Aster

Aster is a hard nut to crack. Haven Mountain took in this mini-mule with very special considerations. Aster is young, she was bred for her coat—a beautiful spray of star-like spots and white socks up to her knees. We know a little about Aster, but it mostly boils down to Aster was born in a field and had very little human contact. She showed obvious signs of abuse, including lumps on her head that were the result of blows with a club. Aster’s mane had been shaved off completely, for reasons unknown.

When Aster came to the farm she wasn’t just shy, she was terrified. She could barely be handled, and wouldn’t be led at all. We had to corral Aster into a double stall,

Everyday we fed Aster, made sure she had water, and kept her stall clean. Everyday we would talk to Aster, and sing to her, and offer her an outstretched hand. Slowly, Aster came around. She would watch us with the other animals, she saw that no one was treated violently, that everyone was fed. And little by little, Aster came around.

As Aster got use to our routines we gave her more and more freedom. When she was agreeable on the lead, we began to turn her out in the training pen. Aster is still timid, but she has learned the joy of having her butt scratched. It’s an obvious struggle between trusting us, verses how she was treated in the past, but Aster makes little steps forward everyday.