12

Drifter died yesterday. Have written about it on the other blog. Obviously didn't work with Balthazar. The horses were upset and unsettled. Still unsettled a bit today but much better, as I am.

Often forget to look at my watch before starting so can only guess, certainly not more than 10 minutes, perhaps more like 5 or 7. Liberty. Yards. After grooming. We were much better today. He mugged but less intense and only a couple of times (seems like a refrain of the last half dozen posts but I am confident we will get through this). Also stallion behaviour much much less as I remembered to hold the treat out away from him instead of down towards his chest in my hurry to get it to him. This may be a slight hurdle when we work consistently on verbal cued head down but will tackle that later. NO evasions today. Not one. That is a triumph. Still reluctant to let me on his left side to play grownups but that too improved.

We started where he was standing after grooming, after I removed the halter. I moved easily from side to side, standing sometimes behind and he didn't budge. He only moved when I finally walked into the center of the yards. That's when he was reluctant to let me on his left. Did a couple of verbal head downs and c/t'd but don't think he's got it yet. As that wasn't the main focus of the session, I'm not concerned. That will come later.

When we finish I say clearly and firmly (but with a happy note) 'All done!'. I trust he will eventually understand what it means and I won't have to hurriedly remove the treat bag. So a good session.

After yesterday have spent quite a bit of time with the horses just being with them not interacting except to remove cobblers pegs. Perhaps it means nothing to them but it has meant something to me. They are all so fragile and so dear to me and yesterday's events proves how quickly one can be lost.