Halter Breaking Begins!

Day five at Ranch Kildare.

Halter breaking has begun. Leah's hurt leg and Jacob's broken halter forced the issue and we dove in. Literally.

After gently but persistently approaching Leah she laid down and let me touch her. I was able to pet her and get her adjusted halter back on.

Rachel was less cooperative. Brian had to hold her in a headlock while we attached her lead rope. Fortunately her halter was still in place and in working order so the ordeal was over quickly.

Jacob was downright bull-headed. A chase ensued and after giving up on the gentle approach, Brian was finally able to grab his halter and wrestle him to the ground. Brian had to hold Jacob down while I removed his broken halter. It was messy but effective. We got the newly fashioned homemade rope halter in place and tied Jake out for a short while. I don't think he liked it.

Day six at Ranch Kildare.

The cows really like their barn. They have figured out that room service delivers hay, feed, and fresh water while housekeeping tidies up the not so fresh piles.

Today Leah let me pet her again and calmly allowed me to attach her lead rope. I brought her out into the barnyard and she ate from Henry's hand. Jacob is still not liking his rope halter. He flops down and plays dead when we try to lead him. He's learning that we are stubborn too, and we are learning not to give him too much rope.