Sunday 11 May 2008

So far, so good

Well, I've had another lovely few days with Merlin, and if anything, he seems to be getting so much better. He definitely likes our new routine, of a few hours on the grass and then a lovely long sleep in his shelter. A little more grass in the afternoon, after a short lesson. This week we have learned NOT to pick up our feet. This may sound odd, but I just want to be able to run my hands up and down his legs without hooves being thrown at me. He has totally the wrong idea about feet lifting, so I've completely undone everything he thought he knew. Next week, I'll teach him to lift his feet when I (gently) squeeze him at the chestnuts (I know how that sounds, but you know what I mean! :) )


(Aaaw, couldn't you just eat him all up?)

Also, this week, we have learned to accept fly spray and not to use our head as a weapon!!! Oh, and not to have a hissy fit when our mane is brushed. Gawd, but this boy is sensitive!!!

Next week, more lessons, including another attempt at lungeing. The last attempt was like swinging a tiger by the tail. All very well whilst you're swinging, but what do you do when you stop! RUN! ha,ha, ha!!

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Do I dare???

Every time I say things are going well, something usually happens to throw me off balance! But I'll risk saying it, Merlin has been absolutely lovely lately. He's started calling out to me when I pull up in the car and has stopped throwing his weight around. I'm able to do more with him and he's started to be affectionate again, YAAY (please let it last)!

My neighbour has a very boisterous two year old gelding, and we sort of discussed putting the two boys in together for a bit of a yar, to let off steam. I think it will do Merlin a lot of good to have a playmate, but I'm reluctant to upset our current state of calm. So I'm still thinking it through. I'll try and get some pictures of the little lad, because he is sweet and Merlin would so enjoy dominating him!!!