Horse therapy works again.

Baggy woke up in a black place once again this morning. More panicky than anything, but not great. However Clever Bird had made her book a lesson for Grotty Groom this afternoon, so that she'd get over to see the Boys. She cannot figure out why Hormonal Hannah is still "stopping" her from wanting to go to the yard. The unpleasant people are no longer there, so it's not that. Grotty loves being with Wessles and Baggy and Hannah always feel better for being with him, so it makes no sense that she hasn't been there for two weeks! But something is stopping her, so having a lesson booked "makes" her go.

Baggy felt a little better after Furry Mama had taken Minty Mutt for a walk in the beautiful autumn sunshine, so she decided to take Grotty over to the yard early. It meant that Freda Fretter wouldn't get her into a panic that Grotty wouldn't be ready in time for her lesson. She groomed both Boys while they munched hay. Instantly she felt better. Wessles was a little put out that Grotty hadn't been to see him for so long. He muttered that he was a bit hurt, but he understood. But when Grotty got his saddle out, he decided to make his point a little more strongly. "Really Mum, you don't bother coming to see me for two weeks, then you expect me to work!"
"Sorry Wessles, but you do understand don't you?"
"Yes. I suppose so. But still, see I miss you when you don't come."
"I know, but I'll never leave you for too long".
"I don't think you understand Mum - two days is too long". Wessles head-butted Grotty and went back to his hay.
"I really am sorry. You know I love you". Grotty put the saddle on Wesley's back. Wesley walked off.
"Stand still Wes, I need to do your girth up".
"Yep, I know that, I'm just making a point" he said, as he headed off round his stable with Grotty following him.
"Yes, point made Wesley, now can I do it up before the saddle hits the floor?" Wesley stopped. Grotty walked to his girth.
"No. I need you to promise you'll come more often". Wesley set off once more. Grotty tottered after him. After three loops of the stable, Wesley finally stood still long enough for Grotty to do up his girth.
"As long as you've got the message Mum".
"I have".
"Okay then".

It was quite chilly, so Clever Bird decided Grotty should ride in her suede chaps. Once Baggy had finally found them, she put them on. They literally fell over her hips. She adjusted both buckles from their maximum size, to their minimum size! She then did the zips up and realised just how much "size" Baggy has lost. They've gone from being impossible to do up on her thighs without some help, to now having a gap that Baggy can put her hand in! No wonder Wesley is even more forward going than he used to be, he's carrying four stone less weight!

He was a complete poppet to ride. Despite his objections, he was happy to work and as usual was quite keen, especially when Vicki-May told Grotty to canter him. Baggy's heart rate shot through the roof as soon as the "c" word was mentioned, as did Wesley's, but his was from excitement, rather than terror. But Baggy had no need to worry, he went beautifully for Grotty. He got even more excited when Vicki-May set some poles out, but they were there to teach him that he needed to listen to Grotty and not to get too strong. Yep - just after he'd cantered! But he did listen to Grotty, who was immensely proud of her big woolly cob, as yet again he went like a dressage diva. By the end of the hour, Wesley was hot and sweaty and tired, Grotty was warm, achy and felt brilliant, although Vicki-May did tell her that she was walking like a cowboy as she led Wessles back to the stables.

"Thank you Wesley, you were a star".
"I know Mum".
"I'm exhausted now."
"Me too. Where are my treats?"
"Here you are, you've earned them".

Now Clever Bird needs to stop flipping Hormonal Hannah from scuppering Baggy's plans to take Grotty over more often.........