Had a short play session with Barb's Ben today. He hadn't been ridden this week, and people were riding in the arena. I didn't have enough savvy to recommend we not do anything. After a few minutes of being very very good standing still, he started to get fretful. I played friendly game with the carrot stick in his mouth a lot, which he liked. When I played the driving game to get him to move his neck, he did, but then I think he thought this meant "playtime!" as he does with his horse pal, Alex. He was rearing and pawing the air. Also did a couple of runs away, but didn't pull the rope taunt. He really did want to move around and play. Too much horse for me in that restrictive setting.
When in his stall he showed his tension for awhile, swinging his neck and moving around. Maybe he thought he was being punished. Barb and I stayed with him for about 1/2 an hour, goofing around with him, especially letting him mouth stuff. When he was playing with her I rubbed his head and ears to get him used to that kind of stuff, as he doesn't like it much.
A lot of approach and retreat, as he'd go from being friendly to pinning his ears. But overall, a very good boy.
Note on safety: NEVER leave a horse unattended or loose with the rope halter. Ben caught the rope on his door latch and if he had panicked would have broken his neck.
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