If it's Tuesday, we must be hacking in company...

Max and I have now established a general date for hacking out fun in company.

My Tuesday afternoons have freed up since my yard shift was switched from Tuesday afternoons to Thursday instead, and as a result, I have a few yard friends who are also generally available to go out and play. Not always, so there's a standing invitation, be at the yard at one o'clock, and whoever is willing and able shall saunter forth on trusty steeds.

It's a nice break for Max and I, a chance for him to be in the company of Other Horses, and a chance for me to enjoy Maxo Relaxo and catch up with some mates for a natter.

Today it was just two of us and we had a grand time, talking of gardening and politics. Our only issue at the moment is manners. Max has a propensity, when relaxed, to get his imp on, and he's a bugger for biting bottoms. No teeth, just lips, but he really has no idea about personal space, and I want to teach him before one of his iron shod companions gives him a lesson that will knock some of his teeth out.

It hasn't come to that yet, and luckily his companions are fairly good natured about it all, but still. I remember well living in co-ed accommodation at university and there were a few male students of the Engineering variety who thought bottom biting was good fun; just a harmless lark. I didn't see it that way, so I sympathise with the admittedly fine and ample bitable bottoms of cob and hunter trail mates.

A fine day we had, and stunning views over the fields of rape seed coming up in bright yellow, the grazing dairy herds and chalky fields in the distance. Overcast, windy but pleasant. Not a bad way to spend an hour or so, atop a willing and mischievous pony.

Such a good time of year this, not only for the view of the fields coming into life, but the mild weather with few flies to pester us.

We didn't do much schooling, because I like hacks to be "just for fun", but I do take these opportunities, with Max feeling at ease in company, to work on my position and balance, and bringing on contact with my hands properly, sensitively, letting my elbows and wrists flex and absorb the movement so it's all elastic and comfy for Max and his sensitive mouth.

We had a good longlining session out in the wild yesterday as well. May Day bank holiday for us yesterday, so after my yard shift, the Ent came over and took control of the lines whilst I was at Max's head with a loose lead rope (Ent was in control of speed and steering) and a plastic bottle with a few pebbles in to shake when discouraging grazing (better than hauling on his head to get his attention).

Max is still in a restricted grazing paddock to keep the spring grass flush at bay, so when he's out in the world, it's like a kid walking through a candy shop, with all the cow parsley and sticky grass on display in easy reach of his eager, mobile lips.

He is allowed to have it, but only after he's done the work and we're almost home.

The longlining, I hope will build his confidence. He still has people on the ground with him to give him confidence, but he's also on his own and leading. We had a few moments of angst when the dreaded big leafed plants were in his path. He grew tall and alert, blowing forcefully through his nostrils with alarm, with slack lead on the front from me, and encouragement forward from behind from the Ent.

Interesting to be on the ground with him in these instances. That he's genuinely unsure is obvious, but his bravery is also apparent, as he makes clear his unrest, yet takes those steps forward anyway. They may be tentative, he may hesitate, but he goes forward nonetheless and I admire him for it. It's not just a sign of courage, it's a sign of trust in his human herd assuring him there is no real danger.

It really makes my heart swell, what these horses will do for us when we ask. They'll walk past the scary things, they'll open their mouths willingly for the bit, and blink and sigh as we adjust straps around their faces and bellies. No protest, just acceptance and willingness.

Such a gift they give us, offering themselves up in the hopes that we will meet their graceful acceptance with kindness and respect in turn.

It's a lot to live up to, being worthy of that open invitation and not taking advantage of it, or abusing it through force of will.

I was thinking about that today as I let Max loose in his field, after a sponging down and carrot stretches. Along with my usual parting words, "God bless, my beautiful boy. Take care, enjoy, see you in the morning and love you heaps!" I added "Thank you for carrying me today. I'll keep trying to be the rider you deserve. Promise!"

It's a tall order, but Max deserves it. All the horses do. I'm not that best rider for Max yet, but I will keep striving to live up to that willing back he offers up so generously.

I will also take his generous spirit and apply it elsewhere in my life. We have so much to learn from horses. I have so much to learn from Max.