By Patty Wilber
When I get horses in that have not been handled much, or have not had clear expectations, it seems like there is often a point where I despair and wonder if they will ever decide to come around. Usually, the turnaround is just a few days, but the feral boys are taking a bit longer!
I got them May 31, and it’s just this week that I feel like they are starting to take an interest in the things we are doing.
Fireball had some handling, maybe as a baby, but then he sat for six? years. He is a bit of an anxious sort, but look! He made it to the round pen and is wearing a bareback pad. He only bucked the first day he wore it. He likes to be groomed and rubbed on, too.
Fireball: ‘Look! i am wearing a bareback pad! i don’t love it but only bucked the first time. don’t try to ride me yet, though!
Nugget had been running free for five years. Luckily, he came with a halter and drag-rope, otherwise, I would not have even been able to get near him. He is starting to become less wary and more inquisitive!
Nugget: i can make this thing move!
it doesn’t even scare me when i drop it. I even let her touch me with it, a little!
Nugget: i love my new SWAT highlights.
We did some selfies. I can never see what is going on, so I am making weird faces. By the time I got a decent face on me, there was a fly in the image on the bridge of my nose!
In some horses, there is more to overcome, so the takeaway for me is: Don’t get wrapped up in what we have not yet achieved, but enjoy the process and celebrate the little things. Those little things do add up, and eventually we will have a working bond!
