...how puffed up proud this makes me feel!
I sure wish this horse were four inches taller, as there's no way I'd part with her. As much trouble as she's given me in terms of learning to trust, she's just so remarkable in too many other ways. Totally tense and tight, she let me drop that right stirrup down while she leaned into me for moral support.
Yes, that's right, she leaned into me! Didn't take off forward and try to escape, but pushed up against me as though making sure it was going to be alright. At that moment I was glad she wasn't four inches taller, lol! Normally I wouldn't like a horse getting so up close and personal, but for Sunny? I'll tolerate just about anything!
After the stirrup was dropped down I led her around the paddock. You can see the girth is still sitting atop the saddle; she's just a wee too cinchy and I didn't want to push her too far. I did rub my hand all over behind her elbows, however, while the saddle was perched on top of her and I think we'll be able to tighten it up before too long.
When I took Sunny on, it was as a resale project. After that expensive hoof trimming I doubt I'll ever get my money back out of her, but she's taught me so much in the meantime that it's worth it. I've never had a horse so riddled with fear, but given time to develop a bond and trusting relationship have made all the difference. I can't imagine what Sunny's life would have been had she ended up with some heavy handed trainer that didn't want to give her the time and space she needed. Undoubtedly she'd have ended up lashing out in fear and someone would have been hurt, and she'd have been labeled another untrainable mustang. I'm so happy to have her here, and pray that I'll be able to find her the perfect home when she's ready.
7 comments:
What a wonderful entry!!!!!!! I'm so happy for both you and for Sunny. And I thank you for allowing me to come along with you, for so much of this journey, from then to now.
Hugs,
Mari-Nanci
Very exciting news. The cinching part will come easier now that she is so trusting. You've done an amazing job.
I'm completely into small horses at this stage of my life. I like getting on with minimal effort and little strain on the horse.
It's really amazing how far she's come just in the last couple weeks. Seems like everything's suddenly falling into place. Congratulations, and good job!
Yes, I agree with Andrea, it sounds like things are falling into place. That's wonderful.
Yeah!!!Nice job Tracey! She is really is coming along. Lots of huge progress the past two weeks.
Thanks, everyone! I tell you, the buttons were just burstin' off my shirt, not so much for myself, but because I was just so proud of how brave Sunny was :) She's just my special little girl, lol!
It's a testament to your unending passion! You really worked hard on her to get to this so congrats babe!
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