1st August 2010

"There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good

She was very, very good

But when she was bad

She was horrid!"

Ok, so he is a boy but this rhyme could really be written about Charlot.

So, off we go again.

I have a broken ankle. I know, I know, stupid, but I do. When the witches stop stirring their cauldrons widdershins, maybe we will have a chance at this training lark!

Charlot did not want to be caught. "No thank you" he said as I hobbled after him. So, I gave everyone a piece of carrot except him. Well, that caught his attention and he decided that having a head-collar put on was fair exchange for a piece of carrot.

I led him to the school - he seemed calm. Jo went to get some petrol for her car so I tied Charlot up to a haynet and he tucked into it enthusiastically. While we were waiting for Jo's return, I gave him a brush, concentrating on his mane and tail and getting the last of his winter fur out. He stopped eating to watch me brush him. His new winter coat is beginning to grow in now and we haven't even had summer. I even plaited his mane as an experiment. It looked smart if a bit odd!

So, Charlot was harnessed up and long-reined for a few circuits. As he remained calm and happy, Daisy took up her usual rickshaw business and followed him with the little red cart, banging about so he was used to the noise behind him. No reaction, so they attached the cart to the tugs, with Jo ready to pull it quickly away if required while Daisy led Charlot.

He pottered about the school, reacting to nothing, and happily walked a few circuits with the cart following him, being given constant reassurance from Jo and Daisy.

Mission accomplished, Charlot was unharnessed and tied up with his haynet at the door while we drove Floyd, his Shetland friend. Charlot watched with interest. He is a funny lad. He managed to get the rope around his head, chickens around his feet and he did nothing.

So Jo led him back to his field, picked up all four feet while he stood quietly and we seem to be back to normal.

I think this was a good day!