Huckleberry Diamond: Day 6

Alicia's day:

This morning Doc greeted me with a soft nicker and met me at the gate of his round pen for breakfast. He happily gobbled up his snacky smores. Once he was about finished I entered his pen, took up my usual spot in the chair and he immediately came over to say, "Hi, whatcha doing?"

We shared some time scratching each other from the chair, I stood up and continued rubbing with hands and rope. I walked away just before he seemed to be bored with the whole situation, and so he followed. I just ignored him and walked around his pen swinging my rope here and there, being careful to make sure my energy said, "no worries, no need to leave" … he was unconcerned and went to eating his hay.

I left the pen for a bit to check on Lady Horse's scrapes, (she ran into some bushes and trees, crazy ol' gal!) When I returned Doc again met me at the gate. I came in and softly rubbed his face and chest. While rubbing the rope halter on his face I was able to slowly put it over his nose, rub, rub, and rub. We did this about 6 times before I walked away, wondering around the pen, swinging my rope rhythmically, as he followed. He prefers to keep you in his left eye, so I spent more time on his right side. Before I left I was able to slide the halter over his nose from both sides… (Teehee! I leave that pen grinning from ear to ear every time!)

Jackie's day:

Today is Thursday (afternoon), and I just got home from spending 2 1/2 hours with him. I just can't tell you how much fun this opportunity has been for me! I am working slowly, patiently, and clearly with Doc. We have come a long way again. By the end of the session, I was able to walk right up to him and scratch his withers. He also enjoyed me scratching his back and all the way around his belly! As usual, he was curious, and wanted to investigate every new object that was presented to him. He let me rub him along the side of his face, and down one side of his neck with the halter and lead-rope. Alicia tells me that she got the halter on him this morning! I'll let her tell you that story.

Here's what he looked like after our mutual grooming session...