Wednesday 23 July 2008

Horse Handler to the rescue!


Steve Thompson and his wife came to the rescue on Friday afternoon. I had asked their for help because Bazil would not load into the horse box or even a trailer, and his big outing is on Friday 25th July at Border Union Show.
To begin with Steve wanted to watch how Bazil and I interact, and he instantly saw that the foal was higher up the equine hierarchy and I was subordinate within the herd. So to start with we had to re establish my position within the herd, which was achieved by simple exercises. I don't want to give too much away!
After about half to three quarters of an hour, Bazil was beginning to submit, Steve then introduced him to the horse box. Meantime the weather deteriorated and it began to drizzle, and shortly afterwards the midges came out and we were all covered from head to foot in skin so soft. The place stank like a harlot's boudoir!
Poor Steve, after several hours of gently coaxing Bazil up onto the ramp, he just wouldn't do it. We are unsure if he didn't understand what we wanted from him or not. But Steve's journey was definitely not a waist of time. He taught me the tools I need to keep Bazil in his place, and for that I was very grateful.
On Saturday afternoon, I did half an hour ground work with Bazil, going through the exercises that Steve had explained to me. Then it was time to introduce the horse box again. It took me about two and a half hours, but in the end he walked into the horse box as if he does it every day of his life - which he subsequently does now.
Through out that time, he reared up and pulled away, lost his temper, refused to move, but I kept persevering, safe with the knowledge on how to react to these displays of frustration. The three hours that it took to get Bazil into the horse box just flew past and I was on a high all evening. (Getting Bazil to come out of the horse box was another episode, but with a few minutes of gentle coaxing and some polo mints, he gained the confidence to walk gently down the ramp.)
I have moved the horse box to other areas, and have asked Bazil to load from different ramp heights. All seems to be going well. Our trip to Border Union is still on the cards. However, tonight I am going to put the ramp up and take him for a short trip to the petrol station! Can't get more exciting than that ... eh?

Wednesday 16 July 2008

Hello, it's now mid July!



It has been a long time since I put up a blog. To update you, Imogen failed her Kennel Club Silver Test. Never mind, she is still as loving and faithful now as she was then.


Chris and I have just come back from holiday. We rented a cottage at Boynton near Bridlington in East Riding, Yorkshire for a week. The countryside is beautiful, and quite different from home. To start with the farms are mostly arable, growing beans, peas, barley and wheat, and what is more, the fields were gigantic, 30 acres plus! But there were plenty of footpaths and bridleways to walk the dogs - and NO SHEEP!- that we were spoilt for choice.


We had one very hot day, so we packed up some water and goodies to eat in a rucksack and headed off to a deserted medieval village called Wharram Percy. English Heritage look after the site, so you can have a look yourselves. This was a really relaxing place to be in an the dogs enjoyed the fresh water in the mill pond burn.


We also visited Castle Howard. Our timing was perfect for the rose garden, the perfume was amazing. I took note of a few roses that I liked, and maybe in the autumn, I'll order a couple for my garden. I didn't really like the inside of the house. I'm not awfully keen in the mausoleum look and the feel of the place was not very homely. The house itself is suitably vulgar but dose sit in harmony with it's surroundings. The Four Winds Pavilion was strangely impressive and charming, and the decoration inside and out was tasteless but brilliant. The views were lovely - very English.


Whilst I was away on holiday, the man came and layed the concrete for my kennels, and on Monday the kennels were built! That's it, the kennel saga is over and there they are looking great. The dogs are not that impressed though. I still have to build steps up to the area, as I didn't fancy dragging the dogs up a muddy bank in the pouring rain in the middle of winter. I thought I could have a fight on my hands, trying to persuade the dogs to go into their runs for the day - and the mud would just cheese me off too. I also have to widen the path at the side. I actually thought there would be a door to the side of the first run not at the end of it. Never mind, I'm always happy to be digging another hole in the ground!


Off to Border Union show next Friday with Bazil. I will scratch Ruthie as she is still down in Devon. I have arranged for a chap called Steve Thompson to help me teach Bazil to load into the horsebox, as he and I have had a few disagreements, so it was time to get professional help before I do any lasting damage. I'll let you know how we get on, or even if we make it as far as Kelso ....