I have instilled a strict training schedule for the new horses - immediately following the whenever-I-get-done-working afternoon feeding.

Smoke will now walk right to me and await my instruction, which is normally "come" and she then proceeds to walk up next to me for the lead rope. She will allow me to lead her around the entire fenceline and we "whoa" periodically which gets her a click (reward sound). She will also allow me to touch her entire body with the small whip and raise her head when I raise it - without startling. She can also circle around me with a shake of the whip. She will allow me to put the weight of my arms on her back and hug her stomach tightly (gets her used to a saddle cinch). The one area we're struggling with seems the simpliest - she refuses to stand still when tied. I've tried about three different methods and none worked so I'll look for a couple other solutions. Next week, if I can get her to stand still, we'll begin grooming and hoof cleaning. The "breaking" point was when I allowed her to bite my arm and then bit her back (sharp NO! and a very slight aggressive move towards her), she's been calm and pleasant to work with ever since. Although my arm hurts like hell.

Red is progressing nicely with the lead rope but we're still working on desensitizing his ears with it - he's eaisly spooked. However, today we did a full fenceline lead walk and it's the first time his ears never went back once. Yay!

Progress with Midnight is slow. He'll eat out of my hand but I'm still working on approach/retreat with him because he just wants nothing to do with humans.

Moo is adjusting to the horses in her pasture and will now stand firm and growl (well, she does think she's a dog!) when they come near her grain bucket. She's not happy, make no mistake, but she's adjusting.

The new boarders are wonderful and love, love, love attention. Each afternoon about 4:00 we sit on the patio and watch their daily entertainment. In a flash they all begin running, galloping, prancing, and kicking in a sequence only they know the steps for and this wonderful show lasts about 20 minutes. It's breathtaking. Mayberry, the one the owner's told me wouldn't allow humans to touch her, is the most affectionate of them all and enjoys me rubbing her all over.

I think we're in for a wonderful weekend weather-wise and invited ourselves down to Ed's sister's for a visit tomorrow evening. I have to go into town to pick up Ed from work since he's taking the side job truck he worked on back to the owner. I think we'll work on the two guttering sections that need replaced and Ed's going to attempt to seal the old metal stocktank that had a small leak. And the big entire town event of the Goessel Auction is Saturday - we'll definitely be there for that.