Three down and one to go - feet that is

Decided that I would have to get rid of the girl's blouse and do something about Isla's feet.  For those that don't know, I had a run in with a little virus which attacked the balance mechanism in my left ear (also has affected my hearing).  Consequently bending over and dealing with pony feet has been fraught with some difficulty.  So long as all stays steady there is not a problem but if I have to move suddenly - to follow a wayward hoof for example, then things can all go to hell in a handbasket very quickly.

Isla is a tit with her feet because she did not get the right handling when young (partially because of me and above mentioned).  However being the old fashioned horse person that I am (no warm fuzzy stuff from me) I had taken the time to rope her and done it properly.

So today I used a legstrap to make it possible to actually trim her feet.  If she wanted to snatch her foot, she still couldn't get it down and then create an argument.   Just to show she really is a well adjusted soul, she stood in the paddock with halter and lead on, surrounded by three other very nosey and smoochy ponies, on three legs without a whimper.  I just ran out of puff to finish the off hind.   Tomorrow is another day.... and I only fell over once.  Isla very carefully (on three legs) stepped away from me.  That pony is a gem.  The number of times she has had to avoid standing on me when I have gone arse over tip is pretty impressive (and she does not panic).   Bridgie now, has managed to collect me two out of two :(

Not a very tidy job, but at least it is done and I do not have to wince and feel guilty about not being able to pay a professional to do the job.

Liz has been steadily working her way through the rest of the troops but her bump is severely getting in the way now.  I sure would not have let her try and work her magic on Isla as she has to sit on a bucket to do the job.   All of the others have been really great with the 'sit on bucket method', even the little yearling.   This is tantamount to the excellent handling Liz has given them from the start.

Now I am off home to try and get the kinks out of my back....