Okay, I’ve already lost this one too.

Horses don’t always hold on to things they’ve been taught, or do they? As some people have selective hearing, horses sometimes have selective remembering. You’ve been there, conversation goes…… Rider – I taught you this last week, or we went down this trail yesterday, or you passed that rock every day of your life, what do you mean the boogie man lives behind it? Horse – I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you crazy? You want me to do what????

But there are things that happen to them that leave a lasting impression. Especially when the fight or flight instinct kicks in. They will remember anything they perceive as a threat to their life. Then comes your part where you have to convince them that you will protect them and, whatever it is, won’t hurt them. Not always an easy thing to do.

I’m dealing with several of those issues right now. Had an Equine dentist assistant whip my horse into a dental trailer. I’ve mentioned this before. She hesitated, he hit. There was no need for that. She always would load with no problem. Well it is a problem now. She will load, but not as easily as she used to.

Then there is the Intranasal Flu Vaccine. They all hate it. They have come up with a mist now which is supposed to be easier. Someone needs to convince my horses of that. Just when I start being able to worm this one horse it’s time for a flu mist and we’re back to square one with “your not getting anywhere near my nose ever again.” He just doesn’t get the concept of I’m heading for his mouth, not his nose, and the vet does the flu, not me. Someone roughed him up over the years and he’s not letting go of that thought.

Residual effects don’t go away easy, bet you’ve personally found that out once or twice.

So what do we do? Stay calm, be consistent, and be persistent. Be patient, proceed when you have plenty of time to work through the problem. Keep a calm energy, be soothing (if it’s frightening), and be firm (when it’s just resistance). They are like children waiting to see who gives in first.

It wouldn’t hurt to bring a drink, lunch, and sometimes, a sleeping bag. Only kidding, but I have brought a drink. When you feel you are tensing up, and your adrenaline starts pumping, stop. Drop your energy level to you toes, take a deep breath, relax, and start again. The more uptight you get, the less chance you have of success.

I’m always surprised at how long I can out wait a horse. Since by nature I am not a person of patience. However, with horses I am.

Remember when you were a kid (yes baby goat), and your mother wanted you to sit at the table until you finish something you hated to eat. Eventually you would fall asleep at that table, and your mom would let you go? Well don’t give in. You are stronger than your mother. You learned from her.

The key things to remember are time, patience, calmness, and determination. Never hurts to mention this again.

Still can’t find my grammar and spell check, use your imagination.