The journey continues

As the sun shone through Sean's blinds this morning, I couldn't resist getting some photos. Sean has always loved to bask in sunshine and his bedroom that faces southeast affords him lots of opportunity to bask!

Too bad you can't hear Sean's giggle. It's full and infectious. His giggle can go on and on so long you just can't help laughing. He can giggle on an inhale too which is pretty talented. And this morning he giggled as he pulled the covers over his head, giggled from under the covers, and then popped his head up again back into the sunshine.

There sure is a lot to make me giggle besides Sean. Yesterday found me working with Moon, the horse we hope to have Sean enjoy once she has some more training.

Yesterday was a day for introducing her to new tactile sensations. Sean's old mattress got a new job as an "obstacle" out in the horse pasture. Having horses walk over various textures can prepare them for all kinds of things encountered out on the trail. I don't know about where you ride, but out here on the plains there are mattresses everywhere. They can be waiting in gullies or just sunning themselves out in a field. The last thing you need is your horse spooking when it has to go over a mattress to get to another part of a field...

Moon was also introduced to the sensation of a rope under her tail. And while it may sound silly, it actually isn't. If you're riding along using your rope and it happens to fly through the air the wrong way and lands under your horse's tail you could be in for a nasty surprise. The horse clamps its tail (holding the rope firmly in place) and tries to spin away from it. The next thing you know you're eating dirt while your horse runs to the next county to get rid of that rope being clamped under it's tail!

Once Moon was used to the feel of the rope under her tail, I tied the rope pretty firmly to the saddle and had her walk next to me. Then I ran so that she had to trot next to me, and finally, I ran flat out in the field and around the horse shelter so Moon had to run, turn and maneuver with that rope under her tail. No problem! She was a pro within minutes.

Next I brought out a couple of big, crinkly feed bags. I held one up to Moon's side and brushed her all over (and under) with it so she got used to its sound and feel. Then just for fun I threw the bag into the air letting the wind take it down the field so Moon could go fetch it.

I'm so lucky to be able to have these moments with Sean and with Moon! Just another day at El Rancho Wenlock!
Nancy