Skittles gets a turn

So I guess I didn't quite get out on Monday... or Tuesday. Monday because I had some laser surgery on my leg and was on painkillers and Tuesday because it rained most of the day. So... a bit of a slow start to my plan.

HOWEVER, today I did get out with Skittles.

She was snorty and high-headed with everything to start (per her usual behaviour), but settled once I started grooming her. We did friendly game with the carrot stick and string - no issues at first, but then she decided to move around and got all uptight, so I kept at it until she stopped. Then started again -- this time she stayed still.

Then I did some porcupine game --- really sensitive. She moved at a phase 1 in all zones. Really impressive. Then we did some yoyo and figured it out after 3 tries and was backing consistently with phase 2 and twice at phase 1.

Then, because the flies and mosquitoes were so bad, I thought we should try the friendly game with the spray bottle. I took out a bottle just with water in it and moved all around her with it, rubbing her sides, neck, rump, legs.... No problem. Then I started spraying the ground around her. Because it was windy, the spray drifted into her and she skittered sideways away from it. I kept this up - moving toward her and away from her, toward her and away from her, etc. but she never stopped trying to escape. I know I didn't spend enough time at this because I never did figure out how close (or far) I could get before she'd keep her feet still and quit backing up. I had company show up, so had to cut the session short. Instead I wiped the fly spray on her with my hand. Even this way, she would move away from me. Not sure if it was still the sound of the spray that bothered her, or the fact that when I rubbed her my hand was wet? Will definitely give it another try next time. Maybe in the round corral and see if I can figure out where I can spray without her moving her feet (might have to get a 5-gallon spray bottle!).

She really TRIED to stand for me a couple times... but was still ready to bolt. I moved away each time she stood still but she'd still get quivery when I reapproached. More retreat, right? Retreat retreat retreat until she's OK with the approach. Not the most successful session, but it can only get better!