Well , here we are at week three.  Its interesting that this past week we have had many “honeymoons over” moments.  Now, I frequently have made the observation when a frustrated new owner calls me and tells me that their new horse has been “perfect” and all of a sudden he’s become a total turkey!  My first question: has it been about three or four months since you got him?  Every time the answer is a resounding, “Yes! How did you know?”  My theory here, is that with Cruisers accelerated training, week three is masquerading as month three!

So let me tell you why I’m feeling this way.  If you recall, on day one an interesting observation was his fear of putting his head down to eat with the halter on.  He didnt eat for about 24 hours, enough to concern me.  I believed, and still do, that he was alarmed at the sight of the halter coming behind his eyes when his head lowered.  Well, we passed that obstacle on onwards we went.  Until yesterday. 

I have been taking him out for walks and he’s been great, even no EMU fears!  He’s still unhappy about being haltered-fine once its on- but reluctant at first. So I decided to make a habit of haltering and then getting grain.  Positive reinforcement.  And there, I saw that his sensitivity  to movement behind his eyes, like I observed with the halter, was very much still there.  As I tried to stand to his side while he ate, he became very agitated.  Especially so behind his right eye.  He literally tries to keep that one on me, bending his head all around to watch me closely.

So I stood.  And he fidgeted.  And I stood. And he stomped.  And I stood.  The grain calling to him from the ground, but to eat, he’d have to put his head down with me behind his eye.  By behind his eye, i mean I’m standing at his shoulder facing the same way as he is.  So I stood, and he stood, and I stood some more.  And the song, Stand By Me played in the background.  Cracked me up.  Little did I know at the time, I would stand there in this battle of wills for over two hours!

TWO HOURS!  Yeah, I think its crazy too.  Those of you who remark at my amazing patience, I learned it from mustangs.  They are happy to wait you out.

Well, two hours of just standing there doing absolutely nothing gives one time to reflect on their methods.  I mean, I could get a sturdy rope, a small round pen, a bag on a stick, and push him to the limit until he stands whether he likes it or not.  And in the future we will do that to desensitize and learn how to think through the scary things in life.  But as I reflected, and tried not thinking about having to pee, I knew in my heart that this was a trust issue, not a fear issue, and I want him to freely choose to trust me.  So I stood.  Finally, after a long slow subtle dance of his sly steps away and my casual steps keeping me right where I was, he stomped his foot a few times and then, and I’m not kidding here, then he sneered at me.  It was a true sneer, crinkled nose and sidewise glare included.  Then he put his head down and ate.  Hallaluyah!

I know some of my competition in this challenge and they’d likely have a good chuckle at this posting.  We’ll see.

So today, we reinforced that I’m trustworthy from all angles, and it still hasnt been an easy task.  My patience has been tried and in those long periods of waiting, my doubts surface.  But tonite I really feel we passed a hurdle and he is becoming a willing partner in this endeavor.

Is blue my color?

So its two weeks ago today that I brought Cruiser home to begin our journey.I am convinced that I drew the smartest and most kind hearted mustang ever known!  I know I sound like a proud parent, but dang it, its true.  In two weeks he’s gone from a an untouched, formerly wild mustang to a halter trained, affectionate carrot junkie.  We’ve had some crazy weather, too, thats cut back on working time.  This afternoon though, the sun broke thru and we got some quality time.  I was worried about footing, so I didnt want to do any round penning.  In fact, we have only been in the round pen once so far.  The arena seemed in ok shape so leaving the halter behind, I decided we’d try playing with a big ole saddle blanket in the wide open, unrestrained space.  I really didn’t know how it would go.  Within about 45 whole minutes, I was tossing the blanket completely over his back!

On Friday last week, I took my good ole girl Spirit and did some hook on via horseback.  It was much fun and I really enjoyed working with the young mustang from the back of my first ever mustang.   I have some video (Thanks Cindy) and I am looking into You Tube.  If I figure it all out, I’ll post it.  I’m  bummed that the pics I post are so poor.  As you know, I’m working alone 99% of the time, so the pictures are all arm length self portraits with my iPhone! 

Oh yeah, Roxanne asked how he got his name.  Ciindy and her dad followed along behind the trailer when we brought him home.  They said he rode as calm as could be, taking it all in.  As they watched him watching them, they noticed the name of the trailer just below in bold lettering:  “Cruiser” by Circle J!  and Cruiser he became.  (although, I have to admit, I find myself frequently calling him by his given name of Honey!)

Well, its been a bit since I updated here because Cruiser is doing so well and coming along nicely.  I work with him 3 or 4 times a day to speed up the bonding and desensitizing process.  He is now accepting haltering and leading quite well so we can begin moving on to bigger and better things. I had been concerned about getting such a late pick, but I am convinced that it has been a blessing.  His nature is easy-going and cooperative as well as more affectionate than any other mustang I’ve ever had.  He’s also much more people friendly than I’ve experienced with mustangs before.  I believe since he was a middle of the road herd member he developed his get along nature.

The other day Spirit and I worked with Cruiser in the arena doing join up via horseback.  I think Monty Roberts prefers the horseback method just because its fun!  I liked the idea of training my new mustang with my old mustang.

Today its quite windy and blustery so we worked on desensitizing to new things.  I love his solid mind.  Rarely does he blow up.  Mostly he spooks in place and takes a long look at what startled him.  I love that.  He’s NEVER made any attempt to kick or bite or strike, even when scared.  I’m encouraged that he will handle the craziness of the horse expo with grace.

As we move into the next week we will work primarily on desensitizing and teaching him how to think thru tough situations and stay cool headed.  I am hoping he will have an apptitude for tricks, and so far I’m thinking he will. 

I have been taking lots of video and will work on putting it up on you tube asap.

I’m open for any and all suggestions for the best way to win this thing.  Theres alot of good trainers on board and I’m striving for a unique presentation.  By the way, he is available for adoption for a pre show fee of $1000.  At the show, all unadopted horses go into a silent auction.  Its a great way to get a well trained horse for dirt cheap, and support a great organization, so please pass the word.

More later and more often, I promise!

Wow, I really like this horse.  He’s a real thinker and has a very composed nature.  Thats a combination that makes him a pleasure to work with.  We’ve gotton through the awkward stage. 

The first kiss is always awkward.

My daughter Sierra shot a great series of pictures showing how to approach and touch a shy horse.  Those of you who have taken courses with me will find the subtleties familiar.   If they all look the same to you, don’t despair, there are still two places open in the immersion camp up here in May!