We started our day with the usual brushing, general feet cleaning and chat. Charlot was quite nervy this morning so we were careful not to make things worse.
He pulled his log again but started off getting his back foot over the trace. Jo went and calmly picked it up and put it within the trace and we both marveled at the fact that this time last year, he would not have allowed that, got in a state and made things much worse. So, on retrospect, we have come a long way! You just don't see it sometimes until something brings it smartly to your attention.
Anywho, as I said, he was a bit jumpy and rushing and spooky but Jo just kept control and brought him back quickly to working sense. It didn't take long and we remembered when we long-reined him a few years back while he reared and refused to listen. Taking things slowly and steadily is a good way of training with Charlot. He really cannot be rushed. It is very good that he doesn't mind the traces around his back legs considering he has had a "thing" about us touching them.
After now managing to trot happily around with his log, without batting an eyelid or napping to his friends, Charlot was unharnessed and stood waiting tied up for our next madcap idea. The basket saddle! Be-Anne, my dog, sat on his back for a short while and he didn't care so we put the Victorian basket saddle so he could get used to the feeling of something different on his back.
So he stood there, looking faintly embarrassed and turning back to examine the saddle. He was totally unperturbed so Jo lunged him in walk and trot on both reins with it - not a flicker!
He really does have a lovely trot. I know I keep saying this, but he does!
What a great day!
