(no subject)
Sunrise on the family property
Today the plan was to do housework, then head out for a ride on Harry this afternoon. However those plans were soon thrown out the window.
Instead I was at my parents 7 acre block about 15 mins drive from home to supervise the moving of the two sea containers further down the paddock so that they would form 2 walls of the new temporary shelter/stable for Harry.
That was easy enough to do, basically watch two burly men hitch the container up to the hooks on the crane and trundle it down the property to their new position. From there, I headed down to Miss Xena, Travis and Shadow to take of their rugs as it was going to be a 'warm' day for winter with no rain - and on days like this I prefer that they go naked. Upon my arrival I noticed that Travis was happily munching the pasture in the paddock next door, the dope had just stepped over a portion of fence that was low. So I had to wade through the mud/water in my riding boots and not my gumboots and I learn't that whilst I didn't have holes in my riding boots, water does eventually seep through leather and it makes for very cold feet.
9.30am I was back at the property to meet up with the fencing contractor to discuss the new fencing that is going in to split the 7 acres into 3 paddocks, if the weather doesn't get to wet he is hoping to have the fencing done within a few days - which means that Harry could be moved to this weekend.
Moving one of the containers
placing the containers
The aim is now to build a back wall, and put a roof ontop of the gap, and then a gate/fence at the front - so its like a walk in/walk out.
After meeting the bee removal guy at 11.30am to get rid of the bees under one of the containers I headed down to see Harry. I have a shocking cold, so simply didn't feel like riding even though it was fantastic weather. Instead Harry and I went for a walk down the road, we were doing fine until a bus went past, his reaction was interesting. He freaks/shies in the most unusual manner he goes spreadeagled with his head right up and you can see he is just holding himself together before he explodes. Apart from the bus he was fine on our short walk, afterwards I lunged him and he worked beautifully.
I took off the roller, the chambon and bridle and let him loose in the round yard and just walked around randomly wanting to see what he did. He followed me everywhere, where I turned he turned it was as if there was an invisible string between us. Everyso often I would stop and scratch his shoulder, telling him he was a good boy. Toward the end of our session he was licking and chewing, and even poking his tongue right out and wiggling his top lip and much snorting and a few yawns; at the very end he did a huge big body shake and then nudged me gently with his nose. Now I am not a natural horsemanship follower by any means but from the little I have read and from what blitzen_has taught me the actions that Harry was doing were good signs. I called it a day there and put him back into his paddock with his mates with a hug and a kiss.
A whole heap of photos taken from around the property and neighbour's property, the dogs, and a log that I will make into a x-country jump.
Frodo bounding
Holly
B.P.
the potential jump
the local wildlife
Ok thats enough for now...time for sleep