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Kathleen Kenner
The other day, I was walking Sunny along the trail, and felt a breezy touch along my arm.  I glanced back at him and his head shot up.  I bet that my eyebrows shot up at his guilty reaction.   But I didn't put an end to his playfulness; I let it go.  Minutes later I felt another something, like a movement of air on the back of my arm.  Well, I thought to myself, it's time to respond to this behavior.  The third brush was, as expected, more brazen; he came alongside me and playfully swung his head in the air past my arm.  He didn't actually touch me, but his seemingly carefree and goofy behavior carried an undercurrent of deliberation.  I think I even saw a happy glint in his eye!  This time, however, I swung into action.  Turning I squared my shoulders and made him back up out of my space.  And then I asked him to back up some more, and a little more…

When he finally stopped backing up, his head dropped down in submissive reaction, and his ears relaxed out in either direction.  His docile sweet nature was restored.  I petted him once on his neck, and then we continued our walk in peace.

We love Sunny's easy attitude.  His antics make us smile.  Topping that off with great horse manners will make him a joy to be around
One day, however, when he tried to nip playfully at the lead horse, Dancer, the game was promptly shut down.  Dancer has zero tolerance for disrespect, even in the form of play.

Dancer showed us that, if we want to maintain respect, we can't ignore Sunny's indiscretions.  Not even playful little ones.  Dancer corrects Sunny to maintain his respect, and so should we.
Sundance (left) radiates growing confidence with Buddy.
Sundance is Growing Up
... by Kathleen Kenner

As Sundance matures he is gaining self confidence. He is not shy around people.  He enjoys standing next to us and breathing softly onto our shirts.

 
Sundance has also gained confidence around other horses.  He has started herding the mares of the herd for short distances.  Sometimes they run off, but usually they kick out at him or turn and nip at his neck to stop his pushy antics. 

He also engages in "horse play" with other young geldings, like Buddy. 

 
Confident Sundance is warming a shirtfront.
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