Happy New Year!

Back from vacationing in NJ and back to work.

Visited Cassie on Friday, after a 2 week absence. She did what i thought she'd do. she just looked at me, with the expression that said "well, well, well look what the cat dragged in." OY- ever get that look from a horse you havent seen in a bit?

Not only that, she decided i was scary, and did not want to be handled, touched, approached. Armed with treats, i approached, and before she fled, i fled, to keep her turned to me.
Played the catching game, also asked her to move from me, and when she turned to face me i'd back off, then approach her. at that point i was allowed to touch her, pet her, and even touch her with my savvy string. Doesn't seem like much, but it is to Cassie. she HATES rope touching her behind her wither. She spooks and flees. Well, with this method, i was able to play with 6 ft of savvy string, and lob it over and onto her back, and then use it as a good scratcher to get all the itches. very good stuff!

It didn't take long before we were buddies again. i was even able to put the savvy string around her neck and have her follow my feel to the water trough,15 feet ahead of us. she did it!

I keep forgetting to bring a saddle pad with me, since i want to start playing with that, slowly. a nice, slow, friendly game.

she's getting there!

-Ally