Change in Attitude

Christmas afternoon, Steven and I went out to the barn to watch Rupert get set free after his dinner (didn't happen since it was still to muddy for the ass kicking to safely take place) and were waiting in the truck until Christina came. Kid was across the parking area over by the 4 horses of the apocalypse and actually recognized my truck! He walked all the way over to my driver's side window and stuck his face in when I rolled the window down. I was soooo happy. If I arrive and he is in his paddock, he comes over to the side nearest my truck and waits. This is such a far cry from the horse that was trying to run me down this time last year.

Rupert has been calling for Kid when he goes out after meals. I think they really missed each other. The mud should be mostly gone and Rupert can safely go out with the other horses today - I hope!

Rupert is home!

Rupert came home from the trainer's on Wednesday. Kid and Rupert were so happy to see each other. I thought it was great that you can actually tell when a horse is happy to see another horse.

Ever since Rupert left in October he has seemed pissed off on the times I have seen him. The trainer has confirmed that Rupert is very stubborn and impatient. I know he is glad to be home but the training will continue for his own good.

Yesterday, we worked on ground tying. First, I had Rupert's rope halter on and then decided to change to the woven halter and the stud chain. I got the halter on and when I reached for the stud chain, Rupert took off down the aisle to the round pen area. Right off the bat I did a bad thing - I didn't try to catch him. I was by myself and did not feel comfortable catching a horse whose mission was to run around. I would call to Rupert periodically and finally he just walked over to me. I put the stud chain on him and led him back to the barn.

To practice ground-tying, we stood together but every time he took a step without permission, he got a loud "No!" from me and then I made him go backwards the length of the barn. We would then walk back to the front and stand some more. After about 30 minutes, it was time for the other horses to come in for dinner so I put him back in his stall.

We will continue working on being a patient pony including "big blue trailer time". The BO has a huge, 6-horse gooseneck trailer that weighs a bazillion tons and is great for horses who pull back because they can't pull it over. Rupert doesn't pull back when he is tied with other horses just when he is alone. He is very herd-bound.

Rupert has been in his stall since Wednesday and probably will go out on Christmas Day. The BO wanted him to stay in to give him time to re-acclimate to the other horses who can greet him over his paddock rail. I told John we were just prolonging the ass-kicking to which he told me we were just making sure the ass-kicking wasn't going to be as bad.