still won't lunge!

that was quite amusing in one way .... Gaynor had thought she could sort it .. wouldn't believe how hard it is (I really do think he really DOESN'T see the point and so won't do it) and to be fair she did get him going both ways once - then he turned himself in, as he does very quickly - and couldn't be got going again. should have just stopped there (I had to be at the airport in 40 minutes to pick partner up) but I let her enthusiasm get the better of my judgement and we tried again. no good... so he won that one. But on the other hand it was interesting, and useful ...

I only want to try to get it going as we're going in to winter so less riding, plus I would really like him to actually start volunteering this just on principle.

but I really don't think it's going to happen...

rained

as i drove to the yard it started teeming down... and really looked as thought it would continue, big black clouds looming ...

guess what

it didn't.

ah well, wrong again!

note to self...

don't try and do in hand work any more, it hurts the shoulder and doesn't do a huge amount for the wrist!

he actually tries quite well on the left rein but not the right, and going right is not good for the left wrist, and neither are particularly good for the shoulder.....

roudn the 20 acre...

at a quick marching pace! Charlie could not keep up, and Monfils did not want to slow down ...all a bit stressful, but compared to molly's ideas on walking out, an improvement!

Decided the leg was improved enough for walking ridden work!

after that, we went in the arena for a bit - not doing anything exciting myself, but it was interesting giving Gaynor tips - at one point, she had him on the bit beautifully and i had been trying to explain the lack of need for hands - so I said, just turn your shoulders in - result, beautiful circle, whilst remaining on the bit. Gaynor = lightbulb.

not sure what I think of him with the new bit i bought... lozenge snaffle ...mm...

stuff sorted..

Everything had been sort of dumped when we moved yards 3 weeks ago, I needed the time to sort it - and some new pallets! as the ones available were somewhat wobbly and unsafe....

Sorted the pallets today, Gaynor came up with her 4WD and we took the ones I had in my garden (not sure WHY I had 3 pallets in the garden, may have been something to do with the garden remodel a few years ago) down to the yard, job sorted ... took most of the afternoon - the sort of thing best done when partner away

Monf's leg is looking a lot better. the scab came off yesterday, so i put some green oils on it this morning, looked ok tonight....

another couple of days should do it...

at least another few days

the swelling is much reduced; the scab is coming away and it all looks clean underneath - I'll put some green oils on anyway in the morning - so should only be another couple of days or so before I can be sure it's good

in the meantime, evening out for dinner for a colleague's retirement.... good grub and good company

good feet

trimmer was here today; we're both very pleased with Monfils' feet, going from strength to strength (literally, of course!).

leg is still improving as well!

plan is not to ride him until there is no more swelling when he comes in....otherwise, IMHO, i will be riding before it's fully healed, which would not be good