Little 'Sam' has a new family that is looking after him. He is yet once again doing a great job in being a patient and caring pony for a young girl.
Not quite sure about the exact arrangements as little 'Sam' belongs to 'Lady Jane', but he is being treated like a king by his new family!
Little 'J', the girl that rides 'Sam' is not yet allowed to ride out on her won and sometimes is being escorted by 'Lady Jane'.
However, with the absence of 'Lady Jane' I offered to escort little 'J', together with 'Lillian' on 'Luke'.
I had never done this before but implicity trusted 'Mr F' to understand that he is now in the role of a 'babysitter'.
And he did an excellent job!
It pays out to get your horse used to all kinds of things on its body. 2 years ago I spent some days getting 'Mr F' used to the lead rope being anywhere on his body or lassoed above his head. I did the same with twigs and plastic etc ... and I keep doing this all the time, when he eats, when we go for walks ... etc. Even if its just 5 minutes ... it all counts. Now he is almost bomb proof.
There was one slightly tricky moment when suddenly 'Sam' decided to stop dead! I was at the time chatting with 'Lillian' when the lack of 'Sam's movement pulled me backwards. 'Mr F' was very good and instantly stopped. Well, 'Sam' decided he needed a toilet break, right there and then!
Overall I found the leading experience very interesting and I think it is something that is very good for your horse to learn.
'Mr F' certainly new that he had a job ... on the way back up the still quite muddy bridle path he walked all the way (where as if its just us two we trott along there) up the slope, placing his feet very carefully.
Now I certainly know how useful the horn on a cowboy saddle is if you have to deal with a stubborn horse. It may move me, the rider, but it won't move something of its own weight!
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