100th post! A no halter hoof trim for the mustang!

Well after a grueling 3 hrs raking and picking up leaves n such with my son at the local cemetery for one of his Boy Scout service projects. I was spent. My back, arms, shoulders and neck, had enough. I came home and rested a bit. Then went out and turned Cha’Cote loose. I followed him around, spending undemanding time in zone 5. Previous to the last week, the best I could do was to pass THROUGH zone 5 to get the other side. He mostly was standing still for this. But still every once in a while would have to take a step sideways in the back to help me hurry along. I have NO desire to get kicked, so I was in no rush to complete this task. So I started about 10 feet behind him just standing there as he grazed. If he moved a bit so he could see me, I just moved to stay behind him. Eventually I was close enough to be just out of hoofs reach. I spent about 15 minutes back there, and he was quite ok with it to be honest. I however, took a little more time. Later I haltered him for a pedicure on his front feet. This time I left the hoof stand in front of him, for him to start to get used to it being there when I trim. I am hoping next time I will get to use it so I can do a bit of a better job without dying. When I finished the front left, my body couldn’t take any more. I decided to do the other foot later in the day. I took the halter off, and walked into the garage, turned around, and he was still standing in the driveway. I went back out, petted him, and walked back into the house to get the camera. He was still there. So I snapped some pictures, went back in the garage, and again, he didn’t move. Well who couldn’t take advantage of this opportunity? So I started to trim the right foot…..no halter! I got a ways into it when Miyagi the terror came waltzing up to him. I ran her off, but now he was too uncomfortable to stay without a halter as Rose and Snookie the dynamic duo were headed our way! I haltered him, finished the right foot, set him free, and collapsed on the couch. Sunday I was still weak, so did nothing again. However, I turned Cha’cote loose again, and saw my mane and tail brush near by. So I picked it up to brush his mane, and decided, with no halter again, to attempt to brush his tail. This has been taboo! I could touch it, and hold it for a few seconds, but not long enough to brush it. Well no more. He stood and let me brush the ENTIRE thing! I just love that little mustang. So here we are 5 months after him never being haltered or gentled, to having his tail brushed and hoof trimmed with no halter! What a good boy!

Savvy On

Michelle