Asspen is a 1 yo BLM Gelded Burro. He was born at the Ridgecrest Corrals where we picked him up on 10/25/2013. Asspen is being gentled as part of the Humane Society of the United States Platero Project. He will be ready to go home once he leads, loads, and picks up all four feet. His adopter must be approved by the BLM. Bookmark this page, like us on Facebook and subscribe on YouTube to be sure you have the most up to date information available on Asspen’s progress!

February 16, 2014
Asspen now meets all of his adoption requirements and will soon be going home with his new adopter. Here is the latest video!

February 1, 2014
Asspen is starting to pick up his feet nicely. We are also happy to say he is adoption pending!

January 25, 2014
Asspens first day leading over the obstacle course went really well! He’s learning to walk over stepovers and go through the pool noodle obstacles!

Day 31 – November 24, 2013

First leading lesson for Asspen. Haltering wasn’t too much trouble. He was a little sensitive around the muzzle still. Started off with two handlers. Me leading in front and Joe behind to encourage him forward when I would pull. He got the idea of that pretty easy. Once Joe left he wasn’t sure about following so I used the whip to encourage him. By the end of the lesson he was leading pretty easily but is going to definitely need more reinforcement to get lighter and consistent without the use of aids. Overall we are very happy with his progress!

November 16, 2013

Haltering is next plus some more desensitization on the left side of his neck. Asspen is still skeptical but he’s getting better every day!

November 14, 2013

Hand feeding has paid off. Asspen now allows himself to be approached and scratched on the left side of his neck and withers when being fed his morning ration. Slowly but surely!

Day 4-7 – October 28-31, 2013

Continuing to hand feed Aspen. I moved him into the pen with Bedassled hoping his friendliness would help her be more social. Funny enough she’s made great progress but he just wants to hide behind her now! He’ll take food from me but is more hesitant to approach me when he’s sharing a pen with her. This weekend I’ll separate him again and see how things go!

October 27, 2013 –  Day 3

Asspen was much more inquisitive today! He was regularly approaching me in his pen to take a carrot. Almost a night and day difference from yesterday to today. I was sure Bedassled was going to be way easier but now I think Asspen will be the first to come around. He is beginning to even allow me to occasionally stroke his forehead or the side of his muzzle.

October 26, 2013 – Day 2

Asspen was very standoffish today. I sat in his pen as I did with Bedassled and tossed him carrots hoping to encourage him to be brave enough to approach. He showed no desire to eat any carrots that were offered to him. Finally left him with his “trail” of carrots. Came back to his pen and they were gone 😀 So at least we know he does LIKE the carrots. Tried several times but no luck.

Day 1 – October 25, 2013

Here are some pictures of Asspen shortly after he arrived home. We haven’t started working with him yet. Stay tuned for more updates!!