Bella and Glenn's Journal

[Onzy]

GLENN

NAME: Glenn
AGE: 8
BREED: Friesian
COLOR: Black
HEIGHT: 16 Hands

[Onzy]

Glenn wasn't in as bad a condition as some of the other horses. His hooves were slightly overgrown, and his teeth needed some floating, but other than that he was a picture of health. His scarring is more mental than physical, and spending a even a few moments with the gelding brings forth the anger that he has felt. I hope to work past that, and bring out the lovely horse that I get glimpses of through my camera lens.

His fear of dogs is something that I also want to bring to a level of tolerance. Maybe not comfort, but to an extent where he can see a dog without feeling the need to protect himself with extreme violence. He keeps to himself in the yard, standing in the shade of a large tree. He watches me with a wary eye when I bring him his feed, but never approaches me.

I have noticed that he has scarring around his fetlocks, which makes me assume that his previous owners used chains. Even when I come with a halter his reaction is defensive. He is such a beautiful animal, and when I first started taking photos, his reaction to the camera was curiosity and not fear. This tells me that he was never exposed to a camera. I left one of my older cameras in his stall for a few days, just to allow him the chance to get used to it.

His feed is a muesli that is given twice daily, and in the evenings a hot bran mash with mint and molasses.

[Onzy]

Glenn has started accepting my presence in his yard. I have been spending my free time reading or drawing, and he has slowly started noticing and approaching with curiosity. He still stays a good space away, but he grazes with a watchful eye on me. It is progress, and I am just glad that he is finally trusting me.

I bring him small treats in the form of grated carrot and apple. I can't wait for the summer months, as there is a treat that I know and I want to try and introduce it to Glenn. I have also baked horse cookies, that have no sugar in, but are high in fiber and nutrients. I leave them in a treat bucket, as he doesn't approach me out of his own yet.

He tolerates my presence enough to put a halter on, but he won't allow me to move further along his body than his head. His well toned body is coming through, and hopefully sometime in the future he would allow me to ride him, but I won't rush him any further. I first want him to allow me to rub down his whole body.

He is strong, and often pulls me along into the stall. With patience though, it is becoming easier to lead him, and he realises that I am the leader of our two person herd