We've had a wee storm blow thru this week which tore up the hill from the south for 3 days. The winter field has lots of shelter from the north east and west but not much from the south. Luckily the fencer had left 2 big bonfire sized piles of gorse which all 4 used for shelter. Spike would stand in the lee of one, and Likely stood in the lee of spike with Charlot and Mal sheltering behind the other. Charlot and Mal have been really going at each other this week - quite the world dominance game.
Matthew, the farrier, came yesterday and met the weans for the first time. He has a wonderful grounded calmness and lets a horse meet him and suss him out before starting to work.
I took Spike in first who wouldn't settle then calmed down as soon as Charlot came in too. The wind was still blowing a bit and rain pouring down so I took the wee ones in as well.
The cattle court is floored with rubber mats and Likely drops and rolls as soon as he comes in every time - flips over at least once either side then has a good shake.
I had Charlot next to Spike and the Hobbits together at the end. Spike is hot shoed and Charlot watched it all with big eyes.
Auntie H arrived to keep an eye on Charlot and gave his feet a pick and rubbed the worst of the weather off his legs with a towel.
She started to warn Matthew off C's previous issues/ habits... I can normally feel what animals are feeling and didn't get any worry from C at all. I said to Matthew that he hadn't put a foot wrong the entire time he had been here and hadn't seen any of these issues at all so just treat him as he found him.
So Matthew said hullo and Charlot let him do all four feet without a peep. I felt a bit emotional at the end - Charlot really hasn't given me any cause for concern at all.
On Monday before the storm broke we had the most perfect day of weather all year. Blue skies, wall to wall sun, the first really hard frost so no mud - (and no midges!)- I took Charlot out for a walk by himself and we were finally at the stage of trotting together out on the track. The colour of his coat against the larch needles was just stunning in the sunshine.
Your boy is doing wonderfully up here Frances, I haven't forced any agenda upon him, let him unwind in his own time and just taken what he gives me when he comes to me.
He finally allowed me to do some Rolfing on him a few weeks ago - back, quarters and down the hind legs... after I had finished he snuffled my hair for quite a while and then gave a big sigh. I personally believe that when someone allows a physical release, it it when they are ready for the corresponding emotional release... that they are ready to move on.
You can't force change, you can only invite it... one of the principles we work with is "working with what is available for change TODAY".... and Charlot is a lovely example.
He's a fine loon.
Auntie P
