Tom came to visit and I took the halter down and put it in front of Sammy. He nibbles it and sticks his head in it. I tried to put it over his ears and he pulled away...slightly. I tried once more and he lets me pull it over his ears and then I took it off. As Ryan says, I have all the time in the world and I want Sam to think it's fun, a game...I want him to want to offer his head for haltering. Breakthrough #8!

Day Ten: Finally a taste of Spring! I feed Sammy at lunch and our little orphan foal, Ollie is outside running and playing. Ollie and Sammy have been talking to each other through the barn window. Samson's pen is right outside the barn and Ollie's window is only inches from Samson's pen. I played with Ollie and Sam watched intently. For the first time I saw Samson acting like a colt..he kicks and bucks and runs as if to say to Ollie, "I want to play too!" I decide to try the halter again; I place it in front of Sammy's head as he eats his hay; he nibbles it and lets me slip it on. I decide to push my luck and put it over his ears...no problem...he allows me to hook it up! Breakthrough #9!

Siesta Time

A week and a half has gone by already and Samson is doing beautifully. He's a dream come true, one that I've had since I was about ten years old. I just recently turned fifty years old and Samson is my 50th birthday present from my husband Tom. Thank you Tommy for being so supportive and allowing me to fulfill "My Wild Dream"!

It's getting harder and harder to leave Samson and go to work every day! I go to bed thinking and dreaming about him and I wake up anxious to start my day greeting and feeding him, learning and growing with him...

My friend and trainer, Ryan Coaxum
Thank you so much Ryan for helping me find my dream Mustang, Samson!

Day Twelve: I continue to take Samson's halter off and on and I try a little pressure with the lead rope. He pulls away from the lead rope as expected. When I push on his body he pushes back. It will take time to make him understand the concept of yielding to pressure. I continue to groom Samson and run my hands up and down his legs. He does not seem to mind being touched anywhere. He is very mouthy and nibbly but I continue to gently discourage him from this activity. He responds to my corrections without any rebellion or resentment. Samson is a very laid back, pleasant colt.