Sharing space
When we’re working with Mustangs, the four components of a successful session l’ve found are:
Learning while moving
Learning while standing
Moving together
Sharing space
They are all important. And what’s also important is that the horse you’re working with is at least reasonably happy and comfortable. Pain, hunger, loneliness, boredom, lack of ability to move freely during their time “off” all take away from any meaningful work.
We also need to create a safe environment for the horse to learn in, and remember that while discomfort is part of learning something new, going over threshold – and staying there, or returning frequently – is counterproductive. A horse in survival mode can’t learn. They’re either frozen/checked out, running away panicked or defending themselves against what they believe is a threat to their life.
This is why training Mustangs isn’t easy. But it’s darn rewarding and it’ll make you a better human and horse person if you’re up for it.
Just a little video of Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Petrie (Devil’s Garden) and Tiny (Salt Wells, WY), and, well, yours truly just sharing a few moments during a chilly and beautiful mountain sunset.
We offer remote and in person coaching to owners and adopters of Mustangs, branded or not, whether you’ve already adopted or are planning to. We also gentle client horses and are available for clinics and workshops at your facility or ours. We always have gentled Mustangs (coming) available for adoption.
Outback Trading Company LTD. jacket and hat for the win for keeping me toasty warm all winter and holding up to all of my great ideas.
#wildhorseswillingpartners
#makingmountainmustangmemories
