Opinions on mini mule

[Silver City Heritage Farmstead]

I put some hay in the feed pan and pulled it closer to me....and he pulled it back

That ^^^^^^^^^^ is proof positive that he's feeling safer around you. He wouldn't have done it if he thought there'd be repercussions.

Between him doing that, peeking at you, and always being inquisitive at the door (I just wanted to smooshie smoosh smooth his cheeks in that looking up pic!) I believe you'll be making quick progress now.

I've always loved the sweet energy coming from him!! He's a great example of why I'm thinking my next equine will be a mule.

 

[Capriole]

It took me three days, trying different ways before I was finally able to catch Kazoo. I almost caught him the very first time, but he shook it off.....then he was on to my evil plan
Friday I caught him the first time I tried....managed to get a rope on his halter (a very lightweight thin rope, because I couldn't get anywhere near him with a regular lead rope.....he knew exactly what that was).....then Saturday he had broken the rope, and only had about 15" hanging from his halter (it had been about 5 ft....started longer but I kept cutting it shorter....I was worried about him getting it coiled around his leg or something).
So, I'll have to try again tomorrow....decided to give him (and me ) the weekend off.
On the plus side, while he was running around trying to avoid me he had ropes over his neck, his back, around his butt, between his legs and none of it phased him at all.
I was able to rub his forehead a few times on Friday.

 

[Willow Flats]

Yay! Good job! Maybe now you can catch him rub his forehead and release right away each day until it's no big deal. You two are on your way!!!

 

[MaryFlora]

Way to go Capriole! That is huge! I think your patient approach is building a solid foundation for the long term.

If mini mules are like donkeys they have a life span of up to 40 years or more. Think of the adventures!

 

[HersheyMint]

Woo Hoo!! How exciting. He is on his way to coming around to you

 

[Silver City Heritage Farmstead]

Does he hold his breath when you get really close to him? It seems like it in the rubbing forehead picture. These pictures also show him much more worried and tense than in your other pictures.

I wonder how you could give him choices? Like you do with dogs..."This toy or that one. Go left or right while on this walk." Somehow, I get the impression that not having a choice is a very big concern for him.

 

[Kelly]

Oh yeah Silver City, at this point he wouldn’t get a choice with me … maybe later on, but not right now.

Capriole that is AWESOME! Great job! Keep up the good work!

My vote is to keep forcing yourself upon him to continue to make big strides. He will eventually get use to your wicked ways Lots of scratches and lots of treats, extending the time you have with him everyday. He will be puddy in your hands in no time

 

[Capriole]

Thank you everyone!
I managed to get another rope on his halter....this one has a 192 lb safe loading weight ( I think that's how the packaging worded it) so, hopefully he won't break this one.
He is definitely more worried and stressed, and really wary of me now ....I feel bad, but I don't think we would have gotten anywhere going the way we were....I'm thinking I may back off a little bit since we aren't going to make this farrier visit (he called and said he's coming this Thursday...earlier than expected....but, I don't think an extra week or two was going to make a difference anyway) I'll ask him his opinion on how much longer Kazoo can go before we HAVE to have him trimmed.

I wondered about giving him a choice....like if I should just back off when he doesn't want me to touch him...well, he never WANTS me to touch him, but most of the time he'll let me...at least for a few seconds....but, today he did back up and try to walk away. I gave him a few seconds then tried again until he let me, then I let him go. But, I was wondering if maybe I should back off for a while when he does that...so he knows if he's really not up to it I won't force him...but, then I'm afraid he'll just continue to do that?

So far my plan (such as it is) is to have really short sessions with him, just working on being close to him, scratching his forehead if he seems ok with it , mixed in with being in his stall/turnout but not trying to do anything with him...so he doesn't always expect me to be harassing him.
Poor little guy.....