Sometimes the biggest training milestones happen outside the arena.
Last night's farrier visit brought some exciting progress for several of our Dakota Showdown horses!
Luke calmly stood for all four feet with the farrier. While we expected him to do well, this was an important step because Aspen wasn't here—Luke showed that his manners and trust extend beyond just one handler. Luke is a yearling QH gelding.
Padme didn't need a trim this month, but she still came in for a training session. She stood quietly for the farrier, allowed all four feet to be picked up and cleaned out, and proved just how much confidence she's gaining. Padme is a yearling suspected draft cross/TB filly.
Maysilee reached a huge milestone by standing for her first unsedated trim! All four feet were done, and she even left sporting a new pair of fly boots.
Merrilee also led confidently to the barn for her appointment. Her feet looked great, so the farrier decided she could wait until next month—a win in itself and another positive experience to build on. Maysie & Merri are 6-7 year old female donkey sisters who will be adopted together.
Forrest came in for his hoof check, too. While his feet were already too short to need a trim, we were happy to hear the farrier compliment his hoof quality. Good feet are always something we love to hear! Forrest is a 3-yr-old BLM mustang gelding.
Training isn't just about riding. It's about teaching horses and donkeys to confidently handle the everyday things they'll experience in their future homes—leading, standing tied, handling their feet, and trusting new people.
Every calm farrier visit is another step toward becoming safe, confident, adoptable partners.
Join us for the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23 to meet these incredible horses and donkeys in person, cheer on their progress, and maybe even find your next partner.