Phase 3 - Settled In

With the rescue mare, Mist as everyone around the stable had taken to calling her, taking well to lunging, it had been decided to try introducing her to the rest of the stable’s mares, rather than keeping her separated with only a couple of them.

It hadn’t taken long for Sweetheart’s Valentine and Blue Sky to trot off to rejoin the herd, Mist following behind and slowly incorporating herself as one of them.

Progress was still slow as far as training went, and Mist proved fast that she was never going to be the kind of horse that enjoyed meeting new people, but the progress was there.

She came when called, at least by those she knew, and followed after the other mares. She settled into the stable well, and was eventually given a stall that was designated as hers.

It was promising, even if she still darted away from a saddle blanket and hated saddles with a passion that made Alene laugh and agree to give up that particular battle.

After all, the mare’s happiness was paramount to the rider. And Mist definitely seemed happy, trotting across the pastures with the other mares and occasionally being spoiled alongside them with tasty treats.

As far as Alene was concerned, as she sent in a final report to the organization that set her up with the mare, the entire project was a success. Mist was happy in her new home, approachable by at least some humans, and well adjusted in most places. There was still work to do, boundaries to test and lay firm rules on, but it was enough.

Alene would come to find, in the coming months, that Mist would accept a rider as long as they were well-trusted and willing to go bareback. She also took well to liberty work, eager to please and earn treats with a handler’s gentle guidance.

All in all, a success.