High Sierra Rider

Janet has been working with CoffeeBean for two months at the time of the attached video. She's been leaving early in the morning each day and getting home well after dark each night. When she walks in she is still giddy from the joyous time she spends with her mustang. The happiness and excitement she shows is testimony to how special their relationship has already become. Janet describes in detail how everything is new to CoffeeBean. How every day is a new experience. A stroll through the barn with all its stalls and tools and people walking around. There's a strange object lying against the fence by the stall that needs a little exploration. And here comes the shoer with his dogs and his gear and his truck. He's working on some other horses at the ranch but it's a perfect opportunity to expose CoffeeBean to another new experience. They walk over and Janet introduces them. Janet has already prepared CoffeeBean for this moment. She's been working her hands up and down the mustangs’ legs and picking up her feet during many of her groundwork sessions. Like so many other little details that need attention this is just one of the ways in which Janet teaches her horse about the world of humans. They are standing in the middle of what some horses may perceive as complete mayhem. Dogs are running around and barking. The shoer is clanking and banging his equipment around and other people are walking up and asking questions and laughing. But CoffeeBean doesn't care. She is relaxed because Janet, her leader and friend, brought her here and they trust each other and there is no question of judgment. They have a relationship built on trust that started the day they met. Janet asks the shoer to pick up CoffeeBeans' feet. One at a time he takes her hooves in his hands and has a good look at the bottom of each. He even finds a little problem on one foot and easily adjusts with a slight trim. I have seen plenty of domestic raised horses that have trouble with this. By embracing the challenges that they come across, like in the episode with the shoer, Janet and CoffeeBean appreciate these moments for what they are with curiosity and a playful enthusiasm and together they continue to grow stronger and more confident and look forward to what's next. It's just like the relationship I have with Janet, completely committed to each other. It's pretty cool!

Dave Titus