Post by xanthe on Oct 7, 2008 11:11:41 GMT 1
Hello everyone.
I heard from Liz P that someone was complaining that there was not enough about mules on the DG so here goes: I'm going to tell you about the two I bought at the beginning of August.
They are full brothers, 4 and 3 years old, about 14 and 13 hands, they had only ever been touched to be gelded, they have been starving all their lives, and when I went to see them they were eating their own droppings. By the way they are Apaloosa blanket spots but the blanket goes almost all over!
Since I got them home I have only worked on getting them happy with my presence. I started with exchanging a touch of nose with closed hand for a mouthful of feed and this has very quickly become permission to touch neck, head and back while they are eating.
They have put lots of weight on and now have a lovely shine on their coats. I have been able to change their headcollars which were far to big and were dangerous. They have been wormed and vaccinated, for this I was able to tie them up. When the 3 year old was released he came roaring over to stand by me as if to say I'm safe by her.
Yesterday they showed their growing trust when I was able to "hog" their manes which were very scruffy while they were eating, I was able to use my scissors without any worry on their part.
I find it incredible that in only just over 2 months two animals who have suffered all their lives can make the decision that a human is worthy of their trust, it is very humbling.
Please let me know if you would like to hear more about these two: Tomeu and Jordi. The plan is to eventually drive them as a pair.
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I heard from Liz P that someone was complaining that there was not enough about mules on the DG so here goes: I'm going to tell you about the two I bought at the beginning of August.
They are full brothers, 4 and 3 years old, about 14 and 13 hands, they had only ever been touched to be gelded, they have been starving all their lives, and when I went to see them they were eating their own droppings. By the way they are Apaloosa blanket spots but the blanket goes almost all over!
Since I got them home I have only worked on getting them happy with my presence. I started with exchanging a touch of nose with closed hand for a mouthful of feed and this has very quickly become permission to touch neck, head and back while they are eating.
They have put lots of weight on and now have a lovely shine on their coats. I have been able to change their headcollars which were far to big and were dangerous. They have been wormed and vaccinated, for this I was able to tie them up. When the 3 year old was released he came roaring over to stand by me as if to say I'm safe by her.
Yesterday they showed their growing trust when I was able to "hog" their manes which were very scruffy while they were eating, I was able to use my scissors without any worry on their part.
I find it incredible that in only just over 2 months two animals who have suffered all their lives can make the decision that a human is worthy of their trust, it is very humbling.
Please let me know if you would like to hear more about these two: Tomeu and Jordi. The plan is to eventually drive them as a pair.
;D
