Top of the class
That little fella is so incredibly intelligent. For several mornings now he has followed me around from foot to foot as I pick out the big boys' feet. This morning it really looked as if he was saying - why not me? Here, have mine. So I put my hand out towards his leg and he picked up his foot and I picked it out. I went on to another of Jazz's feet and Buttie moved with me and repositioned himself for me to do the other foreleg - so I did. And then he wanted me to do the back ones too, which I have never done without holding onto him or having him tied up.
Later on, I rasped both his tiny hind tootsies without him tied up. He is so guick to learn it's frightening - will he be hopping into the pickup in the Spring and driving himself down to the farm ride?? There's not a day that he's been here that he hasn't made me grin or laugh out loud, and as he cantered off down the field with Jazz this morning, today was no exception.
Jazz was cuddly and happy this morning, a clear sign that he enjoyed himself yesterday. He had the day off, but I rode Zippy for the first time in days - and also for the first time since his left hand tush (canine tooth, the ones that most mares don't have) cut through the gum. He was very different. His bounce was back in his trot, his forward elasticity in the walk, and he felt much happier than he has for a couple of weeks. Either he needed a rest for a few days, or the tooth was irritating him. My money is on the latter, but we'll soon know if he starts to back off again when I work him this week.
C
posted by cptrayes @ 4:13 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
What a clever little fellow. So many people underestimate a horse's intelligence. Here, Button learned how to give you his feet just by watching. I have seen my horses learn tasks that way, so I know it happens, but I still marvel each time. When you think about it, learning that way takes a really complex thought process.
Interesting about Zip. I hope the tooth was the key issue. Only time will tell. One more instance of "If only they could talk." Regardless, I'm happy to hear you had a really good ride.
What fun to read about this little guy! I am amazed about his learning processes and about how quickly and confidently he settled into your family. I suppose he is at an impressionable age so I do hope that Jazz and Zippy are setting good examples for him to follow. I think Tetley would like one too. At that bad place he was in a field with a Shetland and they seemed very compatible. Maybe some day...
ML
He is extraordinarily confident ML. Unlike any other horse I have ever known. He defers, just about, to Zippy, but not to anyone else.
He does talk Jean. Like Tucker I can clearly hear him say "don't be so RUDE" if I kick him too hard!
C
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