Butter's Journey

John tried his best, but Butter had ZERO interest in racing him on his mountain bike.🤣 Where's Phoebe when you need her! We tried several attempts but he found John, the bike, and the whole thing boring. He was way more interested in nibbling what few weeds he could reach. Sigh. It's an understatement to say Butter is just a confident, chill kind of guy. ❄️ Never spooks at anything (even the low flying helicopter didn't get much response!). We tried Erin Poepping ! Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Cassy Hoban Royle Farm Milo B Stallion

We took advantage of the warm weather to have a good play session with Butter. He was exuberant! Quite the overachiever giving way more than was asked. 😂 He was so good today, asking questions, trying to please and just having fun. Here's one video of him going over this tiny jump. Hilarious.

This cracked me up. We do a lot of very silly things with Butter so he has dealt with a lot already in his 2 years. Today Cassy Hoban jumped up and down next to him. He reminded me of a kid with an embarrassing parent, trying to ignore or look away. He was like "if I pretend I don't see the crazy lady, maybe she'll go away". 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm

Trotting in hand. He's an "old hand" at this now. Cassy Hoban needs a motorized scooter to stay with him.😆 Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm

Butter got introduced to clippers today by Anna Outler The Dapper Equine. He never ceases to amaze me with his confidence, even with new, noisy, weird things. He wasn't clipped, just touching him with them to simulate the feel. You can see..... no biggie. Kinda felt good:) Thanks, Anna! Cassy Hoban Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm

Step 3: JUMP So funny. Such a silly boy. He did great today with everything though. Poles, line driving, different saddle, faux clipping. The best baby! Cassy Hoban Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm

Step 2: drag hind leg. I mean, really. He's so tall, but he still knocked over this pole. 🤣🤣🤣 Cassy Hoban Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm

This was so dang funny. Butter’s introduction to poles today. Quite the progression. Step 1: dodge Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Cassy Hoban Royle Farm

Video of Butter's first rider. 👽😂❤️

We didn't deprive him of his ball..... he really loves playing with that thing. 🤣

Some live action of the long lining. It's designed to be a brain exercise. Simple questions and lots of praise. He gets to move around wearing his tack so it becomes routine. He is learning basics of moving and stopping, and responding to changes of direction. His brain "expired" at about 10 or so minutes of the exercise (losing attention), so we ended on an easy success and threw him a small parade for being such a good boy! It's important that we are able to read him. At this age, overworking or asking too much may have a lasting, negative effect on his attitude and willingness to engage. He is a treasure. We ❤️ him. Cassy Hoban Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm Goingplacesequine.com Boxfordwood.com

What to do with a 2 year old? Even though he is now 16.2HH he is still a baby. One thing we do to prepare him mentally for future lunging is ask him some basic questions: Can you move along this circle sanely, relaxed and happy? Can you keep moving until we ask you to stop? Can you "trot" for a moment and learn the words "walk, trot, whoa"? Actual work happens in the future when he's much more mature in body and mind. But, for now, we can scratch his (very large) brain with baby exercises. He's getting it a little better each time. Super good today both right and left. Well done Cassy Hoban! Elizabeth Poulin Dressage, LLC Royle Farm Milo B Stallion Goingplacesequine.com Boxfordwood.com