A treasure hunt with carrots. That's what we did yesterday. Because I want Balthazar to wake up and pay attention and not go into his little zone because he's being asked to do something thought it would be fun to try a treasure hunt. Placed carrot pieces around the largest horse yard; on stones, on posts, in a feed bin, stuffed between the tank and a post and on the ground. Directed him to his feed bin first for his inclination would be to check it anyway. Had to use big movements up close (he was at liberty) and dash around a bit to direct him to the 'treasures'. But by the end of it, and I think I only used 7 or 8 treasures, he was starting to look for it.
My goal is to be able to direct him to a place with minimal gestures from a distance, to be able to draw and direct, to disengage the haunches or push the forehand over while standing still. Although it was very rough and ready yesterday it was fun and again, getting him out of the paddock and not riding or doing groundwork is enough to keep him on his toes. When I went to get him he took a step towards me which was good. Something we can build on.
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