Working through a setback with mustang Merlin // The ups and downs of the training journey

[@jimmyyounger618]

Relatable! I don't have the luxury of a large barn with a wide enough clear span to train in. Between interruptions for weather and projects, a consistent training schedule is nearly impossible. If the break is long enough, one particular gelding makes me feel like I'm working with Drew Barrymore's character in the movie '50 First Dates'. And your remark about overflowing water... I'm the worst! There's nothing like wondering if your well pump is going out because of low pressure when showering only to recall you hopped off the mower for a moment to turn on the hydrant *hours* ago. (I fire and have to rehire myself for things like this at least a couple of times a week.) I like Merlin. He's wild but sensible. Even when he's reacting to worries, he's still thinking - not trying to jump out or doing anything to harm himself.

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

😂😂 You had me laughing at the firing yourself comment. I should probably fire myself too!😂

[@GypsyEquestrian]

“And personally that’s one of my own goals….” 😂😂 Way to keep working through the ups and downs (and the weather)!

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

hahaha, I'm glad you appreciated that😂

[@davidlj53]

Slow and steady wins the race. You’re doing great!

[@shannon9210]

Good job see where the problem was and working him through it.

[@SmM33380]

Hang in there! Set backs are usually just pull backs to fire us faster and more accurately like a bow and arrow towards the target!

[@shelm-b8p]

Thank you for this video. I had a MAJOR set back yesterday with my mustang over deworming. I mean, she got upset to the point that I could not touch her any longer! Today I just needed to get into the right mindset before starting. I am now. Let’s see how it goes.

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

I’m so glad this was helpful! Be prepared that it might take a while, and that is OK and normal! It’s hard to put into a video how challenging getting past a setback can be so I don’t feel like this fully represents how long and hard it was. I honestly felt like I screwed everything up and ruined him. It took him a long time to trust me again. But now he is very sweet and lovable. You just have to work with the horse you have in the moment and do whatever they are ready for💜

[@blessedfire365xgf]

I hope all goes well

[@auntieliz930]

Merlin is doing so well. Great job with him. It certainly is a journey with each one. We love our mustangs so much already. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

Thank you Liz😄😄

[@RideMyWay]

You work with both Merlin and Sparrow so well! It’s great to watch you problem solve with the horse! Can’t wait to see this boy all cleaned up too! He’s going to be stunning 🤩❤️

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

Me too, he's slowly starting to shed out and Im getting a little glimpse of his beautiful summer coat!

[@Equitay]

Thanks for sharing your ups and downs! I really needed this after feeling like I’ve taken a few steps backwards with my horse. You’re doing a great job with your mustangs! 🥰

[@bethanys-herd]

It's fascinating to me that some horses seem to process the positive reinforcement and pressure release in almost the same way they have two sides... love watching this journey!

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

I think I understand what you're saying - like just because a horse is "good" on one side, doesn't mean its "good" on the other? If so, that's a really good analogy!

[@bethanys-herd]

@@TheProjectEquestrian Exactly! and thanks! The two training types don't always transfer, but both have unique and useful applications 😃

[@IluvGodsm]

Can't wait, I love how every step you come out positive

[@nah5491]

After watching some other videos I think is really cool that even tho you had a scary experience you found a way to work with horses in the most fruitful way (saving mustangs, and really really doing it, ground work is often not given its due even with domestic horses) and just finding a way to be a horse woman. I have so much respect for you

[@Heelers.hoofprintsranch]

Love it! So exciting to watch his progression

[@jamesweirich4759]

Great job young lady

[@PonyFunWithCloverJasmine]

Great job you have so much patience

[@Horselover-br1tw]

Keep going girl I’m so glad that you and Merlin worked things out overall and I love your videos ♥️ and you made me love horses even more and your videos are the best!

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

thank you ☺❤

[@Horselover-br1tw]

Your welcome because you deserve it your the best you tuber and I think you deserve more subscribers because you make really good content

[@Horselover-br1tw]

And I appreciate you spending all your time reading every single comment and responding to them

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

@@Horselover-br1tw Awww thank you! That means a lot! And I do try my best, I do appreciate everyone who watches!

[@Horselover-br1tw]

You deserve it keep up the great work!

[@twocheekyponies5211]

you are doing so, so well with him and Sparrow. Great job! I cant wait for more to come. x

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

Thanks for your constant support on this journey ☺❤

[@twocheekyponies5211]

@@TheProjectEquestrian np x

[@NJHeart2Heart]

Thank you so much for recording your good AND bad days, because often we learn most when we make or watch others make mistakes. Could you have tried desensitizing him to the lead rope before clipping in again? Just wondering about alternatives to work through his regression.

[@catherine6597]

you're doing awesome :)!! 💗

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

thank you :)

[@Horselover-br1tw]

Love your videos ♥️

[@jslittlezoo4559]

First ❤️

[@beautifulfaithhorses]

Great job working with Merlin! It was so cool to see him respond to your pressure even when he seemed really nervous. I’m considering working with mustangs in the future and was wondering what age of mustang is best to work with at first or if that even matters? Also, I was curious how many hours per day you usually work with each horse? Thanks!

[@TheProjectEquestrian]

Thank you! It varies everyday, but consistency is very important. Obviously that's not always possible, but I do try to get out every day for at least 15-30 minutes to train. I spend a lot more time doing chores😂 But sometimes, I will spend several hours in a day training in order to take advantage of good weather

[@beautifulfaithhorses]

@@TheProjectEquestrian Thank you! That makes sense 😁

[@leannerobertson6196]

That happened to gypsy Equestrian

[@leannerobertson6196]

Haha I just saw the other comments

[@celestinacowgirl9075]

nice

[@almirakline6070]

❤😊