Solid

I move the scary thing around and on Zum’s body, backing away with the scary thing if Zum moves or seems anxious. I make sure Zum is solid at one threat level before moving on to a bigger threat level. I never scold Zum if he reacts to the threat by moving. I try to remain calm. I patiently work through the progression to teach Zum not to move his feet when he is frightened. When Zum couldn’t handle all the scary things in the neighbor’s arena, he reared and bucked and ran off. I was calm and patient and I did not scold Zum. My neighbor scolded Zum which only made Zum angry. I have learned that Zum can only handle so much at one time.

Anxious

Before Zum gets anxious, I put the scary object down. Then I pick it up, move closer and lay it down again. I keep working through this sequence until I can touch Zum with the scary object and he stays calm and still.

Scare

The scare at my neighbor’s arena was too big for my colt to handle. He regressed emotionally, feeling hostility towards people when he used to feel friendliness and curiosity. So I have to start at the beginning, training my colt in a non-threatening manner. He used to trust tarps so I pick up a tarp and show it to him.