Facing fear!

Horse therapy continues for Baggy! Wessles was extremely happy to see Grotty Groom this morning and Joey was delighted to see Calum. Both Boys whickered and came over for a cuddle. Calum had decided that Grotty needed to face one of her fears though and that they would ride in the "dressage" arena. The ridiculously "spooky" arena, that last time they went in there had both horses terrified to go down to the far end of it. However, it is the arena that the dressage competitions are held in, so it would certainly be a plan to get Wesley used to it! But the mere thought of going in there gave Hormonal Hannah the perfect excuse to put Baggy into "flight"-mode. Excuse the image, but like her horse, she needed to visit the loo three times before she could get Grotty on him! Having got all her tack out and alerted Wessles to the fact that he was about to be ridden for the third day in a row, as Baggy shot off to the loo for the third time, Wesley decided that it was time to use evasion tactics. By the time she returned, Wesley was totally chilled out.

He looked so cute that Grotty decided to join him.

The itch on his leg from the fly bites was clearly annoying him, so Grotty decided to assist him. It seemed to help.

Within a few minutes, Wessles was so relaxed that he nodded off! But as he explained to Grotty, he had been out all night and had already been on the horse-walker, so he needed a rest.

Grotty decided to leave him to it for a while.

But she really wanted to ride, so he agreed to get up.

Haha - he looks like an alien Bless him. But Baggy faced her fear and took the Boy into the dressage arena. Frankly, he didn't put a hoof wrong. Grotty had a beautiful ride in full dressage-diva mode once again. Once Joey had overcome his terror of the pigeons in the bushes, he too went beautifully for Calum. Wesley and Grotty worked so hard that Clever Bird decided that they could end on a good note after about thirty minutes, and go back in. Now Wesley is not at all happy to be in his stable unless Joey is in his; he spins, calls, rears and generally loses the plot. But Grotty decided that Clever Bird was right and he needed to get over this nonsense (which has only been a problem since they moved back to this yard). He was a numpty. But only a little numpty. Calling Joey, but no spinning etc, so Grotty gave him treats, while he calmed down. Then Cal took Joey into the other arena, so Wesley could see them from his stable and he actually relaxed - just as well, as he will have to be on his own when they head to Ashen Equestrian Centre in two weeks!

Home via Long Melford - lunch and a visit to the saddlery. Lots and lots of purchases! Baggy is now sitting in brand new riding boots (which are competition legal) which are a size too small for her, but were half-price so she had to have them. The plan is that Baggy will stretch them a little for Grotty - let's hope so anyway. If Baggy's feet still have circulation in them in an hour or so, she will try riding in them tomorrow..........