Nice and Easy

So now that Rooster is doing better I am adding a new concept to his routine:)! I dont work him everyday since he is a youngster and before the only time I could touch him was after he had a nice workout to get him less reactive. Well I know he is ready so this morning I haltered him(which in itself is a huge accomplishment i try not to forget:) ) and groomed him in the barn. It went great he stood to be groomed(which involves his biggest fear of being touched), and i picked his front feet. Back feet we are still working on so it wasnt the time. Then I fly sprayed him which he handled with minimal movement. He is very defensive of his sensitive areas so i decided to do some ear work! In the past i could touch his ears but not apply pressure or grab them. So we did some face and neck softening then moved to ear softening. The key with Rooster is that he doesnt feel trapped. So I touch ear when he softens and lowers his head I let go. It took him no time for him to let me squeeze his ears relaxed with his head down. Then more brushing which he stands for but hasnt decided he enjoys yet:) then out to pasture. Another huge accomplishment is that he lowers his head to have halter removed and keeps his head low after it is removed. He also stands to make sure i am done and walk away before he leaves! This is such a great thing for him. I cant believe he did so well straight out of the stall! This shows me huge improvement and i know this routine added a few days a week is really going to get him enjoying me more! Sorry no pics I was flying solo this morn:)