Spirit- from Trauma to Trusting

08/11/2025

07/16/2025

I had to have the farrier work on Spirits feet and he’s not been readily accepting of strangers, especially men. It took 2 hours and I commend my farrier who showed such skill and patience with him. Spirit was mad at me for a day and a half. He was not so trusting about putting that halter back on but we finally got it and began to rebuild trust. I decided each night to offer him the choice between his halter and his fly mask, which he truly loves. (He was traumatized when he was young by having a halter that was too small that dug i to his face and caused pain.) Much to my surprise, 4 out of five times he chooses the halter and its always a definitive choice. By making that choice he more eagerly accepts the haltering process. I continue to be amazed at his intelligence and bravery. And how powerful it is to offer choice.

04/23/2025

Spirit has had just three lessons with me on his communication board. Yesterday he figured out to just hit the treat button over and over. SURPRISE today. Donna came over for her first session with him on the board. He hit brush once or twice and then picked the harder task “feet” over and over. He actually picked up his foot for Donna several times! He did not pick the treat button once. This was HUGE!

04/12/2025

Spirit has shown such capacity to learn so I will be making him a communication board. Stay tuned for his next adventure!

04/02/2025

Spring storm. Someone had fun!

03/21/2025

Spirit met Donna last year when he escaped and couldn’t get back in my fence.He trusted her and they found the hole back through. She’s been coming over to work with him and they are truly friends. I am so grateful to her for connecting with him

08/29/2024

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Pam, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Suddenly and unexpectedly … Colleen Plowman needs your support for Honoring Pam's Legacy: Funeral Support

07/27/2024

Rarely do I get to experience the magic that my horses give during their coaching sessions but today was different. After a longer than normal training session with spirit I plopped on the couch to process. He came over and laid his chin into my hands and let me hold the weight of his head for a considerable time. We were processing the session together. We both encountered issues in the session but did not give up on each other. Pure magic.

07/04/2024

Happy July 4th from Spirit. Be safe out there.

05/05/2024

Today, Spirit let me approach and pet him while he was lying down. That is the most vulnerable position for an equine and again he showed a high degree of trust.

04/24/2024

The box is back! Spirit likes his box.