Training of Glóð - 4 year old Icelandic mare
Glóð is from Stald Hestur in Denmark. Her owner Ingalill Østergård sent her, along with a young stallion, to us to be started under saddle. Glóð is completely raw and has not been handled much. She is most likely a 5 gaited horse, since she already shows tölt and pace on the pasture. Both her parent were Gæðingakeppni champions and this fiery mare already shows a lot of talent. She might even be up for sale once her training is complete, her owner will let us know in time. Because of her pedigree she might also be a good breeding prospect.
Glóð is told to be intelligent and ornery at times, but is generally an obedient mare. She has a lot of energy and loves to run.
She is a high energy horse, who loves to run. Taking this into account Markús started her training in the round pen letting her run free. All he requested from the mare was that she stay in motion. She started off uncoordinated, mixing gaits and tempo. He let her run until she started paying more attention to him and seemed opened to the possibility of slowing down. Markús chased her a little further until her inner ear became fixated on him. He released the pressure and allowed her to stop, combining it with the word "Woah". The session was repeated the following day. Glóð was a fast learner and after she had her fill of running her ear swooshed right back to Markús. She chewed contently and waited for the signal to be allowed to stop. Depending on what behavior she offered commands were gradually added to them. She learned to trot, walk, canter, stop and change direction on command. Our Intern Travis had also taught her to come when called, using treats.
Training was coming along and Markús was ready to introduce the saddle to her. Filling her belly with some tasty treats he started rubbing her back and holding the saddle in front of her. She seemed curious sniffing it intently.
Markús unfortunately had a set back with the hot headed mare Glóð.
After putting the saddle on the chestnut mare for the first time everything seemed to be going well, but then life got in the way. A rabbit hiding underneath the bushes startled the mare and set her off. She suddenly became aware of the thing on her back and tried to buck it off while still being tied to the post. Markús finally calmed her down long enough to take the saddle off, but the damage was done. She would not allow a saddle near her for many days. Markús changed his training plan for her and incorporated many walks to get her habituated to her surroundings. The walks often joined by older, calmer mares to settle Glóð’s demeanor. He took his time with her and kept his sessions short and sweet, most days with little progress. But eventually he was able to put a blanket on her back and gradually go on from there. He is confident she will turn out to be a powerful, little competition horse, but is calculating many set backs and breaks for this mare.
After putting the saddle on the chestnut mare for the first time everything seemed to be going well, but then life got in the way. A rabbit hiding underneath the bushes startled the mare and set her off. She suddenly became aware of the thing on her back and tried to buck it off while still being tied to the post. Markús finally calmed her down long enough to take the saddle off, but the damage was done. She would not allow a saddle near her for many days. Markús changed his training plan for her and incorporated many walks to get her habituated to her surroundings. The walks often joined by older, calmer mares to settle Glóð’s demeanor. He took his time with her and kept his sessions short and sweet, most days with little progress. But eventually he was able to put a blanket on her back and gradually go on from there. He is confident she will turn out to be a powerful, little competition horse, but is calculating many set backs and breaks for this mare.
As planned Glóð training is off and on. Too much training sets the mare in a spiral, but if the breaks become too long she gets restless. Markús tries to work the golden middle. To exercise her properly he ponies her the style he did in Iceland. He takes a reliable riding horse and an even calmer horse to pony. On that horse he would tie Glóð. That way she could have all the antics she wants without putting the handler at risk. In a brisk tempo he would tölt or trot through the hills with the two horses tagging along. Glóð understood this exercise quickly and enjoyed the fast pace.
She accepts the saddle and bridle now without problems. Markús started riding her in the hall alone, he keeps her occupied riding many circles to warm her up and starts trotting her as soon as possible. She does not like firm rein contact and will toss her head when pressure builds, but Markús makes sure to rider her with a soft hand, often giving her reins when she cooperates.
She accepts the saddle and bridle now without problems. Markús started riding her in the hall alone, he keeps her occupied riding many circles to warm her up and starts trotting her as soon as possible. She does not like firm rein contact and will toss her head when pressure builds, but Markús makes sure to rider her with a soft hand, often giving her reins when she cooperates.
Glóð's training is complete for now. She is obedient while tacking up and even stands still without being tied. Through positive reinforcement she also learned to stand still while getting on. She is a fiery mount without a doubt, however she is responsive and is willing to listen to the rider. She can become fidgety quickly when the rider's aids do not make sense, but with routine that should settle itself. She seems to be the perfect horse for the track and a future in Gæðingakeppni seems plausible, however not a horse you can have a lazy Sunday hack on. She wants to be worked.