Breaking in gets all too much . .

In the summer of 2010 it was time for baby Button to be broken in. After a week of being tacked up and walking very very slowly (under no circumstances is button to be rushed!) to the indoor arena for some lunging practice it was time for some side reins.

Standing in the small indoor arena, moon silently snoozing after only 10mins work, I gingerly attach the side reins, nice and loose. Off he wanders round on the lunge, dragging his feet as usual. No reaction. Fab. After a small trot we turn in to tighten them up a touch. A little twisting of his head from side to side but he seems happy enough and off he goes again, round on his circle. A little more headshaking and a few stops and starts but he gets to the first corner, then it’s all too much, “NO! No! My poor brain cannot take any more of these confusing straps". He stops, paws the ground and starts to lower himself towards floor. "Too much!" he thinks "time for a lie down".  . . .  Not likely with your saddle on! I rush towards him brandishing the lunge whip and he reluctantly trots forward a few steps. Phew!

Once again my laughter is premature; he only makes it to the next corner and starts lowering his body to the floor again! A few circuits chased round and he forgets all about it and just trots round having a nice stretch. So we all know what to do when it gets too much people - have a nice lie down!