Cesar tried to injure me yesterday in a jealous fit. This is not the story I was thinking I would write about this last day of the year 2025.

Because the weather was so beautiful, we decided to spend time working with the Mustang fillies. You can check out most of it on the YouTube live I streamed yesterday. The girls were doing phenomenally well. They got groomed, saddled, and then we decided to take them for a walk in hand with their saddles on. They did great.

We walked them out where the other horses were running free. The rest of the herd ignored us, except for Cesar and Donkey who followed along hoping for a treat. Personally, I thought, this is great, we can exercise the four of them at the same time. Was Cesar angrily stalking around us like usual. Of course, I didn’t think much of it because that is pretty much how he always is most of the time until he gets attention. So I figured he got a little testy with the girls, we could do a few trot steps and get some space from him, and he would be harmless. Which was true for the most part.

The girls didn’t show an ounce of bucking or or concern with their saddles, and it was the very first time for Chilli to have a person sit in a saddle on her, and she was perfect!

We continued our walk and still Cesar followed along, just sort of trying to be bothersome to the fillies, and again, I didn’t think much because I figured it was good for him to get some exercise, too.

The next thing I knew I was concentrating on leading Natalia around an obstacle, when Ceasar decided to take off into a full gallop and side swipe me off my feet from behind. I got sacked. He hit me so hard I slid along with the ground flat on my face, while he galloped full speed off into the distance back to the herd. Luckily he didn’t kick me, step on me, or actually attack me. He just made a very bold statement about his opinion.

Luckily, I was not seriously injured in any way. I am just bruised up from the impact and a little road rash. I lost Natalia’s lead rope in the process, and she danced around nervously for a few seconds, unsure if she should gallop off with Uncle Cesar or stay with her sister Chilli. Want to guess what choice she made? Or why Cesar did what he did? Or how we could or should have handled the whole thing differently? What a way to end 2025, feeling like a total idiot.

Today I am grateful I didn’t get more injured yesterday, and for the challenge of trying to understand Cesar and what makes him behave the way he does, as he makes me a better horse person. Clearly he does not feel as loved as he should, and clearly it's personal with me. I am grateful for Natlaia, and Chilli, and so proud of them both, as their behavior is remarkable, and wonderful, and a true testament to the reliable repeatability of how using only R+ training builds the best bonds between people and animals. Honestly, I am grateful 2025 is behind us after today, and that 2026 is the year of the horse. I would like to think it means for a better, less stressful year full of confidence in the team around me to bring their very best so that we can accomplish more, which is primarily helping people and make their lives better. I am grateful I woke up today.

I often say, make today the best day of your life. So, was yesterday the best day of my life? Actually, it was pretty darn close despite my little Cesar mishap. Seeing Chilli and Natalia so easily and confidently accept all the steps up to being saddled and then going for a walk about with those saddles on, and being so happy and confident and unbothered, is so heartwarming. It is hard to put into words what it feels like to accomplish tasks with an animal, and have the animal not only understand what you are asking, but happily comply and enjoy completing the task with you as much as they do. That in itself is addictive. Accomplishing some mutual task between yourself and an animal, it’s reassuring we are doing the right things, it’s reassuring we are worthy of love, attention, and compliance (because we are a good leader and teacher), and, it’s hard to put into words how much communicating effectively with an animal, can enrich our lives. I would not want to live in a world without animals. Or, animal lovers. I appreciate you, you Animal Loving Angel, for understanding, and for always doing your best. And if helping us with tractor repairs, or buying another semi load of hay is possible, just know we are grateful for any and all the help we can get https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Resqranch

​ Welcome to the last day of 2025! You have the power to make it the best day of the whole dar

n year, so I challenge you today to make it so! Wouldn’t that be something to put in your journal? Why not, am I right? It’s your last chance with 2025 so make the very most of it. Have an especially wonderful day, and if you got out tonight, please get home safely. No matter what you do, have fun, Doctor’s orders!

​Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq