Rojo Training: Week 7 - Progress and Challenges

Rojo’s struggle with both sides

Once the boys started working in the smaller pen, things began to progress rapidly. Previously, we worked in a large corral, which made it challenging to keep them focused. This is when I introduced the stick and string, first desensitizing Rojo by swinging it around him. Then, I placed it on his back and left it there until he relaxed. Once he relaxed, I started rubbing and scratching him with it. He accepted it quite easily, but I noticed he was more comfortable with it on his left side than his right. Equal time was not being spent on each side, and it showed. It's true that each side can be like a different horse, and if you don't work both sides, you're going to have a problem. Some horses favor one side over the other, and with Rojo, we fell into the habit of working more on the left. Finally, after focusing on the right side for a few days, he became comfortable working on both sides.

Rojo’s Progress to Halter Broke

After a few weeks, Rojo could be touched all over on both sides, with his legs being touched with the stick, and he enjoys being brushed on his back and neck without restraint. He can also lunge, turn directions, and stop when commanded, all without the halter. He loves people and will follow you around his corral, mugging for treats. From the beginning, he allowed the halter to be rubbed all over his neck and head. When it was time, the halter was slipped on very easily with no resistance.

His personality is very confident and unafraid, and he is very willing to try new things. Because of this, he learned how to do many things before the halter was ever even put on him.

For more information on Rojo, please email [email protected], visit our Virginia Range Mustang Rescue and Adoption Facebook page and check out Rojo's previous training updates, here.