Tango Trusts Me

NoniMe · 08-14-2008, 10:46 PM

O.K., so Tango is just a good boy, even if he has his faults.

He's been being really cinchy, and really stubborn about picking up the left lead. He's not sick, so I figured while the chiro was coming out, I'd get him evaluated and adjusted, if necessary.

I had asked that I be there, because I don't always trust Tango to behave if I'm not there. And because I'm a control freak and want to be there when someone is doing something to my horse.

Well, I got there, and was putting on my boots (I'd come from school...), and the chiro came over. He entered Tango's stall, and I wasn't ready yet. Tango bailed to the back of the stall, and stood there, ears twitching and just looking scared. I told the chiro 'lemme get him', and came in, and Tango immediately came to me, pushed his head in my chest, and nickered. I loved on him for a few moments, and then we started.

Tango was out in a few places, and each time the chiro got ready to push it back in, he'd say to me 'head's up, he might go up'. I always replied 'not with me here...he'll be all right.' And I was right - he didn't go up at all, never showed any aggression, and was just a good boy. Yes, his head popped up a few times, he flinched and whatnot, but all four feet stayed on the ground, and he behaved well. He always brought his head 'round to me for lovies, too, after he flinched.

What was wonderful was that I really saw how he looks to me for reassurance and safety. Here's this strange guy standing on a step ladder next to him, pushing and pulling Tango's body around...and when Tango was concerned, I'd just stroke his nose, or kiss his eye, and he'd relax totally.

We've come a long way from when I got him - where he was so headshy the vet couldn't examine his mouth...to this, where he's developed enough confidence and security in me to know that he'll be all right, as long as I'm there.

I'm thrilled. To know the heart of this mighty beastie is in my hands is amazing, and poignant. To know he trusts me that much is incredible, and to know where we came from and where we are now is simply a trip.

Just thought I'd share.

Best-
Noni

Crookedblaze · 08-14-2008, 10:48 PM

Aww, how cute! That really touches my heart. Isn't it just the most amazing thing when your horse comes to you looking for comfort?

Horselessnomore · 08-14-2008, 11:02 PM

Way to go Noni!! In the short time that I have been a member here, you and Tango have come a long way. I love your stories about Tango and always open anything with "Tango" in the title a.s.a.p. Sounds like your horse trusts you completely, which is a good thing (to quote Martha Stewart

). Definitely, keep up the great work with him!!

Gotta Love Duns · 08-14-2008, 11:16 PM

Thats wonderful Noni!

NoniMe · 08-15-2008, 12:07 AM

Thanks, guys. I have to say, it's pretty darn cool to be able to calm him down simply by looking at him. It's even more cool to know he's not going to pop up, even if pain is happening, simply because I'm the one holding him. And it's most cool to know that he looks to me for that security.

I forgot to add that I said something to the effect of 'he's a good boy, isn't he?' and the chiro replying 'you can see how much he loves and trusts you. He wouldn't let me near him, but the moment you came in, he came right to you and let me come, too.'

Now, this is not to say that he listens to me completely, especially when we're riding. He still isn't sure about me on him, but that's mostly my fault because I am still learning all the cues, aids, and basic stuff. But I think once I get that stuff dialed in, he'll be ever so much more confident under me.

In the beginning, when I'd get discouraged or worried, and post about whatever struggle we were facing, there would be posts made saying 'in a year, you'll look back and see how far you've come.' I gotta say the posters were right...I wasn't sure I believed them then, but I most certainly do...we've come a long, wonderful way.

Best-
Noni

Bonanza · 08-17-2008, 12:03 AM

That is so awesome - isn't it the best feeling in the world when you know you have formed a bond of trust that goes both ways! Tango is so blessed to have you as his best friend - I am so happy for you!!!

annem · 08-17-2008, 05:41 PM

Yes, you have come a long way. I can remember all the trials and tribulations that you went through not with just learning how to ride and handle Tango, but with the boarding facilities etc., too. You have come a long way and as someone else posted, when I seen your name or Tango's name in the posting I have to see what you are up to next. On top of that, you do write a good story.

Carri · 08-17-2008, 08:04 PM

That is so cool! There is no doubt about the bond between you and your boy!

merleliz · 08-17-2008, 08:20 PM

Wow, that is great Noni...gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to think of how much he must love you to trust you so absolutely!

country-mare · 08-17-2008, 09:03 PM

I also love to hear Tango stories.
You have such a way of telling them, that just
makes me smile.
Sounds like Tango was a really good boy, and
needs a special treat.

Knightrider · 08-18-2008, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annem

Yes, you have come a long way. I can remember all the trials and tribulations that you went through not with just learning how to ride and handle Tango, but with the boarding facilities etc., too. You have come a long way and as someone else posted, when I seen your name or Tango's name in the posting I have to see what you are up to next. On top of that, you do write a good story.

Ditto to that!!!

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08-14-2008, 10:46 PM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,091	Tango Trusts Me O.K., so Tango is just a good boy, even if he has his faults. He's been being really cinchy, and really stubborn about picking up the left lead. He's not sick, so I figured while the chiro was coming out, I'd get him evaluated and adjusted, if necessary. I had asked that I be there, because I don't always trust Tango to behave if I'm not there. And because I'm a control freak and want to be there when someone is doing something to my horse. Well, I got there, and was putting on my boots (I'd come from school...), and the chiro came over. He entered Tango's stall, and I wasn't ready yet. Tango bailed to the back of the stall, and stood there, ears twitching and just looking scared. I told the chiro 'lemme get him', and came in, and Tango immediately came to me, pushed his head in my chest, and nickered. I loved on him for a few moments, and then we started. Tango was out in a few places, and each time the chiro got ready to push it back in, he'd say to me 'head's up, he might go up'. I always replied 'not with me here...he'll be all right.' And I was right - he didn't go up at all, never showed any aggression, and was just a good boy. Yes, his head popped up a few times, he flinched and whatnot, but all four feet stayed on the ground, and he behaved well. He always brought his head 'round to me for lovies, too, after he flinched. What was wonderful was that I really saw how he looks to me for reassurance and safety. Here's this strange guy standing on a step ladder next to him, pushing and pulling Tango's body around...and when Tango was concerned, I'd just stroke his nose, or kiss his eye, and he'd relax totally. We've come a long way from when I got him - where he was so headshy the vet couldn't examine his mouth...to this, where he's developed enough confidence and security in me to know that he'll be all right, as long as I'm there. I'm thrilled. To know the heart of this mighty beastie is in my hands is amazing, and poignant. To know he trusts me that much is incredible, and to know where we came from and where we are now is simply a trip. Just thought I'd share. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

08-14-2008, 10:48 PM
Crookedblaze Started Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,458	Aww, how cute! That really touches my heart. Isn't it just the most amazing thing when your horse comes to you looking for comfort? __________________ Owned by Rocketman, a 17 year old AQHA and Stormy, a 10 year old Peruvian Paso x Arab

08-14-2008, 11:02 PM
Horselessnomore Long Yearling Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,343	Way to go Noni!! In the short time that I have been a member here, you and Tango have come a long way. I love your stories about Tango and always open anything with "Tango" in the title a.s.a.p. Sounds like your horse trusts you completely, which is a good thing (to quote Martha Stewart ). Definitely, keep up the great work with him!!

08-14-2008, 11:16 PM
Gotta Love Duns Bombproof Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dixonville, Alberta Posts: 7,965	Thats wonderful Noni! __________________ A penny saved is a penny you can spend on your next horse.

08-15-2008, 12:07 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,091	Thanks, guys. I have to say, it's pretty darn cool to be able to calm him down simply by looking at him. It's even more cool to know he's not going to pop up, even if pain is happening, simply because I'm the one holding him. And it's most cool to know that he looks to me for that security. I forgot to add that I said something to the effect of 'he's a good boy, isn't he?' and the chiro replying 'you can see how much he loves and trusts you. He wouldn't let me near him, but the moment you came in, he came right to you and let me come, too.' Now, this is not to say that he listens to me completely, especially when we're riding. He still isn't sure about me on him, but that's mostly my fault because I am still learning all the cues, aids, and basic stuff. But I think once I get that stuff dialed in, he'll be ever so much more confident under me. In the beginning, when I'd get discouraged or worried, and post about whatever struggle we were facing, there would be posts made saying 'in a year, you'll look back and see how far you've come.' I gotta say the posters were right...I wasn't sure I believed them then, but I most certainly do...we've come a long, wonderful way. Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

08-17-2008, 12:03 AM
Bonanza Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,029	That is so awesome - isn't it the best feeling in the world when you know you have formed a bond of trust that goes both ways! Tango is so blessed to have you as his best friend - I am so happy for you!!! __________________ It's hard to stumble when you're on your knees.

08-17-2008, 05:41 PM
annem Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 1,684	Yes, you have come a long way. I can remember all the trials and tribulations that you went through not with just learning how to ride and handle Tango, but with the boarding facilities etc., too. You have come a long way and as someone else posted, when I seen your name or Tango's name in the posting I have to see what you are up to next. On top of that, you do write a good story. __________________ Anne

08-17-2008, 08:04 PM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	That is so cool! There is no doubt about the bond between you and your boy! __________________

08-17-2008, 08:20 PM
merleliz Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairburn, Georgia Posts: 1,183	Wow, that is great Noni...gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to think of how much he must love you to trust you so absolutely! __________________ Proud sponsor of one humpbacked whale named Onyx and a wild mustang mare named Sope.

08-17-2008, 09:03 PM
country-mare Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fred, Texas Posts: 1,422	I also love to hear Tango stories. You have such a way of telling them, that just makes me smile. Sounds like Tango was a really good boy, and needs a special treat.