One of those glorious glorious days where everyone excelled themselves. We started with Kathryn with BB, who practised going over obstacles and going into trot so that one became a holiday from the other. Having a task is good for horse and handler - giving them both something to think about and a purpose to all that intention and steering. BB worries a little about going up into trot and has bucked under saddle previously. I sense that she hasn't felt quite ready and that an energetic aid and being asked for a sustained trot has felt like too much. Instead we asked for a gentle transition into trot, using a gentle aid, and then allowing her to come back to walk. By the end her transitions were much less emotional.
It took about five minutes to teach Kesali and Jackie how to short rein and five minutes after that we were able to go out and about on the road. He has a new Heather Moffatt saddle that fits really nicely. When we got back Jackie got on board again this time with the saddle on. Stirrups next.
While we were out we met Alan who was blackberry picking with Castillo. They seem very happy together and clearly Castillo is still being caught without any problems.
I'm told it didn't spoil lunch...at the Rockingham Arms
Back at Fritham Banksy went out long reining and to see some traffic. He was fine with both and we had a lovely little trot up one of the narrow lanes.
Some combined training to finish with. What do you do with a mule than can stand on a bridge and a mule that can be touched with a feather duster? You put her on a pedestal and 'tickle' her of course. Very pleased with all of this progress particularly as I can now get all the way down her previously kicky back legs.
And to cap it all, David had spent the day upgrading my panel trailer so that I will now be able to take 16 panels out without having to take the stock trailer. Of course we have checked the rating of the tyres, the weight of each of the panels, and we are going to be fitting a secondary coupling system.
