The Barn is rustling with excitement as Jim and Ringo get closer to there performance debut Many of us have been enjoying observing the layers of thoughtful training as they develop a relationship together. They have moved into the faze where they are moving unified and balanced....... its shear poetry to watch!

Confidence and trust creates relaxation

Sage Creek the barn that Ringo calls home is getting ready for a show. The atmosphere is exuding in big show energy. Jim uses the opportunity to expose Ringo to many new sights and sounds. Tractors , trucks ,trailers ,vendors unloading there trailers, dogs, chairs, tables huge show energy to create a opportunity for growth.

Ringo The Mustang

Let the pictures do the talking

Ringo The Mustang

The first day in the round corral Ringo was introduced to the lariat as an extension of Jim's arm.
The fragile Mustang started to except a little direction while working on the end of the rope, this ultimately resulted in powerful steps towards relaxation and trust.

Jim deeply feels trust needs to come first so relaxation can fallow.

The preparatory work from the first day ultimately lead to a successful introduction to the halter and saddle the next day.

Day four Jim had developed enough of a relationship that he was able to ride Ringo.
Like brand new friends they had all the right elements, Ringo and Jim moved through the gaits with confidence.

Onlookers from the side of the round corral where both moved and inspired that Jim and his new Mustang friend were moving forward with equal amounts of trust and belief in each other!

Ringo the Mustang

Jim Hicks Is from the high desert country of Nevada. The wild born Mustang is no stranger to this humble trainer/clinician. Jim arrived to the Palomino valley holding facility on June 14 2008. The Mustang that had been picked for him had come from Wall Canyon Nevada. Jim drove 600 miles from Heber City Utah, to pick up this special equine soul. Jim first caught a glimpse of the red 4 year old gelding as he was being sent through the corral system. The first over all impression for Jim was that he looked almost more like a quarter horse than a Mustang.

The first moment that he observed the mustang, Jim realized that nature was alive and well. His instinct to flight or fight was showing in heightened self preservation as the horse was being pushed up into the trailer.

The first moment of pure curiosity resulted in the first touch between Jim and this wild mustang soul. Jim draped his arm over the top rail of the trailer and waited patiently while the little red mustang eased up to him and reached out his soft muzzle and touched Jim. This was the magical start of the journey to the Extreme Mustang Makeover!