06/20/2026
Every now and then, one comes along that really pushes you as a trainer and pushes you as a human. They cause you to dig deep into your tool box, reminding you of those tools that are at the very bottom of the box. They remind you how to wait, cause you to try things you never have and remind you what the definition of "Cowgirl Up!" really is! 😜 They push you out of your comfort zone as both a trainer and a human, and they cause you to grow in both places. If you allow it.
When Lambeau came in, he had a serious bolting problem...it wasn't even so much of a bolting problem as it was a LEAVING problem. If he felt worried, got startled or was unsure of something, he just left. And he left FAST and HARD. The first time he did it with me, he was half way through the county before my brain could even comprehend what happened! It didnt take me terribly long to figure out that he just really never felt safe. Like ever.
Now this bolting, it was a thing both on the ground and under saddle. For added fun and excitement, when it happened under saddle he'd tuck his tail/butt so far under himself that it felt like you were about to be launched into orbit, only to actually be shot forward out of a sling shot. Not kidding. Hence the "Cowgirl Up!" 😱 I probably should have been wearing a mic and recording the commentary while riding said sling shot 🤣 Although, it would not have been approved for all audiences...🤷♀️
So, slow and steady wins the race. SO. MUCH. GROUNDWORK. Mule time, is not horse time. Mule time, is most definitely not human time. Mule time, is Mule time. You get inpatient and push too hard, you're losing the last two weeks of work you did in less than 5 minutes.
I am happy to report that Lambeau is no longer bolting...and, if he does get worried, I can stop him. He can think BEFORE he leaves. There is still work to do, and time to be spent doing it, but his confidence and trust have grown substantially.
Time.
Its almost always just putting in the time.
Thankful for owners that allow the time to happen, and trust me to do right by their animal and them!
Today, after almost 4 months here, this was the first time he was relaxed enough in my presence to let his guard down and rest a leg. Today, he also let out not one or two, but THREE big "blows" while being ridden. Maybe, we've turned a corner 💙