I love how slow and easy you are taking this.  Thumbs up from me!!!  Keep taking it slow and spend lots of time lovin' on her, showing her that you're someone she can trust.  With mistreated horses, it's so important to earn their respect, rather than demand it.  She's young, so you have a lot of time with her! 

Slow and easy is great, but remember, not slow and sneaky.  You don't want to make her suspicious or mistrust you.  Sounds like you've already got that all figured out though and you're well on your way to growing a strong bond with her.  Great job!

 It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with her.  Taking it slow and easy is the best way to do it...even with horses that aren't abused or mistreated.  She will learn to trust you...although it sounds like you are already gaining her trust.  

I use a clicker and treats with my gelding.  What a wonderful training tool if used correctly.  I highly recommend it!  You can make great strides with horses that are motivated by food!  It is a great way to get their attention and get them focused.  

 Keep up your great work.  It sounds like you are on the right track.  I would just continue what you are doing...breaking every new bit of training into small pieces so she doesn't get overloaded or stressed.  Set her up for success. 

Dreamer will be started under saddle around Christmas. I can lead her and lounge, pick up her feet and clean them, also brush all of her and have had a blanket on her and off her several times. She is still a little jumpy at things but does not pull me around, if anything she keeps her head to me for safety. My husband calls her my shadow. I have him working with her also so she gets used to others around her. Thats the latest udate on a horse they said was untouchable and untrainable to the point that they were going to put her down.

Wow, that is awesome! Congrats on all your hard work starting to pay off :)  Please do continue to post updates on your progress with Dreamer!

Funny story about my rescue filly - I was out in the pasture over the weekend with my BO to check on the new boarder (BO's mare chased the new mare down the hill into the bramble patch ).  Sunny started to come to me and suddenly stopped cold as she realized the BO was beside me.  Sunny let out that nervous snort, and made a WIDE circle around us.  Silly goose - I guess she just doesn't quite trust the BO even though the woman feeds them and fills their water trough.  LOL!  I guess 5 months hasn't been long enough for Sunny to decide that the BO is OK and not a horse eater.

Hahahaha Blue.  You should nickname her FunnySunny, LOL!

OP, it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your mare!  Please do keep us posted.

Wow, Thats a great story. I just read all the posts.You should do the same a see how far you have come. Most people wouldn't have the patience for a horse like that. I commend you on your dillagence(sp?). I hope you can always keep her. She is a lucky girl. Bless you:)

wow, shes really come a long way. congrats! sounds like all she needed was a lot of TLC, given by somebody who actaully knows a thing or two about horse psychology. i would advise that you talk to a trainer (a really good one at that, who has lotsa experience with rescue-horses) and ask if they'll help you in continuing her education. good luck!

That's wonderful news about how far you've come with your horse.  Keep up the great work.

 

Blue, that's funny about Sunny...silly horse

 

Dreamer has had a saddle (both English and Western) set on her. not cinched yet, I want her to get used to the sight and feel of them. She backs, stands and picks up her feet on command. Still has issues with strangers but slowly getting there. She is mainly afraid of men...It has been too cold here to do much work with her so I'm keeping up on everyday stuff and will try saddling and ridding when warmer weather comes. I want ot think everyone for their input and support. I am looking for a trainer near me that might be able to help out some. Thanks again... 

she took to saddle fine and now has a farrier working on her feet. My granddaughter can also bursh all of her and clean her front feet. She has a little attitud once in awhile(spoiled) but it quickly changes when she is put in her place. She is getting so she loves to be brushed actually falls asleep. Can do almost anything with her now. In 5 months she has come so far and I am glad I saved her. She is a joy to be with now and looks for me all the time when I come home. It will be great to ride with her and let her know it can be fun and relaxing for her too.

Wow, what an awesome update about your Dreamer! Keep up the good work with your girl!

I agree with Blue....what an awesome update!!!!   It's wonderful to hear about horses that end up loving the "human companionship".

Sounds like you are making wonderful progress with Dreamer.  I commend your slow and steady training methods.  Please, remember to continue that note through saddle training.  A lot of people get in a hurry as soon as a horse will accept a saddle, but there are many aspects of saddle training that just take time.  Rushing often results in undesirable traits that are hard to ever "train out".  Slow and steady all the way.

UPDATE:  Dreamer let the farrier do all four hooves. It took an hour last time just to get near her. She has some issues but after about 5 or 6 times having them done she will be great. I am going with natural hoof care she does not need shoes so barefoot is fine. Next step vet and shots. I'm not sure how to get her ready for that. But will do my best..