Fast forward!

Once a snow ball starts rolling, it becomes hard to stop. This has been my metaphor for training mustangs. Once they begin learning, they have huge leaps and bounds in their progress. Everyone who has seen these horses more than once have commented that they are transformed into calmer and more confident horses with each and every day! De-sensitizing has paid off, my mare was really scared and spooky so I spent lots of time reassuring her and working to show her 'people stuff' is not too bad after all. I clipped her face and brand, brushed her all over, hoof picked, saddled, bridled, and jumped up and down all around her.  Anyone that has spent time training a horse knows progress happens with lots of hard work and time. Since I have been slacking on keeping the blog up to date, I will narrate with pictures... hope you enjoy!

Lunging Sweet Pea in the round pen for the first time. She is sooooo laid back! 

She had virtually no reaction to the cooler... I guess that means I have been doing a good job de-sensitizing her!

Same with the fly mask and shipping boots... 

Anthony and Luna on their first walk... how cute!

Saddle and 1, 2, 3...

Up!!!

Visits with friends, anyone want to take me home?!?

My first ride, what a great feeling. There is no much that really compares to the moment when you are up for the first time! 

EMM 2013 update

Here are a few photos from the beginning of our journey. 

'Sweet Pea' took quite a while to get a name. She was so nervous at first I wanted to what her personality was like once she trusted me. I could see right from the get go, even though she was scared, she wanted to work with me. Her face wore so many different expressions, I have never seen a wild horse go through that many emotions during gentling. She would get 'sticky feet' and freeze, almost going into a 'play bow' like a dog when she wasn't sure where to go. Once I asked her to move, she was able to relax. As I began to work my way towards the first touch, she licked, chewed, chattered (like a baby would to a stallion) and even thought about nipping (which she never did). She would lean her neck towards me like she knew being scratched was a reward, yet her eyes would not be able to look at me for more than a second. She had to fight a lot of instinct to give me a chance, and I am sure glad she did. 

Anthony's mare, Luna is a very different personality. She moves very freely and you can easily see the Friesian influence in her HMA Flannigan. She is incredibly curious and was following him around the first day. 

Once Sweet Pea gave me a chance, the real fun began. She let me switch halters and play with a saddle pad on her back. I am truly impressed with her willingness to learn. 

She has been leading well and always wants to be reassured with a scratch or two. 

After picking up her feet, leading her around, and playing with the saddle pad, I wanted to see if she was ok with the saddle. I showed it to her, lead her around, and plopped it on her back. She had almost no reaction, which was great! You all know what the next step means...

I wanted to leave you with a 'teaser' picture so be sure to check back soon. There will be some great photos to follow...

Dancing Dixie, a year later

Since it is a Monday, I think we could all use a little smile on our faces. This is a special day for my mustang Dixie...hope you enjoy looking back at what you can do in 1 year with a mustang.

1 year ago today I picked up my Extreme Makeover Mustang for the 2012 Norco competition, Dancing Dixie. I knew she was meant for me right away and went to the 2 day competition in Southern California knowing she would come home.

February 4 2012

Soon she was learning tricks...

90 days later, we went to the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Norco, Ca. An 8 hour haul and show that lasted 2 days including trails, arena work, and in hand competition. 

Desensitizing in preparation for her many exciting events.

She was showcased in the mustang demo at Sacramento Horse Expo June 2012

(120 days after being 'wild')

More trick training

Bareback or saddle, english or western... she does it all

Smile!

 Competed in 4 AERC limited distance endurance races

In one short year she has done more than most horses have done in their whole lives. I guess what I am trying to say is she is a really special horse and I am glad she found me :)