Feeling Rather Chuffed

Every day, I try to do a little bit of training with Lilja and Dreki, my Icelandic horse yearlings.

Dreki is an easy-going boy who has matured in his head so much these past few winter months.  He is always easily caught (mostly because he is in my face wanting nose kisseys) and wears a headcollar happily.

We have even started leading though he is not very good at it but, still, it is a start.

Lilja on the other hoof, ever since we moved her to this field with her mother, has always been difficult.  She took huge umbrage at the time and has refused to get over herself enjoying her “issues”.  She is a diva and I have had to back off on any thought of training or getting her used to Mr Headcollar as I couldn’t get very near her.

But this past week, we have had a breakthrough – Lilja has been more open to discussion and, with careful body language, I can now put a headcollar on her in the field.

I have managed this on three consecutive days and yes, the headcollar is huge as it is used for her mother, but the general being-able-to-wear-it is an achievement.

Once on, I tell Lilja that no one, to my knowledge, has actually died from having to wear a headcollar.  This is Big Girl stuff.

Lilja is not certain that she believes me, but this is progress from the hysterical little Miss who was convinced she had a note from her Mum saying she was exempt from anything she wanted not to do, which was basically everything!

There is lots of being told what a clever girl she is.

I am pleased we have finally moved forwards.  I was beginning to worry!

9 thoughts on “Feeling Rather Chuffed

  1. Judith Garbutt

    Well done, Frances. With your patient approach I’m sure she’ll learn to accept her eventual role in life!

    Reply
  2. Terri

    Well done indeed! Fell off my chair laughing over the sentence that begins, “Lilja is not certain….”!

    Reply
  3. diane in northern wis

    Wow. Good job Frances. You must have the magic touch! Hope things continue to go good with that girl. I love the conversations you have with your horses. You’re delightful!

    Reply
  4. Nancy

    It’s funny how girls and boys are different, despite the species!
    I am glad to hear that you are getting Lilja to come around.
    You must have a wealth of knowledge in how to train the young ones! =)

    Reply
  5. Louise Stopford

    The yearlings are coming on a treat – gosh how they have grown!! With patience and lots of love I am sure Lilja will turn a corner and be more co-operative. They both are really beautiful and will make fantastic horses I am sure.

    Reply
  6. Sam

    Some ladies are born wearing The Diva Crown….you merely need to acknowledge the crown and woo the girl. Seems like you are on the right track.

    Reply
    1. Frances Post author

      Someone said to me t’other day, they had heard I was thinking of selling calendars. They said it in such a derogatory way, I cringed! Not sure. So very not sure tbh.

      Reply

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