Just a quick update for those of ya'll I've spoken to about my girl who wouldn't let anyone touch her--

For quick reference, Donoma is my red girl who was afraid of everyone.

Kai is my brown girl who loves people.. But also loves to rear when she gets nervous.

 

I realized my girls were TERRIFIED of ropes 3 weeks back, so we've been helping the girls understand that ropes aren't scary..

 

Donoma will walk fearlessly up to me now, and voluntarily put her head through the loop on the rope while I hold it up! She doesn't care if I drop it, she's almost 100% OK with me throwing it over her back.. AMAZING--Just amazing! I used a lot of tips and tricks that ya'll suggested.. THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping us get here<3

 

Donoma will walk up to me and place her head on me.. Sometimes she just stands there & it seems like she's being affectionate (is that what it is?) and sometimes she will nudge me a little.

As cute as it is, I'm trying to ask her not to do that. Why? Because it seems like now that she's got some confidence, she wants to see what she can get away with! She hasn't tried to bite me in a while, but she likes to "test" my clothes out and nip them a little. Hmmm. Maybe they're tasty? ;) She will try to get what she wants without acknowledging my requests, but is pretty compliant when she realizes that I appreciate her cooperation.. She's a great girl:)

 

..Only one problem.. She likes to try to kick my husband! Pretty sure she's just got trust issues with men, and though he feeds them most days, he doesn't work with them like I do. It's OK. They'll get there:)

 

Kai has taken to rearing when she gets freaked out.. NOT good, but she's thoughtful about the direction she rears in, at least.. She'll turn away from me and do it, but I still don't want her doing that (obviously).

She was more afraid of the ropes than Donoma and she's coming around more slowly than D is. Yesterday, she let me put the rope around her neck FIRST TRY, twice in a row, and even let me lead her a little with it! She seemed afraid at first, but she trusted me, so it was really kind of moving:)

 

All that to say, progress is REALLY being made! I'm sure it's slower than most people would tolerate, but A) I'm new to horses B) I'd rather my girls trust me than feel like they HAVE to obey me--I'd much rather them desire to work with me, you know?

 

Any ideas, suggestions on anything you've read??

 

OH, and Jennifer! You might think this is interesting--Some others may be interested, too:)

 

Remember our comments about physical attributes on horses and learning how to "read" parts of their personalities from them??

When Donoma finally came around to be friends with me, her eyes went from wide-opened with LOTS of white showing, to a calm, loving almond shape.. That is supposed to mean that she's VERY dependable and kind, but can be shy and takes some time to trust people.

GO FIGURE, huh?! How accurate!

 

She also has a "quirk bump" under/in between her eyes, which means she will have a tendency to test each new handler.. Seems like she's staying true to that, too:)

 

She also has broad ears, wide-set at the base.. Means she's really smart, really cooperative and dependable (when she gets to trust you)..

 

Kai has big, soft, round eyes.. A great big love bug, sweet as sugar:) Closer-set ears so not quite as smart as Donoma (seems to be true, but that's OK!) Straight profile, so she's pretty easy-going and uncomplicated..

 

They both have swirls in the middle of their foreheads, so that should signify that they're pretty well-balanced in the temperament area.

Looks like they both have elongated swirls, which should mean that they LOVE human interaction and companionship. Seems oh-so-true for my girls:) That's pretty common for Rockys though.

 

I got some great pictures, too.. I can't wait to post them.. I love my girls:)

 

Thank ya'll so much for your input and care..

We got our camper moved and are almost done setting it up, so maybe I can get a freaking video once that's done! SHEESH!! haha!!

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Replies to This Discussion

I just think that is so cool for you Meghan and you sound so much happier like you are really beginning to have a relationship with your horses...... it's been said that spending time is the best way to get a horse to know you and trust you....  thank you so much for checking in, I definitely am finding all of it very very interesting.

Hi Megan, I just happened to check back on this group after quite a while of being distracted elsewhere. Nice to hear you and your girls are coming along. I agree, take your time and just keep looking for new little areas to explore and improve on. It all adds up in the end. And a little trust built on one exercise will transfer partly to a new exercise. You are on the right track. Have fun!

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