My friend Marion did a great job giving Capote his Dressage education. To put it in human terms, Capote has the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. Like some young men, Capote has excelled at learning a skill but has not learned his manners. From a safety perspective it is very important for a horse to have good ground manners. Good Ground manners entail, leading with all 4 feet on the ground (not on your hind legs); no nipping at the handler, standing still while being mounted, picking up your feet when being asked, standing quietly, getting along with other horses; having a pleasant willing attitude when working with your person.
So Capote has gone back to kindergarten to learn his manners.
I have asked Kim (Mo's new person) to be his teacher. All of her horsey charges have wonderful manners so I thought she would be the perfect person to teach Capote the horsey equivalent of: Please, Thank you, getting along with others and respect for for a person's personal space. Right now he is like the A.D.D. Boy in class that is constantly getting in to trouble, jumping on the chairs, pinching the girls and picking fights. Doing anything to get attention even if it means negative attention.
His Kindergarten started 2 days ago. Here is a pic. of Kim and Capote at dusk. Capote is standing quietly on top of a hill enjoying the sunset. It might seem like something simple but it is huge to have him relaxed and chilling
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