Below is Remy, Josette’s new grandson, son of Jourdan and Tobin wearing the little vest I made him.
Yesterday I felt so ill. Now as the storm of it is passing, my mood lifts as well.
So, I’ve been three days in a row to work with ponies. The first two days I mostly just brought them in and brushed them. I worked some on being the leader in the pasture which Jasper figured out quite quickly and Spencer appreciated. It is amazing to become sensitive to things I was so powerless over previously. I just assumed it had to be the way it was, with Jasper bossing Spencer around.
Today I took Spencer out in a rope halter. There is so much to learn from the simplest putting on of the halter. I can do it now in a way that invites Spencer to help by putting his head down and turning it toward me. The little things make so much difference.
I took him out toward the arena. It’s amazing actually how many little things I never thought of! I walked so that anything scary was on my side, so I was in between him and the scary thing. That way, if he spooked away from the scary thing, he would not run into me. Last fall he spooked something while I was leading him and he ran right into me. I had never thought of this simple way! So I took him out and each time I lost his attention because he was worried about something or just distracted, I stopped and waited. When he checked in with me, I would praise him and walk on. We walked around the big field, with me on the side of all the scary hedges. He spooked some and I just waited until he turned to me and nuzzled and then I’d move on. I would not let him eat and had t
o give a strong intervention to make this impression on him. He got it. It was nice. By the end, he was staying more connected. I’m not sure it was relaxing for him. I still feel a bit tight around doing it right or wrong. I need to become more aware of when he’s making an effort.
I then brought him into the round pen and worked on his responsiveness to my direction. He did great. I do think he’s becoming quite attached to me.
Took a short walk with Danielle. Translated some of Gui Zhi Jia Fu Zi Tang.
Considering the house at 712 Pratt Corner Road.