excellent Max session....

So, the man arrived at about 0830 or so, checked out Monf in the stable, drank tea (he'd come a fair way!) and then we got going.

firstly, basics

my technique had been at fault in the basic rope work, that was clear, so that's now sorted. Monfils was a shade emotional about it, but not huge amounts and once he was going and "got it" he was excellent.

This was interesting as going right, when turning in to halt, at the start the near hind wasn't coming through properly and he was doing a little hop skip; by the end, he wasn't doing that any more

the point, of course, being to supple up etc both sides so they end up equal.

Then some in hand laterals on both reins - this without the bridle, only the rope halter & dressage whip

It was interesting to watch this - and to then watch it translate into the longline work. Max had him where just by taking up the contact both reins and moving himself in towards the horse, Monfils was moving laterally.

This was in walk, of course!

it will take me some practice to get this going, but now the basics are there for Monfils and i know i CAN get monf moving, it'll all be a lot easier and quicker! it's just getting myself back into it, which shouldn't be too difficult now.

and none of the throwing self to ground in a tantrum that Molly did!

Then we went up to my friend's for him to see her horse, also interesting in a different way ( and a shade more exciting).

there is some video, when i get it off the camcorder, of Monfils - but i shan't be putting all of it up, just clips, and it won't be going on public forums because (quote):

Video-ing of consultaions is encourage for personal use, but we ask that video footage is not uploaded to any public forums or You Tube.

Which is fair enough. Max can't earn a living if people put everything out on the net.

edited to add - video isn't as simple as i thought, i can't use the software i already had, and will have to learn a new one ... doh.