Hi Judy, I was very surprised to learn how playful Faxi was shortly after I bought him. I worked on establishing with him a bond and trustful relationship. One of our daily habits was to take him from his paddock and go 'play/exercise' in the very large arena where I boarded him. Since I was unable to run to motivate him to move out, I created the 'boo' game. This consisted of ... once we were inside the gate and he patiently waited for his cue and for me to unlatch his halter - I would then place my hand on his shoulder and say 'boo'. He would turn and take off running a few laps. I would then go into the center of the arena and he would come, full out - straight down the center of the arena and slamming to halt about 5 feet in front of me. I would stand perfectly still and ask 'are you finished?'...his eyes would dance with anticipation just waiting for me to set him off again. I would spread my arms out and semi squat and say 'boo!' and off he'd go a few more laps - only to repeat it. I thought this was great -he got his exercise - and I simply enjoyed him. One day to my surprise, he had charged down the center to me and I guess something distracted me from saying 'boo'. As I stood there he impatiently dipped forward (I guess he was saying 'boo') and took off on his laps. It absolutely blew me away. He said 'boo' to me!
Bernadette
