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?
