Working with an "Untrainable" Wild Mustang Outside the Roundpen

In this first ever episode of the Compassionate Cowgirl: Mystic Experiment series, I introduce you to Mystic, a previously "untrainable" wild mustang. I explain my plan for motivating Mystic to willingly partake in training outside the roundpen and introduce you to some of the tools I'll be using... Then we meet back inside to discuss letting go of limiting beliefs in order to explore what's "possible!"
Link for PDF download, Key Differences Between Positive & Negative Reinforcement Training: www.mustangmaddy.com/the-comp...
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[@The3canines]

LOVE the "Tea Time" chat. Am just beginning to understand these life concepts now, at 62. How fortunate you are to have found this wisdom early in your life. Looking forward to the next posting.. xoxo

[@MustangMaddy]

Yay so glad you liked it!! I owe much of that wisdom to my grandmother, for passing it on

[@janicedrennen4897]

Thank you so much for these episodes. I'm 65 years old. I no longer have my precious horses, but I am applying what you are doing with Mistic to my standard poodle Malachi who because of his unruley behavior I was nearly evicted from my apartment. Your style of training Mistic is working with Malachi. He's already after just a few days the difference is like night and day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@omahhung108]

This video series literally changed my life. I signed up for the HCA course last year & it’s changed everything! I have a much Better relationship with my mare/the pushiness is a thing of the past/ we’re doing things I never thought possible / & the level of trust & fun we’re having is simply unmatched. To come out of my vulnerability shell; The thing that I somehow tell myself daily & that holds me back is that I’ll never do enough, be enough,, be educated enough, work hard enough, or be valued enough to be acceptable to others. There. I did it- those are my big fears! I hope this helps at least one person..bless you Maddy for your encouragement & your wisdom. You’re a “young elder”!

[@eishaknight1846]

The beliefs holding me back are that I am not good enough, talented enough, I didn't start young enough, because I've never had a horse of my own I can't do it, I don't have the money, and on and on... I am about to start a full lease on an amazing, sensitive, and sweet mare that has been through abusive situations but somehow remains so gentle and understanding. I have a belief that her owner/my trainer (I ride at a hunter/jumper barn) won't want me to do this work, the other people at the barn will think what I'm doing is weird/ridiculous/stupid, or that I just won't do it right and I'll end up creating negative experiences for the mare. HOWEVER! I am challenging my beliefs and my fears because I am SO inspired by your work and your beautiful, insightful, and honest nature that just shines through so clearly. I just found your Instagram and website yesterday and am so thrilled to begin exploring this way of being with horses more. . I was introduced to natural horsemanship when I was about 10 and have always wanted to explore it more, but have not had the funds to own/lease a horse to work with consistently. I hope to buy your 5 Golden Rules program within the next month or two and begin applying the methods to working with this mare, and delve into my dreams of working at liberty with horses and exploring the deep emotional and spiritual bond that I know is possible. Maybe one day I will even make it out to one of your programs at your facility in Colorado! I am opening to the big dream of it. . . :) Thank you for all that you offer. So looking forward to the next part of this series!

[@kaylashultz5628]

Biggest belief holding me back: "I am unwanted." Have been exploring new methods with my horse and I love your approach on positive reinforcement /letting go of beliefs that aren't serving anything. Going to begin adding hay pellets to my training approach. Thank you for showing up, being open, beautifully vulnerable and courageous. It's making a beautiful & much needed shift in our world♡

[@MustangMaddy]

Oh, yes, thank you for sharing! You are soo not alone! I have been working through this one for sure... Thank you for your kind words~and for being open and receiving!

[@jerowe20]

Mustang Maddy is very smart; love her videos

[@suziekingrey5187]

I know this video was 2years ago but God’s timing is perfect. I am 51 years old and going to be gentling my first mustang for a competition (the only way I could adopt the mustang I wanted). Again God’s timing. I am beginning to get more excited and less nervous. Pickup is in May. I have been watching trainers with different techniques from traditional natural horsemanship that I used in the past. Liberty is all new for me. However, this video is more than horse training. I love Jesus and I know I am a child of God yet I still struggle with my own insecurities. I am mostly positive minded and grateful. I still completely appreciated the reminders, the questions to ask ourselves, to go deeper, to learn something new, to understand that we can be blocking ourselves, our horses, and knowing We learn and grow at all ages. I look forward to watching the next videos and growing in more than horsemanship. Thank you Suzie

[@astranger8u]

My biggest belief holding me back is lack of time. Im glad you mentioned this in this video.

[@melissacoleman8145]

I really hope that all the taping and showing is real and no editing. It will give people the wrong way to do this. There will be days that it will be ugly and that’s what needs to be shown. This sort of training comes from a real human with their own sense of being. Love your smile and gentleness. Very cool.

[@martinabesana7673]

Belief who holding me back: I am not talented enough and I have no time. Thank you Maddy for this tea time chat, you help me so much!

[@normagaunce9630]

I am an introvert also. I appreciate hearing all of your knowledge and ideas with positive reinforcement. My old horse trainer told us to never give a horse treats. I think that you are awesome. ❤

[@tarsdogtraining7810]

GREAT JOB explaining the 4 quadrants!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@OpalBees]

First off, let me compliment you on how tremendously well done this video is. I’ve admired your training and techniques on Instagram for some time now, but WOW. This goes so far beyond horse training and I don’t think there’s a single person who wouldn’t benefit from watching this. I share your beliefs wholeheartedly and have been working on cleaning up my thoughts and beliefs. Still though, I have trouble getting the nagging thoughts that have plagued me my whole life to go away. “You’re not good enough” “you’re not as smart or as good as the other folks learning or doing the same thing you are” “if things start going too well, they’ll collapse soon or something bad will happen”. These are all things I’m working on, and I’m careful to try and take that chip off my shoulder before stepping into the round pen. Thanks, Maddy. I hope you know how important this work is that you’re doing. I hope you know that you’re going to impact a lot bigger space than the horse world.

[@laurierussell4067]

My biggest belief is "I dont have time"....I am definately going to read that book The One Thing! Thank you!!

[@MustangMaddy]

Love this! Thank you for sharing... This has been SO big for me and the One thing is one of the best books i've ever read on this!!

[@mirandajohnson9559]

Thoughts that hold me back: You'll never be enough. I'm never going to get out of debt (and basically every negative financial thought that could possibly exist). 💕 Phew!! Lots of heavy pressure to self inflict. Working my way out of it though, every moment. 😊🙌

[@heatherodonnell6638]

I love positive reinforcement for my horses and I am so excited to learn how you work with your horse in this way. I have what was called a “dangerous unridable Arabian” given to me because no one else wanted him.Now he is a sweet baby that is perfect in every way. I had no where else to go but to positive because there was no reaching this horse that had rejected humans. Everyone thinks I “treat” too often but it is the only way I talk to them. It is truly why my horses run to me and call to me and we are limited distance riders. Thank you Maddie for showing the world of horse people this works!!!

[@margaretjaeger9297]

Just now, living with all this fear and uncertainty in this new Covid 19 world, I needed to hear this! I adopted a wild mustang about 2 weeks ago and I have not done this in 30 years so of course, the belief holding me back is " I can't do this"! It's been so long since I've owned horses, let alone trained a wild one, I have very little memory of how I started my last wild one. Thank goodness for people like you, and a neighbor of mine who is quite the mustang trainer herself. Now, I'm going to go make some tea, and contemplate all that I've learned tonight 😊. Thank you.

[@rachelc7139]

so grateful for you miss Maddy :-)

[@patdavis1851]

I love that you are doing this in a field, since my round pen is a rectangle with trees and deep sand. My belief that I need to overcome is that I am too old (69) to take on more horses and that my friends and family think I am very foolish to be working with this Mustang who might hurt me and outlive me. :-) So far she is getting me back in shape and causing a lot of exercise to keep me healthy. Your videos are thought-provoking and are making us better human beings. Keep it up! We need you!

[@gregs8736]

Well said! If you truly want a round pen, all you have to do is fence off the corners with diagonals and you will have a "round" pen. All the best!

[@dawnholmes2136]

69 still at it ? Amazing 💚

[@lesliej7143]

I’m so thrilled that I found this tonight, as I continue my new journey into the arena of horses ; ) ... A new chapter for me. ( I made it thru a scary bout with Covid back in late 2021.) Everything that you talked about is not only so accurate, but really has been shown to me as true, over the many years in my life. Our thoughts and our gratitude are the keys to how our lives will be. Very well done 🙂

[@ponypower2024]

Wow! I recently started watching the Mystic Experiment, but I didn't start at the begging because I had a lot of reservations about using positive reinforcement so I was like she can do really epic things but I don't know if I really want to know that. Idk if that makes sense!lol All the episodes I have watched have completely blown me away and helped me so much with my horses and myself. Your tea time in this one just really spoke to me. I'm 18 and I feel like I'm not where I am supposed to be in life - like I'm behind, I don't have enough knowledge to help my horses to get to where they need to be, I have to work my butt off if I want to be successful and that I'm not a successful horse trainer until I achieve x. I just want to say thank you so much for making this, putting yourself out there, and really digging deep and getting to the cause of things and not just addressing the symptoms!!

[@melissawilson-bes3223]

Maddy, you are a breath of fresh air. I love your vulnerability, openness, and your positive transformation focus for not only the horse, but for ourselves as well. You speak my language! I have only recently discovered you, but I am now a devoted follower and student of yours. Thank you for all you do and share in the horse world!! You're awesome!

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

I think I have an irrational fear of doing something wrong. I did this with knitting. When I was learning, I made a mess of things, put it down and that was that. Recently, I found this woman on KZbin, Happee Knits, who I was watching do a tutorial on socks. She made a mistake, went back to it, fixed it, and moved on like nothing ever happened. It seems so sane to be like that, but it was a groundbreaking moment for me. I went back to that problem knitting I had, went way back to where the problem was, fixed it and moved on. It's so simple now. I haven't started working with our horses due to some health problems, but as I am recovering from that, now I'm afraid I will teach them that a signal means one thing, then if they ever end up out in the world with someone else, that person will mean something entirely different by the same signal and it will get the horse in a bad situation. I laugh now, as I'm writing, at how silly it sounds to worry over so many things needing to line up like that, but it really has held me back. We have one pretty clean slate horse here who was wild raised to be sent to slaughter, but we adopted him at the kill pen. So, he has only had the round up and kill pen human interactions, other than us. I really love him and I don't want him to ever end up in a scenario like that again. Which, logically, would mean that him being well trained would be the best defense, not 100% protection, but better than not having training. So, I am very much looking forward to this series. He is currently out in a big pasture and I will walk out and have some interactions with him, but nothing like a training program of teaching him useful skills. Thank you for sharing this series with us, Maddy!

[@majestyhorsemanshipequippe8372]

Was reflecting on this last night whilst feeling overwhelmed about a new project I’ve taken on and all the facilities i need to build, so perfect timing to watch this video! Belief holding me back “I dont deserve others help, but i cant do anything on my own.” Thats one viscous cycle right there.

[@MustangMaddy]

OH YES! SOOO been there.. And still working through it. So many layers... Glad you are digging deep.

[@edcravens5373]

Thank you ,for your time putting up this site. I belief if i keep looking for more Knowledge I can be a better Horseman with my sons,(Blue & Blondie my Rescue Horses)with my goal of seeing them grow and succeed .As when we received them they where what no one could ride safely .Changing there behavior motives me and also challenges my training abilities.With so my trainers out in the world , with many methods, it is like a maze to find the truth, I feel that if i listen to you i can learn more on my liberty journey and good will come from it . I studied the john lyons methods which he took me far but i want to do the impossible so im willing to change the way i think about what is best for them.Thanks Maddie you are really try to reach into there minds and you are breaking new ground on some of the traditional beliefs .

[@OKae88]

I have been hoping you would come onto KZbin. This is amazing. Thank you for posting!!!!

[@MustangMaddy]

Yay!!! Thanks for the welcome & tuning in! :D

[@bethvallieres964]

I am the biggest thing holding myself back. I am not good enough. I don't know enough, I don't have enough experience, I am getting too old to accomplish my dreams. One of the most important items on my bucket list is to participate in an Extreme Mustang Makeover, but I've slowly been covering it up and pretending I don't need to do it over the last several years, until I unexpectedly crossed paths with a TIP trainer today who has competed in a Makeover. Even though the doubt in myself is almost debilitating, I realized I can no longer keep lying to myself. I am ready to change, to evolve, and to grow in uncomfortable ways. Thank you for this episode and everything you do!

[@bethvallieres964]

Also as a funny side note... I'm house sitting and as I was going upstairs to go to bed, a book on the coffee table caught my eye that I hadn't noticed before. "I don't know" has always been my go-to response for everything, especially when I don't want to engage, and just today I was complaining to my boyfriend about not having enough time to put the work into my horses that I want to... If you guessed the book is "The One Thing", ding ding ding! Definitely a sign, now I'm off to read it.

[@kathycalgary]

Fabulous video...you are wise beyond your years Maddy! Thank you for sharing. I recently started positive reinforcement training with my horse who has anxiety issues and stereotypic behaviours and it is making a world of difference!

[@elainescribner5582]

My belief that is holding me back is: afraid of change. My other half and I are selling his home and moving out of state and off-grid to an extent. I just hope that I can handle this. I say that I'll have more time with the horses and wanting to train mustangs but that all scares me to death. My other one is with horses; I'm afraid that if I canter a horse I will fall off and being 65 I don't bounce like I use to. I have just found you and am loving every time I watch one of your videos cuz I am learning so much about myself along with a different way to train horses, Mustangs or not. Thank you for coming into my life.

[@gregs8736]

Thank you for your wisdom beyond your years and willingness to share with us and to encourage and challenge us to become better with ourselves, others and horses!!! You are so right when you say it doesn't seem to make sense to use food when working with aggressive horses but your results with Zeus definitely prove otherwise! The proof is in the pudding! And working with Mystic outside the round pen with other food sources available to compete with your food rewards is an eye opener as well! You are an outstanding ambassador for positive reinforcement so when you take out the treat pouch, you are making such a positive (pun intended?!?) impression on so many at the expo and through videos! Who knows how far things might go in the future to improve relationships with horses as a result of your efforts? Perhaps thinking of WHY you are using positive reinforcement (for the present and future betterment of horses for yourself and others!) might lower some scary feelings when taking out the treat pouch? So you GET to do (what could otherwise feel scary) for WHAT you hope and want for the future?!? From our point of view, it doesn't look like it might be a scary thing for you to take out the treat pouch! Just normal and matter of fact! All the best !!!

[@dr.romanott7249]

Very interesting to use positive reinforcement in combination with target training on horses. I used it for training with dolphins and camels before and now with horses too. Great content ! Very wise words !

[@jennproper4562]

I'm so happy I found your channel! I've been getting really serious about working with a horse I rescued over a year ago. I did not grow up around horses, I don't have the experience that most have, but I do have this strong desire to work with horses that began over 3 years ago, when I started riding and adopted my first horse. I've had tragedies in my life since that have tested my passion, but I'm slowly coming out of the fog. I need to get my confidence back again and I feel like your videos came to me at the right time. I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you for putting yourself out there. You're so inspiring!

[@Silivrenwolf]

I struggle with a lot of what you mentioned on the list. I know a few big ones is not feeling worthy of it, smart enough or experienced enough. I actually decided the other day that I AM worth it and my skills are valued and I deserve to be happy, have money, etc. This is a great reminder to my now positive thinking.

[@MustangMaddy]

This is an awesome breakthrough! Eagle medicine...flying higher so you can see further ;)

[@johnfeheley219]

WOW, Thank You for sharing this journey.

[@jordanw4922]

Beautiful!! Love this! Thanks Maddy!

[@k.h.7575]

Beyond brilliant! ♥️ I already do work with this... Put you just inspired me to go deeper... (there are always much more🤓🤭)... Love it! You are amazing, it makes me so happy people like you are in this world. The Horses need it 🙏

[@TurkishDelight105]

Can't wait to see more. This is helpful in so many aspects of life.

[@neckpatter]

Wow! You are such a delight! My fear is that I won't catch on as quickly as I should to new things. I will catch on, I am an engineer

[@christinejones4761]

Loved this video. Have watched you off and on for a few years. Beliefs that I am currently trying to change are that I'll never be a good enough trainer to make a living doing that passion. Also that I am too large of a person for people to take me seriously. Thank you for your insight and loved it so much!

[@megancampbell2871]

Very excited to see your videos! I have a Kiger Mustang from Oregon that came from a trainer. He is very standoffish but was always kept in a stall with a private run with the trainer. I was able to ride him once while he was with the trainer and he was a nice ride. He has now been with me for 3 weeks, however, now he is in a 4 acre pasture and doesn't want to be caught. I also do not have access to a round pen. Hoping I can find some useful tools to build a bond with this horse and allow him to trust me and want to be around me.

[@laurierussell4067]

SO SO HAPPY!!! Love this!!! Thank you Maddy!

[@MustangMaddy]

Thank YOU Laurie! :)

[@burovincreka4044]

Maddy! I totally loved this video, not just the horse part, but how you put it on all aspects in life, which is soooo true!! I never left a comment before...:) My belief is fear of getting hurt, by run over, or steped on or bucked of...anything what comes of the horse gets scared suddenly, and yes!! not knowing enought, lack of routine. My horse is smart, sensitive, and scared of a lot of things, but in the same time he is a leader of the group, and quite strickt with the oders. Pressure is deffenetly not working on him, like with other horses, he gets mad! I was told he is wired upside down..:))) I feel if I can solve him, that would be a big success for me, not just in this, but in all aspects on my life!!! Thanks soooo much for your work!!!! Reka

[@MustangMaddy]

Reka thank you soooo much for sharing this and leaving a comment! I know that so many others will resonate with this as well, you are not alone! Please do reach out if I can be of assistance to you along your journey... It sounds like this horse is teaching you some pretty powerful lessons

[@burovincreka4044]

@@MustangMaddy Thanks Maddy!!!! I will!!!

[@gorgiarose1268]

Ok wait... that horse is gorgeous!! I’m so exited for this!!

[@kimberlyloveless8581]

As expected you continue to inspire me. Thank you for changing my life.

[@MustangMaddy]

Oh wow! Thank you for inspiring me back!

[@RightFootRanch]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Perfect message at the perfect time for both me and my horse!

[@MustangMaddy]

Ahhh I am SO happy this resonated for you!!

[@shaunaquinones-realtor7301]

I don’t know what my belief is than you said that is a belief 💕 I loved this video and excited you are doing this series, Thank you!

[@thekinlands]

Loved watching this, thank you Maddy for putting yourself out there and for creating this series. :)

[@MustangMaddy]

Thank you Jen for watching

[@sidpodvorec6183]

Loving this!! Looking forward to MORE!

[@MustangMaddy]

Yay!!! Thanks for joining!

[@angelarumbaugh6813]

Woot woot!! Just watched you and Amira again (for the thousandth time) and it STILL makes me tear up. Excited for this and following along! Congrats on all your visions coming to life!!

[@MustangMaddy]

Ahhh thank you Angela!!!

[@homefolk4768]

Thank you for this awesome video! I have watched little pieces of it several days this week just so I could really digest what you shared! Beliefs holding me back... not enough time and lack of experience. :)

[@stoneyblack6905]

Love your mind and ways! Love you…💐

[@horseanddogspage]

My worse belief is that everything needs to be perfect before I go forward in my life, work, dreams, etc! I always wait until everything is Perfect, preparing all littles things that are not so important.

[@kamaltabdulla]

I enjoyed watching this channel very much.

[@Earth-bornGraffics]

I hear a lot of “Hay House” perspective in your words and I find that refreshing. Thank you for bringing a loving relationship-based personality and education to the horse world. I’m a life-long horse lover, but only accidentally fell into the horse world a few years ago by having a horse fall into my lap. I learned to ride with her and she learned to trust with me, having had a rough background. I only had her a few years before she passed, but it was the most enthralling and humbling experience to learn with her, with no real riding lessons. I learned to walk, trot, gallop, jump, and play western speed games all with her keeping me safe with my clumsy horsemanship. I chose to ignore most of the views I heard from the average equestrian because they seemed so harsh and ludicrous. I hope that a Mustang is in my future, and will live vicariously through you in the mean time. To answer your ending question, my biggest belief issue is that there is never enough money. I’ve been battling it all my life, and it comes from my mother. Thank you, again.

[@ruthfr.-h.3950]

No words for you.. You are perfect. Thank you sooo soo much

[@FunwithPupJane]

This video was so informative! My favorite part was your two funny cattle dogs chasing Mystic! Funny pups!🐕🐕

[@DesertPinesHorseRescue]

Thank you! I look forward to watching your new fresh approach to training Mystic! I hope to use your methods on one of my Mustangs that has a great fear of people!

[@MustangMaddy]

This is awesome Deb! Thank you for joining

[@Kit32991]

I'm late to watching this cause I was really busy but I'm finally gonna start watching, I haven't finished yet, I'm gonna watch it with my mom, but so far I'm loving it, it's exactly the way I love to work outside the roundpen and a lot of reinforcement (not liberty I've never tried yet!) but it's amazing what you can do and hope to be as good as you one day and meet you. Can't wait to finish watching and to follow along this amazing journey and learn.

[@verenasutherland]

EXCITED! I'm sure this will help so many.

[@MustangMaddy]

Yay! Thanks for checking it out Verena!

[@lindseyholmgren8410]

Thank you so much for challenging me to identify my beliefs and if any of them are holding me back! Your example of changing "I don't know" to "I am open for receiving guidance" resonated with me. In particular, I'm afraid my lack of knowledge will lead to poor decision-making and thus negatively impact my relationships (equine and human). I also have the fear that I lack the ability to complete something I start, so I'll be pondering how to turn that one around. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insight! I can't wait for more videos to come out and to start practicing your methods!

[@MustangMaddy]

Lindsey thank you for sharing! I still often catch myself saying "i don't know" and try to re-write that old story! So glad it resonated for you. Been recently working through the lesson of trusting myself to make decisions too... So many layers to that one. Encouraging to hear others' journeys. Thank you!

[@andreamears4118]

Maddy!!! This was awesome! I think I’ll have to watch again to completely soak in your words, especially during “tea time”. The part about what is possible (from your time with Amira) literally made me tear up. And when you were taking about letting go of old beliefs I felt like you were speaking directly TO ME! Total introvert here, but I’m taking your note and commenting. the belief that is holding me back is that if I use positive reinforcement around “horse people”that I will be judged or ridiculed and I might feel embarrassed, or that it may lead me to pressure or “expect” more from my horse to avoid that embarrassment. So I’m quietly working with positive reinforcement at home until I feel we can be a positive example when we are off the farm Love love love the video. I think big changes are afoot. You have so much to contribute, and the world is ready to hear it!!! Glad to be part of your tribe.

[@MustangMaddy]

AHHH this is so awesome to hear! I'm SO happy it resonated for you Andrea, thank you for watching!

[@megoffermann4969]

Love this! Thank you so much Maddy. The belief that’s holding me back is definitely there’s not enough money.

[@mustanghannah]

YAY! YOUR BACK! I got to meet you at the horse expo! Thats awsome that your doing it in a huge field!

[@MustangMaddy]

Ahhh I LOVED California! Can't wait to go back! Thanks for checking out this journey with Mystic :) And yes LOL going to be more consistent on KZbin from now on!

[@martyg1342]

Great "Tea Time" session very enlightening, thank you ! I adopted a mustang mare two years ago her name is "Delilah" she'll be six years old come this January and I think it's taking me this long to be able to get her under saddle because of my belief that "I don't have enough time" and not "accepting or asking for help" because I didn't want to appear weak. I'll be attending your clinic at the Horse Expo in November in CA. Again Thank You for your encouraging words and great advise.

[@Lovebug6737]

So excited to for this series. We have also started to delve into positive reinforcement lately with our mustangs and it has been an interesting process. The biggest thing holding me back from doing I want to do is ME! From "I am not good enough" to "I just don't have the time" to "If I want it done right I will do it myself." I think for me, a lot of it comes down to a fear of failure.

[@MustangMaddy]

YES to this!! These have been big for me too! I'm glad you are starting to find the root cause... If the root cause is failure, then asking what is behind the failure? Down the rabbit hole!

[@benjaminkerby9575]

It is very difficult to make a living with horses is one of my core beliefs.... I love horses and they are my center.... I am afraid if I start making a living with horses then I won't love my love of horses any more.

[@pamhensley6472]

A couple of my beliefs are I’m too busy, I don’t have time and I’m not smart enough. I also use to worry about what other people thoughts about me. Thank you so very much for sharing your journey with us. Not only have you opened up my mind to how to communicate with my horses you are also helping me to communicate and grow myself! You have been blessed with an amazing gift. I am glad you are sharing it and helping so many people!

[@jodiejensen-feist9874]

Thank you so much for this video. I am working with a 30+year old mare with a considerable foot and mouth injury. In order to help her, I need to gentle her. I can pet and brush her but as soon as I go to touch her legs she panics. I have feed her by hand every day for 6 weeks, to establish a bond. I work with the Bevada Technical Large Animal Rescue and Least resistance rehab. So there is a great squeeze. We have time to work with her but i know she is in so much pain.

[@lorrainecruz645]

Looking forward to the journey!

[@MustangMaddy]

Yay looking forward to having you!

[@CarenRisley]

Great show! Although I've had horses for 30+ years, I just got my first Mustang a few weeks ago, and I fear that I won't be all she needs or deserves, so I am open and ready to learn new ways to communicate with her. Thank you!

[@MMSGEE]

love this!

[@TeamWildfern]

This is so awesome Maddy!! Failure is a huge fear of mine, especially in front of others. One belief that I am struggling with in particular right now is "you don't have 'the right' experience to adopt a mustang" and "that goal is too big." Owning a mustang has been a dream of mine, so now that I have graduated (yay!), I am planning to adopt one. My goal is to adopt one from the pens and train force free with positive reinforcement. But I often struggle with even telling people that this is my goal. When speaking with horse people about training there is often the put down regarding R+, and especially that the training and behavior experience I have from training and competing in dog agility (entirely force free, R+ and via shaping) "doesn't apply." The sense of doubt and judgment and the projection of their fears onto me can sometimes build into my own thoughts. I am working on overcoming this internally, but it's hard not to let these feelings get you down. It is also daunting and scary coming back into the horse world trying to make new friends and connections when you automatically are afraid to tell people about yourself because you are already expecting them to judge and disagree with you. My family has been super supportive and in my heart I believe I can do this, but sometimes negative beliefs creep in and plant the seeds of fear and doubt. I am so incredibly excited to come to the Immersion program next week! Thank you for all you do and for putting yourself out there while you explore new avenues and challenge old beliefs!

[@MustangMaddy]

Oh wow THANK YOU for sharing this, and I can TOTALLY relate! Talk about nerve-racking, going out to teach a clinic at an expo in front of hundreds of people and taking out the treat pouch! It is totally scary! And I'm so glad that you see the projection and are aware of that. That's been a difficult one for me. I cannot WAIT to see you at the immersion program and hope I can help you with your journey!!

[@jbradley512]

Awesome! Can't wait for more! The "I have to do it myself" is a big one. It leads to "lack of time" because I'm too busy trying to do it all and prevents me from asking for help because "they won't do it right". I also think I suffer from "paralysis by analysis". I feel like I always need to learn more before taking action for fear of doing it wrong.

[@MustangMaddy]

YES to all of these! Me too! Thank you for sharing Jennifer!

[@sleigh5506]

I’m a fan of your work and have had some real success with my horse on the ground. I look forward to watching The Mystic Experiment and learning more. Since you asked, my llimiting beliefs ( just a few of many): I don’t have enough experience or knowledge, lots of people don’t like me, not a good rider, too old, never any money, and F E A R!!! All of my life decisions - or choices to remain stuck are based on fear😞. Maybe that is why I’m stumped in trying to get my horse to accept sudden noises or sudden movement that he is fearful of. He spun out from under me and I’m wary of spinning/bolting or bucking and being dumped/ injured. I’m not a trainer, just a month ago tried working with a trainer, that didn’t go well, so now it’s just back to me and him - both scared and green. He’s food motivated but not sure 🤔 how to use that in riding. Terk looks a lil like my guy🐴🤗. Soon enough you’ll be a household name ( well horsey- households for sure). I think your intellectual/ psychological approach may spill over to horse/human healing as well. Glad to have found you.🐴

[@MustangMaddy]

Thanks for tuning in!! And for the very kind words, and sharing your journey here. That sounds quite scary! Our horses always have a way of leading us on a journey and asking us to go deeper... And yes, fear can be quite paralyzing! I believe every choice we make comes from either love or fear, heart or ego, abundance or scarcity, it all seems to be related! You may find a few books of interest to you-- ACIM made easy and anything by Jen Sincero. Best of luck to you friend

[@gregs8736]

Very relatable to so many of us! F E A R can stand for False Evidence Appearing Real and remember hard work (smart?) beats talent when talent refuses to work hard (smart) !!! All the best !!!

[@garyalbertson3502]

Just now found you sweet girl ! It’s 2021 and I’m late to the conversation 💁🏻‍♀️But you are adorable ! And so is your Tea Pot ❣️My wrong belief is “I am too old now” At 20 I had my first dream come true , A horse 🐴 . And had to sell Him at 22 . Now At 67 , Im hoping my dream will true once again ! ! I’m excited to continue watching your videos . Much Love to you , Laura 💜

[@batottahell1]

Yaay!! I find fear to be a great motivator. I will be keeping up with your lessons.

[@MustangMaddy]

Thanks so much for tuning in Juanita! I hope you are doing well, friend! :D

[@laurapannewitz8718]

Maddy, this is so inspiring and it amazing that you are sharing your discovery of R+ in such an open and honest way. It is a belief that holds me back - if I change what I do then I am admitting what I have done was wrong. In the equine world, sadly a lot of focus is put on fast results, so if you can't get the results fast, you must be doing it wrong (another belief that holds me back I guess, thinking the only way to get results that other people will appreciate is to compromise my beliefs). It is so nice to see your 'results' AND know that you have got them using kind methods which consider the welfare of the horse. Thank you.

[@gregs8736]

What we have learned in the past is not so much "wrong" as it was the best of what we could learn at the time. Assuming that we weren't intentionally harmful or cruel to our horses! If your horses liked being with you and doing things with you, you weren't entirely "wrong"! So now what we can do is learn more to be better for our horses from more of their point of view and keep progressing from there!

[@maggiefunderburk1640]

This video🙌🙌🙌 I have been studying pr/clicker training for horses since December of last year and I absolutely love it. The belief that’s actually holding me back from starting pr is that people at my barn will think I know nothing about horses and I won’t be able to do things with my horse like I used to. Thank you for such an encouraging video! I am soooo excited for Wednesday’s now!

[@juliecox8694]

Hi Maddy! You are so inspiring to me ! I adopted a 6 year old sorrel mustang mare from Mustang Studio in Santa Fe NM two months ago! Her name is Amber and she is sweet and adorable! I love her and want to give her a wonderful forever home on our 5 acre Black Forest ranch! Amber came to us from a abusive past from her second owner. She came from a Colorado Western Slope herd. She was 2 when she was taken from her herd and brought to a prison training facility in Canon City Colorado. I was told that she was a little horse with a big attitude and that I would need to have a lot patience to work with her. Amber is overrespovive and very skiddish. She will not let me groom her or clean her hooves. She runs away from me when I try to put a halter on her. We were told that she could do these skills. She has never been ridden . I would love some advice! I need to know that she is trainable! Her previous trainers used positive reienforcement training. She does respond a little to that.

[@seethemotion]

This is a WONDERFUL video!! Very well done, informative, and FUN. : ) I'm excited to watch future episodes. The main belief holding me back is that I don't have the experience, skill or knowledge to be able to train my horse so that he will be safe to ride some day. What a delight it would be to learn the things that you know, so that I could reach my dream.

[@MustangMaddy]

Thank you for the feedback Margie!! And for sharing your own journey... Let me know how I can be assistance to you on that mission :)

[@tierratrails9554]

So excited to follow along with Mystic, and even more excited to see +R training with her! I came into +R a year ago and your words of your decision to use it with Zeus and the other horse sounded exactly like the thought process I had. A limiting belief of mine is that I have to do it all myself because I can’t count on others to support me.

[@MustangMaddy]

That one can be so lonely! Thank you for sharing here Tierra~ Excited to have you on this journey with me!

[@colettecutrone8763]

You are a remarkable human being, Maddy, you are wise beyond your years and incredibly inspiring. What’s holding me back a bit is the thought that I’m too old to start something new... turning 70 y/o in a month and why didn’t I discover this earlier since my time on this earth is limited. But it’s never too late to start, right? I’m excited about positive reinforcement and eager to learn from you and play with my just-turned-8 y/o mare.

[@estherbartholdy]

Thank you so much, I am a new subsciber from Guatemala. I will try to start a young mare with your help. Love and light to you and all your loved ones (including the four legged ones )

[@MustangMaddy]

Thank you for joining Esther!

[@pooniz]

Thank you so much Maddy for this video ! Can't wait to watch the other ones 💛! My biggest belief is I don't have enough Time! Omg this is so me 😫... Also I don't have enough knowledge and I'll never have. Since it takes a lot of Time to get tout know everything I would and since I don't have enough Time 🤔🤪... Thanks for talking about positive reinforcement. I start to believe more and more in that and I am glad someone like you uses that +++ 💛. Cheers from France!

[@MustangMaddy]

Lucie thank you for sharing!! SO been there, and requires constant awareness and dedication. The One Thing is a book that REALLY helped me! Glad you are joining this journey with me, thanks for tuning in!

[@meganrakisits2572]

Oh man beliefs holding me back! I have very low self confidence. I let fear control/hold me back. I feel like because I haven't been barrel racing my whole life I will never be good at it. I get discouraged easily. I feel unwanted more often than not and let my brain trick me into thinking people don't like me when in reality they are just busy.

[@FrostNightVideoProductions]

I struggle with getting past days where my depression is bad. To some extent it’s medical but I think having the idea that I can’t do much about it probably holds me back a lot too.

[@c.f.callier]

I struggle with feeling confident in training my horse. I switched to +R about a year ago because -R was not working with her. We are doing so much better but I still struggle feeling like we can get past the basics. I can only see her 1-3 times a week so it slows our progress but also if I look back on what we've accomplished in the two years I've had her and especially since I moved to +R we're doing very well. I didn't think it possible to have the connection we do if I wasn't the one caring for her every day. I know the regret of thinking I knew enough and therefore didn't think it possible that my gelding and I could have a better connection holds me back too. It's not as bad as it was but it sneaks up on me here and there yet. We had almost twenty years together and I feel like I failed him by not seeking more knowledge, he was an amazing guy. Now my mare is showing me so many more possibilities and I'm so grateful for her. I know I can't change the past but I sure am going to learn from it and not make the same mistakes with her.

[@MustangMaddy]

Thank you for sharing this

[@c.f.callier]

Thank you for your reply.

[@pattieoneill4014]

Beliefs that continue to hold me back: I am afraid I will not get my confidence back in the saddle since my last horse wreck. I ride with anxiety that I know my horse is picking up on and reacting to. I still saddle up and ride anyway but I hope to overcome fear and not let it hold me back from doing activities that "I KNOW" will end up in disaster. I am 55 this November and hope to actively reduce fear and anxiety.

[@passionatehorsemanship3334]

Loved this. You are so insightful. One belief that I have that is holding me back is that I don't like my job and that I'll only be happy working as a horse trainer. 🤠

[@wemoveasone.horsemanship8698]

Wow. This is SO good. Started watching to better my horsemanship, but again find wonderful personal growth help from you. (The same happened when listening to a podcast with you and Warwick Schiller.) I love the "tea time" chat! With regard to what holds me back: I will only feel successful as a natural horsemanship trainer when my "business" grows and people who practice "traditional horsemanship" of some kind......make changes in their horsemanship mindset. Also, quick question: where would I find/make the hand-held target.....AND that beautiful and useful treat pouch?

[@susanlumen4489]

My biggest belief(a.k.a. “Lie”) holding me back: I’m afraid of making a mistake that will hurt my horse. Having made mistakes in the past that created fear in us both and the outcome of which was dangerous has made me hesitate on moving ahead with my dream; to ride at liberty with no bridle or saddle. And by the way, I am 64 years old and am determined to do this.

[@MustangMaddy]

I totally understand this... it can be totally paralyzing. Horses are amazing though... I think I wouldn't hesitate to say they are perhaps the most forgiving of animals I've ever seen. I think that if your intention is right, you can't go wrong

[@kirapyromantic4431]

It's been a year, have you succeeded? Im considering starting riding lessons in the spring with the goal of a mustang to gentle along side a trainer (so that we have that special bond) its been a dream my whole life, but Im 48 and keep thinking Im way too old to start something like this.

[@susanlumen4489]

@@kirapyromantic4431 It’s been almost 2 years and in that time I had to finish building a house and didn’t have much free time to spend with my mare, Claire. How ever what I did concentrate on every time I did ANYTHING with her was try to improve our communication and vocabulary by really focusing on her body language and responses to my requests or my efforts at communicating with her. One thing I do is visualize in my mind first what it is I want to do with her. then use the absolutely softest and quietest request possible. I have had some amazing results but the best is that Claire has softened and relaxed tremendously. I read an article about this but can’t remember or locate the name or title. I have had the best results with horses I have started with from the day they were born but also have had good results even with shut down horses. they seem to appreciate my efforts to connect in their mode instead of the human one.

[@graceemilyrose4952]

I'm too young is my strongest limiting belief, I don't have enough experience... Love this video btw!!!! ON POINT

[@rossmeg07]

I really loved this and found the explanation of the 4 learning quadrants made so much sense, its actually is clear to me now! I’ve never quite been able to grasp which is which before, so super grateful for that (amongst many other things I’ve learnt from watching this!). One of the big beliefs holding me back with progressing with horses is that I’m not passionate enough or dedicated enough to really become skilled at understanding and working harmoniously with horses. That I’m too lazy to do it, that I’m not as naturally focused and driven as all those people, such as you Maddy, who have become so good with horses, so therefore will never be able to become that good with them. And I want to be. It’s funny though because is as I acknowledge these beliefs, I can see how untrue they are and that it really doesn’t have to be that way at all if I choose not to let it. Changing those beliefs to: I have more than enough passion and dedication towards becoming a skilled horsewomen that I am making it happen. I have just as much potential to become as great with horses as the horsemen/women I admire, because it is so important to me I put the effort into learning, practicing and developing. I can do this 😊

[@Inca1122]

I so needed this today! My limiting belief is that I won’t be able to rehabilitate my mustang and not feeling good enough in life in general much of the time. This 1st video has helped re-center myself to be more aware of the self sabotaging beliefs. Thank you Maddie!!! Can’t wait to see Mystic’s transformation 💕

[@MustangMaddy]

I am SO happy to read this Caren! Congratulations on some huge breakthroughs! Yes to growth! And you are soo not alone~ Please don't hesitate to reach out if you are looking for support on your journey with your mustang

[@lucindavette2445]

Love this!! You are truly speaking my language Maddy - goes right to my heart. This has me wondering if the bond with a human could, at some point, be the positive reinforcement.

[@MustangMaddy]

So happy to hear this! Yes, the human themselves become "positively reinforcing" for the horse, just as the click and the primary reinforcer are... But we will also be exploring *intrinsic* motivation in the series as well, so stay posted :)

[@lucindavette2445]

@@MustangMaddy - Intrinsic motivation - that is my greatest dream and desire to find with my horses! Sometimes I want it so much, maybe it inhibits me from experimenting at times - my limiting belief. So afraid to quash it that I hold back at times, unwilling to make a mistake. I'm sure it is also tied to 'I'm not good enough." So I will def stay posted!

[@jessmelgey4531]

I can't wait to follow along on Mystic's journey. I have a makeover mustang I adopted in 2016 as a person with zero mustang experience and no horse experience in the last 20 years. In hindsight it may not have been a great choice, but as the saying goes, you get the horse you need! I am committed to him and to dispelling my own personal myth that "I don't know enough" to figure out how this animal works and create a willing partnership. Thank you for all you do for horses, and their people, Maddy!

[@Inca1122]

Jess Melgey same here! I bought my mustang broke but he needs work and I have zero experience in training let alone a mustang!

[@MustangMaddy]

Jess this is so courageous of you! I TOTALLY agree in believing everything happens for a reason, and each horse that comes into our life is meant to guide us in some way. I have deep respect for your commitment~ Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance to you on your journey!

[@verenasutherland]

Well, there are many beliefs that hold me back. So many. Here are some on the top of the list at the moment: I'm too inexperienced to train my "difficult Mustang". She will never love me. Everyone will think I'm crazy for going this path. I'll never have enough money to afford ...(you name it! Currently: a trailer, a second Mustang, the transformation retreat, a trip around the world). I can never make money with my music. I won't find a job outside teaching. I need to work myself silly to make a living. I'll never be good enough, and nobody can truly love me. It goes on. I can see how all this is holding me back.

[@MustangMaddy]

I am SO grateful you are seeing!! I've related to ALL of these and money has been a BIG one for me. Jen Sincero's book really helped me with my money mindset although it is still a big project for me!

[@veronicacoleman2471]

The believe that has held me back all my life is: I am not good enough therefore I am not liked by others. :'( it's something that has been with me since childhood and I am 56 years old, animals are not judgemental so I feel better about myself amongst them. :)

[@voyantes]

great video, thanks, my biggest belief that i have work over the years and still do, is to believe that i'm good enough, that even though i don't have no "training horses" diploma, my horses have been my best teacher over the years and still does, and with that i'm able to share my experiences and help others, i'm always evolving to better myself, what i was doing years ago, i don't do now cause it does not fit my way of thinking , but like you said, we do what we think is right at that time, so anyway, thanks a lot, and can't wait to watch the series, and i will subscribe also to your web site

[@audreytarbell9360]

Love this video and experiment! Really making me think about training in a different way. I tried to open the PDF and was unable to, there doesn't seem to be a text box to enter my email address

[@michaelpalosaari9460]

Outstanding Video and I'm subscribed and the bell is ON! Can't wait to go through this series with you and everyone else! Belief(s) holding me back... 1. I'm not a good enough horseman to get through to my paint horse Archer. 2. Money is hard to make. 3. I can't handle rejection (see #1). 4. Being adopted means I am a throw away (created that belief by going through 2 divorces)... I could share more... I also would like to say that I know these beliefs are lies. I am making headway with Archer, I'm making more money easily, and I am a valued partner. This is great stuff and I am open to walking through it with you all!!

[@gregs8736]

So relatable! One thing about being adopted is that you were CHOSEN by your new parents! Glad that things are progressing well for you! All the best !