Esperanza is gaining on 'em

Tommy Crockett (tomydore@goblin.punk.net)
Tue, 8 Oct 1996 19:56:59 -0700 (PDT)

Wow Life is really getting great these days. Esperanza absolutely rules.
Now that I've had a little time to incorporate my time and hers things
are progressing rapidly. The mare is just so willing and trusts me as
much as any feral horse would trust their keeper. I found Bill Greer's
last post rather poignant in that he found his young charge to be
patient enough to deal with what it takes for a wild horse. Well
patience helps no doubt. I've personally spent a lifetime racing to do
this and racing to do that. Before I became old and began eating I
breezed TBs. Still fight to the last tooth and nail that TBs are
geneticly correct for that task. That is in terms of heart. Once you've
sat astride a new 2 y.o. out for his first true gallop you know that the
beast is meant for it. Yessssssss, I do digress don't I?

The point is I know that it would be nice to do some 50's by the end of
next season. It may not be in the cards. Still I'm just so stoked
because things are wonderfully moving along just perfectly. Patience
with racehorses was important. Patience with wild horses is far more
important. They can't be rushed. Some seem to take to people faster then
others. Truth be known.

I've had time to devote almost as much time working on the ground with
Esperanza asd her colt (recently) as I had to work Flossie over fences.
It's a joy to be able (now) to walk this horse off the range no more
then a little less then a year and a half ago, in tandem with her colt
ANYWHERE! Our block has a short entrance street to one on only two
entrances to my towm. Not to mention the main entrance from San Luis
Obispo. Daily I walk them side by side on their own respective lead
lines down our block to that road with a lot of traffic and back to the
ranch. No fear, no pulling back not pain. Esperanza is broken (to use an
antiquated term.)

For some time only I have been able to approach her rear quarters. After
reading Bill's post I decided to make a major effort to fix her fear
factor from behind. I'm tying her to a hitchin' post daily. Not a
crosstie mind you. Just a lot of touch and feel. If she gets antsy I
just blow in her nose and rub her ears and nose. (These techniques are
well researched and documented.) If it's problematic (thanks to Tom
Stovall's advise) I take one of her front legs from her. I began with a
hobble, but now I just take her front leg in hand. I really think that
within a few weeks anyone can walk around her butt and pick up her rear
hooves.

Much of this is due to help from my queried friends over these years on
E-L and rec.equestrian. Past a 2 y.o. ready to breeze I had no real
idea about this sort of thing. Training is something that must be
approached without messing up the package. I'm having a ball with these
two. I've fixed many a sour horse and trained too dang many to
collection and a willing state of mind. This fresh pallette idea is new
and maybe the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me.

Picking up the hooves of a wild horse just rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

t

Tommy Crockett <tomydore@goblin.punk.net>
The Crockett Collection Fine & Equine Jewelry
www design Los Osos, California USA
"Idola fori"