Making progress toward retrieving the real Parker. This morning, after about 15 minutes of patience and a couple of false starts where he would come in for a pat, but back off at the hatler – he finally walked calmly up to me and lowered his head. Stood calmly to be haltered, walked nicely along on the lead, stood still and backed up nicely, then stood calmly while I removed the halter – staying with me while I patted him and talked softly – then I told him he could go and he trotted off. I am elated. Now if we can string 10,000 of those episodes together, he will be an expert! (Isn’t that what they say, if you do it 10,000 times then you’re an expert?)
[QUOTE=King’s Ransom;8153117]
Making progress toward retrieving the real Parker. This morning, after about 15 minutes of patience and a couple of false starts where he would come in for a pat, but back off at the hatler – he finally walked calmly up to me and lowered his head. Stood calmly to be haltered, walked nicely along on the lead, stood still and backed up nicely, then stood calmly while I removed the halter – staying with me while I patted him and talked softly – then I told him he could go and he trotted off. I am elated. Now if we can string 10,000 of those episodes together, he will be an expert! (Isn’t that what they say, if you do it 10,000 times then you’re an expert?)[/QUOTE]
That is the way, he will become more dependable soon, he will remember how that game is played with you.
I have one horse that is a sweetheart and never anyone in his whole life ever made him think badly of humans and it shows.
Then I have another that is skittish, really wants to be your friend, but life gave him lemons and lemonade he made, is scared of other horses and humans and has to regularly remember there are good ones that won’t eat him.
Any sudden move and he is shying a bit and pinning ears confused for a second, then quickly remembering it really is ok.
He is getting much, much better, but I expect those little quirks will always be with him and we will have to ignore them.
It is sad to contemplate the difference with a secure, happy, quiet minded, well adjusted horse from one that had lumps to take and has made him insecure.
I expect Parker will be back to his own self quickly again, but the odd time, well, it may just show up again.
I agree with you Bluey. I doubt it can ever be completely extinguished, especially when he is stressed and does not see a “safe” human about. But we can make a lot of progress!
Can you secure his dry lot better (e.g., electric tape) so you can leave him at home and have a horse sitter come to him? I also have a horse that is very afraid of strangers, and I think leaving him at a strange facility would be very stressful for him. He has gotten comfortable enough with his horse sitter. And it would be easier for you to alter your own setup to help with catching that someone else’s.
