Yes, I am back...

Hi there...

Herbert the humpback wanted to give you a wave hello. 

We've been back awhile but, between the trip and daughters thankfully prolonged visit prior to their move to Okinawa, just haven't/don't have time to blog at the moment. 

I'll leave you for now with another shot of "Herbert!"  This guy we saw so often up close & from my sons deck, we had to name him...

Franklins excited...

Franklin is very happy to be headed back home to Alaska....

Maybe not so much the suitcase part though!

Neighbor girls are checking on the barn kitties, so they'll get some cuddles in. Dogs are at the kennel, the Mini's are at a friends. I'd warned Meridith to step back as we unloaded as I knew Pippin would leap over the lowered ramp. Well, he didn't wait for it to be lowered to do so, he was up, over & out before hubs had a chance to drop it!  Cleared it like a pro, he's quite the athlete, maybe once Lincolns steady in the saddle they'll be doing some jumping lol. 

If the Mini's have never experienced goats, they sure will now. Withkidding season, she's got about 30 goats along with these guys...

Daddy Pig & George, they're destined for "freezer camp!"  There are 2 horses, a pony, guardian dog, a cow, three kids, this adorable wee fawn...

A neighbor had watched it for several days, never a Momma. My friend took it in, to week to stand, no suckling reflex, she'd had goat colostrum on hand & has been syringe feeding it several days with her daughter. It's now walking about & sucked her little girls finger while I was there a bottle was fetched & off he went.  So fingers crossed its going to be ok. 

Little to the left please!

Amazing how an itch can help establish friendly teamwork!

I hadn't witnessed mutual grooming since their introduction last fall. Shedding has changed all that, it's now something I see them doing frequently. I even had room on my camera to video 👏🏻

Ever wonder where the phrase "you scratch my itch, I'll scratch yours" came from?

I think I do!

We've gotten a grandparents pass for a nearby zoo, we got there at opening yesterday. Allowing Lincoln first dibs on which animal to ride...

Lincoln was all about the wolf as he thought it was Balto of Iditarod fame. Jefferson the tiger cub by default. Jeffersons first merry go round ride, each time his tiger went up or down, I'd hear his very quiet "WOW!"

Lesson #8...

Lesson #8 brought lots of fumbling on my part while harnessing. I was having brain farts to the extreme. I'm actually glad as all had been going so well, I may have been growing a little to confident. Have to always be alert to ovoid potential wrecks. For instance, it's a good idea to thread your driving lines thru the turrets on both sides, your false martingale needs to be attached to both the under cinch & over cinch, just two of my six snafus!  

Recognize this bum?

Got to drive Noey once again. I have a feeling I'll be driving him a while. Or at least till I've overcome my bumbling in handling the lines & whip at the same time!

While the rein aide did help, it turns out my whip at home is to heavy on the thumb for me. Once we found one light enough for my thumb to keep in place without causing some serious cramping it got much better. It has come in handy as Noey likes to cheat the corners.  Without the whip on hand I could navigate his cheat attempts well just giving & taking with my hands & anticipating when/where he'd try to cut the corner short. Adding the whip was more difficult for me & Noey could feel it, especially at the trot. The whip is used to gently speak to the horse. Basically if he's trying to cheat on a right turn, I simply "tickle" his right side gently. This tells him to keep left & stay on the wall till I actually ask him to make the turn. Visa versa the other direction. I'm actually happy that Noey isn't quite as "easy" as Fred had been. He's making me think & learn. Plus, I understand Haflingers, we were laughing that my answer to every question of "why is he doing this" was, "because he's a Haflinger!"  Not entirely the correct answer as we all know whatever was occurring was my fault. 

Noey's favorite thing to do is stand quietly...

Another student had gotten a new harness which needed adjustments. Noey was perfectly happy to stand relaxing while they worked on it.

And of course I've been busy with all our boys, two & for leggers...

Chilling & picking dandelions ❤️

Banamine...

Both boys had a reaction to their vaccinations. We'd had the Vet out on Wed. last week. Sunday morning poor Pippin couldn't lower his head to his feed bowl. He had a difficult time in the pasture but, was managing to reach the longer grass. I decided to just keep watch and call Vet Monday morning if necessary. Monday morning Merlin now joined the owie neck club. Both were also now quite lethargic, Merlin was most likely happy about that. Don't worry, I held their bowls so they could eat!  

Put a call in as soon as they opened & explained the situation. While I knew soreness could occur, being it was several days out, I felt better checking in with Vet. He explained Mini's in particular can suffer extreme soreness & set aside banamine at the desk to pick up. Within 30 minutes both were comfortable and Pippin a was back to picking at Merlin. Considering the minute dosage given, I'll have banamine on hand now hopefully until it expires in 2018 lol

Since I feel a need for adding a pic: the boarding barn has a very similar address, we sometime receive their mail. I ran the latest mis-delivery and here they came...

Along with a Haflinger no less 😳

Halters that fit!

I finally ordered the Mini's nose buckle halters fro Two Horse Tack. Low & behold halters that fit both!

LOVE Merlin's...

With all the Grands having at least one parent in the Military, I felt their main ride should reflect that. Merlin is soooooo handsome in his red, white & blue. I think he likes it too. 

Mr. Pippn  rocks the turquoise well. I'd have loved going patriotic with both. But, being they have different size heads it would be confusing should someone besides me halter them. 

Regarding Two Horse Tack,  (no, I've never received any freebies. If I had I'd still be honest) the halters are very well made & I was pleasantly surprised by how soft & supple the biothane is. However, I'd ordered during their promo for free rush shipping for the month of April. I'd ordered on the April 28th, received package on May 11th. Yeah, not so rush shipping!  Would I order again, hmmmmm, most probably the halters yes, as I very much like this product. Perhaps their halter /bridle combo, if I ever feel the need arrive perhaps. I would however suggest they live up to their promo's or be prepared for reviews regarding lack of customer care as well as subsequent loss of business.  We did message a bit in regards to "where is my rush shipping order!"  I've been harness shopping for Merlin, Two Horse Tack "had been" someone I had considered ordering from. I'm shopping elsewhere now, as I do consider customer service right up there with good products when parting with $$$

Franklin is still making new friends at Gramma camp...

Ms. Margeaux finds him to be excellent company!

Vet visit...

Spring has sprung. Had Vet out for spring shots today. Had planned to float teeth as well but, neither needed it done. Fingers crossed they wear their teeth like Camyrn. She rarely needed work & when she did it was just a few small points. 

Vet complimented me saying "all your horses are easy to work with."  Nice to hear. Also neither boy no anomalies that will effect bitting. I'd wanted him to check  as Mini's can have mouth issues. 

He checked the dent in topside of Merlins neck. Feels it was caused by former owner not setting his prior cart up correctly. Which created a line of draught (draft) that put to much pressure on him. He's not bothered by it, so long as I set things up correctly he's good to go carting. 

Had them both tied & ready for the visit. One small fiasco occurred. Pippin while doing better at tying doesn't like when Merlin is where he can't see him. I moved Pippin, tying to a post at the front of the paddock. There's hot wire at the top, several inches above his head.

Once Merlin was finished (perfect gentleman), we headed over to Pippin. As I went to untie him, he popped up just enough for his wee ear to get zapped!  Poor boy, I felt so horrible/stupid we got him calmed but, he was still quite worried. Thank heavens he's a Mini, all hell breaking loose is minimized quite a lot. First shot & up he went. We let him calm again, 2nd shot not so bad. I asked Vet if now was a good time to give him a treat. He was "Oh yes", so Pippin had three people handing out treats. All was right in his world. 

Both are a little chunkier than they should be. I'd already put dinner down in the stall, Vet felt it was an appropriate amount. We're keeping the pasture mowed which he thinks is a good idea. He understands their love/hate relationship so locking them in the paddock isn't workable. Theycame into spring on the chunky side, not good. Hopefully I'll get driving again soon. 

Between the boys, FIL house & weatherim just not getting it done sadly. Just not enough of me to go around SIGH

We have a Granbear visiting, he was left behind last time Adam & Ash visited from Alaska. We'll be taking him back when we visit. In the meantime Franklin is enjoying his visit. I've been taking silly pix to text them showing them he's having fun at Camp Gramma. Today was meet the Mini's day!

Another tack sale...

A few friends & I reserved space at another tack sale last one was kind of a bust (I was the only one of us that sold anything) as they'd only advertised on FB & hadn't even put a sign out front. Today's was one we've shopped at numerous times and is always packed. Today, dispite cold, rainy weather was no different. I actually came home with well over $300.00!  And I didn't buy anything other than lunch. Patting myself on the back. 

My goal is a good driving harness for Merlin. He has some pretty significant atrophy along the top of his neck, most likely from a previous ill fitting harness in the past. It doesn't bother him but, I certainly don't wish to add to it. I have a few more big ticket items to list online. Anyone need a Boett Sweet Itch Rug, a Skito pad or a pair of size 2ww Renegade boots?

Yesterday watching Pippin in the pasture, I noticed him behaving oddly. He'd graze then take off running, shaking his head, kicking out, stop to graze only to begin all over again. After about 6 times of doing this, I figured out what he was doing. He was bored & chasing Robins that landed in search of worms!  I'm pretty sure Merlin was relieved to have Pippin tormenting something other than him!  He is such a hoot!

Modeling Mini's...

My order from Knot Just Rope arrived!  All well done & of excellent quality too. With Mini's you never know regarding fit. Nylon Mini halters are to small, foal size to large!  These fit!

I need to raise it up on Pippins muzzle a bit I think. Doesn't he look adorable! Love his pouty wee mouth lol 

Merlin being he'll be Lincoln's main riding horse got one a wee bit fancier

I went with brown as I figured black would disappear into his blackness once shed out. I'm kind of wishing I'd have thought of gray instead. But, I still love it...

And anything looks adorable on his sweet little face!  Lincoln stole the grab strap and is wearing it attached to his Jean belt loops. He's also attached himself to his brother via the reins. The kid cracks me up. 

Waiting for the girth extender I ordered from Two Horse Tack (along with buckle nose halters) to saddle up again. They, along with myself managed to add to the waistline over winter.  The order should've already come, haven't even received shipment notification however. I've just emailed them. 

FIL's house is nearly empty. Ran into a bit of a problem in regards to cleaning. SIL, despite being told not to, took all the cleaning supplies!!!  She was kind enough to leave ONE roll of paper towels!  Hubs had noticed one of her boxes appearing to contain junk. Upon lifting a few things out, he discovered some of our cleaning things hidden there!  He didnt though he should've had her empty the rest of our things before she left. Even the open bar of hand soap next to the sink is gone 🙄  She has some pretty serious health problems going on right now. She's using that as her "feel sorry for me" prop!  I know I'm probably a bitch but, my feel sorry for you meter is broken at the moment. 

Lesson #7...

Moved on & up to a different horse today. Just so happened to be my favorite breed 💖

Meet "Noey", he's a Haflinger, comedian cross...

Seriously if you started out having a bad day, this guy would have you laughing in no time. Not sure how he came about his name, going to venture a guess that it has something to do with being told "NO don't grab that. NO, don't pull that zipper, No, put that down!"

He's constantly smiling, flapping his lips in the air, mushing them all over you!

Otherwise he's catching a few zzzzz's!  Sadly, I'm not horse shopping. Fortunately he's not for sale!

On to the lesson, we added "addressing the whip", sounds so easy all you had to do is carry a long buggy whip in your right hand, keeping it at approximately 11:00!  It's not, not for me anyway. I felt as if I was holding two coffee cups in my right hand while attempting to open a gate with that same hand!!!  All the while, driving the horse, making turns, changing directions & speeds!!!  

Add that Noey being a Haflinger figures out relatively quickly he's gotten himself a rookie in the cart. He quickly realized cutting corners, taking shortcuts, moving uber slow were options as I figured things out. 

So, I was sent home with homework!

It's a rein aide and can be used to practice driving single or double. Or in my case holding the reins along with a driving whip, while wearing driving gloves, all while watching my favorite tv shows no less. 

Closer up, the reins are attached to strings on pulleys which are attached to horse shoes. The premise being that I'll be gaining muscle memory in between lessons & I'll adjust to the whip & gloves faster. Plus I can gauge the softness of my rein aides while doing this. Not sure if it's difficult for everyone or perhaps my ADHD, combined with my age may play a factor in the equation. 

Lincoln is going to love it!

Can't wait...

I custom ordered a few things for the Mini's from a place called "Knot Just Rope" (disclaimer: I'm in no way being compensated). They do have a FB page & website. I'd been looking for a grab strap for the front of Lincoln's English saddle & rope halters when I came across them on FB. 

They were offering a free shipping deal & the prices are very reasonable & sizes for Mini's too, I bit the bullet & ordered...

She just posted this pic of them all finished!  Shipping tomorrow!  I cannot wait!  They do all sizes, a huge variety of styles & colors. 

Both rope halters also have O rings, so Lincoln can hold his new reins while I lead, without torturing innocent mouths as he learns about not yanking!  Then the grab strap for the front of the saddle just in case there are any insecurities. Looks like the blues will match pretty well to the saddle too. So many colors to choose from, at least knowing I wanted to match the saddle narrowed it down a wee bit lol!  

Lincoln will be so excited!  Pippins is the multiethnic colored with nose knots for when he "expresses himself" doing groundwork!  

Oh, if you need an good chuckle:  preschool had a bee keeper come in to talk to the kids today. They'd been told all week that the "Bee Lady" was coming. I asked Lincoln how the "Bee Lady" visit went as I picked him up. He said with mild disappointment, "Gramma, she wasn't a bee at all!  She was just a normal person!"  OMG, out of the mouths of babes!  

He did enjoy her visit, after expressing his disappointment, regarding her being a mere human, he went on for some time about the visit. Not sure if his description of honey being "bee poop" was what he was actually told, or his interpretation?

Stuck...

Pippin finds odd ways to amuse himself...

"Hay, I'm stuck here human!"

His new game while I play with Merlin in the paddock. Of course, the first few times I was quite alarmed...

"HA!  Gotcha!"

I'd rush over to help, only to have him deftly pull his noggin back thru & feinging total innocence. 

I certainly hope he's never really stuck. I'm doubly glad this is the only gate that we didn't Ivy & Grandkids proof. He'd be sticking his head thru everything otherwise!

Meanwhile the human boys had their own adventure...

That's the little guy ready for his first plane ride...

They flew to NC to visit with Kennedy. As you can see Lincoln & Pippin have similar personalities lol

 

Fun was had by all...

Jefferson was uncertain of the waves, the Daddies built him this tidal pool ❤️

Coaching the newbie...

Lincoln has been busy coaching lil brother on feeding dandelions and long grasses to Pippin & Merlin. According to Lincoln he's the best horse feeder there is, so rest assured Jefferson has a great coach...

Carefully inserting dandelions thru the fence...

The apprentice is catching on very quickly...

And he's quite happy about it too! 

Making up...

Merlin & I are closer to making up after whatever faux pai id committed. Could've been the clicker, could be he grew concerned watching me work Pippin first, could be he worries that after caught, Pippin will harass him. Never mind he does the same when it's Pippin caught. I'm leaning strongly towards the clicker with the other reasons blending in

He still didn't wish to be caught, I had a plan however. I caught Pippin & lead him out to Merlin. Pippin in one hand, handy stick in the other we gently herded Merlin into the paddock again. Once I closed the gate with Pippin on the other side, we began. A few false starts where I needed to ask him to move away with more energy than he'd intended, he headed into the barn. Then stood quietly to be haltered. We just walked about quietly, I asked him to back a few times & disengage his rear. Then I just sat on the mounting block...

Rubbing, sitting, talking, did he just need some one on one Mommy time?

He's most definitely taught me a few things...No clicker being a big one. Work him prior to Pippin, who requires more energy, perhaps watching me work Pippin & that I most likely come to Merlin with leftover energy from working Pippins way?  Two with such different personalities, adapting to each will take practice. 

And I must be sure to regularly give Merlin no agenda time..

That's an easy one ❤️

Reversibles...

I've been working quite a lot with Pippin, particularly on his manners. He had been on & off  difficult to catch. While leading he'd try the old  move her over with shoulder, neck, noggin. He might even attempt to turn his naughty bum into you. Very rude little boy & always thinking. 

Merlin has been an uncomplicated kind of guy. Leading like a gentleman with just your hand cupped under his chin. He'd catch himself, unless Pippn thought he should keep Merlin from being caught. Just an all around easy kind of guy to be around and work with. 

Problem with the squeaky wheel getting greased more often is the unsqueaky one gets rusty!  Pippin is now the one to come trotting, Walks along happily and particularly enjoys the clicker now. Quite the loveable turd. 

I mentioned Merlin being fearful of the clicker & that I was planning to put clicking Merlin on the back burner. To late!  As the clicker was in my hand, he's now quite fearful of my hand. SIGH!  Poor Merlin feels I can no longer be trusted. 

I went out to groom & play, Pippin came right up (he must be caught first still), tied him with knots well out of reach, he can untie even a series of knots.  Went to catch Merlin, he was "Oh, Hell No" taking off at a dead run. After a few tries, I took the pressure off him and groomed Pippin. Went back out to get Merlin, once again "Oh, Hell No" Sooooo, I decided to help him decide he'd like to be caught. Twenty minutes later, still "Oh, Hell No", it's gotten warm, it's muddy, I'm outta shape, we"re in the big pasture, I'm whooped. 

I take Pippin into the paddock, leaving Merlin alone while I get something to drink and rethink things. Pippin on lead line, we make our way back out and gently encourage Merlin into the paddock. I leave Pippin in the pasture, shut the gate and try again. Another "Oh, Hell No", I shut the barn door basically round penning in the paddock. After a bit, I reopen the barn door then allow him to think it's his escape route. It worked!  Shut the door, give him some time to decompress. Then, round pen him in the barn. One nice thing about Mini's is you don't need a large area, one bad thing is you don't want a large area sometimes lol. We made nice, groomed, rubbed, leading, my Merlin was back following me without the lead line again. Fingers, hooves crossed that if this isn't the last of it, we'll get things worked out soon. 

Lesson #6...

Say hello to Fred's backside once again lol

Such a lovely bum ❤️

I'm slowly very, slowly getting better at harnessing on my own. Remembering the sequence, which buckles to slide home, which not to as some you want to double check once in the shafts, making adjustments if another horse had been used in this harness, tying the hold backs to the cart...I do tend to remember something I'd forgotten last lesson but, then reverse & forget something I'd previously remembered!!!

Once in the cart Fred & I warm up both directions at a walk, just like riding. This time there was a line of cones in the center & we were joined by another student with pony Inca. 

We were to drive the cones weaving in and out. I told myself "just like weave poles in dog agility. It of course isn't but, telling myself we've done this hundreds of times already was just the ticket!  I was totally relaxed as we'd travel down & back, do a lap, down & back another direction rinse & repeat.

 I'm figuring out how to ask Fred while remaining soft for turns, nothing like all the yanking, pulling & yee hawing you see in the movies. You'd think (I thought) the distance between you & the bit would mean some loss in communication, while the opposite is actually true. The slightest wiggle of a finger is all that's needed!  I do still attempt leg cues on occasion! Still doesn't work though lol

As we're doing this, cones are being set up along the walls, off to the side of cones we were weaving...Now we're weaving & driving thru cones AND giving one another plenty of room to work in the arena at the same time. After several repetitions, I mention "this is so much fun, I can't imagine doing this at speed!"

Instructors laughed saying "oh, you'll be doing more than imagining it!"  She disappeared, returned with a helmet, hopped on behind me saying "ask Fred to trot!"  OMG, WHAT FUN!  A few reminders to look the direction I want to go, look at the outside cone when taking a corner, she talked me thru the first set, then let me do the decision making on our course. We were weaving, going thru cones, making turns to give other driver & his pony room, changing direction!  I didn't even hit a single cone. I was so intent, I didn't realize Instructor had jumped off. She & her Mother were standing together watching & talking while Fred & I raced about. I should mention that Fred loved it, he was ready to have some fun. 

We slowed to a walk to cool down, I simply couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Both Daughter & Mom instructors then came over. They said how they're both amazed at the progress I've made in such a short time. I told them Fred made it easy. They said I can use Fred one more time if I'd like but,  both felt I'd graduated to driving another level horse!  I hadn't realized when I'd changed horses I was actually moving up. I'd just assumed the previous lessons horse was out in the field! LOL 

Fred really does make it all seem so easy.   

Loose dogs...

Yesterday from inside the house, I noticed the Mini's noticing something out of my site line. Both were on high alert, seems more out of curiosity than fear. 

Suddenly two large dogs appeared, they skirted the fence a bit. Then, the largest risks the hot wire & is in with the Mini's!

I had the boys here so was at a panicked loss on what to do!  Just as I'm about to run out of the house yelling, both Mini's charge!!!  

I'm guessing dogs rapid departure was the combo of the hot wire shock, coupled with these two small creatures coming at him with intention. It risked the fence again to escape the Mini demons!  

I phoned animal control who arrived pretty quickly. We live on the county border however & the dogs where moving off out of our county. They appeared to be lost, both wearing collars & after the Mini charge they'd attempted to enter neighbors board fenced yard. 

Glad to know the Mini's don't hesitate to take care of themselves & hope the dogs found their way home. 

Pippin is doing really well with long lineing, I'm trying not to move faster than he's ready since he's probably not had experience with much groundwork. I do believe I have he's going to be lots of fun. Merlin was a bit more skittish than the day before. Didn't help that while I'd been attempting to introduce him to the clicker yesterday, I'd had to quit while he was still concerned about the click. Pippin had untied my 3 knot rope & decided it was his turn again. So, definitely didn't end the previous session on a good note SIGH. I'll reshelf clicking with him for a few weeks, then start over. 

Seems problem SIL is starting further drama!  She's telling the others they're all soon to be rich & while she knows the grandchildren aren't in the will, she's encouraging them to ask, "where's our cut!"  Hubs has explained numerous times that "their cut" is up to "their parents!" While FIL was better off than many seniors in that he kept his bills paid, had health insurance, a small life insurance policy &  he actually had savings to cover his burial with a little left over. Plus several collections of various items that amounted to more a hobby than anything worth the major cash she seems to anticipate. Shot we've not even received death certificates, there are no cuts & we've given the sisters the majority of household items!   Considering this SIL has happily lived off Govt handouts most of her life, paying ones own bills might mean your rich in her eyes?   Explains her feeling of entitlement perhaps. I'm just hoping she doesn't bring her drama along Friday when I have to meet her at the house. 

Better get used to it...

Spring I do believe has arrived, flies are just beginning to put in an appearance. Picked up fly masks last weekend & not knowing if they'd ever been masked before, felt I'd better check as I might need to desensitize them. 

Merlins reaction...

Merlin: "yeah, yeah, I know it's good for me."

Pippin...

"Cookies please!"

I'd gotten foal size they fit but, they don't fit. The cheeks don't go back quite far enough, yearling would be way to big & mini in the brand I use are hard to find. 

Pippin was doubtful at first, where he came from he'd most likely never worn one. He's pretty game & was willing to try though. Plus he does trust me & cookies never hurt. 

Once on however, Merlin took one look at this strange "new horse", got all stalliony & charged. Sorry no pix!  Once he realized it wasn't a "new horse" in his pasture. 

Next up Merlin, where he came from I'd fully anticipated masks were standard gear. Easy peasy, not thrilled but, no biggy.

UNTIL, Pippin decided he then had to chase the "new horse!"  

Oh, after they of course helped one another out of their masks. 

Spechul Greetings...

HAPPY EASTER

from our very spechul bunnies...

A few behind the scenes shots of Easter ear mayhem...

Pippin did not take kindly to sharing the Easter ear spotlight...

Stalking Merlin with only one thought in mind...

"Ba Bam, there is room for only one Easter Mini in this pasture buddy!"

"My ears, he stripped me of my ears!"

"La la la, don't look at me, I'm just an innocent Easter Mini!"

Unbraided...

While it's still mud season, it's also becoming bug season. Figured the boys would appreciate their handy dandy flyswatters. Soooo,

Pippin had approx 6 inches trimmed off of his!  Should've gotten a pre-trim pic!  Yes, it still needs washed but, Pippin needs some bathing lessons. I'll wait till its hot enough that he may appreciate it a bit lol

Difficult to make out Merlins tail due to the black on black...

Now you can see it. He'd only needed about three inches as I'd been able to trim his when I last rebraided. Pippin, wasn't patient enough at that time so, no trim had been done.

I've been working Pippin almost daily this past week. He'd thought having the winter off meant he was done working & feral was an option lol. He's already deciding working again isn't all that bad as it comes along with a good grooming of itchy spots. The birds are very appreciative, one day after his 

deshedding I saw group of robins descend upon his white fur to take for their nests!

Haven't yet began ground driving him, while he drives, I discovered he really doesn't know any basic groundwork. So we've begun with longing. Have to say, I have a lot to relearn as cueing a shorty is vastly different, plus you get dizzy very quickly lol.   We're both getting better, he's learning he can't pull the rope from my hands (gloves) at his attempts to bolt. He's also figured out, there is really no need to rush, so he's falling back to a walk after a sometimes initial burst of speed. He's also picked up on making a change of direction. Yesterday, I'd gone out to the pasture with our gear, he saw me and came at a trot. He really does like all the attention being on him which is a plus.  However as soon  we're finished he heads out to taunt Merlin & pounce on him. 

While Merlin has excellent manners, I also plan to brush up on his groundwork. First Pippin has to learn to stand quietly tied, he's gotten loads better about it but, still needs practice in patience. Ecspecially as it'll be Merlin getting all the attention!  Meaning Pippin would be diving on him the entire time we work. What Merlin really needs most is being desensitized.  While Pippin is fearless, Merlin can shy at new things quite easily. Opposites in so many ways, we have young thug vs the gracious gentleman, fearless vs ooooh noooo we're gonna die!

Edit: venting rant: problem SIL just called wanting to know about going to FIL house to pick up some things in what he called the music room. I'm "sure, when did you want too?"  SIL: "in an hour." Me: "it's the day before Easter!"  SIL: " I know that's why we want to do it today, so we can go to church tomorrow!" Me: "you do realize others have lives right?"  SIL "?"  Me: besides hubs working, me having the boys, the animals, we have a life that doesn't revolve around you!  You've got Wed. or Fri. next week, pick one with a time". This isn't new for her, she once called for help to move. When we were, sure no problem, when?  Standard answer was "in an hour!"  No, we didn't help!  Is there an emoji for pounding your head against the wall!