refer back to the archives when something comes up. Thank you, thank you!
It’s good to hear that those ten years of HenBlog posts are still being used.
One of these days, we’ll go on that beach ride with our horses!
Yes, sounds like a good aspiration to keep! I’ll soon be moving to my own farm with a five stall barn, and we only have two horses so we will have plenty of room for day or night visitors! We will still be about 20 minutes from the beach.
Congrats on the farm purchase! But, oh, that’s dangerous. “Only” two horses and five stalls. Those remaining three stalls are easily filled 🙂
Hi Terry, I’ve been a faithful reader, follower and admirer of yours for years, and will be along for the ride whatever the species of choice! You’ve helped me on my nine-year journey as a chicken keeper, and I have been so fascinated with each post relating to animal behavior and problem solving. Thank you for sharing your world with us!
Amy, those chickens are the “gateway animal” to others 🙂 I’m surprised you don’t have goats yet!!!
I read your chicken blog for many years and it helped me with advice for my own flock. I wasn’t sure how it would be with a horse blog but gave it a try and have stayed ever since. I love seeing the old faces from time to time. I have also learned an awful lot about horses from you. I appreciate all your posts whatever the subject matter.
Glad you’re still with me!
Hello Terry, I have both the hen cam and the cooperative horse listed in my favorites, so I click on them to find the latest post. Do I dare admit I check the hen cam everyday?! 🙂 I enjoy reading everything. I don’t have a horse and I enjoy reading everything about Tonka and the training process. I appreciate updates on the rest of the family!
There are still a few thousand people who check in on my hens daily. So, go ahead and admit it, you have company 🙂 The Ladies are a bit scraggly – they’re old and don’t preen themselves as thoroughly as they used to. Also, a few like the others to peck at their feathers. They actually encourage it! So, I’m a bit embarrassed by their ragamuffin state, but glad they’re still giving so many enjoyment.
Love seeing all of these dear ones! You had me with Pip and Caper. Of course I cannot think anyone would not love Scooter who is so precious. I do miss the Hen Cams, but am also learning a lot about the horse world. Thanks to you Miss Terry
It’s good that you’re still reading my blog, whatever it’s about 🙂
I get so… much pleasure from your post; they always brighten my day !! I keep chickens and raise Arabian horses. I have five horses: two fillies, two mares, and 1 two month old colt.
Thank you for taking the time to do this blog. We have so many negative things in the world today and we need positive things like your blog!!!
I have little experience with Arabian horses, but I hear that they are intelligent and sensitive. It must be fun with so many youngsters.
Hello. I enjoy all your posts about all the animals. That bunny looks large, but she is beautiful. Enjoy your day, and thank you.
Phoebe isn’t that big… but her personality sure is 🙂
Hello Terry !
I am a regular reader of your wonderful posts for many years. Love the Hens though I visit very seldom but do regularly to your Facebook and this blog.
Don’t know much about horses but through your sharing, learning a lot and Tonka is such a darling, makes him easy to love and longing to come back to.
I know you love all your animals but see you transform through your relation with Tonka is a real blessing, you are blossoming… we are enjoying every minute of it; you have found your passion and are such a great *teacher* by the way you construct your blog. Hadn’t realized it takes so much time of your time but it really is worth it !
Sharing pictures of your familiars from time to time sounds great, love them all and specially Scooter that you present in such a touching way !
I am enjoying every post and hope you continue to share with us in your very personal way.
Thanks for everything and looking forward to continue to read you for a very long time !
P.S. I am already a new follower of this blog !
Thank you for your comment!