Charming Bridgit!

Bridgit is an endearing youngster, her occasional moments of baby brain are quickly forgiven when she looks at you with her innocent charm. She spent the summer in the company of my older boss mare, learning how to be a respectful member of a herd. She was a very quick learner, and the two girls are now pretty well bonded.

I have been working with Bridgit on learning the basics she will need to be a good equine partner. She is always willing to approach you to be haltered, even in a large pasture situation. She loves to interact with people!  She halters easily, leads and backs. Occasionally, when baby brain takes over, she rears while being led.  We are working on remembering to keep all four feet on the ground at all times.

First Bath

Bridgit politely picks up all four feet for cleaning, though she is a little uncertain that she can actually hold her own self up…we are working on balancing and not leaning.  When she first arrived, she was highly skeptical of grooming tools. In particular, the sound of the mane brush through her tangled mane would startle her.  Now, she is a pro at full groomings and recently we even introduced clippers.  She tolerated the muzzle clipping with only a little coaxing, and while I got the clippers in the vicinity of the bridle path we didn’t quite get it clipped. Next time!

 Bridgit has mastered being straight tied, and we will work on cross-ties next. For the first time, she stood tied for her farrier appointment…she did great! She recently had her first full bath and took it very well. She handles new situations well with an approach-and-retreat confidence building strategy. And cookies, plenty of cookies!

Standing politely

 Bridgit’s personality is an interesting mixture of lack of confidence combined with an overwhelming sense of curiosity.  This makes for some interesting interactions…what is it? what is it? I really want to put my nose it…OMG it moved!! Aaaahhh!  Her expressions really convey her internal dialogue. The great thing is, her curiosity always wins out over her fear. Once she gains more confidence through exposure I think she will be an awesome partner.