"Who me?" Looks like butter wouldn't melt, doesn't it?
Max and I took his grass reins out for a test drive late in the afternoon.
It had been a miserable day, relentless rain, wind and very cold for almost June. I had finished yard duties in time to do a little something with Max then, but decided I was too wet and cranky for horse handling, and the indoor school was our only option. I hoped that by coming back later, we might catch some finer weather.
It was still overcast, but mild and the wind had died down. A little misting of rain, but nothing to keep us back, so Max was tacked up and made ready, and off we went on our own.
The change was fairly amazing. Max, unable to eat, kept his head up and moved forward well. His step was springy and his pace much quicker than the usual plod we have when we first leave the yard.
The difference for me was also remarkable. Without having to constantly hold his head back from the salad bar, I could keep my contact with his mouth loose. No pulling, no straining, no holding him up with my hands. Not only was that much easier on my shoulders and elbows (trying to stay elastic when fighting with that strong neck is no easy task!) but not having that battle meant I could look to my own balance and position, which in turn softened Max further because I was easier to carry, which made it easier for me again and so on.
The ground was fairly slippery from all the rain so we took it easy, and we did have a bit of napping on the lane as we bounced past a new polythene dragon with tyres for scales. Even that was easier though, because we were a more communicative team.
I had worried that we would spend the whole time with Max fighting the constraints, but he didn't at all.
Back home to carrots and a bit of hay to munch while I prepared him for the field, so he didn't go without. Even better, no sulking!
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