We had a nice ride around the place yesterday. I put the bridle on for the first time to see how she liked it. I just used the comfort snaffle, or French link as some might know it. She accepted it fine and was a bit chewy on it. It is a fairly thick bit, which some don't like, so I may try a thinner one. She is very soft in it though and so we just need to find one that she is just a little more comfortable.
However, I did notice she has a displaced behavior that she seems to display when either anticipating something or a little frustrated or bored, I haven't defined it that much yet. Basically she sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth and chews on it in with her gums and lips. A few days ago I did notice she had foamy slobber on the corner of her mouth, but I thought maybe it was from something she just ate and was still masticating it. Then I noticed the tongue yesterday. She was doing it in the stall where I had her tied to get ready, then more with the bit on waiting around in the arena. It doesn't happen while she is doing something, but while she is waiting. I have not tried to interrupt it at this point, well I just discovered it, but it may just be a passing phase. I went on the web and it seems this is not uncommon. Several of the people mentioned that it was in young horses especially the ones taken from the mom's early. Not sure that is the case for Sally, but it does seem to be a pacifier for her. We will watch it and most likely with some fun stuff in her life it will go away or get less anyway.
Trailer loading went well though yesterday. She is stepping right in now, but can only stay facing forward for a few moments. I closed the door on her for a minute and although she pooped immediately, she didn't get too upset or frantic. Almost ready to take her places. Next though is in with another horse, which I think she will actually like better.
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