That being due to the fact that Linus was actually a handful. Dad took his lady away up to the barn and Linus didn't think much of that. But, it was a really good thing for us to work through. My cattle halter breaking experience has taught me how to buckle down and stop such a big animal from getting away. Tonight was the first time I had to really buckle down with Linus. After a few minutes though I was able to walk him away from the farm up the driveway and out to the road where we took the opportunity to go through some puddles! Keeping his mind occupied was a big helper and he didn't even call for Allie. Dad had her occupied too so she wasn't calling for Linus. It was a great lesson for both horses. Linus, recently reunited with having a pal and Allie, not used to being away from a pal. It puts a whole new perspective on what Linus and I have under our belt because now he is learning to handle himself with another horse. The biggest thing is not letting him feed off of her energy. He is impressing me but we do have some work to do and I love it. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
Dad could not get Allie into the barn; she has a major fear of enclosed spaces and even going through the gate to the horse pasture which is very wide. We thought Linus going by her might help. It's been a VERY long time since he was in the barn but he walked right in and down the narrow alley and through an even more narrow door (brush the sides of him narrow) with the bat of an eye. He was surprised to find a cow in there and acted up once inside but we worked through that too.
Once both horses were calmed down and Al accepted her first surcingle we went for a walk to the corner of the road. She met her first car and thankfully Linus was ahead of her and stood stock still while it passed. Allie was nervous but didn't budge. Good job Linus!
We have our work cut out for us now and Dad is going to build a hitching post and he's even talking about getting a round pen....Linus and I are going to really benefit from this venture!!
It's always exciting getting someone new around - everyone will settle and enjoy:)
ReplyDeletethis made a good opportunity for you and Linus... practicing not being herd bound because now you have yourself a little herd :) and as you mentioned there may be many more opportunities coming -- like the hitching rail and the round pen !!
ReplyDeleteA round pen and hitching post sound great;)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great opportunity to teach Linus even more now Allie is around and for her he is a great example with accepting all kinds of thing! They both will benefit!