Username: BadgerBuddies
Show Name: BBR Angel Eyes
Barn Name: Halo
Age: 2 years old
Discipline: Dressage
Halter: Baby blue
How You Calmed Her: Just by looking at this youngster, I could tell I wouldn’t even be able to get her near the trailer without her panicking. Therefore, having Godiva waiting in the trailer to soothe the rescue horses was useless in this case. I headed out of the barn and back to the trailer to get some of the extra grain I always keep in case of emergencies. I also stuffed a couple of Godiva’s treats in my pocket for extra incentive.
I stepped back into the crumbling barn, then slowly slide open the stall door of the terrified filly. She immediately bolted into the opposite corner, cowering. I shut the door behind me as slowly as I had opened it, and then gently lowered myself onto the ground. The floor was absolutely disgusting, but I knew there would be no other way to earn this foal’s trust while standing over her. A pair of jeans could always be washed, anyway.
A handful of grain sat in my palms, hand outstretched away from my body. It didn’t matter how long it took, but I was hopeful that eventually the filly would take the bait and come over to eat. I sat quietly, making sure not to stare at her.
It felt like I was sitting forever. My legs felt like they were falling asleep, but I didn’t want to move and ruin and sort of calmness or trust that had been silently build. I was starting to zone out, my mind wandering away from me, that is, until I felt whiskers brushing against my hand. I smiled a little, knowing the little filly was finally desensitized by my presence bright to come over and investigate. I felt gentle little nibbles as the grain began to disappear from my hand. I slowly began to look up and at the foal, and she did not spook. As the grain was running out, I carefully pulled out a couple small treats I had stashed in my pocket with my other hand. I held them out, and she took them too. I began speaking to her, softly and calmly. I slowly reached out to put a flat hand on her neck, and though she flinched, she did not run. Gently, I began to run my hand down her neck, giving her small pets. I could feel the tension beginning to exit her body. The filly was finally calm, and seemed to trust me, at least a little bit. Trust enough to allow me to get her in the trailer and on her way to her new life.
Link to Trailer Park Entry: x