10/13/2026
Today Terra learned that coolers do not, in fact eat horses and are actually kind of cozy on a cold, rainy fall day in Maine.
In her paddock Terra has tons of hay in and outside, and of course chose to eat out in the cold rain as they do. She was shivering and I waned her to dry off and warm up for a bit before nightfall, so I brought her inside and introduced her to a cooler. She wasn’t too thrilled about the idea at first and after a good snort and spook she settled, checked in and had a nice release. Then she enjoyed some hay while she warmed up.
I have been working a ton on rewarding her for thinking to check in with me when something worries her instead of leaving the scene, and seeing her seek that out over trying to flee today was great progress. She’s a very quick learner🦄 and while she still had the initial thought to get away from the weird object I was trying to touch her with she came back from that really well and was able to relax.
Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC Appalachian Trainer Face Off