Today we visited Josephine and Willy gave her a jumping lesson. She was using draw reins. Willy used trotting poles before and after a fence to help Josephine to keep control of her mare. It went very well until Willy set up a large oxer in the corner. Unfortunately Josephine took a fall into the fence around the arena.. Luckily she had her airbag body protector and she was unhurt. Willy schooled the mare afterwards and when Josephine remounted she appeared light and easy to control. We will see her again tomorrow.
Back at Le Frelut we gave Tamtam a shower in the washbox and then we attempted to load him in the horsebox. He was difficult to get into the washbox. I had to reverse him in as he wouldn't walk forwards. It was the same with the horsebox. He reared up and tried to run away. Willy and Geertrude sorted him out with a bit of pressure. By the end he was loading and unloading with all of us in a calm and careful manner. He is going to be a difficult horse to work with. He certainly has his own ideas about what he wants and doesn't want to do! Willy told me that with a recalcitrant horse it is necessary to confront him and deal with the issues. You must be very positive.
Later Willy told me that his "secret weapon" is his coat. He leaves the coat unwashed to keep the smell of horse. In that way the horses take Willy for a horse himself and have much more trust. It is a simple thing we can all do.....and it saves money on washing!
Here is Willy with a young stallion in his box....wearing the special coat!!
I think horses are a bit brighter than that! Nice story though.
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