Ah my little child, she is quite the charmer. Lately when being taken out to the field, she's been squealing and rearing. Her very favourite means of letting you know she's ready to be seriously naughty. So, we've put on her rope halter, it only takes one good thwack of that with the nice heavy lead rope... consequences, and it's done.

Had a very lovely ride on her today. I think I may have convinced her that I am more patient than she is, I'm not going to give in just because she's resistant! So, just a little canter, we've been working so much on trot, ah, but you must be straight my dear... this is where her response would be bleeped if it were verbal. She has one hell of a kick. Smack, gallop on ... consequences, ah, good girl, cantering on nicely and straight. Lots of pats.

Her nephew, little Havoc, oh how he lives up to his name. He is his mother's son. Nerf bat makes an appearance. Rear, spin, whack, on we go. Consequences. Just a baby, but must learn he's not in charge, no matter what he thinks. When we're being good, scratches, pats, rubs, good boy.

I note that we, the average female amateur rider, wants to be NICE to our horse. I do too, I LOVE my horse, she's absolutely adorable. Alas, there must be consequences for the wrong answer. I can't remember who said it recently, a brilliant german trainer, I'm sure, and I think it was in Dressage Today, consequent. Not mean, not prolonged, not carrying a grudge, not angry. Just the correction, then the praise for the right answer. We imbue words with hidden meanings, like discipline.

Oh let me count the ways that my horses make me a better person. Push them with the left hand, draw them close with the right.

Or, it could be the inane ramblings of a tired person just starting on vacation...