[Blistering Winds]

Definitly don't trailer him for training daily. That is hard on a horse who is fully trained, let alone one that is just getting started.

Training should be done somewhere they feel comfortable. Many trainers give horses a day or two before directly working them when they get to their places. Give them some time to adjust.

And your horse will be worn out too. Trailering is a workout. THen you make him get off, work again, then get back on and work some more, NOT good at this stage. You will make him trailer shy for sure!! He will associate the trailer with work, and will not go even through a chute.

Just you work with him, have your trainer come out a few times when he can. Right now you need to bond with him before sending him anywhere. This bond is essential with mustangs.

The fact that he's touching you voluntarilly is GREAT. Great step!! SOme people don't get to that point for months. Don't ruin it by trailering him to someone else at this stage.

Also, when he comes up, blow gently into his nose. It is a "greeting" among horses. Works to calm many down and say "hi, i'm not going to eat you".

[wyldterv]

First thank you everyone so far for the great food for thought! I would like to clarify, however, on the trailering and training... We'd be LEAVING him at Eric's for the next month to two months, depending on how training progresses. I would be going up daily for several hours a day to spend with Poncho and have re-arranged my work/dog show schedule accordingly (one of the GOOD bennefits of working for yourself!!!).

BUT after some interesting food for thought I'll be rethinking sending Poncho up to Eric at this time, and may opt to wait until he's more bonded to myself and Roger and at least accepting of halter work.

The largest challenge I have right now is my own mental challenge. I've found myself a bit intimidated by Poncho (which has never happend to me before, so is a new 'thing' to have to mentally work through!) and I do NOT want Poncho to realize this! These guys are smart and if he senses he has the upper hand at all, things can go to Heck in a hand basket in a HURRY. I think some of it is that it's been awhile since I've worked any horse, let alone an adult that doesn't want to be in captivity too badly, and some of it is I want to do this right the FIRST time, so we don't have to try to retrain in the future.

I'll speak with the trainer today about things, since originally we were going to keep Poncho here the entire time and it was my idea to move him up to the trainer's so that we could work together daily instead of only once a week or so, when he could make it down here.

Thanks again for input.

[Dawn]

I believe that working with a trainer once or twice a week would be more than sufficient. He'll be able to catch anything you're doing wrong and that's all you need. You know what you're doing here, just need some reassurance.

[wyldterv]

Thanks to everyone who got me to thinking last night. I spoke with the trainer at length this morning and we both agreed that for now, Poncho will stay here at our place, at least until we have him gentled enough to lead and brush. At that point we'll decide if we want to proceed with his saddle work here or at the trainers.

Trainer keeps reminding me I really DO have a clue what I'm doing, just need a kick in the butt with the confidence issue... SO for now, we'll keep working on building trust and ground work here. I'll try to do updates as we make some real progress.

Thanks again to those of you who took the time to make suggestions, give opinions, etc! If I didn't want to know, I wouldn't ask! LOL

[Cowgirl_Up]

i have a mustang that i am training right now. he is doing fantastic. i started riding in april and went to a show in july. i am using the parrelli method with him and also taking him to a trainer-but i do the work. any ways good luck and if u have ?'s e-mail me and ill try to help u. My_Wild_Mustang@hotmail.com

[Debbie Kelly]

I have two Mustangs. Got them both wild as March hares. Both of them are doing just fine, now. As a matter of fact, Comet (so named because she shot like a comet out of the trailer and into her stall her first day here) fell asleep getting her feet trimmed yesterday---she has come a long way from the snorty foolish-acting mare that lept into my barn 2 years ago. Patience is the key to success. Watch out for "bronc riders". When we brought Comet home, a pack of them descended on our place----sorry Texans but most of these cud chewing, drawling, "way too tight jeans and way too big buckle wearers" swore they learned their trade in their home state of Texas. I don't know if they could "break a bronc" but those pickup truck driving cowboy wannabes could run from a dog really well---sometimes it helps to work for a guy who trains police dogs. Just take your time with your new horse--a little patience goes a long way with Mustangs.