My first sit on Mojo.

Behaviour is information – it is how non-verbal animals communicate. What we do with this information says a lot about us as people and trainers and caregivers.
If we get on a horse who clearly is saying “no” we are in danger of breaking any trust they have in us.
Mojo said “no” a lot when I got him, “no” to the mounting block and “no” to new people, “no” to having his feet trimmed.
It has taken a long time to gain his trust and to get on him too early would have damaged that.
Last week he had his feet trimmed by a new farrier and although a little unsure at first soon relaxed and gave the farrier his feet.
He also comes voluntarily to the mounting block and isn’t so afraid of new people.
Yesterday was the first time I have sat on him. That is all I did sit and walk 2 or 3 steps forwards. Rewarding every step and giving him a lot of fuss and reinforcement. I dismounted without any finess and he was fine with that too. So a big jackpot for all that and back to his stable for his feed.
When Liz sat on him the first time, a few months ago, he shot off and didn’t look relaxed, yesterday was totally different.
He stood nicely for his tack and even a breast plate was not an issue. That is for my benefit as it gives me a little more security with something to steady myself, if he gets frightened by environmental factors at any time.
The new yard is quiet and he is in a herd – a new one now as Smoke wouldn’t let him join his gang.