Efstur, our Icelandic horse colt foal, will have to be micro-chipped before the end of the year.  It is imperative we achieve this.

With it in mind, we are introducing Efstur to the thought of wearing a head collar.

He likes the head collar.

But he couldn’t eat a whole one!

Flossie is using the “look-at-your-friend-wear-it” method of training.

We let Efstur play with it.

And Flossie rewards him for taking an interest and not running away in a panic.

Then there is the rope, which we use to simulate something around his head.

He needs to get used to the feeling of this…..

…. and around his nose.

Efstur needs to learn that no one has ever died from wearing a head collar.

He likes the rope.

Next is the feeling of putting something round his neck.

Flossie and Efstur have been working very hard together for the past week and their efforts are beginning to show.

We all agree that, having brought Hjalti home, there has been a change in both of them.

Hjalti enjoys his “big brother” role in this herd and has risen to the challenge beautifully.

Efstur, on the other hoof, is a devoted disciple of Hjalti and worships the ground he tölts on. His behaviour has improved immensely since Hjalti’s arrival.

If Hjalti says everything is fine then Efstur believes him.

Hjalti is Efstur’s voice of reason, along with teaching him his manners and looking after him, in return.

It is a lovely relationship to watch.