Day Seven

It seems like touching him really was that huge breakthrough, because now it seems that our hands have a calming effect on him and he's instantly more accepting of everything else we put him through. I cannot even describe to you the pure elation on my face when not only did we touch all over his body, but we put a rope over his poll and his nose like a halter. Not only that, but when we opened the squeeze chute back up into a normal sized pen, I noticed he did not move away from me. I found that I was able to touch him in the pen! Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how amazing that was. He's actually learning to trust us! A week ago this animal would have stood in the corner as far as he could get from us, and now he'll let me touch him when he has the option to move? Amazing! This class has seriously become far more than a grade to me. This little Mustang sure came into my life at the right time.

I did learn today that its okay to use a little more force with them. Even if they are temporarily scared, they will relax eventually if they see that it won't hurt them. By being more forceful, we found that we made more progress. Sure you have to tread lightly and go slowly, but you also have to know when to turn it on.

I believe that our plan is to do more with the rope tomorrow outside of class and Monday during class, and attempt the halter on Tuesday. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!