Blooming Flower Girls

Blooming Flower Girls

by | Jan 25, 2023 | journal

Petunia calmly regards Ryan on her first day in the round pen.

All Four Came Out to Play

It’s the second day of mustang gentling, and all four of our Flower Girls got some quality time in the round pen with Ryan, Emily, and their assistant Tyler. These mares are mustangs, estimated to be in their teens and early twenties. As you might recall, they were rescued from the recent animal neglect case in Williston involving sixteen horses. To our knowledge, they have lived their lives after the range in a pasture with no training and very little human contact. 

Petunia 

Yesterday, she was happy to be a wallflower at this dance. Today, she came into the pen and Ryan started out by moving her around at liberty. He then was able to get a rope around her that he used to show her how to follow a feel. She was very skittish but made progress quickly. 

Rose

It’s amazing how quickly Rose has come to enjoy human interaction. Today, our Farm Manager, Lisa worked with her most of the day on haltering and being able to touch her all over. With time and patience, Lisa was able to halter her multiple times and even touch her legs. By the end she was leading around beautifully alongside Lisa and soaking up all the cuddles that she had to offer. We truly appreciate how Ryan’s team is actively including us in the training process so that we are able to seamlessly continue with the mare’s education after this week ends.

Iris

Iris started the session today similar to the day before – skeptical to say the least. But Ryan and Tyler made big strides with her today. Ryan moved her around the pen quite a bit, asking for different things to keep it interesting for her. Tyler stepped in and worked with her on being touched all over. She is now able to be led around a few steps and is much more comfortable being groomed and loved on. 

Lily

Lily turned over a new leaf today. Emily worked with her today on leading, and she excelled!  She allowed Emily to give her lots of scratches and attention. By the end of the session, she was much easier to handle and halter. 

Tomorrow's Another Day!

We’ll be sharing daily reports on the horse’s progress, pictures and video clips. 

Day One with the Flower Girls

Day One with the Flower Girls

by | Jan 24, 2023 | journal

Ryan with Iris, who made excellent progress on her first day. 

First Steps with the Mustangs

On this first day, Ryan and Emily focused on our mustang flower girls: Petunia, Iris, Rose, and Lily. It was a day of getting to know each of the mares, who have had little to no handling since their adoption several years ago and were recently neglected and starved. The first step was getting each of them separated into a safe pen. Petunia didn’t make it that far today, but she did stick around and watch her girlfriends learn some things.

Rose 

Rose had an amazing day! Since coming to Horse Protection, she has been untouchable. She made massive strides very quickly. Emily worked with her on being led around and giving to pressure. By the end of the session she was walking around easily with Emily while also accepting lots of scratches and rubs. She was willing to drop her head when asked, be pat down with the stick and string and even practiced haltering.

Here she is, getting her first halter.

Iris

Iris accomplished a lot today. She began her session very apprehensive, but was still able to achieve a lot. By the end, Ryan was able to lead her around a few steps with a rope around her. He was also able to walk up and pet her multiple times. 

Lily

Lily surprised us! Of all the flower girls, she has been the most approachable by the Horse Protection Staff. After a short while in the round pen with Ryan, she became quite unconfident, even trying to jump out. Ryan felt that it would be best and safest to work with her further after raising the height of the corral walls.

Here, Ryan explains how he will be working with Lily in the round pen to the Horse Protection staff.

Tomorrow's Another Day!

We’ll be sharing daily reports on the horse’s progress, pictures and video clips.