Working on trust

I was able to pet Banjo tonight before feeding. It took a while--small touch on the muzzle, back off. Side of cheek, back off. Scratch under jaw, back off. Scratch the forehead, back off. Then walk up beside him, rub his neck and head.

After feeding, though, I had to close the gate to get the halter on him. Then he refused to be led through the gate to the grooming space. So I got the longe whip, pulled the lead rope from outside the gate and lightly smacked his rump. Four times - that's all it took.

I groomed him, petted him, then just rubbed my hands down each leg--several times. When I was sure he was relaxed, I tried picking up the hooves. He was a bit better than yesterday, giving me a few seconds before pulling them away. But with alfalfa treats and patience, I managed to get a bit of HoofFlex Thrush Remedy on each foot.

I don't care as much about the treatment as I do about him trusting me. I ended by just massaging his butt, rubbing on his sides, giving him treats.