Rihanna came to us with evidence of previous handling, but it’s clear that her past experiences with people may not have been kind. She approached us with fear and deep suspicion, relying on protective behaviors that can make her difficult to work with. Even so, our trainers were committed to helping her feel safe, offering her the chance to replace those old memories with gentle, positive experiences. That commitment has been paying off. Rihanna has become more friendly and enjoys a scratch or pet from folks who stop by her pen. She has become easier to approach and halter and now thinks instead of purely reacting when she is unsure about something. Though she has made a lot of progress, she has a way to go when it comes to trusting and requires a skillful handler who can help her feel confident and safe.
Needs Advanced Intermediate Handler: Handler has worked with a wide variety of horses with a wide variety of training levels; is proficient in training and can continue a horse’s training in groundwork; is experienced with green or inexperienced horses and has experience and skill correcting horses who may exhibit some difficult behaviors like spooking, bolting, pushiness, kicking out, etc.
