The Mustang Diaries: A Lot of Firsts for Atlas!

Taking Atlas from the training pen to the place he is now, becoming a willing and versatile partner, has been an incredible journey, marked by first experiences with trailering, arenas, obstacle courses, and finally, the trails themselves. Each new challenge tested his inherent mustang spirit and solidified the bond between horse and human!

Trailering:

Our first hurdle a few weeks ago was the trailer. Atlas would not even stand near the outside of it without being visibly alert and anxious. He would often get so overwhelmed beside it that he would try to flee back to the confines of the corral. Atlas worked tirelessly for one entire afternoon, and by the conclusion of the day, he was self-loading with ease. A willingness to hop in the trailer opened up a vast realm of possibilities for great adventures ahead!

Arena:

The arena was our next frontier. We trailered to a nearby town and introduced Atlas to a new training location. As he gained confidence, the arena transformed from a place of unknown to a space of learning, a place where we could refine our communication and build a foundation for more advanced training. For these initial sessions, we have worked on setting his cruise control in all three gaits W/T/C, and introducing the concept of steering left and right. His 1-rein stops are coming along, and he is learning to respond to the seat of his rider.

Obstacle Course:

The obstacle course presented a new set of challenges. Here, trust became paramount. Rather than forcing him through, I focused on desensitization, allowing him to investigate each obstacle. I let him sniff, touch, and analyze the things that scared him, praising him for every moment of bravery. He learned that my guidance meant safety, that I wouldn't lead him into harm. With each conquered obstacle, a visible shift occurred in his demeanor. The fear gave way to curiosity, the anxiety to pride. He began to relish the challenge, to understand that overcoming his fear was a rewarding experience in itself.

By the end of our play day at the course, Atlas had achieved rocky cavallettis, long, narrow bridges, suspended/moving bridges, several stationary and moving step-ups, multi-level cake boxes, and the teeter totter!

Trail Ride:

Finally, yesterday, Atlas ventured onto the trails with a new rider, Joe! We trailered and met up with one of our own favorite pairs, Gabby and Buck, and hit the trails at their facility. Once out there, Atlas moved with a newfound confidence, his senses heightened, and his willingness apparent. He experienced narrow passes, a big field, and a few puddles while taking turns leading and following other horses! A great set of achievements and experiences under his belt!

Atlas's journey is far from over. He continues to surprise and delight us with his intelligence, his willingness, and his unwavering spirit. From his initial fear of the trailer to his confident stride on the trails, each new experience has shaped him and helped him become a more independent and trustworthy partner.