I have to confess that I was caught out this morning by just how much progress Georgie had been able to make with Odey following my last visit. Not only was he fine about being touched with the surcingle, but he allowed it to be done up, breast girth and all.
Having made room for my suitcases, I didn't have a long rein in my car with which to practice the long reining exercises and so had to make do with a long rope instead...
...Odey took a while to understand what we wanted, ironically Straightness Training involves a lot of circles, but eventually got the idea that we really did want him to go straight. More work to do in asking him to accept the rein around his hind quarters but I have no doubt that Georgie will have gone through all of that by the time I go for my next visit.
The New Forest stallion, Sandholes Whispering Grass now rules the water trough and the pond at Fritham, which given how dry it is, means that he has the pick of the women when they turn up to drink.
Nelly and Blue, with Blue the gelding, are keeping a low but in Nelly's case, wide, profile...
...and Pie is happy in the belief that he is the father of this little one.
Otherwise the foals are treated to a very early lesson in advanced courtship...
The next set of ladies arrive at the water trough at full pelt...
...take a welcome and cool drink...
...and then survey the talent.
He creates quite a stir...
...and seems to meet with general approval...
Back at the fields there is a welcome sight...
...Henrietta's feet are breaking off. She is staying in the top paddock and barn for a while in order to encourage this to happen and to lose a little weight. The others are taking it in turns to keep her company.
