by Bob Bennet, Ph.D.
ranger_piece_2008_pdf1A Towel Bath
After some time in the round pen, the baby was hot and panting. I wanted to hose her off but remembered she is scared of the hose. For some reason, I thought a sponge bath would be less traumatic. I got a towel and a bucket and started sopping water on to her (before I realized this is probably scarier than the hose). She curiously sniffed and nibbled the wet towel and let me put it all over her. We ended by pouring buckets of water on her.
Into the Round Pen
First trip into the round pen today. Got a little focus but not much else.
Into the Round Pen, Again
Wildfire’s Mystery Lameness
You Ok?
More Grooming, at Liberty
One of the things I really like to do is brush my horses at liberty. It makes me feel like they want me to do it and appreciate having it done. Today, I brushed the baby horse with the strip hair groomer tool all over, even near her feet, and brushed out her forelock, mane, and tail. She stood there quietly, even when Grace came over to check on us. I love this horse more each day.
Around dinner time, we worked on leading around the yard on the lead line and halter. We worked on not stopping to eat grass every time we whoa. The big horses were getting their baths, so we walked through the hose a couple of times – water is very scary. I’ll need to add this to the list of things to work on. Picked up both front feet several times, this time being careful to keep her head up and away from my back so she won’t try to nibble on me. Back feet will be exciting.
Skull Valley Polo 07/11/21
Skull Valley – July 11, 2021
Training Progress: Dewormed and Picking Feet Up
This morning we had a dose of dewormer. She took it with no fussing but gave me some very serious side eye when she tasted it. We did some walk and whoa on the halter and lead since it was already on for the deworming. Tonight we got some fly spray and picked up and picked out both front feet! This really is the bestest best little horse ever.