Mom is a monster and Rosie update

It rained and rained today.  I had to go out to the horses and put a coat up over my head like this in an attempt to stay dry.  They were all afraid of me--big surprise when I look like this, right?  lol  Actually, I was surprised that Rosie was afraid because she is very trusting of everything I do to and with her. 

Unfortunately, Rosie didn't trust my voice only.  She kept trotting away from me in fear.  I didn't want to get wet, but I wanted to get her over this, so I finally removed the coat from my head.  She instantly calmed down.  "Mom is back!"  I went over to talk with her, showed her the coat ... no big deal.  I put the coat back up over my head after that and she was still fine with it.   Once she realized it really was me, everything was better.  I even bent down to her face and extended the coat over her head too.  No problem.  I've always thought animals relied mainly on voice and not visual for recognition, but I guess the visual is more important than I thought. 

Rosie is learning to drive/pull a cart.  Training has been hit or miss because of time issues and weather issues.  It's been SO hot and humid this summer.  Once I get home from work, I'm not wanting to battle with heat and flies.  I'm trying very hard to get back on track and do justice for Rosie.  She loves doing things with me and learning new skills.  It makes her happy.  She's a real worker. 

I've taken Rosie for a few trailer rides to go hiking with me and my dog.  I thought it would be good to get her out and away from home and exposed to new things.  She loads without any problem but she HATES it when I leave her in the trailer.  She whinnies, paws, sweats, poops, and pees.  I stick my head in the side door to let her know I'm still in the picture.  It still doesn't matter.  I'm sure she would like it if I could ride in there with her.  Unfortunately, I can't drive the truck and ride in the trailer with her at the same time.  It's also technically illegal to ride in a trailer, I think. 

It kills me to see how upset she gets.  When we arrive at the trail system, she is happy on our hike.  But she starts getting nervous the closer we get back to the horse trailer.  She walks right in the trailer to go home--I know she doesn't want to, but I asked her to do it so she does.  And then the craziness starts all over again.  I have decided to take a break from trailering her--she is stressed and I am stressed.  We will try again in a month or so.  I may have someone else drive the truck and I will ride in back with her for a couple of short rides.  Maybe that will help her calm down and see that things really are OK in the trailer. 

Rosie is my absolute little pumpkin!  I have never loved a horse like I love her.  She is truly a one-of-a-kind horse.  We are very closely bonded.  She will do pretty much anything I ask her to do even if it makes her scared or uncomfortable.  It's the kind of relationship all horse owners strive for.  I feel very blessed.

Here is a picture of Rosie on one of our hikes.