We've Turned a Corner...

[NoniMe]

Me and my boy...we have turned a corner.

Over the last few weeks, I've noticed an interesting thing...even given an entire, huge, arena to run around in, if I'm sitting on the fence, he won't. Occasionally he'll bail in a grand circle and call and act the silly fool, but within moments he comes right back for petting, loving, and just standing there with me. He'll do this over and over again, each time coming to me for lovies and scritches.

Yesterday, Tango was loose in the big arena, and, of course, someone wanted to ride. I went to pull Tango, but she said "no, let's see what happens." I'm not a big fan of "let's see" kind of stuff, but I know the horse, and I know the rider, and trust both of them...what I didn't know was what Tango'd do...would he be possessive? Want to play with the other horse? Be a snot and get aggressive?? I decided to see what happened...and let her come in without pulling Tango.

Tango, after greeting the horse and rider at the gate (and never trying to get out of it...), stood with me, and just hung out at my side. The other rider would pass me and Tango, and he'd just look and say 'hi', and then go back to hanging out with me. We stayed there for a good 10 minutes, and he didn't ever lay his ears, be a snot, or even think about leaving.

What I realized was that he prefers my company to other horses...and that's huge.

And just to note, Tango has a new trick. I'll unlatch his stall gate, stand back, ask if I can come in, and he'll push the gate open for me...and then step back. He does not do that for others - I asked someone else to try...but no go. He will open doors for me, though, and doesn't bail if I'm slow at getting it shut behind me.

We have indeed turned a corner; and it's pretty darned neat.

Just thought I'd share...

Best-
Noni

[tricia3kids]

Awh, how wonderful to read of your connection. It is a feeling that is difficult to put into words. I have followed your journey, may you continue to grow together as eventually one in motion.

[Jean Genie]

A gentleman that will still open doors for a lady ! And I thought that was a grace from the past .

[Pony express]

It's great to see how close you two are becomming. Keep up the good work!!!

[country-mare]

That's great.
I look forward to having that connection
with Jack one day.

[rm185western]

That is truly awesome, I take great heart from your updates, I'm hoping that I can get that sort of connection with Mr Gilmore.

I bet you have a mile wide smile today

[NoniMe]

You're right, Tricia...it is hard to put into words. It's the little things, like him staying near me rather than hanging out with other horses, or him opening the door (tee hee...my horse is a gentleman...)...little things like that are the clues that I see which tell me that we're making progress.

Mind you, there are days where I'd cheerfully send him packing, but those times pass...and these little things are definitely what makes me take heart on days where I can't seem to get it right, and neither can he...

I'm too tired to have a huge grin, but I'll tell you, I have a warm feeling when I think about how far we've come, and how special he really is...and when little things become a realization like this one, it really makes me feel 'satisfied' somehow...like hard work paying off does.

Best-
Noni

[beezwing]

That is so awesome Noni..
You and your boy

[snwflk]

That is so sweet! He loves his MAMA- awwww

[RenosGirl]

wow you and tango have gone a long way, thats great to hear.


neat trick btw I think my horse needs to learn that one

[NoniMe]

It is awesome, Beez...simply awesome.

Snflk, he does love me, or whatever passes for that in horse emotionland...and I absolutely love him. It's been tough, and it's been rough, and it's amazing and astounding and just sometimes unbelievable how tightly bonded we've become. And sometimes, I just sit there and watch him, and think "that mighty beastie loves me. Me." Who'd've thunk it a year and change ago?? But he does love me...and the feeling is completely mutual. Even last night, once I was finished riding, I was talking with someone over the fence. I looped his reins over his neck, loosened his girth, and stood talking with this guy for about 20 minutes...Tango never wandered off. Very cool.

Reno, if I knew how I taught him, I'd give you the tricks. But I am not at all sure how he picked up on that...but he does it without fail. What is amazing is that he almost invites me in, you know? I ask, he pushes...it's like he's saying 'yeah, Mom, come in...gimme hugs.' Which of course I do. I just don't know how he learned that. He is super smart, so I figure he just 'thought' it through, and the reward is getting hugged. Or something. That's Tango...through and through.

Best-
Noni

[Carri]

I think that is so cool, the great connection that you have with Tango. He is a wonderful boy, and you have done a great thing sticking with him through all of the tough times you guys have had. He is showing you he appreciates it!

[scrapchick]

Great strides, Noni. You have earned Tangoman Fancypants love, that's for sure.

[AngelPA]

Oh Noni, every one of your stories inspires me and helps me develope into a more" in tuned" horsewomen, and deeper wtih my own realtionship with my mare. Give the big giant a snuggle for me!

[ahlihaff]

Noni, do you realize how HUGE that is? I guess you do!! To be more important to Tango than anything else is what we all should strive for with our own horses, and what I am working to be with Ahliver. Helps to make us safer.

[NoniMe]

I don't think I outrank food yet...but yes, it's huge. It's fascinating, and intruiging, and indeed huge.

Carri and Scrappie, it's indeed been an earned thing with him. While I've adored him from the moment I laid eyes on me, the feeling was not exactly mutual. LOL. We have come a ways, though...and it's been worth every ache, pain, bruise and tear that's come along.

Angel, when I see him tomorrow, I'll cuddle on him for you. Deal?

Thanks guys. We both appreciate all the help, advice, and support you all have given us. We're really appreciative.

Best-
Noni

[HorseMomToSage]

Noni-
What a great story-it's so inspirational-I read it and wanted to run out and hug Sage around his neck. What a wonderful relationship you guys have and so well deserved after your hard work. He truly does love you and it must be such a great feeling.

[NoniMe]

What was really sweet of him was one evening, after riding, a woman and her three kids were there. Kids ranged in age from maybe 3 to 8 or so. They all wanted to touch Tango...I led the oldest around on Tango three times, and she loved it. We even 'trotted'. The middle girl didn't want to ride, but picked up Tango's foot, gave him treats, and led him 'round (with me right there) the arena. And the littlest one, a little charming boy, gave Tango treats, poked his foot, and renamed him 'Bongo Mountain'.

Tango did everything I asked, when I asked, and never once thought twice about these little folks. He was called Bongo the Mountain...took treats gently, and when the little boy forgot to open his hand, Tango just waited without getting nosey for the little boy to open his hand and let Bongo Mountain have the treat. It was like Tango was aware that the little boy had fingers in the way, and as pushy as Tango can be for the treat, he didn't get that way at all.

Was I proud of Bongo Mountain??? I sure was. It wasn't too long ago that I would've been very concerned about Tango behaving properly...but he was so calm and gentle and willing to be patient with these little people, I was close to tears of pride.

That's my boy...Bongo Mountain Tangoman.

Best-
Noni

[Horse_Orderly]

That's so awesome.

[BornToRide]

Yay!!!!
I so clearly remember all the trials and tribulations you went through with mister Tango...they seem so far away.
What a great boy

Anyway, congratulations. What a wonderful accomplishment.