...Mo' and I went on a trail ride (my draftx). He did not want to enter the woods to cross the creek. None of his buddies were with him, and I knew he was afraid a mountain lion, or bear would jump out to eat him.

Of course, we have no moutain lions or bears within 50 to 100 miles from where I live, but Mo' isn't wired to understand that. He's hard-wired to survive as a prey animal. So...I didn't make him go.

Some people would think I should have forced him to go. Gotten as tough as it took, and showed him who's boss. Well, I wasn't willing to go there. I want him to know he's safe with me as his leader. And in order for me to do that , I have to make him think my ideas are his ideas. So... we went a different way. We had a nice ride, even though I could tell he wasn't happy about being out there with just me and none of his herdmates (safetly in numbers). We went right up to the edge his comfort zone that day, and no further.

But, this morning, I decided we would cross the creek. I put a halter and lead rope on him and we crossed together. Side by side. Oh...he still didn't want to go, but once we made it in the water he was all fine, playful, and curious. No monsters here!!!!! Wooo-hooo!

I'm proud of myself for taking it slow with him, my new friend, and companion on the trail. I'm proud of him for being brave, and trusting me to go into the big, bad, dark woods.

Once we crossed the creek and got out of the woods...glory be!!! A huge field of uncut alfalfa! He was LOVING me then (well, loving the banquet). I let him munch for a few minutes, then we walked back into the woods (no problem) , crossed the creek ,and went back home to his mares.

Nothing big, or dramatic, but a huge lesson in trust for both of us. We're learning to take care of each other "out there", where the wind sounds like growling mountain lions, and the tree stumps, out of the corner of your eye, resemble hungry bears.

Yeah, tough for us humans to understand but sometimes we have to give a little.