Franklin,

I couldn't wait to get to my computer to tell you about my experience today. I did exactly what you told me to do with Dallas.  I slowly worked with him with the rope on his neck and we worked together very slowly and calmly. When he realized what we were doing and that I wasn't going to hurt him he was UNBELIEVABLE. I have to admit I got tears in my eyes because I was so overcome with I guess joy.  Before I put the halter on I led him around his pen with the rope a bit and he followed willingly and then we worked on getting the halter on.  He put his nose right in after a couple of times of bringing his head to the right spot.  Then he did the funniest thing.  He put his head on my shoulder and put pressure on it to make me go down.  I let him push me down a little (because I was thinking of the partnership/dance idea) and he did it a couple of times.  But then I came back up and moved to a different spot.  I didn't know if maybe he was trying to show me he was boss but it didn't feel that way. ( I think he's smart) I opened the door to his stall and we slowly walked out to the paddock.  I walked him all the way in and took the rope off and let him go.   He ran and jumped and bucked and rolled around.  It was so great to see him and watch him doing this. He really looked like a race horse.  It was muddy when you first walk in and he seemed hesitant to go in so I kind of walked him around it as much as possible.  There also was a big puddle of water in there that he was trying to figure out.

Then his halter fell off.  We got him this other one that wasn't so big And clanky but I guess it was a grooming halter and not too secure (OBVIOUSLY).  When it came off he looked as surprised as I was.  So I let him run around a bit without it.  And then when he seemed like he wanted to go back inside, I went over put the rope on his neck as you described once again.  Got him to bring his head low to the ground and was patting and rubbing him (he loved having his gums rubbed) and got the halter on once again. Then I led him around the paddock a few times just to be sure he wouldn't try to bolt the other way when we walked out and he was totally fine.  I would have loved to walk him over to eat some grass but with that halter, I didn't want to take a chance.

Then I groomed him and had a lesson on another horse.  (Auto pilot school horse)  But I took good care of him too.  Then went back and got Dallas' cribbing collar back on which wasn't as easy because he hates it but he was much better even as I tightened it.  Finished up just in time for his dinner to arrive.  (Mind you I started probably right after he finished breakfast)

Obsessed much Kim?  I had the best day!

So THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL DAY FOR ME A LONELY HORSE NAMED DALLAS.

Please keep the advice coming.  I'm an eager student! Blessings to you!

Kim