Today we worked on touch as there are some things he still wants to protect, including his mane, poll and ears. The use of a deep slow pressure with the dandy brush soon brought him around to having his hair done and then I used a circular massage technique behind his ears which he seemed to enjoy. After that we worked on groundwork and puddle paddling out on the Forest.
For some weeks I have been thinking that Sampson would benefit from more playtime with horses that are of a similar age and energy level to him. Today we were able to turn him in with a bunch of two year old New Forest ponies. Hopefully he will enjoy having a month off and it will save us thinking up new ideas to keep him entertained and avoid us doing too much too soon.
From Enzo's owner this evening:
"I
thoroughly enjoyed working with you this morning, and now feel that you have
given me the tools to start moving forward with Enzo. Your work today with
us has made me realise that I was on the right track, but as you say needed fine
tuning and other ways to deals with problems that arise. One of the things you
have done is to help me believe in myself, and what I can achieve with
Enzo. I am going to work on all the areas we looked at today, and
generally have fun doing it! He is an inquisitive chap, does seem to want to
please and I think enjoys getting out and about, seeing and doing new things. Thank
you for coming out today and taking the time to go through so much with us. It
was great not to feel like we had to rush things in order to complete everything
within the allocated time, and that makes such a difference and is a real credit
to your way of working." GM
