One thing I know is that when it comes to animals you need to have patience! When my yearling was delivered she was in a big stock trailer with several other horses that had been purchased and were on the way to their new homes.
It was a big trailer...the horses were not tied to anything...they were free to move around. This would have been a simple delivery for my new baby, named Cheyenne... if only the man who was in charge would have had a little patience.
All that he would have had to do was put her halter on her and lead her out...small step down and she would have been aware of everything in front of her. But for some reason he decided that he needed to back her out (which of course is the way most horses would be taken out of trailer, a horse trailer that is).
Well, backing out of something that she had just ridden in for the first time and not being able to see what the heck was happening, she freaked. She stumbled, caught her rear leg under the trailer and cut it up pretty bad. In fact, so bad that our vet had to come out that day and bandage her up. That wasn't the only time this was done...I had to change bandages, apply ointment, etc. for several weeks. (she always had that scar)
Remember, this was a 1 year old baby who had been frightened and hurt. No wonder the hardest thing that she ever learned was to get into a trailer. You think elephants have a long memory!!
This was one of the most important lessons I have ever learned. It is filed in the 'knowledge of horses' part of my mind....not soon to be forgotten.
Dear Ila,
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm glad your horse had the gift of you to get through this. One good thing about it, she must really have bonded with you and learned to trust you through the process of receiving your patient nurturing and care. Thank you for this important post.
Speaking from my own experience about your patience and care, I must share that our Lucy (a rescue dog with a lot of issues), was never any worse for the wear when I left her in your care. Always grateful,
Diane