

Opale - Traumatized mare
Opale is a little pony who unfortunately has been mistreated in her past, strapped her hind legs to be bred, among other horrible things that humans have done to her.
Therefore, she defended herself as best she could by being aggressive. She would charge with her ears pinned back when they brought her water in the field. She was impossible to "catch" in the field. She almost ended up in the wrong truck. But her current owner - Sophie - fought to rescue her and give her a second chance.
She gave her the love she needed and Opale gave her love in return. Despite this, she was still wary and fearful of walking out in hand, etc. A year after her rescue, I met Sophie at David Lichman's course, which my mother and I had organized. Sophie asked me if I could help her deepen their relationship. I gladly agreed. My method was to go at her pace so as not to "break her spirit". Slowly but surely! That's the best way, especially after a traumatic past. I really went over all the basics on foot, as if she knew nothing. Sophie and I worked together, which gave her the right tools to move forward without looking back.
When I started, she was always anxious and distrustful. She wouldn't let herself be "caught" in the pasture, wouldn't give her hind legs, when someone tried to ride her, she would throw them off. She was very afraid to the point of throwing herself on the ground when hay was thrown next to her, so there were a lot of basics to review so that she would accept me and trust me.
After 1 year of work (2020-2021), Opale is now so happy, confident and playful. We finished her rehabilitation with the completion of backing at the 3 gaits, walks outside without big scares, being able to approach her and halter her in the field without difficulty, taking her front and hind legs without having to sedate her, to the point of being able to have fun with her at liberty among many other improvements.





