>>>> I like to think that maybe even horses like this can maybe learn to trust one person. I had a horse for 14 years, not long enough, and when I got her, I know she felt no special love for people.
I've had Loftur for three years now. I think I made a lot of good progress with him the first year, finding the right professionals to help me isolate his physical problems. This last year, he hasn't had a lot of special attention. He gets petted and fed every day, with his feet done regularly, etc., so he's not neglected, but I have put some other horses in front of him, since I have so many. It was really hot yesterday, about 94, so it was too hot to ride. I got Loftur out to do some groundwork, and I saddled him. He was sweaty, so I wouldn't ask a fuzzy, out-of-shape horse to do TOO much...but I was quite impressed with his attitude. He was extremely relaxed, just sweet and cooperative, just as if it were yesterday when we last played together. I think people underestimate how long these horses remember things, and how long it may take for them to become truly comfortable. Loftur has been somewhat comfortable since the beginning, but I didn't realize how far he could progress until I saw it. I still don't think I'll ever part with him, considering all he's been through, but he really has continued to trust and settle more and more. Some of these horses simply need plenty of decompression time. They may also need other things - a reason to trust, medical care, new, well-fitting tack, etc. - but usually they also need plenty of TIME. I hate it when people try to fix these horses quickly, by trying to ride 'em through it. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1025 - Release Date: 9/23/2007 1:53 PM
