I have been very busy at my work. Magic took the opportunity to enjoy the pasture. He has been barefoot for almost 2 months. This has gone much better than I expected. When he was first barefoot he showed just a little tenderfootedness but he got over that and now he acts like any other barefoot pasture horse. It has been very hot and dry. Last Thursday the horses celebrated a break in the oppressive heat by running hard back and fourth through the pasture. (an excellent way to get a stone bruise) Newt showed just a slight tenderness Saturday but, otherwise, they showed no bad effects. Magic is also showing a little more desire for affection. It seemed for a long time that touching held no appeal for him. This summer I have been bringing Little More, Newt and Magic into the barn late in the afternoon for some oats and turning them out after dark. My objective originally was to protect them from the horsefly attack that happens at dusk but there are fewer flies this year because of the drought. Anyway I always take some time rubbing and petting Magic. He decided that he likes for me to hold my palms out for him to rub his head. He particularly likes rubbing around the eyes. Newt is inclined to run through the barn and look for spooks when I let them in from the pasture. So I have been taking a rope and leading him in. This seems to have improved his confidence and trust in me. He is patient and stands while I attach the “lass halter”. I trimmed, groomed and worked Newt and Magic in the round pen Saturday. I did the same Sunday and additionally rode Magic in the round pen. I like Magic when I first saw him. I like him more and more as time goes on. Watching the horses walk in the pasture, I have developed an preference for Magic’s walk. He has a fluid walk.
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