What's this on my back?

Yup Hampton is wearing a saddle already. Yesterday was the first time I introduced it to him. He walked around with it like he has been doing so since birth. lol.



And how many 2-year-olds are calm enough to be handled by a really non-experienced horse person? Not many I would guess.



Walking over flowers? No problem.

Update on T-Bone

T-Bone has clearly won over his new owner.

Here's a pic of him that she sent me.

Countdown

Leaving in two weeks ...

The calm before the storm?

Since Hampton has been so quiet and easy going, I went ahead and put the surcingle on him today (remember, I've had him less than a week). He didn't care, so I buckled it. Still didn't care. I almost took him outside on a walk with it on, but decided I better not push it. So I gave him some hay and let him eat in his stall with the surcingle on. It was fastened snug, but not girth-tight or anything. I took the surcingle off and began some basic lunging in the round pen. He was of course confused, but picked it up easily and was never naughty - just wondering what the heck I wanted!

Tomorrow will be more of the same. Maybe a bath? Maybe intro to clippers?

Progress

The new horse (who I think I will name Hampton) ... is leading much better now (much less like a drunken sailor), he stands quietly while I toss ropes over his back, around his legs and around his head. He picks up all four feet (with the lead rope - I'm not brave enough to bend down there yet) ... and today accepted and wore a white saddle pad like he has been doing that since birth. Tomorrow we'll begin the basics of lunging (whoa and walk on) and by the end of the week the booger may have a surcingle on. I don't want to lunge him a ton (since he's still growing) but I figure once or twice a week won't hurt. Also, within the next week or two I may introduce a bath and also clippers.

The new horse

Here's a photo from today ... starting working more with the as yet un-named new horse. Worked on leading, and tossed a lead rope around on his back in the stall. He was fine with that. With more handling he'll be a good boy ... he does like to kick, tho, lol ... gotta be aware of those hind legs when he gets a little fiesty. Here he is (please excuse the ugly halter, his new one is on order)

Thankfully

I still have my job.
But, due to other layoffs my schedule will be changing and I'll need to make adjustments to life.
I'm sure it will all work out. It always does.

**

Annnnd ... the new horse arrived safe and sound. I promise photos soon. He is AMAZING.