Meet Compa!

We brought Compa to the farm today. I've been waiting several weeks to get him here. Two weeks ago this Andalusian/Morgan cross was a stallion. His new owner told me that he's not had a lot of equine socialization. He is going to be an interesting project!


Here's what I know about him so far. He is scattered mentally and emotionally. When I ask for his attention he is sweet, sweet, sweet. He knows nothing - he doesn't lead (but will follow me wherever I go), doesn't pick his feet up, doesn't want to be haltered, doesn't want his ears touched, doesn't understand being bathed. He wants so much to meet other horses, but he doesn't know how and he adores people. He's pushy, he bites (yes, I know I said he is sweet - he doesn't know that he shouldn't bite!), my barefoot trimmer was able to do his feet once and his teeth have never been done. He won't allow anyone on his left side. He wants to have everything his way, but when I ask him to stop behaving that way, he perks his ears and waits for me to tell him what to do. Lastly, he is highly attentive, very creative (just take a look at the picture!) and very willing.

Bottom line, he's opposed in every behavior and is seeking direction. We're going to have a wonderful time together.

When I went over to meet him today, he rushed the gate with his ears pinned and teeth showing. He wanted to see what I would do. When I calmly waved my hand in his general direction, he stopped and perked his ears up. Then he came over slowly and introduced himself. He has huge eyes and they are very soft. I liked him instantly.

Haltering was my first challenge, getting him to the trailer was my second. I knew if I could get those two things done, he would load without any difficulty. I got my flag and introduced him to it and then moved him around his little paddock from the outside. He was so responsive, I grabbed the halter and went in to get him. He was like a wet noodle, just wallering around and squirmy - wanting to play, interested in my clothing, my visor. He wasn't difficult to catch - heck, he was all over me, but he didn't understand the haltering process. I just moved with him, creating a circle with my arms for him to put his head through and there he found the halter waiting. I tied it on and walked off giving him plenty of room on the rope to follow me. He wanted to come along. I opened the gate and we moved toward the trailer. When he didn't know what to do and got excited, I just let him be excited. He didn't want to leave me, but he wasn't always sure what to do with his feet. I allowed him to move and just directed his energy gently with the rope if he got too confused.

We moved to the trailer where the divider was removed. The ramp was down so I walked right on. He came with me until his head went inside and then he stopped. I waited. He backed down the ramp and I allowed him to leave. I stayed inside. He walked a bit left and right and then decided to come back into the trailer with me. I greeted him, but didn't ask him to come all the way up. When he backed out the second time, I wasn't at all concerned. He just looked at me. I could see he was deciding what to do. I left him alone with this thoughts. When he finished thinking, he came right up and we stood together. He didn't need to leave again.

Such a good boy. Tomorrow I'll tell you about tying him to the hi-line and giving him a hay bag!