Fly masks need to go on politely in the dark. It’s not clear yet if it’s the fly mask or the flashlight at her head that she objects to more; both need some practice before winter comes in. Pre-posting edit: it’s the light. This winter will be good for her.

Good ponies do not threaten to mount their friends in turnout. Good friends, however, will absolutely double barrel kick in an attempt to teach that lesson. It hasn’t sunk in yet.

Lead ropes can be stepped on without totally losing it. Polly leads beautifully and ties politely. However, this may be more luck than serious lesson pre-learned? At the end of a ride I hopped off Fetti and left Polly standing with her lead on the ground. We were right near her stall and I figured she wouldn’t go far in the time needed to clip Fetti to the tie rail and maaaybe pull her bridle. Instead, I clipped Fetti to her lead rope at the tie rail, Polly must have stepped on her rope, and she fell over. I think there was some attempt to go up in front involved, but it all happened rather quickly in the moonlight. Ahhh, babies. (She got up and appeared fine.)

Good ponies do not trot into the lead horse. Or bite the lead horse. Confetti has been exceptionally tolerant but took offense to being run into. Maybe that will help enforce this lesson?

Truly, though, she’s been very good. We went into the park bareback and ponying because that’s how we roll around here. My biggest issue was my lack of appropriately strong bit on Fetti, who shamelessly took advantage and dove for grass regularly. Polly went for grass more politely and mostly when stopped. If there’s no pressure on the line I can’t object too much.

And another pre-posting addition, since I’m way behind: successful trotting in the park. My goal is to do a more prolonged trotting ride before the dam goes up; after that, it’s one horse at a time til spring.

Polly is also very Haflinger and very nosey and every time I come out there are new scrapes. Help. Send bubble wrap.

PS: Fetti would like you to know that she is not being neglected, but is definitely rubbing a chunk out of her mane. No mane photos, it makes me sad. She is not, however, tearing up her face. Small wins?