A True Gentleman Wears Slippers

Day 2 of the shoe trial.

Accompanied by 'Lilian' and 'Luke', I and 'Mr F' went for a longer walk to try out the shoes.

'Lillian' is slowly becoming a welcome friend. She is just there, ready to answer questions but also patient and not expecting anything. She also doesn't judge my way of looking at horses which I find by now is rather different to the rest of the horsey people I have met so far.

But we are useful for her too:  'Mr F' and I are assisting her working with 'Luke'. Its a good little team we have going.

Straight away it was very noticeable that 'Mr F' walked much better and also was able to do turns on the cobbled yard without great difficulties.

Of course taking out a horse with carpet slippers isn't the done thing to do around here (or anywhere I guess) and 'Mr F' and I received much attention. A group of cyclist was particularily interested and were not short of various witty comments such as "Oh I say, slippers!" - "Where is his smoking jacket?" and so forth.

I suppose the hoof boots really did look a little like those warm slippers one would wear when enjoying a good book and a brandy in front of big open fire ...

Unfortunately the 'slippers' did not stay on all the way. As soon as they had come off,  'Mr F' wanted to walk on the grass verges again and began walking more hesitantly. 

I was glad really because it meant I was on the right track to resolving what bothers him or at least part of it. It was time to develop these slippers further.

Cutting open the old shoe for yet another 'flat projection' this time with better shaping of the edges so that the shoe does not have edges were they rub when walking.

Extending the back 'opening' for better shaping and fitting.

I used old socks to pull over his hooves so that I could apply the gaffa tape without it sticking to his hair.

We are ready for another trial soon.