This Mother's Day weekend Gobie got lots of visitors. In addition to my in-laws meeting the latest addition to the family, my pals Elizabeth, Jason, and Molly came out to see the horses.
Jason, of course, brought his camera.
Gorgeous!
Gobie was turned out with the other horses in the field that runs along the driveway, so I wanted to bring him a little closer to the fence where everyone was hanging out.
We had a little disagreement about being led.
I wouldn't say that Gobie's been great at leading in the past, but he was usually more willing to follow me. Having a chat with Bonnie later, she said that she's been leading him from paddock to paddock with a lead rope and feed. So my theory is that he was protesting my lack of bribery!
Okay, so I know obviously the way to lead a contrary horse is not to pull on them. Even as a pony, Gobie's still a million times stronger than I am. So, instead I would get him going by moving off to the side, putting a little pressure on his hind, and turning him slightly. You know, just to get the gas going so to speak.
Getting moving...
This was mostly effective. Gobie's the kind of horse who is pretty tolerant of a lot of things you ask of him, but when he really doesn't want to do something he'd rather stop and take a nap than put up a fight.
Finally leading!
It's great to work with an intrinsically good-natured horse. I'd take a horse with a heavy pair of brakes than a lead-foot any day. All the same, leading for grain all the time isn't gonna fly and neither is only taking two steps at a time.
No hard feelings, though, right?
So leading is something we'll work on. He was super great at standing to be groomed, though. And he was totally unconcerned with having a couple of people in the field with him, in addition to the other horses. He didn't seem concerned at all when we wanted to fuss over him and wasn't worried about being away from the others.
Of course, we weren't doing anything too strenuous.
My favorite thing about Gobie has always been what a lovebug he is. Some people really prescribe to the idea that horse shouldn't come into your space, that you should be able to touch them but not allow them to touch you, unless you tell them to or something. And I understand that thinking. A horse that takes liberties with your space can be dangerous, after all. But horses are really great at reading body language, and if you're subconsciously inviting them into your space, they're doing to do that.
Plus, Gobie's great at giving hugs.
...and kisses?
We're quickly working out when it's cool to get a little close and friendly, and when it's not. The weather was beautiful and the company was great so it was easy just to stay out in the field messing around with ponies all day.
And, let's face it, we're pretty adorable together.
After a little bit, though, it was time to leave. So we took the lead rope off and after a little wind-down and resocializing with the herd, Molly and I decided to see if we could get the horses running. They were pretty lazy about it, but finally we got them in to more than a jog.
This should be a poster or something.
But soon it was back to lazing around and grazing. Gobie and Honey of course found each other quickly. They are still best buddies. Bonnie says Gobie is up to his old tricks: claiming Honey as his own and playing keep away from horses and people. Tsk!
Having a graze with his girlfriend, Honey.
We didn't have a problem with that, though. We were able to love on Honey and Gobie that day without any drama. In fact all the horses were pretty mellow about having us visit. There was lots of rolling around in the grass and they seemed appreciative of any scratches and de-shedding efforts we extended.
Gobie and Honey ended the visit with a good drink from the bathtub trough and saw us out as we made our way down the driveway.
Having a drink with Honey.
Sam and I also brought our dog, Locksley, so he could see horses for the first time.
You can read how that went here. (I'm happy to report that Gobie was a saint!)
