Proud of myself!

[kigerfan]

I have a friend that owns a racing stable and she's a bit overwhelmed right now so I decided to help her.( She has about thirty babies right now). I've been halter training her babies that are a few months old and haven't had any real socialization with people yet. They've been doing pretty well. One that I named Tale of Muizic (Tale of the Hills / Muizenburg) learned in one day to wear a halter, lead with the halter, pick up both front feet, bend left and right and even back up! She's very smart I also have one of the very young foals up front already backing up when asked. I started interacting with a frightened (skittish) chestnut filly (about two years old) yesterday. She would turn and run scared if you approached her. Today she was nibbling on my hat! lol I can't touch her yet, but she is okay touching me. I think she's going to be great. Just started today working with a two year old stud colt. He's GORGEOUS! He needs some manners and to get used to being groomed and such but he is very sweet.

[fantasykiger]

That is great, how fun and fullfilling. It is so rewarding to work with young horses and make life easier for them by giving them a good foundation with nice ground manners good job!!

[DianneC]

Yes, you are really doing these youngsters a favor, the way a foal is handled stays with them. Once they've had a good person I think they look for that from other people.

[lindad]

How WONDERFUL!

[kigerfan]

There is a mare out in the large pasture with her baby who I was told was extremely standoffish and would pin her ears should I get close. Well, the first couple of days she did just that. Then today, I sat on the ground about five feet from her and started picking at the grass. She grazed her way over to me and I handed her some of the grass I was picking. She took it from me gently and I pulled some more for her. Did this a few times and then scratched her nose. She accepted that graciously so I scratched along her jaw to her cheek and then up her neck. She was obviously enjoying it, so I got up and scratched all the way up her neck and across her back. I proceeded to be able to scratch her from nose to tail on both sides, as she leaned into my attention. Many times she turned and nuzzled her nose against me with no sign of hostility. When I moved away from her, she followed me a couple of times. It all came to an end when a more dominant mare strolled up and wanted attention as well. I felt that was a wonderful breakthrough though!

[DianneC]

Awwww, bet no one had ever done that before.

[kigerfan]

I think sometimes horses just like you to share your time with them. No expectations, no schedules, just sit down and share time and each other's company.