Awareness of the outside world. CNN: Exclusive: CDC hopes new ‘Wild to Mild’ ad campaign will tame skepticism about flu vaccines, Goodman, September 6, 2023. Hat tip to M.
CDC: Wild To Mild. Created to be shared. These have been resized, click over for originals. Four because I couldn’t decide on one. Also Lion to Kitten & Elephant to Mouse.
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Phase I was Rodney standing quietly away from the stall while I opened the door. [Rodney’s Spot]
Phase II involves getting from his spot into the stall without a mad dash.
Rodney’s issues. He came to us with a long scar on this left side. We were told it was from a run-in with a stall latch. There is undoubtedly more to the story, but he can definitely get weird about doorways. [Remnant of Rodney’s Past] & [Why Rodney Will Never Be An Outstanding Obstacle Horse]
My issues. I know of two local horses who had bad outcomes after getting a hoof stuck in a stall. So, we build up the ground under the doormat to keep the door as flush as possible. Occasionally, it can take a moment or two to shove the door open.
All of which means that getting himself through the door can become a production.
Would we expect any less of Rodney?
I recognize that there is difference between a horse trotting in with enthusiasm and one dashing through in a panic. The former, hey, what are you gonna do. Then latter they can rush about and run into things, making it worse for themselves. “When Rodney goes into panic mode, he completely loses his proprioception.” [Remnant]
So, we model correctly behavior.
I have to make sure he gets all the way it the stall before I release him. He can be a few feet from the door and still go from zero to run.
How do we do it?
Sometimes, I can talk him through with a calming voice. Easy. Easy. Easy.
Sometimes, I hold his snoot and request that he move quietly.
Sometimes, I use a halter.
A work in progress.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
How about a horse whisperer? Are there horse psychiatrists?
OTOH, you probably know Rodney as much as any professional.
Thanks for sharing the CDC visuals. I hope a lot of people see them. Re Rodney and doorways — so sorry you have to work around like this for something as basic as a doorway, and that he has this bad (painful?) memory.
Can you teach a second spot right inside the door or in the doorway? Or teach him to turn to you for a quiet reward as soon as he goes through so he has to turn to you. I learned from a Control Unleashed (dogs… of course) seminar years ago. Now all my dogs have been trained that when we leave the yard, as soon as they go through the gate, they turn and (mostly) sit and get a treat. Then we proceed to the car. Makes life much easier. Can talk IRL if you want
Drama King strikes again. There’s some good advice here. Thanks for the CDC visuals. I’ll share one or two in my blog, not that it makes any difference. I always get the flu shot – there’s a clinic here for flu shots today – and of all those years, I got the flu once. For a few days. The people who need to hear this, won’t.
Many good ideas, thank you.
As for the campaign, yes, some folks will never be convinced. Maybe it will remind people with good intentions who haven’t gotten around to it yet.