25th October 2010

From his Auntie H:-

"I had a day off today so I went up to see Charlot. (I worked with him on Saturday too - we long reined, eventually by ourselves, but with Auntie P on a leadrope for a start).

Today we took each of them out of the field individually, so that they learn that being by themselves is not going to kill them. Malachy first, then Likely, then Charlot. When Charlot was out on the track, the other two had a shetland hoolie round the field together. Charlot and I went a wee walk along the track and he decided he would like to go further, and so we re caught the other two and off we went. I kept Charlot, Auntie P had the other guys. We got as far as the quarry, Charlot and I usually behind the others and we kept stopping to pick up feet, back up, turn and walk away from them.

He's such a sweetie, was obliging with everything I asked of him, even walking with me on the way back with no rope. I just had my arm over his withers, walking with my hip bumping gently at his shoulder. I also walked behind him, on the end of his rope, swapping from left to right so he could see me moving about.

We got back to the shed, Likely and Charlot both rolled on the mats, and we let them explore while Auntie P and I made sudden noises so the Hobbits could get used to "imitated" bangs. Charlot was always first back to us, usually with me his first port of call.

Anyhow, hope you are well, here are a few pictures taken today of us out in the forestry."

Boy doing good!