Home Schooling

 G is so funny. Miracles did not occur as a result of the clinic, and we're doing remedial trailer loading 101 with Buck. G's idea to 'solve' the issue is that Buck just gets 'homeschooled' and doesn't travel to clinics or outings. He hates the trailer so why make him go in there? It's probably a blessing we didn't have actual children :D 

That adorable little face can do no wrong

This past week, Buck has let it be known he is a smart, independent Welsh Cob and had a think on the weekend prior's events and has decided he wasn't a fan. Parts of this week with Buck were honestly terrible, boundaries were being pushed and my resolve was definitely being tested. He's not 'mean' and isn't going to scare anyone, but he's presently very willing to just say no and that's a bit of a safety issue in itself.

Low quality pictures this week, scraping my phone for media

This is the demoralizing place I kind of knew was coming because I haven't done enough with him, and he is of a personality type where I sort of figured we might visit this stage eventually. Watching him interact with other the other horses right now, he's testing everything with them too and the testosterone seems like it's overly present.

The trailering and outings are temporarily on hold. If we can't do it calmly and safely, there's no point and we need to step back. I had a built in excuse anyway because it's hay season and I needed the trailer this Saturday and Sunday for hay pickup. Add in work, some social events, a round of golf, a trip to a local island, and a heap of yard work, and who has time for ponies? I was dreaming if I thought a pony trailer outing was happening this weekend, training issues or not.

Island hopping

But, this is me. I of course still have time for ponies, and homeschooling is an option. I spent time this week reestablishing whoa and go and traveling in the direction I point...ie, all the pieces that make trailer loading successful.  They had all become questionable participation activities for a day or two there. 

Lest you think Buck's enjoying a win, no he's really not. He's rooming with Sophie now and she wants none of his current King of The World, I Do What I Do persona and is actively shaping him back into a good citizen. Working smarter, not harder over here. I have slightly Evil Farm Overlord status because I stand back and watch the consequences of his actions come back to him with great satisfaction :D

Shawshank activities potentially relating to his current cellmate

In the meantime, I have been doing a lot of things with Reggie. I'm feeling VERY grateful for that variety in my life. I bet you never thought we'd see the day where it's Reggie with the angel halo, but here we are. Like Buck, Reggie is also a legend in his own mind, but he's so desperate to be a part of things I don't think it would occur to him to decline any invitations. He's mentally a lot more mature this spring and is itching to learn all the things . He's starting to finally grow into himself too, and is looking more and more like the pony I hoped for when I bought his little one week old self.

I've splurged and bought a three step mounting block. It was very spendy for what's essentially a simple plastic shape, but hopefully worth it for years to come. I could have built something out of left over building materials (and I have some strategically placed boulders pre-existing around the ring for mounting) but something lighter and entirely portable felt like a better option with 2 young horses.  Reggie and I are at the point where light rides could be in our near future, and I think Buck won't be far behind.

I still find this the most enjoyable part of horses - everything is new and each day brings different adventures and challenges. They're such different personalities too, they really couldn't be more opposite. I like them both equally well, but honestly I wouldn't mind if the universe wanted to send me an easier day or two with Mr Bakari next week!