I have to share something that really made me smile on the inside and out~
While the mare is still not offering to come to the gate when I call to her and sometimes, like yesterday, she actually walked away and went into the "deep cover zone" as she saw me enter the field. Something about these changes has me endeared more to her. It gives me more chances to get to know her and identify and acknowlege her.
I laughed when I saw her there, hiding in the thicket. I stayed on the outside of it, looked in at her as I beckoned her to join me. She actually made a move towards the center of the trees, like she may come through them..it made me chuckle at the jesture.
Here is what she did that truly warmed me, that I have not thought to ask of her before.
I had joined her inside her deep cover zone, rubbed on her face and jaw, which she really enjoys . Then, I simply asked her to follow me on out to the field. She willingly followed and soon, I was walking beside her toward the gate. I had the halter and rope around my shoulder, as we strode the ground together. With my hand upon her mane she had her nice, swingy walk going- that made me fall slightly behind and move my hand to her wither. As I picked my way on the path to the gate, she kept her neck lowered not pulling away or even hesitatitating.
It felt so cool walking that way with her . . . She was definately WITH ME!
