Trailering

For some reason say the word trailer in my home or take horse somewhere, and the truck and/or trailer hears you and acts up.   Today is the back tire of truck.  I've connected trailer to truck (Albert says WASH THE TRUCK AND TRAILER) like that's going to fix it.  Anyway, put trailer on truck and noticed rear tire sort of flat.  Albert takes truck to get tire filled.  Today it's a tiny bit low.  Tomorrow I"m on my own, he's working, so it's on me to put air, whatever it needs. 

Fiona and I take off for the other side of town today technically so she can meet and greet with Kim's horses and freak out over the fence...then get turned out with them so we can have a quiet clinic (prior and proper preparation, right?). 

I"M EXCITED!  Kelly Sigler is coming here on Tuesday/Wednesday for a private clinic for Kim and me.  This is JUST US TWO...no watchers, no one so we can get down to it.  FEAR MAKEOVER is this clinic's theme.  Kim is afraid to ride.  I'm afraid to go above a walk.  (a few trot steps is ok and FORGET jumping, my former passion). 

I'll check back and let you know how it goes. 

Fingers crossed Kim doesn't sell her horses.  (she threatened to). 

Umbrella Day /Happy Halloween

Fascinating day with an umbrella and my trusty steeds. Started de-spooking on Halloween, funnily enough, (again for Boss and Fiona) and it was Hey the umbrella's here, let's play for Exy (LBI/RBI) and O'Rion (RBI/LBI).  They quickly found out it was a toy and with a tiny snort and one backing off quickly, O'Rion joined Exy in trying to mob the umbrella.  As learners they both go RBI but their curiosity and play drive is up and they love to play and explore their world.  Lots of mouthing the brolly and trying to bite it.  I let them somewhat but hey it is my umbrella!  THEIR game then changed to Keep Out of my Space.  Very successful with sending energy to them and a small stop with the hand or a step towards them with lots of energy sent their way.  I was happy with it. 

Meanwhile Bos (LBI) was having none of it and wanted to completely ignore me and then go catatonic on me.  I noted not much breathing and some staring.  We did LOTS of retreat with my back to him.  Finally after about 20 mins he started turning to look at me.  (I was halfway down the field by this time).  Lots of time to process and he did a lot of licking with tongue way out. 

It took about another half an hour but I was able to approach and retreat with rhythm and relaxation approaching his shoulder that he was able more often to look at me and actually took two tiny steps towards me.  This is HUGE for Boss, who is TERRIFIED of an umbrella and has always been for the 20 or so years I've had him.  I rewarded this by retreat and quitting for a few moments.  More licking.

Finally I got to within 30 or so feet (10 meters) of him with approach and retreat and he changed his expression and then came to me licking and chewing.   I retreated more and he sped up a little from the previous creep to an actual walk so I let him catch me.  Sniffed umbrella, let me touch him with it.  I was amazed.  His expression was riveted as I was thinking the whole time I will not force you, come to me when you're ready.  Finally I was able to rub him with the umbrella while closed (NEVER BEFORE, this was HUGE!)  both sides minding my body language in neutral with one leg cocked.  He then proceeded to yawn several times, and lick, yawn, lick.  It was really good!  I was smiling from ear to ear and stood with him with my hand on his withers. 

NICE session and it was capped off by a lovely rainbow from the slight mist that caused me to get the umbrella in the first place!   A huge bow that stretched from one side of the farm to the other in a complete arch.  FANTASTIC STUFF! 

Tomorrow I take Fiona to Kim's (my sister's farm) so that the squealing and freakout will be over by Tuesday...so we can have our PRIVATE CLINIC WITH KELLY SIGLER in peace!  (no horse antics hopefully by then).  I'm So EXCITED!  This is my 50th Birthday present from my sweet husband Albert. 

Forgive typos today...glasses are in the bedroom and he's asleep.  I had to get up for a bathroom break and didn't want to wake him to get my glasses when I could not go back to sleep. 

Nighty Night!