Trail riding adventures

Now that Flash has gotten a good handle on how to behave on a leadline, I have started taking him for walks out through the woods and to the back pasture. I figure it is a good way to start getting him away from the herd and learning to be a bit more independent. He is not wild about the idea of being away from his safety, but he is willing enough to come along with me and despite the little bit of neighing, he is still agreeable to moving forward. Once we get to the far field with all the lush grass, he quickly forgets about missing the rest of the herd.

The Boy is Mine!

It took me awhile to wrap my head around the fact that Flash is a permanent fixture in my life. My heart knew the moment his little muzzle met my fingers and the more time I spend with the fella, the more clear my head becomes knowing this little colt is mine.

Learning to lead on a working farm

Lester's method for teaching a youngster to lead is to hook the yearling to one of the trained horses while working the fields and let him learn to follow. Since his experienced work horses are retired or currently on maternity leave, he used the next best thing; his tractor. So we hooked the little man up to the boom on the tractor and let him stand and think about the clatter of the diesel for a few minuets. The engine rattle did not phase the boy, but then it shouldn't as it is a noise he hears everyday. So Lester eased his foot off the clutch and started to crawl forward. Flash sort of dragged his feet at first but then figured out pretty quickly he did not have much of a choice in not moving forward. It did not take him long to determine it was much easier to just walk forward than resist the pressure. Soon Flash was leading around the barnyard and down the road like a perfect gentleman.

A Need....

When I was visiting out at the farm in late January, to get some horse connection, I noticed the horse trailer parked down by the barn. When I saw Lester, he asked if I had taken a look in it. With his question, I figured he had picked up a new cow or some other farm animal. I peaked in the trailer on my way out and was greeted by a soft little white nose, a gentle sniff and a bright white face. There was a young colt in the trailer! I felt the spark as soon as he touched my hand. This little guy had a need as badly as I did.

Lester said he needed a place to go and he figured he had the space in his barn and knew of someone who might be willing to work with him. Later, he said, he's your's if it seems right.

I have been working with the little fella, teaching him about standing still, wearing a halter and being led. He came with the name of Two Feathers, I was calling him Charlie but I think his name is settled on Flash.