June27Collage_copy.jpgHi, My quest to create the apparatus needed for Working Equitation is proceeding slowly, but steadily. (A friend is working on the gate and bridge.)

Deborah and Adam came to the farm and drew the bull/cow on the plywood. A week or so later Bill used a jig saw to cut it out. I painted it and a week later Bill joined the two halves. Then the search was on for a ring to place on the horn. The “Dollar Store” in Nobleton didn’t have ring toys for swimming or a ring toss game. I asked the clerk for help. We walked through the aisles and he  spotted a round metal thing to put around the burner on a stove. Just the thing! I bought it, brought it home and covered it with vet wrap.

Both horses took to it instantly. Mark Rashid points out that the horse is born with two diametrically opposed instincts: flight and curiosity. If we can tap into “curiosity” then things should be interesting.

With the Lusitanos the main problem is their curiosity AND the fact that they’re convinced that everything they see is potentially a snack…perhaps even a meal.

So far the bull/cow has just one chew mark on the horn…

I probably should decide what to call this thing. We already have “the ball”, so having “the bull” might be a bit confusing. Then again, these horses are pretty smart and differentiating between the two might be easier for them than I think.

Every once in a while when I’m attempting to spear the ring, I miss. The horse knows instantly that I’ve goofed. He turns back to the bull and maneuvers himself, me and the pole into position so that I can’t possibly miss, again! I’m figuring that if I could see his face I’d notice him rolling his eyes and he’s probably muttering under his breathe, “You think good help is hard to find, try getting your hands on a good rider!!!!”

Both boys are able to maintain a steady walk rhythm while I approach the garrocha pole, pick it up, walk to the bull, spear the ring, get the ring into my left hand, replace the pole and bend down to put the ring back on the horn.