Is it the mirror-like reflection off the shield, the big black ball for a head, the muffled somewhat familiar voice that comes from within? Herki has never been comfortable around a person wearing a snowmobile or ATV helmet. The machine itself makes plenty of inconsistent loud noise. Even I can’t wear my winter jacket anywhere after a day of snowmobile riding without washing it first because it smells horrible. So, how to help a horse become more comfortable with a snowmobile…….

I led Herki to the big pasture and went back to the house to gear up. Snowpants, boots, gloves, neck warmer, heavy coat, big black helmet. Armed with a pocket full of carrots, I returned to the field with the snowmobile. I took a couple passes around the outside of the field. The first trip around Herki was very nervous and snorted at me while prancing off the opposite direction. After a couple trips around I stopped, left the machine running, walked towards him slowly with a carrot in the palm of my outstretched hand. He glared at me as I approached. He took a step towards me. I stopped and took a step back, waited a moment and began the approach again. He wasn’t quite comfortable with me getting too close. So, I tossed the carrot to him and returned to the machine. I circled the field again and repeated to process. Eventually, Herki was not only taking a carrot from the palm of my hand but I didn’t even have to get off the machine. AND then he began trotting behind the machine hoping for a treat. A horse chacing a snowmobile – what a sight.