#surcingle

[californiaquail]

most bestest and beautifulest boy on earth trots in circles

[sleepless-crows]

i think my brain just forgot words

[hedgehog-moss]

Here are 7 little facts about my donkey and how his summer is going :)

1. I received an anon the other day asking if Pirou was still a working donkey who carries my firewood for me, and the answer is yes. I've been cutting some branches from the big cherry tree that fell down the other day, and Pirlouit has been valiantly carrying them to the woodshed—fun fact, for this activity he likes to wear his ears like this:

Probably because this T position is reminiscent of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which is how Pirlouit perceives himself as he carries heavy logs for me. He's willing, but his martyrdom should be acknowledged.

Here's Poldine acknowledging it with a nose kiss, because Poldine.

I stopped so they could have their little chat.

2. Pirou has been chatting with a lot of new friends lately—we met these horses on a walk and he was so happy to stop and touch noses with them while making equid noises. Llamas are good with the nose-touching but their llama noises are just less interesting to Pirlouit. He had such interested ears here! "Finally a serious grown-up conversation"

We also met this goose during the same walk and Pirlouit was a lot less eager to go say hi to her. The goose was yelling threats at us and we prudently stayed away, and Pirou was clearly thinking "this bird is doing a better job at protecting her home from intruders than Pandolf ever could" (it's true, Pan assumes intruders are friends until proven otherwise)

3. You'll notice that there are houses in this pic! Our walks got longer and longer until one day we went all the way to the village (it took 1 hour 20min at Pirlouit's leisurely pace). I was so proud of him. I've been trying to convince my friends to go to the village on donkeyback (this requires two people, because you can ride Pirlouit but you can't tell him where to go unless there's someone holding his rope and leading the way)—my friends were reluctant because they still sort of perceive Pirou as the feral animal terrified of everything that he was when I got him. They know he's made a lot of progress but going to town on donkeyback still seemed foolhardy.

So we've been riding Pirlouit in the woods, in familiar environments, and we also went to town with him but without riding him. He was amazingly calm and brave! There's a river that cuts the village in two and the first time we went, we stopped before the bridge, since it's pretty narrow and cars would have to drive very close to Pirlouit, we didn't want to risk it. We just went to say hi to the librarian who lives on the right side of the river, but since Pirlouit was very serene, we did cross the bridge the second time.

He did not care at all about cars driving very close to him (he had one familiar human on either side of him and the drivers were very considerate and went slowly), which emboldened us to stop for a drink on the terrace of the coffeeshop on main street (< also a narrow street with cars driving by quite close to Pirlouit). There was just no problem at all, Pirou let total strangers rub his forehead and was more interested in iced tea than main street traffic.

It was a hot day and we gave him all the ice cubes from our drinks and he chewed them enthusiastically.

4. We made a stop at the pharmacy on our way home because we had another 1 hour 20min walk ahead and I had a blister, and the pharmacist noticed my donkey parked outside his shop and in a determined tone he said, "I want to try something." He took one of the donkey milk soaps from the overpriced-Provence-soaps-for-tourists display and opened the door and offered it for Pirlouit to sniff.

... I'm not sure what he was expecting—for my donkey to go "ohhh this smells like Mother's milk and aloe vera 🥺"—but unfortunately nothing happened.

(4. bis—Sorry, this 4th fact was anticlimactic.)

5. Pirlouit is now the proud owner of a surcingle. Not for equestrian vaulting and not for his log-carrying job because I don't know if it would be solid enough for the weight of a bag full of logs, but I'd like to tie bags or baskets to it to take Pirlouit grocery shopping, now that I know he's okay with going to town :) He even seems to enjoy the adventure, and the attention he gets from children.

And actually I shouldn't write off equestrian vaulting because Pirou is also remarkably chill with weird things happening on his back. I used to be very careful to climb on his back in a quick & fluid way so he wouldn't spook (because he used to! a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil used to spook him!) but now that my friends are riding him I can confirm we've reached a point where you can climb on Pirlouit's back in any way you want and he'll just be like "...... sure"

6. I almost forgot to mention that Pirou turned 15 last month, according to his ID papers :) Donkeys have a longer life expectancy than horses, they can live 30-40 years on average so he's still a young lad really. Happy 15th birthday Pirlouit :)

7. I wanted to conclude with a nice aesthetic pic of Pirou's shadow on the road during all those walks, like I did with Poldine, but unfortunately donkey shadows do not have the chic je-ne-sais-quoi of llama shadows. Pirlouit looks like a hammerhead shark wearing a tiny fez and that's not his fault.

[walnuthillfarm]

Surcingle Tack Set

An edit & recolor of Objuct's amazing draft harness (repurposed as a plain old surcingle), three different types of surcingle pads in one (sheepskin, regular pad, and a bareback pad), and a vaulting pad (with and without sheepskin)! ♡

Big thank you to @objuct as always - his Draft Stallion Show Set goes public in 2 days!

Would love to see what you guys end up doing with these. I know Dae-Hyun and Tabby are working on vaulting poses at the moment so keep an eye out for those!

Download - Patreon

[craigslisthorses]

why shouldn't you saddle a growing horse? obviously don't ride it but the saddle itself isn't that heavy is it? seems like it would be good to have the horse used to having straps on it well before riding was a possibility

there's nothing wrong with saddling a growing horse. I wouldn't saddle anything under like a year old just cause it's not necessary and you have so many years to work them on the ground before riding. Let babies be babies imo

Oakley had a saddle pad with a surcingle on before anything as a yearling just to get him used to the feel of pressure around him, then we slowly moved up to english saddle, lightweight western, heavy western ect. My first ride on him was actually bareback when he was 3 but it was like a whole 3 minutes so I'm not sure it counts as a "ride" but more of a "sit"

[bomb-proof]

My best boy is back in action🥹 Make shift bareback pad made up of a surcingle and a christmas saddle pad😂 First ride in a couple of months and of course no saddle no problem for the best 3 year old!

[hydrasheadest]

Dae One Studio presents: Trick Riding Collection I

Contains 4 Horse and 4 Rider Poses: The Pointe, The Invert, The Shoulder, and The Superman

DOWNLOAD [sfs - no ads]

Please note that these poses were designed with a trick riding saddle in mind. Some of poses will not line up well with some saddles and may look a little funky. You will need to edit in your own reins/stirrups/straps as I am not competent enough yet to create my own accessories and tack for poses (I hope to be one day)!

If enough people are interested (maybe 10-15 people), I will update this to have a version that is more compatible with Walnut Hill's version of Objuct's surcingle/draft harness. Please comment that you'd like it to be done, otherwise, please enjoy! I will update this to also match any trick riding saddles that are released if someone links me to them!

Thank you to all of the wonderful tack and brush creators whose CC made this shoot possible!

Models: Choi Dae-Hyun and KM Illusion Biscuit Walela Catawanee and TS Loves A Game

[printsandplates]

12/225 Dragoons of the Imperial Guard, Officer

The red plume indicates that this figure is a combat officer and not a member of the regimental staff, who would wear a white plume as a distinguishing mark. It is difficult to tell whether there are two or three rows of gold lace on the saddlecloth and holster covers, but Rousselot states in his Plate No. 13 that the latter number was correct for senior officers. Very few sources present a clear view of the underside of the horse furniture of a Napoleonic cavalryman, so this view of the white surcingle with coloured stripes is quite noteworthy.

Troupes Françaises series

Source: Napoleon's Army: 1807-1814 as Depicted in the Prints of Aaron Martinet, By Guy C. Dempsey, Jr.

[manbarrican]

nor had i erred in my calculations , not had i endured in vain. i at length felt that i was free. the surcingle hung in ribands from my body. but the stroke of the pendulum already pressed upon my bosom. it had divided the serge of the robe. it had cut through the linen beneath. twice again it swung, and a sharp sense of pain shot through every nerve. but the moment of escape had arrived. at a wave of my hand my deliverers hurried tumultuously away. with a steady movement, cautious, sidelong,shrinking, and slow, i slid from the embrace of the bandages and beyond the reach of the scimitar. for the moment, at least i was free...

[helper-12]

Mastering Winter Care: Selecting the Ideal Turnout Rug for Your Horse

As the winter months approach, it's essential to ensure that your equine companion stays warm and comfortable in the cold weather. Selecting the right turnout rug for your horse can make all the difference in their well-being during this season. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a winter horse rug, including the best types of rugs available, the importance of a proper fit, and tips for ensuring your horse stays snug and protected throughout the colder months.

Understanding the Importance of Horse Rugs

Horses, just like humans, can feel the chill of winter, and it's crucial to provide them with the necessary protection. The right horse rug can shield your horse from biting winds, rain, and snow, helping to maintain their body temperature and overall health. Additionally, it can prevent them from growing a thick winter coat, which can be time-consuming to manage once the warmer months return.

Types of Winter Horse Rugs

When it comes to selecting a turnout rug for your horse, several options cater to different needs, such as lightweight turnout rugs, fleece rugs, and fly rugs for horses. Each type offers distinct advantages, allowing you to tailor your choice to your horse's specific requirements.

Lightweight turnout rugs

Lightweight turnout rugs are perfect for milder winter days or for horses that are prone to overheating. They provide a waterproof and breathable layer to protect your horse from light rain and wind while allowing excess heat to escape, keeping your horse comfortable throughout the day.

Fleece Rugs for Horses

Fleece rugs are excellent for providing warmth and comfort in colder temperatures without adding excessive bulk. They are soft, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, making them an ideal choice for use as stable rugs or as an extra layer under a turnout rug when the weather becomes particularly frosty.

Fly rugs for horses

In addition to protecting horses from flies during the warmer months, fly rugs can also serve as effective barriers against biting insects in the winter. Some fly rugs are designed with added warmth, making them versatile enough to be used throughout the year.

Selecting the Right Fit

A well-fitting rug is essential for your horse's comfort and freedom of movement. Ill-fitting rugs can cause discomfort, rubbing, and even injury, so it's crucial to measure your horse accurately and choose a rug that matches their dimensions. The right fit ensures that your horse can move freely while also ensuring that the rug provides maximum protection.

Measuring for the Perfect Fit

When measuring your horse for a winter rug, start from the centre of the chest and measure to the point of the tail. It's also important to take into consideration the horse's build and any specific features that might affect the fit, such as broad shoulders or a high wither.

Adjustable Features

Look for rugs with adjustable features, such as leg straps, chest fastenings, and cross surcingles. These enable you to customise the fit to suit your horse, ensuring that the rug stays securely in place without restricting their movement.

Durability and quality

Investing in a high-quality rug is essential for ensuring durability and long-lasting performance, especially during the demanding winter months. Opting for durable materials, reinforced seams, and quality fastenings can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Waterproof and Breathable Materials

Choosing a rug made from waterproof and breathable materials is crucial for keeping your horse dry and comfortable. This feature prevents rain and snow from seeping through the fabric while allowing moisture and sweat to escape, preventing your horse from becoming chilled or overheated.

Rug fastenings and straps

Inspect the quality of the rug's fastenings and straps, ensuring that they are robust and securely stitched. Well-designed closures and buckles contribute to the longevity of the rug, as they are less likely to break or become damaged during everyday wear.

Maintenance and care

Proper maintenance and care are essential for extending the life of your horse's rugs. Regular cleaning, storage, and inspections can help ensure that your rugs remain in optimal condition, ready to provide reliable protection to your horse throughout the winter season.

Cleaning and storage

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your horse rugs, as improper washing can compromise their waterproofing and breathability. Allow rugs to dry completely before storing them in a clean, dry area, and inspect them for any signs of wear and tear before each use.

Routine Inspections

Regularly check your horse rugs for any damage, such as tears, loose stitching, or damaged fastenings. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from developing into larger, more costly problems, ensuring that your horse's rugs remain effective and safe to use.

Conclusion

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, choosing the right turnout rug for your horse becomes a crucial task. By understanding the different types of rugs available, prioritising the right fit, considering durability and quality, and committing to proper maintenance and care, you can provide your horse with the protection and comfort they need during the colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a rug fits my horse correctly?

A well-fitting rug should cover your horse's body without being too tight or too loose, allowing for freedom of movement without causing chafing or rubbing.

Are lightweight turnout rugs suitable for extremely cold weather?

While lightweight turnout rugs are designed for milder conditions, they can be combined with additional layers, such as fleece rugs, to provide extra warmth when temperatures plummet.

Can I repair a damaged horse rug myself?

Minor repairs, such as stitching tears or replacing straps, can often be done at home with a suitable repair kit. However, for significant damage, it's best to seek professional assistance.

How often should I clean my horse rugs?

It's recommended to clean your horse rugs at the end of each season, or more often if they become heavily soiled, to maintain their waterproofing and breathability.

What should I look for when inspecting my horse's rugs for damage?

When inspecting your horse rugs, check for tears, loose stitching, damaged fastenings, and signs of waterproofing failure, such as moisture seeping through the fabric.

[pressureandrelease]

A boarder lent us a surcingle so we could try ground driving! He was really good considering that I was terrible (2 lunge lines and a whip are too many things to hold!)

[readingvocabulary]

Les Murray

peneplain - a more or less level land surface produced by erosion over a long period, undisturbed by crustal movement

commissure - the joint between two bones; a band of nerve tissue connecting the hemispheres of the brain, the two sides of the spinal cord, etc

niveaux - plateaus

hyaline - a smooth sea or a clear sky; (chiefly of cartilage) glassy and translucent in appearance.

ruched

taupe - dark brownish grey (mole)

moraine - ridge of rock deposited along the edge of a glacier

pleasance - a secluded enclosure or part of a garden, especially one attached to a large house

vol (fr. flight)

surcingle - horse strap

nacre - mother of pearl

misericord

jacquard - a fabric has a design or motif woven into the construction of the weave

entail

philtre - love potion

chenille - soft fabric

shako - military cap

cullet

mucilage

paraison

marvered

spirochaetes

peruke - wig

jute

roan

distinguo - subtle distinction

decrepitation - the crackling or breaking up of certain crystals when they are heated

coralline - reddish, pinkish red

quoin - an external angle of a wall or building

coign - a projecting corner or angle of a wall

prehension - the act of taking hold, seizing, or grasping; mental understanding : comprehension

Oligocene

scads - a large number or quantity

gamboge - deep yellow

formic - relating to ants

rales - small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lungs

escutcheon - shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms; flat piece of metal for protection and often ornamentation, around a keyhole, door handle, or light switch

pilum - Roman javelin

corniche - a road cut into the edge of a cliff, especially one running along a coast

bouillon - broth

impetigo - highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face

goffer - crimp the lace edges of (a garment) with a heated implement

jardinière - decorative pot holder

terebinth - turpentine tree

chyle

sejant - animal upright in heraldry

cloison - dividing partition

mantling - piece of ornamental drapery depicted issuing from a helmet and surrounding a shield

marques - brand

lakatois - double-hulled sailing watercraft of Papua New Guinea.

ormolu - gilt bronze

azolla - aquatic fern

loden - dark green woolen cloth

donjon - medieval tower

pintle - a pin or bolt, usually inserted into a gudgeon, which is used as part of a pivot or hinge

antiphonary - a book of plainsong for the Divine Office

grimoire

oppidum - large fortified Iron Age settlement or town

tarmacadam - tarmac

cassia

caraway

schist

piste - a ski run of compacted snow

Gaeldom - Areas in which some Gaelic languages (Scottish Gaelic and Manx) are spoken

doughboy - United States soldiers during World War I

paseo (Sp.) - walk

coatee - a woman's or infant's short coat

VVS - “very very slightly included” diamond

illimitable - without limits or an end

Wilton rug - Axminster carpets are made by creating carpet tufts of equal length before attaching them to the backing. Wilton create pile in a continuous loop, and the cutting takes place once the pile has been attached to the backing

impatiens - flower genus

maidan - an open area or space in or near a town, often used as a marketplace or parade ground

sett - a hole in the ground, often with several passages and different entrances

fusee - flare?

finial - architectural elements typically used as decorative or ornamental features that mark the top or end of domes, spires, roofs, gables, buildings

perigee - the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth

pince-nez - style of glasses

shofar - Jewish horn

lorn - lonely

bowstave

bleb - blister

chiacking - the exchange of jeering or teasing remarks

arraign - call or bring (someone) before a court to answer a criminal charges

curcurbit - plant from gourd family

abyssal - of or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean depths; impossible to comprehend : unfathomable

tilth - tilled soil

sub rosa - in secret

antic - grotesque, bizarre

his nibs

talus - a slope formed especially by an accumulation of rock debris

Nunc Stans - Eternal existence as an attribute of God

oriel - a large upper-storey bay with a window

fistmele - is the breadth of a fist with thumb stuck out used especially in archery to give the correct height of a string from a braced bow

potch - opal which has no play of colour and is of no value

Borsalino - Italian hat

welter - confused mass, turmoil

infra dig

nose-gaffed

septum/septa

camelid

bitou - invasive bush

acrophobia - fear of heights

switchback - a road which goes up a steep hill in a series of sharp bends, or a sharp bend in a road

amethystine - scrub python

cotillon - 18th century dance

grue (Scot) - a shiver or shudder; a creeping of the flesh

cottar - in Scotland and Ireland a farm labourer or tenant occupying a cottage in return for labour

tufa - variety of limestone formed when carbonate minerals precipitate out of water in unheated rivers or lakes

fig - dress, appearance

bourdon - drone

fado - Portuguese music

paladin - trusted military leader; a leading champion of a cause

gelid - icy, extremely cold

natron - baking soda

baulk - roughly squared timber beam

clamant - urgently demanding attention

cupidity - greed for money or possessions

avocation - a hobby or minor occupation

unexceptionable - not open to objection, but not particularly new or exciting

drupe - a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed, e.g. a plum, cherry, almond, or olive

bund - retaining wall

Ishihara dots

rrark - Aboriginal cross-hatching

unkent - unknown, strange (Scot.)

jarl - a Norse or Danish chief

ebullition - a sudden outburst of emotion or violence

dunnage - a person's belongings, especially those brought on board ship

coggage

stetl - a small Jewish town or village formerly found in Eastern Europe

pukka

recension - a revised edition of a text

coeval - a person of roughly the same age as oneself; a contemporary

peculator - embezzler

pasquil - a satire or lampoon

asthenic (asthenia) - abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy

canaille - common people; the masses

monorchidism - (or monorchism) the state of having only one testicle within the scrotum

sera - an amber-coloured, protein-rich liquid which separates out when blood coagulates

ichor - fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods; watery discharge from a wound

bordure - In heraldry, a band of contrasting tincture forming a border around the edge of a shield

boi meat - ox meat (Galician)

in-continuo

chivvy - tell (someone) repeatedly to do something

biltong - dried meat

wobbegong - carpet shark

bijou - small dainty usually ornamental piece of delicate workmanship : jewel; something delicate, elegant, or highly prized

placket - a finished opening in the upper part of trousers or skirts, or at the neck, front, or sleeve of a garment

tumbril - two wheeled cart

grab-bar

gomp

beetle bix

dottle - unburned and partially burned tobacco in the bowl of a pipe

mezedes or meze - small plates of appetisers (Greek)

whale sounding - diving

bootless - ineffectual, useless

galligaskins - loose wide hose or breeches worn in the 16th and 17th centuries

Ricardian - people who dispute the negative posthumous reputation of King Richard III of England

precarian (precariat) - a social class formed by people suffering from precarity, which means existing without predictability or security, affecting material or psychological welfare. The term is a portmanteau merging precarious with proletariat

besoming - sweeping (besom - a broom made of twigs tied round a stick)

gilet - a waist- or hip-length garment, usually sleeveless, fastening up the front; sometimes made from a quilted fabric, and designed to be worn over a blouse, shirt, etc; bodice resembling a waistcoat in a woman's dress

swart - swarthy, dark

voile - sheer fabric

[dorisposh]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Torino Mens European Ribbed Surcingle Leather Belt in Black Size 36.

[neesutton]

$11.5 Only! ~ LNWOT LUXE Tan Black Surcingle Fabric Genuine Alligator Crocodile Tab Belt NR #5, D001, Mens Fashion Belts, Mens Leather Belt Check This Out!

[recblog19]

A history of saddles: Pt 2

“Saddle your dreams before you ride ’em.” Mary Webb (1881-1927) In our first installment of “A history of saddles,” we saw the development of saddles from the Assyrian pads and surcingles in 700 BCE to the first stirrups in Uttar Pradesh in the 1st century BCE. As I discussed in the last post, the first stirrups were “soft stirrups.” They were straps of fabric or rope, rather than the solid…

[jaymgates]

Antares Update - 11-13-22

With moving, and the California trip, and the weather, I've been worried that I wasn't spending enough time with him to get a decent bond. Apparently I didn't need to worry: I walked around the corner of the barn and he immediately let out this long, happy, conversational nicker.

For those of you who don't know horses, a nicker is the equine version of a good friend running over and giving you a big hug. It's a happy, loving, anticipatory sound.

Antares basically was saying "Hi! Hello! I know you, I like you, are you here to see me?"

And as soon as I went in his stall, he was nuzzling my shoulder and checking me out to see how I was. He got kisses, scritches, and cookies, and was just super happy.

Giving him a buddy and regular turnout has made him a different horse. He's lost the worry wrinkles around his eyes, and he isn't pacing and stressed in his stall now. His entire body has softened, and while he's naturally high-headed, he's dropping his head and not feeling the need to be on watch. He's earned the nickname of "Moose," because he's one of the biggest two horses in the barn, and was described as "it isn't that he's mean about food, it's just that the mountain gets there first and doesn't move, so Connal just goes to the other pile."

I admit that I've been a little worried. Retired racehorses are challenges in and of themselves. Highly successful retired warhorses are even more of a challenge: any horse that's been successful has a certain dominance, energy, and confidence that is its own puzzle to unravel.

Antares is big, high-energy, very smart, and has the confident, dominant personality of a super successful athlete. He isn't aggressive, he's just A Lot.

On top of that, his trip out here was traumatic, and he's been stressed and nervous since he got here. I've been feeling guilty about his stress, nervous that I got in over my head, and concerned about his happiness.

He just needed a buddy to help him feel safe. From handling him in his stall, to walking him out to the arena and his turnout, to actually working him, he's a different horse. He's still a fidgety brat, but it isn't nerves and fear, it's just "My horse is a fidgety brat."

I let him wander around in the arena for a bit, and we worked on recall. He's not hooked in to me yet in open spaces - which is not at all surprising, given how new we are - but he's great about acknowledging and turning in to me when I come close. We worked on various things for about two hours, and he did intentionally approach me at one point, which is a good sign.

I groomed him, and he was a fidgety brat. We're still in the space of learning boundaries and rules, and he's naturally curious and mouthy. He kept trying to wander off, so he kept being brought back. I like my horses to learn to stand loose while I do anything and everything I need to, before we learn to do all of that while tied. I know very little about his triggers, so having a situation where I can control and move if something goes bad is really important.

He finally figured out I was going to enforce the rules (and discovered the new grooming gloves I bought for him, which are an itchy horse's best friend), and chilled out. I had the rope over my shoulder, loosely, and he mostly just hung out.

Another important lesson - especially for a big, active horse - is to stand quietly. This is not something he does *particularly* well with, so we worked on that today. He discovered that standing quietly means he gets kisses and loves. I discovered that he's one of those rare horses who likes having his head held and cuddled...and that he feels safe enough with me to let me wrap my arms around his head. That's a huge, happy thing.

He's built his weight back up from an expected travel and injury slump, so I wanted to start working him. I'm not riding yet, but I want to get him going in the surcingle (basically a big cinch with d-rings for connecting reins to teach balance and build different muscle groups).

He promptly let me know he doesn't like being cinched up, and my intended lesson plan went RIGHT out the window. They say no plan survives contact with the enemy, and the same is true of horses. You HAVE to listen to what they're willing to give, and what he was willing to give was a lot of sass about being cinched up.

I cinched it up very loosely, to the tune of a cranky stomping back leg and flipping head. I knew it wasn't tight enough to hurt, so I just put it on enough to stay.

And then I employed the trainer's best tactic: being so fucking annoying that the horse finally gives up being bothered by something. I stuck my hand inside the cinch. I slewed it around. I pulled on it. I flapped my hand inside of it.

I was so annoying that he stopped bloating up and started looking for cookies. So I tightened it again. More annoyance. Deflated and distracted.

And then he made a fatal error: He found a patch of grass, and I tightened the cinch three holes, watching him closely.

Nada. His ears were up and he was totally relaxed. And he didn't bulge up when I tightened it again when he wasn't distracted.

So it's either a remembered trauma, or he's just being cranky. I'm operating on remembered trauma and treating him like he's never had a saddle or been ridden. At worst, he just has an even more solid foundation. At best, if there is trauma there, I should be able to avoid triggering it. And he'll learn not to get grouchy face when being saddled.

By the time we were done, I was literally pulling him around the arena by the straps. He's wonderfully soft to commands, and happily gave when I pulled.

He's also way too fucking flexible, so he kept reaching back and grabbing the straps, pulling on them with his teeth. Which mostly was fine and I kept making him disengage, but one time I wasn't fast enough and he gave it a good pull...which, of course, pulled him with it.

His expression was hilarious. He didn't try that again.

We did have one sharp discussion, though. He's very mouthy and he likes to chew on his lead rope when stressed or bored. I was walking him in a circle to help him get used to the surcingle, and he grabbed at what he thought was the lead.

Unfortunately, it was my thumb. He let go right away, but he got yelled at and we had a few minutes of boundary-setting. He then came back, apologized, and asked for cuddles. It wasn't mean-spirited, but that's something that can't be allowed.

(I don't know what my right hand did to offend the animal kingdom, but it's still bruised from Baldr, and now it's bruised from Antares...)

But today was, overall, the day we both needed. I stood talking to people for a good hour and he just hung out next to me, his face by my shoulder. Occasionally we worked on making good decisions about what goes in our mouths, but overall, he was a quiet, loving, happy guy.

I freaking love this horse. We have some things to work on, but he is 1000% what I was hoping for, personality-wise, and he's happy for me to be his human.

We decided to turn the boys out together for the night, so I blanketed him up and walked him out to his paddock. He walks on a loose lead now, rather than trying to dance off at high speed, and he checks in regularly.

I turned him out first, then went back for Connal, who also whinnied hopefully at me. Connal was walking with a big, happy stride, but then he saw Antares in the paddock he knows is his, and he literally started dancing in place. Perfectly mannered, but so happy.

I turned them out together, and they were snuggling up, rubbing their faces against each others' shoulders. They got some cookies, and when I left, they were walking together off toward the end of the paddock.

Antares is home, and I am so excited to see what we do together. But, for now, it's fucking cold out there and I'm going to go take a bath to warm up.