[Ravenshadow17]

Today was the day I started Cor's halter training. I had the sinking suspicion that she would think it was a toy and destroy it. I decided to take things slow. I brought it with me today to sow it to her. Just like River's it was a pure black soft leather halter. When I entered Cor's stall, she tossed me her rubber ball. We played a small game of catch before I finally took out the halter. She looked at it curiously and as I brought it closer, she gave it a sniff. Her face scrunched a bit and she gave it a tentative bite. Deciding that it wasn't food she assumed it was a toy and gave it a little tug. I had to restrain my laughter as I corrected her. Cor returned to sniffing and investigating the halter as I gave her bits of jerky in reward until she grew bored.

[Ravenshadow17]

Today was a big day. I planned to put Cor's halter on her for the first time. I honesty wasn't sure how she would react. Would she startle or decide it was a new game? Initially I simply showed it to her again and gave her treats when she didn't try to take it from my hands or bite it. When I felt that she was ready I moved the halter so that it was against her nose. Cor was confused but let me. I then slowly began to put the halter on, giving her bits of jerky. Once I tightened the halter into place she tossed her head and I took a step back. After a moment she calmed down and accepted her treats. I then grabbed her ball and we played a small game of catch while she wore her halter. Once the game was over I took the halter off. I was hopeful that this way she would associate the halter with only good things.

[Ravenshadow17]

Now that Cor was comfortable wearing her halter, I decided to move forward with the next step. I put her halter on after giving her a nice "good morning" grooming and ear scratch. Then I clipped on the lead and gave her a bit of jerky. I unlocked her stall and began to take a few steps backwards. When the lead tugged on her gently, Cor tossed her head but after another small tug, she took a step. I gave her a treat. We continued this pattern until we'd made our way out to the pasture. Then I gave her another treat and unclipped her. She looked at me intrigued but got excited when I took out her favorite ball. I smiled and tossed it into the pasture. She took off running and before I could blink was back beside me. She nudged me with the ball, asking for more. I laughed and we played fetch for the next hour or so. Then I put her lead back on repeated the process all the way back to her stall. She was much more relaxed with the lead on the way back.