Arwen

June of 2014 I started playing with a mare named Arwen.  My own horse Riva was unsound and after spending many dollars treating her lameness I decided to turn her out for a year and ride other horses.  Arwen seemed like an interesting girl as she did not like to be caught and had some issues with humans. 
So I started the process of getting to know her and the first step of course was to be able to catch her. I spent a number of hours hanging out in the field with her and just being there offering treats etc. It took about 3 days before I was able to clip a lead on her and that was after offering food and walking away instead of grabbing her while she ate. 
She still has issues with being caught but I am trying something a little different.  When I am finished riding her instead of just turning her out I walk with her back out to her herd and let her go there.  The idea being that if you just desert them at the gate you are just dropping them into an un safe situation.  If you just leave them at the gate many times they  go galloping back to their friends calling. I do remember how many times I have seen this happen over the years. By going with them to the herd you are kind of transferring  them back and they know that they are free again.  Well this seems to be improving our catching and joining up with more success. I have not had to walk around after her for a few days now and she is allowing me to walk up more easily although I still don't rush it.   Looks like it is helping her feel more confident and comfortable.