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Morgan calls her Sausage. Can you see why?

Today, Morgan moved Zip over to the pasture with Jack and Poky.

Leaving Shortcake with only one friend.

ME.
After Zip was moved, I took my daily stroll into the back barnyard. Usually, this means Zip heading for me like a heat-seeking missile, Shortcake cautiously trailing behind. I unload a few peppermint treats from my pockets and wait for Shortcake to get jealous and decide that Zip can’t have them all.
I don’t intend to rely on treats forever. This is yet a warming-up period. I tried, early on, the method of “walking down” Shortcake. This was exhausting and seemed to increase Shortcake’s leery perspective. I decided to go back to square one, warm her up, get where I can get close to her, build a relationship with her that’s founded on trust. For now, it involves treats. Eventually, I’m hoping that I can walk up to her without her running away, brush her, pay attention to her, no treats. From there, we’ll work on introducing a halter and some riding again. I’ll see how it goes, change my plan as she shows me. I’m going to take my time, get there in little bits. She’s totally worth it. I love riding her.
Today, there was no Zip to hide behind and trail, and Shortcake was more leery than ever. I walked about as close as I can walk without her bolting, maybe 10 feet away. I turned my back, stretched out my hand with a peppermint treat, and waited. For a really long time, but it was probably only 5 minutes. I felt her big horsey lips on my fingers. I looked back at her. She retreated, munching. I told her, “Bye!” and walked away.
See ya tomorrow, sweet sugary Shortcake! YOU FREAK.
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on September 30, 2012Registration is required to leave a comment on this site. You may register here. (You can use this same username on the forum as well.) Already registered? Login here.
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She sure is a pretty little mare…
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