Absolutely love the photos.
Even though I don't know a lot about horses in particular, I do think that with all animals that have fear issues that came from abuse, is it just takes quiet patience - one can't get into a rush to achieve a goal...such as getting a halter on a horse, or getting a fearful dog to eat from your hand.
Also, I noticed you kneeling. I think that's a great tool in working with fearful animals. In kneeling you are making yourself 'smaller' and thus less threatening.
I don't know if your friend tried that, or caught on to those things on her own, or if you had to explain them, but I hope she will make more progress in the coming year than she has had in the past year and a half. It's great too, that rather than just give up, she reached out for help, and might be seeing some new approaches towards working with fearful equines.
And last but not least.... That donkey is Sooo Cute!
Stormy
Even though I don't know a lot about horses in particular, I do think that with all animals that have fear issues that came from abuse, is it just takes quiet patience - one can't get into a rush to achieve a goal...such as getting a halter on a horse, or getting a fearful dog to eat from your hand.
Also, I noticed you kneeling. I think that's a great tool in working with fearful animals. In kneeling you are making yourself 'smaller' and thus less threatening.
I don't know if your friend tried that, or caught on to those things on her own, or if you had to explain them, but I hope she will make more progress in the coming year than she has had in the past year and a half. It's great too, that rather than just give up, she reached out for help, and might be seeing some new approaches towards working with fearful equines.
And last but not least.... That donkey is Sooo Cute!
Stormy
