Sweet?

I'm either an amazing horse trainer, or Stitch's attempt at world domination has come to a resolution, because in just one short week, my horse has done an almost complete 180 in his behaviour (we'll say a 165).

Not just about the barging out of the crossties - he's still trying a bit when the crossties are released, but not as often and not as determined. Now I just make him circle tightly in the grooming stall, and he gives up after two or three times. Once he's got to that stage he's lovely and will wait and step out one step at a time with me. 

Miraculously, the pawing has been significantly reduced. Like, a lot. And when he does paw, more often than not it's one or two soft paws and then all four are on the floor.

All four on the floor, but plotting his next move.

Don't know why, don't care. Just happy to have my sweet baby boy back.

Well, I suspect he's actually not so sweet. At least when he's out with his buddies. Because he keeps coming in with welts on his back, surrounded by slobber. 

On Friday I intended to ride, but Stitch  had a small-ish welt on the right side where the saddle would sit. It was pretty warm so it may have recently happened. 

I've know a couple of people who have been seriously injured when they threw a saddle on top of an injury and tried to hop on, only to be flung to tbe ground before getting their leg swung over. Don't need that thank you very much.

So, no ride on Friday.

Or on Monday, because Homeboy had an even bigger welt on his left side where the saddle would sit, and he definitely dropped his back when I pushed on it to determine tenderness.

The saddle is definitely going to sit on top of it. I'll have to dig out the witch hazel and keep it on-hand.

Do I think he's getting picked on out there? No, I'm pretty sure he's happily in the middle of whatever gelding games are being played.

The weather has also done a 180 so Stitch has been nekkid since Thursday. I might have to put a suit of armor on him again if I ever want to ride - this time, it might have to actully be made of armor!