Softly, softly, catchee Ziggy

Touches wood furiously....but I think we are getting there. Ziggy had a real test today as my saddle fitter Louise came out so see if my Wow would be suitable for him.

So we both arrived at home and Ziggy was faced not only with a stranger but me wanting to get him in (so would have felt the rather hopeful but with slight trepidation vibes coming off me!!) ...well he was an angel! He'd been fab this morning, had walked over to me and just moved a step away but let me pop the rope on him and he was much the same this afternoon, just a step then he stood as I popped the rope over his neck and even lowered his head into the halter....loads of praise and a minty treat for that!!

Louise checked his back over and although Ziggy was visibly a bit wary and tense, he soon relaxed as he realised he was getting a bit of a stroke and a massage and he wasn't going to be poked and prodded and have his dignity insulted.

Once the wither template had been taken we popped my Wow on him and bingo, apart from needing a wider headplate the saddle fitted him perfectly!! We did the girth up without any shenanigans and I did some in hand and circle work to let Ziggy get a feel for how it moved with him..no problems at all.

Ziggy was an absolute superstar, but Louise did say that even on just one meeting she could see he was a horse that was so sensitive you absolutely HAD to get everything right with him as he'd never forgive you if you got it wrong. So I'm chuffed that we're on the right track so far.

RD bless him wanted in on the action the entire time, sniffing the saddle, getting in the way and generally just being his big daft loveable self....I closed my ears and went la-la-laa when she remarked how big and mature he looked for a two year old *gulp* (He will only be 16hh MAXIMUM, he WILL!!!) SO I'm looking forward to getting him all kitted out in a couple of years time too!

So very, very pleased with my lovely boys today :-D