My new Mustang:
Extreme Mustang Makeover 2011, Maverick and Equine Touch
By Cindy Loader
We drove down to Canyon City early Friday morning. There were high wind warnings all the way down, what a day to pick up mustangs.
My little bay ran into the trailer with big frightened eyes. Shannon’s big black mustang was in the front part of the trailer so he scooted right up to him, keeping a leery eye on us.
When we got back home, he was not sure that he wanted to leave his trailer buddy, but after a little coaxing, he jumped into his pen. We hung out with him for a couple of hours as each of our herd of nine came by to welcome him.
Moses, the mule hung out with him as he does with each newcomer. Moses is a great baby sitter. The little bay relaxed and started eating his hay and checking out his new surroundings.
Day 2: The horses were eating in the pasture a short distance away from the little Bay who was running around his pen wanting to get out with the herd. I have to keep his gate locked or Moses will let him out.
I still could not touch my little Bay, but his eyes are soft and questioning. Once I get his trust we will move forward easily. I decided to do Equine Touch, off horse. That means I stand a few feet away from him and do the moves in the air but mentally touching the horse. You will see by the pictures that it really does work.
First I grounded him then did a Basic Body Balance. Between moves he would process. His tail started lifting as his body relaxed. He stood quietly as I walked around the front of him to do each move on each side. When I had finished, he shook his head and lowered it to the ground. I left him for the day to finish processing what I had just done. You can see the difference in the progression of pictures.
Maverick
His name is Maverick. I had hoped for a real easy mustang this year, but I guess I wasn’t on the easy list. Maverick is pretty beat up and scared so it is taking some time to earn his trust. Every day it takes a while before I can get near him. He is okay with tossing the rope over his back as long as it is at a distance. If I get too close he starts shaking and cringing away.
I work my way in to his space by doing Equine Touch moves. After a few touches, he relaxes and allows me into his bubble.
At day 5 I was able to do the Equine touch moves on his left side, when I got near his hind on his right side he sprung across the pen. All four feet leaving the ground at the same time. I finished the session off horse. The pictures show how much Equine Touch affects him. When I was finished, he yawned, shook his head, licked a chewed and scratched his nose with his hind leg.
It is now day 8 and I have finally made huge progress. I let Moses into the pen with maverick. Moses immediately started licking on Maverick and calming him. He cleaned off the hind leg where there is a big gash and swelling. It was amazing to watch and take pictures.
After I let Moses out of the pen, I was able to put the halter on Maverick and get him to move his feet. He was peacefully sleeping when I left his pen. He was the calmest that I have seen him so far.
I continued to do Equine Touch for the 3 months that I had prior to the Extreme Mustang Makeover, Competition and Auction. He loved each session and would run to me when I arrived each day for our training session. When I wasn’t working with him, I could see him watching me from the pasture. Our Equine Touch sessions had created a huge bond between us.
He followed me around like a puppy dog and when I got on the rail, he sidestepped over to it so I could crawl on his back.
For the second year in a row I have kept my mustang. I don’t believe that I will sign up this year because I certainly don’t need another horse. Maverick makes 10, all rescues except one.
I got into Equine Touch to help my rescued horses live a comfortable life. When I saw how much the horses loved it and looked forward to their sessions, I had to continue my learnings and become a Practitioner.
I love it when my clients horses whinny when I show up. I love the bond that I feel during an Equine Touch session!
Thank You Jock, Ivanna and Raian!
For more information on Cindy…. Spirit Dancer Ranch
