8

Two sessions. Liberty. Yards. First one 6 carrots long. Second 5 minutes.

Progress! Went out and got Balthazar in just before they were released into the dam paddock at 3:30. He had his fly veil on still but just wanted to quickly play with 'grownups are talking'. He was brilliant. Quit while we were ahead (incidentally, no evasion). Threw the carrots out of the yards - a sign that we are finished, and led the mob to the gate.

Second session was 5 minutes and he only mugged twice. Yes, that's an improvement. He was really starting to get it today. I was even building duration. He pawed but I did not c/t and he only did it the once. Really feel it is starting to sink in. Again, I chose to sit on the stump. There were NO evasions.

Finally tried on the Trail Boots (Easyboots) purchased in lieu of shoeing. They fit perfectly. The amazing thing, when I wasn't c/t-ing, was that I asked him with a gentle finger to move his bum over onto the rubber mat (so that the boots wouldn't get dirty in case they didn't fit) and he moved like a breath, with utter softness. It was an unlooked for *perk* from the c/t we've been practicing. Very pleased with today.