Day 27- Reflection

Though it has finally warmed up again, a recent cold spell spurred us to find a blanket for Blue for the chilly nights and early mornings that his thin summer coat was not equipped to handle. It became apparent quickly that he had probably never worn a blanket before and it took him a few days to get used to the strange blue thing that was covering his body and following him around like a shadow. After those initial worries however, Blue accepted the blanket and stood quietly in the field while I came to put it on every night...almost like he was looking forward to the coziness that the sheet provided after the sun went down. Just like everything else we've offered him, he was cautious at first but always willing and accepting with some time and patience.

Not so sure about the new blanket

 

As we near the end of our first month with Blue, I can't help but look back and be proud of how much he has changed and how far he has come in his education and advancements. Sarah spends time with him every weekend and their bond continues to grow. They trust each other and she has been a vital and undeniable part of his progress over the past month. Blue is solid in his ground work and lunging, both with and without tack and is at the point where he's likely ready to accept a rider. His friendship with Lena remains solid and the evidence of his improving health is obvious to those who come to visit.....he's rounder, shinier and a more confident horse overall than the pathetic creature who walked off our trailer just a short twenty seven days ago. He enjoys his meals, stands patiently for his baths and always tries hard to please anyone who asks something of him. He is a wonderful little horse who is developing daily into everything we could have asked for and everything we had hoped he would come to represent.

 

 

Blue & Sarah bonding

 

 

For myself, this progress continually raises the question....did we just get lucky with this particular horse or will this type of patient and knowledgeable process work in the rehabilitation of any horse? Granted, we made a good choice in picking a horse that was young and relatively unhandled for this sort of initial project. In addition, we definitely got lucky because Blue's trusting personality and willing nature made working with him a pleasure. But those things aside, our methods and dedication to the project has produced results and this is something that I believe can be applied to any horse, no matter their background or level of handling. There will always be issues that arise....always obstacles that need to be addressed....but if one is committed to the end result, than these roadblocks will just be opportunities for learning along the way.

 

We made a difference for Blue so if we know our method works and can change the life of one horse....where does that take us next?