Working the Horses

The horses needed their hooves trimmed again so Whit harnessed up Scooby and had him drag the stock into the barn from out back. The project went better than expected. Everyone was cooperative standing there, so it didn't take long. Since Patrick was the last one into the stock, he got to be harnessed to pull it back out of the barn. However, before he hooks any of the horses up to pull, Whit usually walks them a bit just to remind them of what they're supposed to be doing. Pat is pretty funny. No matter what he's doing or pulling, he prances. I really think he likes the entertainment and challenge of pulling something.

Here he is pulling the stock back out of the barn.

Last year, when the weather was better, we had taken the horses to the fields where we're cutting hay so they could be harnessed to help. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that this summer, so the boys are a tad bit bored. They haven't been worked enough lately and it shows. Pat didn't follow directions pulling the stock out as well as Whit wanted, so he got to do a little extra work this day.

Whit hooked Pat up to the sled and had him drag it around their field in figure 8's. The next morning, bright and early, they were at it again, and Whit had helped TBear harness Magnum. TBear has been working with Magnum in the mornings too, while Whit deals with Pat and Scooby.

We've decided that Magnum really can't be ridden, but he seems to like walking around the field. I'm sure he's been bored this summer too.

TBear and Magnum on their way back to the barn from the horses' field.

TBear and Magnum are doing a good job learning to work together. TBear needs the practice, and Magnum is pretty patient.