On Saturday when I put the feed in for Balthazar he decided he'd do the old pin the ears and make faces at me trick. Usually I ignore him but that day I stepped in and drove him from his food. It was a very interesting experience because although he did back away he refused to look at me. Resolved not to invite him to eat until he looked at me with both eyes. Balthazar got bolder and bolder, coming up on either side of me in an attempt to get to the bin and refusing to back up when asked. I was carrying Pagan's rug at the time (Pagan has The Itch and needs to be rugged at night at least until the sand flies die off) and had to shake it at him to make him retreat. Finally, afte some minutes, Balthazar looked at me. A long considering look to my mind. I said good boy, invited him to eat (with hand gesture) and left him to it.

Haven't worked with him since (today is Monday) except for hello in the morning. He hasn't made to nip since something he does after initial smell greeting. When he does that I make him move his feet and then leave him alone for a moment. When I greet him again he's all right but there has to be that first pushy bit on his part. Peter sent me a Parelli text about nipping and how horses are playing at the same time as they are checking out or reinforcing their place in the herd hierarchy. The hello nip attempt falls into that category. The nipping and ear pinning when his chest is groomed or touched does not. I'm surprised that Parelli doesn't cover that. Studley, a horse I used to groom at Indiantown, was a frequent and sneaky nipper. And I loved him. He was actually a kind horse, cheeky but kind although if I wasn't careful he wouldn't pull back if he did manage to cnnect. Would've loved to have had him. He wasn't a successful racehorse. Anyway, he's long dead now.

Yesterday Richard fed them (hay) and as it was already so late (and so cold) I chickened out and came inside.