2nd August 2025
We did a little bit with Sammy again today. This time he did not wander off so much and was considering co-operating. He is learning to trust that the head collar is not something to have a fight about. Being a big heavy horse there is no point in pushing him. There is nothing to win.
When he stands with his head up, instead of putting it down to graze, he is offering as much co-operation as he can in that moment. Lisa took the offer and put his head collar on and then we worked with being present and regarding him, waiting for him to relax into it, before taking it off again when his thinking levels were between a 3 and 4.
Trusted co-operation is something that is built on little by little, not something that is forced. We are looking for every little time he offers co-operation and we will always reward that with well done’s and thank you’s that come from deep in our own feelings. Gratitude for the littlest try is a feeling, not just a word.