Day Two with a Wild Mustang //Player's Choice Mustang Makeover 2020

Here's my second day working with #4885.
(Yes I just noticed some typos in the video like "demonstates" lol)
I'm really far behind with editing but I'm working on Days 3/4 right now!
I was debating whether or not to post this (or the rest of this mare's early training stages...)... but I decided to in case it could help someone with their mustang or horse. I'm a very liberty based trainer, not that I'm against other ways of training (believe me, I'll do whatever is best/easiest for the horse!) but it's what I'm used to. Yes- this session was "at liberty" but it also showed me that I can't work her at liberty... at least for a while.
It's not the second day I was hoping for but I could feel it coming on the first day. This past week has been a really big struggle for me, filled with a lot of doubt, and it still is but I'm trying to push forwards. I'll explain more in the day 3/4 video what I started doing that worked for her and made it safe for me to progress with her.
I know I'm a little upset now... but I'm also thinking about how much this horse is going to (and already has) teach me. I know it's not the "Mustang Liberty" start I'm sure everyone was hoping to follow, but if you'd still like to follow along on her journey, I'll keep uploading.
NOTE: If you have a suggestion or critique, feel free to private message me on Instagram as I'm open to suggestions... but please know that I'm in contact with many of my mustang trainers/ friends and they've all be helping me solve this mare over the phone.
Follow for more frequent updates on Facebook and Instagram @vanfleetmustangs
And please be sure to subscribe!

[@jeannie8173]

I am very glad you left all this in because horses are not the same and your right they need to know who the boss is and it is not them! Thank you for showing this, it helps others to know how to handle this type of situation, without beating them! Awesome job, she will learn!

[@jencaisse7392]

Once I'm older and get to do things on my own, I want a barn of my own, along with training horses. I love how you explain things and don't leave big things like this out. It really helps me follow along and understand things better. I've learned about body language through dealing with horses myself and by watching videos like these

[@lovejuliet4969]

Your sensitivity to her every action is so crucial. I'm glad you understand this. I've worked with aggressive horses, you have to know when to give and take, not push to hard but not be to soft. Timing and sensitivity is everything. I believe this is what separates good trainers from great trainers. Thank you for showing this. People need to understand the good and the bad times when training a horse, you learn to be assertive in the right way. Looking forward to your journey with her. Sassy might be a good name for her lol

[@sandyhausrath]

I was going to name my first cat Sassafras and call him Sassy, but he turned out to be a boy and it seemed like a girly name. I love it for her!!

[@AkkaVoskuil]

1. I LOVE the voice over, please keep it in, it's so much easier to follow along rather than having to read, pause, go back, and see what it was you were talking about in the text. With voiceover I can concentrate on watching your interaction with the horse and their reactions. 2. Don't ever feel like you need to apologize or explain for your actions. People watch your videos beause you are a great trainer and they are SO informative for those of us who are still learning. Putting in the bad with the good is only more helpful. Especially when you explain why you do what you do. 3. I saw the name Kestrel suggested in the comments. Absolutely LOVE that one for her. She is a feisty one for sure, but I'm sure you'll be able to get through to her with patience and repetition!

[@amberhenigin1570]

I really enjoy how you explain how everything is not always daisies and rainbows

[@Badlatitude]

This. Not showing stuff like this would be a a huge disservice. Especially while promoting the adoption of wild mustangs. It could promote a false sense of confidence in someone and get them hurt. Hell this should be your tacked video.

[@onlyequines8003]

John Muldoon I see these comments everywhere

[@Rajada1537]

I definitely agree with you

[@carlyeckert4670]

I think I speak for most ppl when I say the voice over REALLY REALLY help us understand what's going on! And they are probably alot easier and faster for you to do as well. Thank you!

[@hannahfear5278]

I’m SO GLAD you posted this! This video will help so many people with their horses. I’m so happy to see that even a liberty trainer set boundaries dries and can train an aggressive horse. So many people think that you need a ca horse for liberty, but liberty is the basis of all training and this horse will show people that you don’t need a dead quiet horse for groundwork. If anyone is interested, her training style is very similar to Warwick Schiller who uses the same concepts, being the leader but not being aggressive, desensitising and sensitising and relaxation.

[@ridendurance]

I liked you adding “freezing” as an internalizing choice they might make. Great explanation during your training session.

[@LabelsAreMeaningless]

Very intelligent and willing mare, so far. I look forward to seeing how she progresses.

[@joyofthehorse]

Thank you so much for sharing! My first mustang was very aggressive and had a strong fight response. I went through so much trying to gentle him... doubt, frustration, fear, everything you could imagine. But he taught me so much, and we have such an incredible bond today. Love watching and learning from your videos! Thanks for being real with us and showing us everything. I can’t wait to learn more! 😘

[@cathythompson6872]

Thank you so much for your honesty and for your explanations. This is fascinating and educational. I look forward to watching your progress. I admire your courage, patience and willingness to share your journey with this mare.

[@breyerart232]

Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us, love the voice overs and explaining what you do and how you do it when things aren’t going picture perfect. Very educational and insightful 🐴

[@jimbo91262]

Well done video. Super informative and right on the mark.Bravo! Seems like she was a dominant mare in her herd.

[@django3899]

I love how you handled that and you showed her your the “boss”. Good work sweetie ❤️

[@TheWatanna]

You did really well. (Bet she was the lead mare in the herd) The way you handled the situation was perfect. Each horse is different, and I am looking forward to seeing how you cope with this challenge. Thank you for posting.

[@shawnajones2083]

Thank you for showing the “real life” of owning a mustang. They take a lot of patience and love and you are doing great!!!

[@bethtaylor321]

That was such an interesting video. Thank you for leaving the tough parts in... I learned so much! As a student, I’d much rather see the real horse, which will teach me to solve problems that I will surely have with my own horses. I’m looking forward to the next video!

[@Rowdymotmot]

I like that you left the tough parts in the video. It shows some people that some horses are aggressive due to fear or trying to dominate you. You did a great job. She is going to take some watching when you are with her so be careful. I really liked your video. Do not apologize for getting after her. Whoever moves the feet is in charge and it better be the human. You were very brave and held your ground. Good job and keep up the good work.

[@kendramcdermott884]

I love this mare. She has a great brain and she is very brave

[@sandyhausrath]

Agreed. When she turns that fight instinct into "fight to do what you ask," she's going to be amazing.

[@elysekelly1802]

Thank you for posting this video even though you were hesitant, it truly helps us learn some of these behaviors and how to handle them as some people only chose to include the good parts. I can’t wait to see the work that you put into this mare and watch her come out of her shell more. 😁

[@sumrica]

You said it's easier for you to narrate with voice than on-screen text. Works for me.

[@lesliejohnson1153]

I just started watching this sub and am glad to know she is considering voice over. That way you can just concentrate on the horse.

[@jaykb6587]

I totally prefer voice overs.

[@StrangeAlleyCat]

Much prefer voice overs since I’m not always looking at the screen.

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

Loving the voice over because English isn't my first language and reading doesn't go fast so I need to hit pauze/play a lot..

[@clmcintify]

@@mademoisellekaya1438 English IS my first language and I still hit pause and play a lot! I don't want to miss ANYTHING.

[@woodsguy63]

I think it's good you're showing that this horse is proving to be a challenge and how you're dealing with it. She's a really good looking mare. Hopefully she starts smoothing out quickly.

[@jeffd1919]

I've got a mustang. His name is Colorado. He's from Utah. Cost me 8 sheep & a donkey (2003). I had to have been @least the 4th owner. Was a bit of a challenge, but we love him.

[@aweventing250]

Thank you for showing this.. I really appreciate you showing how to properly handle this situation. Some horses are not passive and when there not it changes the game.

[@jaciecrenshaw1476]

Keep your head up, she will get better. And Great job!! Showing how difficult it is can really open some peoples eyes up!❤️🤠

[@GabeOtto]

Great job, it's good to show the reality of training a horse.

[@marialynnporter1]

You're doing great with her. You are doing what needs to be done. Good job.

[@inspiredclips8245]

Thank you for sharing this with us! It's my goal to be included in the gentling of a Mustang and fully expect I may run into this type of expression by the horse. Your time and feel is acute! I hope to retain the presence of mind that you just displayed and if you didn't that would still be ok and as you say may be harder next time. This utterly confirms my need to practice a confidence I've been praying will grow (as I work with the very calm Natural Horsemanship horse I have) and my confidence with dogs has grown. Thank you sincerely. Praying for godly confidence, (vs. overconfidence/pride) you already have a quiet confidence but I'll be asking for extra to meet the need as you help this Mustang have a very good domestic life. Keep Going! You are the best person I've seen for this Human and Mustang Challenge. Laural

[@bethanys-herd]

Thanks for sharing! This is really interesting and helpful to see - my first horse was very confident toward me as a yearling in the same way, trying to charge and showing some aggression. I’d hoped to do some liberty work with her, but couldn’t start any until much much later, and even still, when she was done with a session, rather than disconnect and stop following me, she would stay with me, but then bite my arm. Lots of sending away and moving her feet! She’s an excellent horse now, loves taking little kids out on rides, but not a liberty horse. I’m very interested to see how this made progresses!

[@joanneturnbull5640]

Feisty Girl...💗I really appreciate the voice over, I was having trouble keeping up. Keeping these challenging elements in is so important to understand her, In her native wilds she is a leader...quite a gal😃this experience will bring out the best in you😘when she gives it’s going to be so sweet💫great job... a good strong name...Allegra... meaning joyful/lively👍

[@gailkarabell5733]

You’ve got your work cut out with this one. But I have faith in you that. I’m glad you posted this because every situation is different every horse is different. Thanks for posting👏🏻👍👏🏻👍

[@olivia-gb1ox]

You are a wonderful with horses. Keep up the good work!

[@brynnleblanc6540]

You did a great job, handled it the same way i would, don't let anyone tell you otherwise😁

[@Sarah-fd5lt]

This is a wonderful teaching video. I love learning how you train your mustangs. I always wonder at this point in your training how they do transferring to the barn and feedings are going. Does she interact with you much during feeding and is it difficult to get her to go to the barn? I can't wait to watch you in January-I'm going to my first Mustang Makeover show!

[@SamVanFleet]

She isn't going into a barn- she can't lead. She lives in the roundpen

[@misteeirene]

Great video. I love the voice over, its much easier to watch and understand when you’re not trying to read.

[@lovejuliet4969]

Hehe just a thought Lagertha( Norse shield maiden from Norse sagas) would fit her perfectly considering her bravery and boss mare temperment🐎

[@jaykb6587]

I'm glad you left the challenges in. Too many can get the idea that they can take on a mustang, as there are a lot of videos out making training look easy. It isn't!

[@equestriankaiechomambo6450]

You handled everything very well, You did amazing! Love your videos can’t wait to see more!

[@bariszaripov1212]

Hi

[@poisonapple6138]

She's very intelligent but she's a fireball. I love watching her go.

[@simoneaufgebauer8268]

Hallo Sam,der Kommentar leider nur in Deutsch.....sehr schön zu sehen,dass nicht immer alles glatt läuft..Video`s wo alles klappt ,gibt es auch genügend...aber dabei kann man nichts lernen. Bitte weitermachen mit dieser Stute und alles veröffentlichen....,ich glaube manche Trainer zeigen nur Videos wo alles klappt...aber so ist es ja selten.Viel Erfolg wünscht dir Simone

[@kirstyx4853]

Hi Sam. When horses try to charge you, what if they don't stop when you chase them away? Is there a risk of that? Nervous owner here 😬 thanks ❤️

[@KateCal]

Do you think there was anything you could have done differently to prevent the challenge? Or do you think it was going to come at some point, no matter what, because of the type of horse she is?

[@jakezgab8576]

Keep up the good work

[@rolrol969]

Awesome video

[@brentherndon8095]

Sam, I have no doubt that you will be able to disarm the mare’s aggressiveness but I worry about how permanent the behavior will be.

[@orrixgirl]

She's a lovely colour im not a fan of chestnuts and redsetters but shes what a liver chestnut but sun bleached looking nice

[@fleetskipper1810]

orrixgirl She’s a buckskin.

[@klpeventing5558]

My horse charges at me in the pasture but he’s gotten much better about coming up to me and not charging at me

[@lesliejohnson1153]

This is far from important in view of the larger issues, but I was just wondering what you read into her litteraly dropping her shoulder and trying to run through the gate instead of going over it.

[@montylenhart]

I love this!!!

[@boomerreba3196]

The captions weren’t up long enough for me to read and watch what was going on, so the voice over was more helpful

[@tiffanyreynolds6680]

She is a tough one isn’t she?

[@hemantsingh4102]

How old are you ?

[@tobealostwanderer]

I love how you explain your actions. People should acknowledge that horses cant be perfect from the start, wild or not.

[@millystar1628]

Awesome video, I’m on day 3 with my first mustang:)

[@bekahufen7816]

After watching this video I think Sam should name her Kestrel after the brown birds of prey known for having big attitudes.

[@carlosspiceyweiner740]

Honestly would be a good name

[@kerrismith5986]

Agreed.

[@redshorse]

Challenging session but you kept to "as gentle as possible and as firm as necessary". Excellent!

[@arthurshat7793]

That is perfectly stated!

[@charlz0616]

Please continue to include the exceptions, nuances and explanations to them as you've done in this video. Showing when things don't unfold in the most common ways, is just as valuable as showing when they do. Posting this video and explaining what was going on was extremely helpful.

[@davidandrest2238]

Sam. I prefer an honest view of things. Horses don’t always do what you ask the first time. I find it MUCH more valuable seeing how people deal with less than ideal situations and responses. Don’t ever feel like you have to defend your actions. However the explanations are most informative.

[@lovejuliet4969]

Yes!!! Well said!

[@mauraswenson8892]

I appreciate you sharing the good and "bad". It's truly important info. Love your ability to read your horses. 💕

[@dalemaki7603]

She must have been the head mare, she's beautiful though. worth the wait. love your videos I have learned so much.

[@dianecowles575]

I love seeing how fast you reacted to her challenge. I know you saw it coming. Great horse trainer. Thanks for showing the good times and the tougher times.

[@charlotte6623]

Sam, you are so smart! I love watching you train because you have such an instinct for horses! Several horses back, I forget which one, but you said (paraphrasing) that you have to make sure the foundation work is thorough and solid because any holes will show up later as bigger problems. (something like that. It stuck with me) I feel for what you're having to do however, it's as much about her health and her future as anything else you're doing for her. I know with dogs (don't freak horseland I know there's difference), some behavior namely or especially aggression can quickly lead to them being labeled a danger which in some hands means they'll be put down without blinking. Addressing it without hesitation becomes as much about protecting them, protecting their life, as training them. Keep doing your deal, Girl!

[@goster4070]

I'm going to start by saying the easiest thing first: your voice-overs are super, so please keep on doing those. It's much easier to follow for us (me) as well. ;) Second, looking back on all of this in a few months, you will hopefully feel great about what you have accomplished with this mare, but in the meantime, stay safe, please! You have offered a good explanation for what was happening and what you were doing in this video and as you said yourself, just try to clear your mind and focus on what to do to get through to her. Good luck!

[@Giddiupgalloping]

I could see her confidence as a possible issue when she seemed totally nonplussed by you. The only thing I would add is that I would have driven her a bit longer after the first time she charged you. I don't know if you uploaded the whole time (I don't think you did) that you drove her, but she didn't seem appropriately humble. I do understand giving her the opportunity to come on board, but dang, she's a dominant mare! I so enjoy watching you with these horses. I was a teenager back in the 1970s and stumbled upon this type of training as a natural instinct waaay before I ever saw anyone do it. I'm thrilled that it's been honed far beyond what I could do at the time. I'm getting a rescue haflinger after the first of the year and I'm planning to use the liberty method.

[@vikkiduba]

I think these videos where we see the difficulties are the best ones. It's a great learning opportunity to see how you handle it, how it affects the horse, etc. Keep up the good work!

[@stevemcinnes5480]

I like that you leave all the bad things in the video.Not only does the horse learn, but as observers, we learn as well. Never apologize for what you think is right, If in the future, you find that you were wrong, acknowledge it and move on

[@dianehutcheson5931]

Well be careful Sam seems this fear she has could be dangerous, I know you are an awesome trainer, but keep yourself safe ok 👍🏻🙏🏻🐎

[@Namdor2012]

Amazing how she almost went from one horse personality to another, from when you started and then as soon as she started head bobbing she became another horse..Almost like she relaxed more than being afraid with you, then decided she was going to push a dominant role with gusto..When you put the foot down she got very rattled like s**t that ain't working I will get feisty, Great vid glad you posted it, very interesting...

[@Nyquil5]

This was such an important video to show. You handle her fear aggression beautifully. Keeping her legs moving is a response from you that she understands and can respect. Firm but fair and keeping your mind and reactions calm will help her to realize that you are the Alpha mare of that round pen. :)

[@rotaylor2237]

Thanks for the video Sam, needed this for motivation and to help me handle training my filly. She can be a lot like this mare though she hasn’t charged me, she still doesn’t respect me or my space. In the fact she has jumped on top me or like tonight spooked sideways and kicked me in the leg with a front hoof. Going to be working more in depth with her and it’s my fault too for not doing more. So thank you for posting these and I hope you don’t mind me looking to your footage of player’s progress for help with my own horse.

[@lynette50]

For you to keep your stance and not step back, then immediately get her feet moving was amazing to watch. Not once did you scold her with the stick. She really will need a lot of ground work reminders as you start to work on other things.. She is a real Upstart.. ooh that would make a great name for her lol. I'm really looking forward to the next video. It's great to watch someone so young thinking like the horse and acting like a herd leader would.. True horseperson 💜🖤💜

[@Katt30]

Could she have been the dominant mare in the herd, and so she's more used to bossing around, then being bossed?

[@wind571evergreen]

She is smart and beautiful and at some point will have a lightbulb moment and get it all. Who knows what treatment she's had since caught and her freedom taken away. I think you will end up with a good horse. You are an awesome trainer!!!🐴🐎

[@moonshyneart2840]

Everyone from day one who said she looks so sweet and gentle (including me): :O

[@moonshyneart2840]

Also worth mentioning that I think it’s important to show this side of training so people who are interested in working with horses can have some idea what to do if they find themselves with a horse that chooses a “fight” response. Thank you for the content!

[@jackmorgan1677]

Yeah Candy, I read a lot of those gushing comments about sweet and gentle horses. A bit more realism about these animals goes a long way.

[@vomrabenauge]

This is extremely important. I have no experience with horses, but I am a professional dog trainer, and while I try my hardest to do everything in a way that is as stress-free and fun for the dog as possible, sometimes you have to put your foot down and say "this behavior is NOT acceptable." Stopping a dangerous behavior needs to happen before you can introduce a safer, more acceptable one. Thank you for leaving all of this in. I enjoyed learning the body language and appreciated your explanation of it all.

[@kansascowboy5721]

Keeping all this in is the best way (imho) for others to learn from you and to show that these horses have the ability to hurt you if they so desire! You handled this aggression from her VERY well. Nice work young lady 👍🏻

[@LynneDemonQueen1]

You handled her perfectly. Love the way that you don't throw your emotions on the horse. How old is she btw? To me seems like she was possibly the lead mare in her band and she ran into that gate looking for escape from the whole situation. She may not be handling her freedom taken away very well. I bet you turn her into one heck of a good mare :0)

[@kathy97.]

What is the head bobbing an indicator of?

[@lucasa1849]

Kathy V M . Pretty sure it has something to do with their vision and depth. You see them doing it often when checking out something they’re afraid or unsure of.

[@SamVanFleet]

Guess I forgot to explain that part, sorry- sometimes it’s a horse being curious, but in this case it was her thinking about challenging me (probably to charge me). It’s a warning before she wants to come at me in her case

[@lucasa1849]

Sam VanFleet . To me it looked like she was sizing you up.

[@kathy97.]

@@SamVanFleet thanks! I thought the video was really interesting. I have loved horses all my life but I never knew this kind of stuff. Really interesting. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱❤

[@inspiredclips8245]

Oh yes, good question and I'm glad she answered. Have a good evening, Laural

[@alexboies1227]

Wow Sam! I totally get it. Your instincts on her were right on. I would love to Liberty train a horse, but for me it’s imperative that I see/experience the bad with the good. If I only saw the positive responses, I’d be in for a very rude awakening. So this is GOOD and for sure honest. To see her challenging you, she is no longer a fluffy toasty muffin, but a true threat. You were awesome. I completely respect your decisions and hope that a trust factor can emerge at some point, but clearly it seems like it’ll be a difficult trip. Excellent video, very informative and I am looking forward to your future with this mare! Thanks so much!

[@lat4237]

That mare is very confident...may be why she seemed 'unruffled' in her video...Wow...you just never know. Thanks for sharing this...people may get hurt and definitely ruin a horse if they don't have the confidence to get in there and be the leader. This mustang makeover stuff is not for the faint hearted...probably why only half of them show up at the end.

[@siruoes]

Honestly it is refreshing to see this because this is the reality of working with big animals. I've seen this with tame horses, been in the receiving end to some warning kicks and quick bites, head resting and other aggressive/dominant signs. But like we see here. You don't and should never beat the absolute shit out of a horse, or any animal for that matter. Being strict doesn't always look pretty but in order to form a good trusting bond, you need to do that.

[@fleetskipper1810]

I applaud your quick reflexes and appraisal of what’s she’s thinking/ doing. I’ll bet that she was a lead mare in the wild. Once she accepts your rules, she will make a magnificent mount.

[@thesingleequestrian413]

I worked a mare, paint not mustang, like this but she was being bullied in the herd. She caught me off guard when she charged and sent me up the fence. The second charge I had no time to move and hit her right between the eyes with the whip handle. I broke down crying, but she walked up behind me and just stood there. She was fine after that. One of the best mares I've ever sat on.

[@1badbadgergirl]

I think your doing amazing with her. I know from past experiences about this kind of horse. Its difficult and it's also rewarding to get them past this. Keep up the great work

[@territn8871]

I like how you voice over the best. Sometimes I can't finish reading before it's gone!😊 I tell you, I'll admit she scared me several times. I think you're right in showing how it isn't always a piece of cake training these wild horses. You are great working with them though and I love watching their progress. Whenever I watch these mustangs in training, I always try to mentally picture where the horse(s) may have been in the pecking order on the free range. She must have been pretty high because of the way she tries to show dominance. You'll get that corrected in no time! Can't wait for the next vid, I love watching you train!👍

[@dancer6971]

Other videos have made it seem almost too easy. Thank you for sharing challenges as well. I look forward to following this journey.

[@AlexCren1]

I feel you on this. When you do ground work with him my horse still has aggressive responses like this. He HATES groundwork and I rarely use it for that reason. So often people tell me I need to get on his case when he bucks and plays on a lunge or at liberty. Since all I use it for is to loosen him up (he has some pretty bad arthritis and gets stiff in a stall. I take a minute or two and no more to let him goof and stretch before I get on and he knows that’s what it is) I allow that. Then when I do correct aggressive steps and body motions like these they say I am too hard on him... People learn the difference between happy playful energy and aggression! I’ve owned him 17 years. Your five minutes of observation do not mean you know him!!! So good to see someone take the time to explain what’s going on instead of cutting out the video that isn’t pretty and happy!

[@christinathompson3498]

Understandable. I think she was the bomanat female in her group. Just how musicaler and big she is.

[@julieb3996]

Yeah she is so sleek and round. I bet she had no competition for hay if they were kept in a group.

[@rebeccamartin9664]

She is harder than I thought she would be.. I know you will get her figured out.. I was surprised she must have been a dominant mare in her herd. You think? All I can think of is praying for you both.. the head bobbing is a thought of itself, she is definently gonna keep you on you toes for a while it seems. 🙏🙏 I really like the voice overs alot.

[@mollya1110]

Great job Sam and please keep the content coming! These mustang's are wild and are going to come with all different responses like you mention in the video. A great trainer figures that out and adjusts THEIR training to meet the horses needs. Looks like exactly what you were doing. You're not doubting yourself when you're in that pen with her so don't doubt the footage you are showing your followers! Can't wait to follow along with you and her...and I LOVE the comment suggesting naming her Kestrel.

[@robcobattlezone7201]

This is such a helpful video for someone who wants to train horses. I love the way you talk through things and explain what she’s doing and why she’s doing it and how you explain what you did and why you did it.

[@JulianaBlewett]

I'm not a horse trainer, but you absolutely do everything you're supposed to with a high-strung animal. Dogs aren't much different, but smaller. She's a challenge. Good work on her.

[@MadelineHofmeister]

My Kentucky Mustang started with a similar mindset... it was tough to get through, but once I gained her trust she turned out to be my bravest little warrior! Keep up the good work, I can’t wait to see what you do with this beautiful mare!

[@theoneiscoming]

I love this video!!! I have a very sensitive OTTB. It’s hard working with a flighty horse, but when she gets very nervous she does the “freeze” response you mentioned. Thanks for showing the raw footage. It’s important to see! I often watch training videos and think “oh but I wish they showed their response the the challenging moments”... thanks!

[@michellep9303]

Sam I very much appreciate this, you were dead on about her body language and not everyone can see that. I love your honestly and just raw ability to read them and then get your timing just right. I also appreciate how even though you make it clear it’s not how you want her to respond you don’t over do it and you drop it and carry on until you have the address it again. The patience required to train a horse that isn’t wild is a long process and your patience with these mustangs is really wonderful to watch. Training is tough and it doesn’t always go how you want it so having to adjust on the fly your methods in order to get things going in the right direction is nice for you to show. Thank you in heck of a trainer.

[@DianneBengtson]

Thank you for showing it the way I remember. Horses are living, breathing animals with wills of their own. Training is challenging. You have to adjust your methods based on the personality and behavior of the horse. Good video.

[@tinamartin1267]

I think it’s great that you put this video up and left everything in. That way, anyone wanting to get into training horses (wild mustangs especially) can see that all horses are different and there’s different ways of getting a horse to respect you...and that you do that without abusing the more fight feared ones, is nothing but awesome and should be shared with everyone. So, don’t second guess yourself, please? There was nothing wrong with any part of this video. You, and your new mustang, we’re perfect. Can’t wait to see her progress and star to trust you more 😉😊❤️

[@sandraobenchain8274]

You did a wonderful job !!! You explained what was going on, I am glad you included this video as I have never seen this type of behavior...

[@kristinatk7553]

I like that you left this full clip in. I thought it was a real example of why you do what you did and dealt with a difficult and yet different type of mentality of this Mustang. GREAT JOB!

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

I sure like how you get into that small horse brain and trick them into doing what you want.My grandfather was a cowboy and he told me to trick them to thinking yer the boss and if you don't they may stomp you into the mud.Stay safe and be strong and i love your vids keep them coming please.

[@AsteriaFall]

If she doesn't have a name I think Niagara would be good

[@pamrogers5979]

Or Sage?

[@DoubleDogDare54]

After watching her behavior, I suggest "Lizzie Borden".