Obstacle Splash Dancing

My Mom and I have been so SUPER busy here -- coupled with rain nearly everyday ~ what a crazy year for weather !  My new favorite man, BCF Splash Dancer had his turn meeting obstacles for the first time last week. I am hoping to get the chance to ride him through before the end of the challenge month, but I don't know if we are going to get a break in the weather to do it.

Notice, I am still wearing a winter jacket and hat.. it's cold !

The obstacle course is set up partly inside, partly outside. 

Isn't Splash such a handsome man ??

grumpy old owl... he's probably mad he can't scare anyone.

Splash and I pause a minute for a heart to heart... he thinks he can rush through the alley way.  

After a few tries.. he walks more calmly.

Splash asks ~ Tell me again -- what am I supposed to so with this ? 

All the horses love the teeter totter it seems.

Now I know we are not going to meet any of these obstacles at a dressage show.. but I feel Splash is more prepared for an "anything" and throughout this exercise, our mutual trust builds. I know from being at shows - there are a lot of potentially spooky objects... when it rains for example -- the judge's booth is covered in plastic,  there are many spectators with umbrellas twirling... and who knows what else.  I love enhancing my relationship with Mister Splash with this 'game-like' exercise.

Zoe and BCF Splash Dancer in Vermont