Coaching at home
My passion is working with horses, ponies, and donkeys that require a little guidance. In Portugal, this began with Emma. She came to me as an unguided projectile. I started with her from scratch with groundwork. Now she is a very enjoyable horse to work with and responds to body language and very subtle cues. However, she remains a horse that you always have to keep an eye on. When Carlos came into my life and I saw a rapid improvement in his behavior, I knew that this was what I really enjoyed doing. Helping horses, ponies, donkeys, and their owners with problems and basic training. With patience, understanding, and love, you achieve a lot!
Carlos - Written by Ilona
Two months ago, Carlos crossed my path. I had heard about him before, but none of it was very positive. Among other things, people said he was dangerous, mean, and unpredictable. I don't believe animals are inherently mean. However, he was dangerous and unpredictable. I was curious to find out where this behavior came from, so I offered to visit him once a week to see if I could do anything for him and his owners. They were happy with this.
Carlos lives on a beautiful piece of land with his horse friend. He has everything: space, a nice walk-in stable, and shade. A foundation for a good life!
The first meeting was exciting because I still had the stories in the back of my mind. He approached me in a rather intimidating manner and bit me right away. Fortunately, he didn't hit me, but he immediately gave the impression that he wasn't interested.
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After consulting with my sister from Gentle Hooves (she works with donkeys a lot), I went to my first appointment. I brought a tennis ball on an extendable stick, some treats, and a halter with a long lead rope. They had already set aside an area for me to work with him. He immediately followed the tennis ball, and I was able to lead him without the halter. From that moment on, I did everything in a playful manner but with clear boundaries for him around my own space. He accepted this immediately and didn't make a single wrong move. In the weeks that followed, I was soon able to clean his front hooves, brush him, and he followed me everywhere. Both loose and neatly on a halter.
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​After a few weeks, I wanted to take care of his legs, but then he changed. If I want him to do something he doesn't like, he gets angry. At that point, there was nothing more I could do with him. He was nothing but frustration and anger. I decided to go back to only doing fun things, and he's doing very well with that. At the moment, I'm only working on relaxation and seeing how he's doing each time. I'm learning a lot from him and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with this fantastic donkey. The best thing he has taught me is that I have to work with the animal I have at that moment. Carlos, thank you! I look forward to the time ahead of us.
Carlos - Written by the owner
Carlos, our 9-year-old donkey, came to our farm a year ago as a headstrong wildling.He was the boss in the pasture and had little desire for spectators or hugs. Only for food did he let anyone in.
We doubted whether Carlos would ever really feel at ease and whether we could trust him.
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Exactly at that moment Ilona offered her help. She calmly but decisively entered the “duel” with Carlos. Soon we saw a side of him we never expected: Gentleness. Obedience. Even the need to cuddle.
We didn't expect to see this so soon behind the donkey that didn't want to be trimmed, and occasionally kicked backwards when he was in a mood.
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Thanks to Ilona we understand each other better now, Carlos and us.
He remains the boss in his pasture, but we are welcome.
Enthusiastic, playful, and together with his buddy Champ, a Lusitano gelding, he races through the grass.
We are grateful to Ilona. For her patience, her commitment, and for the weekly training sessions with which she made Carlos' sweet side visible.
Details
Available days:
Tuesday and Thursday
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The costs:
€ 25 per 60-minute lesson and € 0.20 per kilometer.
Are you interested?
Send Ilona a message or send us an email!
+351939209513
