Friday I helped Brett bring the horses into the barn after work. More rain, and possibly snow, are on the way through Christmas Day.
Tex watched me come into the pasture and moved off a few feet as we closed the gate. Brett slipped on Flash's halter and I walked towards Tex. He walked away so I sent him off. He trotted over to Brett and Flash. I was able to walk up to him, scratch his withers, but as the halter slid over his nose, Tex ducked backwards and trotted off.
Heavy sigh. I slung the halter back over my shoulder and walked out into the pasture. Tex circled once and stopped, watching me. I stopped and said "So, what are you going to do?"
He dropped his head and walked over to me. I was astounded. But I tried not to show it. Instead, I praised him and draped the rope over his neck. He stood still while I put on the halter and I walked him to the barn on a loose lead.
Progress; we're making progress.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
ReplyDeleteYes! that is progress. You gave him the space to make a decision and he made the right one.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. He was able to override his programmed response when you gave him the opportunity to do so.
ReplyDeleteThat's huge! He thought about it and changed his mind. Very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe mind of a horse seems not to different than that of a wild little boy.
ReplyDelete