Awareness of the outside world. CNN: From gender-affirming care bans to minimum wage increases, these new laws take effect January 1, Iyer, January 1, 2024.
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As a Thoroughbred, Milton’s official birthday is January first. He turned 16. [Pedigree Database, Major Conn]
So what has he been up to? Sorry to say that Milton has earned himself a kicking strap.
In a cart, the kicking strap crosses over the top of the horse’s butt and is attached to the shaft on each side. This way, if the horse chooses to elevate his posterior, the strap lifts the cart & person out of the way. The horse cannot get a leg over the shaft, nor reach the driver with a flying hoof.
In theory. With horses, anything is possible. Never say never. But that is the theory.
Now, the presence of a kicking strap is not necessarily an indictment of the horse. Some drivers use one as a matter of course as part of the harness. Alas, in this case, the kicking strap does indicate bad behavior. Milton had a small fuss. Given his history of hopping about like a wind-up toy, the slightest backsliding has to be addressed.
Why hadn’t he been wearing one? Partly because he’s been good. After his humongous fuss at his driving debut, he’s been good while hitched to the cart. I think? Scratches head. The issue has been hitching rather than driving. Therefore, we’ve been aiming to keep the hitching process as brief as possible. Sorry dude, you’re going to have to stand for having another strap attached.
The good news is that it was a small fuss. Driver dealt with it admirably and horse went back to work. Also good news. Milton’s been getting more chill about hitching (crosses fingers). Attaching another strap shouldn’t be a problem.
With luck, the kicking strap will forever be a decorative element.
Update. [Milton Meets Kicking Strap, Again]
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Good move! 🤞
Jane
🤞 or is crossed fingers a given for dealing with horses?