[Makeover 2024 phase 2] baby steps!

(Just to remember that this text is just so that the pictures become more comprehensive and not just random drawings put in order!! Enjoy!) 

Nightfall Stables 27/06

If there's one thing I can say about this horse, it's that he's difficult... the first few weeks together were... not to be exaggerated, quite complicated... Not that I didn't expect it, in fact, that was exactly what we expected from him... however it was still quite tiring. 

In any case, we have made progress with it!! and that's the important thing!! 

I admit that the first few days were chaos, we had a broken stall and an injured handler, but we have already resolved the problems and the handler is better! 

Seeing that he really hated the halter and hated being in the stall, we tried a more subtle approach, guiding him to the stall with treats and lumps of sugar, he seems quite happy to follow us to the stall if we give him some sweets! the same for the halter, we had to teach him that the halter is not the enemy here, it was a re-introduction, several hours letting him smell and see that the halter was not dangerous or restrictive! 

In two weeks he was able to stay in the stall if the door was open and someone was with him, and he also used the halter, as long as you didn't pull the rope too much and let him feel free to escape if necessary! 

With a few more good associations and snacks, we were able to take him from one place to another without him trying to get away from the halter or kick you! It was a big step forward! But still with great care, we leave him in the paddock most of the day, so he can feel free, the important thing is to go little by little! without forcing the stall or halter on him! 

Soon we were doing some training with him, ground work, and he didn't seem uncomfortable with being pulled or having to do what he was told! a big step forward! 

He can now stay in the stall for a few hours, but it's good to check on him from time to time so he doesn't feel alone or anxious, the same for the halter, a few walks a day taking him for a walk around the paddock is enough, and He doesn't get scared as much as he used to. 

These are small steps, like a little foal learning to live in the world, but these are the steps that will lead him to a healthy and peaceful life again, I know it won't be long before he feels more comfortable, and soon he will be the best horse of all the stables in the region!