Spring at last - Bath time

We have all been so pleased the sudden warm weather. What a blessing!

The bumblebees are out in force, I have not seen this many in the previous year and am pleased that they seem to be growing in numbers again.

With it being this warm - approx 16-20 degrees C - its time to get rid of all the dirt! It's time to give 'Mr F' a bath.

Last year he got used to the water and the sponge - was surprised that he wasn't used to it already. Surely they wash down racehorses!

Would it have been warmer I would have used the hose but it supplies cold water only.

Stage 1 - we both get equally wet. 

Stage 2 - soaking .... not so happy about it ... a bit like a cat being forced into the bath tub (although putting on his 'nice' face for the photograph)

Stage 3 - lathered -  by now 'Mr F' is quite enjoying it.

However, at all times I make sure nobody else is in the yard. He does like to show when he is not happy with something by small kicks with his back legs, for example.

Before everyone goes: 'Oh god, you mustn't allow your horse to do this!':

Firstly the kicks are never aimed at me. If I do something that annoys him on his right side, he will kick with his left leg, and away from me. It's his way of saying 'Now stop it, it is REALLY annoying!'. How else can he express himself?  

Indeed at the very beginning of our journey, there had been occasions where he did aim at me but without stricking. They are prefessionals at aiming ... just watch them play or sort out the herd order.  This of course I stopped immediately and made clear that it is not acceptable. 

I prefer a horse to be able to express if it is in discomfort or if something is not right. 'Mr F' and I have a good system like this and it has saved us quite a few vet fees, too by noticing things before they get too advanced (such as mudfever etc ... )

Of course it is needless to say: as soon as he was back in the field ... he went rolling in the dry soil. :)

May the warm weather continue!