Let's Play Ball!

I finally replaced our previous ball and this one is bigger and better. Linus hasn't played with a ball other than his stable-type ball, since the mini-challenge. It was awesome to see how eager he was to play with it again. I brought it home last Friday and boy did we have fun! He got right into it and we kicked it around and had a blast. When the novelty had worn off a bit for him I bounced the ball off of his sides, rolled it under his belly and then rolled all over him. He just stood there looking kind of bored.

I love this picture. I rolled the ball all the way up his head and down his face but he was more interested in the fact that Stu (taking the picture) might have a treat for him!

bounce, bounce, bounce

I should have cropped this one. It's kind of a cool eye-to-eye picture.

This is a great shot to show his kind face and eye...such a handsome boy!

I think I already blogged about the last ride Dad and I had. I rode Linus for about 10 minutes a couple of nights ago. I made a modification to the bitless bridle which changed it to how the Australian version is made and it made a huge difference with Linus. I hadn't used the bitless for some time with him because a friend was trying it out and because Linus had started to push through it. We've been working on that and things were much better. I also had a new girth strap to fit to my saddle so it was a perfect chance to get everything adjusted and ready to go. I wanted to do it when I didn't have Allie and Dad waiting to leave for a ride.

Tonight worked perfect for me to hitch Linus and have a nice evening drive. He was a little antsy at first because he thought he was getting grain but once I finished grooming him he stood to be harnessed like a good boy. He didn't flinch when I put the cart on.. I really love the sulky-type road cart that I got. It's so easy to hitch when I'm alone. I walked behind him at first because I had made some adjustments to the harness and wanted to make sure all was comfortable for him. I usually tie Allie but I didn't tonight and boy did she put on a performance. Prancing with her tail in the air and then galloping all over the place. I had to make a harness adjustment and stood with Linus at his head for a minute to make sure he was calm with all that was going on and I was so proud of him. He stood like a pro for me to make adjustments while she was putting on her show. I was so happy that he listened to me and didn't get excited and hard to handle. I let him do a bit of trotting tonight too. I really have to try to get that on video...what a big, beautiful trot he has! He throws his head up and puffs himself up like a proud peacock and off he floats. I'm going to have to get someone else to trot him so I can watch! It's so awesome. I know alot of you trot, canter, gallop etc. all the time so be patient with me please! : ) Linus is young and I only just started letting him trot because the cart he's pulling is so light and even then he doesn't get to go far. So it really is a thrill for me.

Afterwards he got big hugs, lots of praise and kind words. I could not have asked or wished for a better equine partner!!!

Donna & Linus

Lunenburg, ON Canada

oh, almost forgot...our photos are finally up for voting in a contest we entered. Please feel free to vote!! Here are the pictures we submitted:

to vote go to www.horsejournals.com click on Contests and click on the Photo Contest box.

category 2A photo 81

category 2B photo 72

category 2C photo 53