It was hard to take good pictures of this morning session since it was only just light when I arrived at 7 a.m. The moon was still out. Another fabulous session with Coco and Rose though, both being ridden again and this time going off the lead rein and starting to learn the very basic and quiet aids for walk on and halt. Just a breath out is enough for either of them.
By the time I left it was light enough to catch the two of them mutually grooming.
A different kettle of fish this afternoon when I went to see a New Forest pony, originally born on the Forest that has recently had an encounter with a rug. He took off in fright and went over the top of some sheep fencing and barbed wire before landing in a ditch. Before the incident, the owners were at the point of backing him but now he can;t cope with a surcingle never mind a rider. You will remember, if you have read all the way to the beginning, that my career as an IHRA all started because of a rug incident with my own horse, Petra. Accordingly I know that it is possible to bring horses back from the brink after such scares but it can take a lot more doing. Today I assessed the current situation before starting to address the areas where there needs to be some solid work before they can consider starting him. He switches from being confident, almost over-confident to frightened in a matter of seconds and the best place to start was with some clear leadership. Next time I go there we will start to look at the work that they can do to get him accustomed to new and novel things.
"Thank you so much for coming, we found your visit really helpful and interesting, and are looking forward to continuing what you showed us with the new headcollar."DB
