It was miserably hot again today, and still 31C when I arrived at the barn at 7:20 p.m. If nothing else, at least the heat motivates to Xena to consider the idea of a cold shower. Although tonight she did more than just consider it!
What We Did Today
7:20 to 8:55 p.m. = 1 hour, 35 minutesCounting the Minutes
- Catching Game
Tonight we again went ’round and ’round the round bale, so many times that I lost count. Finally, after 18 minutes she allowed me to catch her in the run-in shelter. It’s funny, but ever since I decided that I’d play our our new catching game for an hour before giving up, I’ve not felt the least bit impatient or frustrated when she’s elusive. Somehow, I think she can sense the difference in my attitude. That, together with the extreme heat, are probably why she’s suddenly become catchable.- Xena’s First Shower, in Over 5 Years!
Tonight I used the spray attachment on the garden hose and we played in the open barn yard, instead of the outdoor wash stall. Last night she had some difficulty standing still, so I thought I’d give her more room to move. I think this is the third time I’ve shown her the spray attachment.We began as we have for the past few weeks, with me gently spraying the ground, and then nonchalantly spraying her front feet and legs. It was so hot tonight that I ventured a little farther; sprinkling her chest and quickly retreating. She seemed fine and actually took a step towards me. I repeated this over and over, until finally the cool water was raining down on her neck, back and rump. I retreated often, and on each re-approach I began again at her legs and moved upwards along her body. She remained calm, and I think actually enjoyed her first shower in well over five years!
It always amazes me how well approach and retreat works, and how much Xena and I accomplish when I’ve earned her trust. After her shower I used the car wash mitt to wet her belly and she even allowed me to rub her udder with the soaking wet mitt. Another first for us!
Xena is simply amazing, and that’s not an exaggeration!
Xena's YouTube Channel
Speaking of the catching game, have you ever “caught” her and not done anything with her except maybe some friendly? That might “blow her mind” as they say.
So far I’ve only caught her 3 times, and am still excited each time I do! :) I’ll keep in mind the idea of not ‘doing’ anything, and give it a try sometime soon. Unfortunately I’ll have driven 45 minutes round trip, and only be with her for a few minutes. But, it sounds like a good opportunity for undemanding time in the pasture. Perhaps she’ll catch me in return.