Boss Mare

This week has been a whirlwind and has been all about the horses.  We hired a trainer to work with us here at the farm with our horses.  It has been our experience so far that there are a lot of people out there that call themselves "trainers."  However, this man does it full time and is really good. As a natural horseman, he teachs methods that create a partnership between man and horse.  He is teaching us to establish leadership on the ground first without riding.  We have steps we are working through with each of our horses everyday. 

Funny thing, they figured out really quick that our expectations just jumped up a notch.  Bobbie, my mare, especially has developed an attitude.  She has always been the boss mare.  At her past home, she was the first foal born at their place and was always treated as the queen.  Well, the queen just got dethroned and she is not happy about it.  She was quite comfortable with the fact that she knew what she was doing and I didn't.  (Not that I know much now.)  Asserting myself as the leader has sent her running, literally.  She has always come right up to me but not now.  Yesterday, she tried to outdo me in the pasture.  I went out with a halter and instead of her greeting me she took off running.  I chased her for over an HOUR!  I was ticked!  She finally gave in.  (One thing I have learned is that you can't back off because if you do, they win and the fight will be worse the next time.)  We went straight to the round pen for some exercise.  Finally, she was tired enough she started turning her head to me which is a sign of respect.  It was a huge confidence booster for me even if my legs felt like jello. If it kills me, I will be the Boss Mare!

Tomorrow we get to do it again.  I hope she gives in quicker.  And I really hope she turns her whole body to face me, the ultimate sign of submission.  We'll see.  I'm not sure she is going to abdicate her throne so easily.