06/19/2024
I take pride in taking my time with horses. I’m on the horses clock. Not mine. If it takes another day, week, or month, I will do it for the horse. Some horses do pick it up quick and easy, others don’t. Any horse can be “broke” in 30 or 60 days. That doesn’t mean the horse trusts you. Those horses typically only do what you ask out of fear of what happens if they do not listen and blow up shortly after being send home to people that can’t handle them. If you take the time to work with them on the ground and get their mind focused on you and trust in you, it’s amazing what you can accomplish. Then teaching the owners along the way.
This mustang, Koda, came to me the first week of June. He was rescued from a terrible home by a young lady, who then sold him to Kimberly Ann when he was healthy again. We all knew someone had put a little work into him on the ground. As far as riding, we had no idea what had been done. He is your “typical” mustang. He is stubborn and flighty.
After 2 and 1/2 weeks, I felt he was finally ready for me to step up on his back. I wasn’t sure how he would react. But, all the work I did with him on the ground payed off. He trusted me to get on his back. He immediately tensed then eased up when he realized I’m not going to hurt him. He moved forward and waited for guidance rather than blowing up and letting me hang from the rafters. This mustang is going to make a great horse!
Always listen to what the horse has to say. Correct them when needed but most of all, let them think and process. Guide them down the right path. Don’t force it. Watch how your horse changes into something great!
