Things are hopping here at The Mustang Center. Today, students in the year’s first Horseplay classes graduated. The youngsters gave a stellar performance for their parents. And they decorated their equine companions with paint and glitter and feathers.

Lots of Horseplay classes still to come this summer.

Meanwhile, I was busy overseeing Nick Mantle’s inspiring natural horsemanship clinic. He took three members of the clan to new heights.

By the end of the day, Montana, age six, a bachelor stallion from the Pryor Mountain herd, was standing quietly while Diane sat on his back. A big change from the rowdy guy who bucked and bolted when saddled earlier in the day.

I’m a little concerned, though, because I thought I was Diane’s only love. Why is she so interested in him?

She and I need to talk.

Spirit, about two, didn’t mind the saddle, but he displayed the stubbornness and disrespect that concerned his forever family. Nick saw the issues and addressed them. Firmly established boundaries. Insisted on respect.

Spirit did a lot of licking and chewing and thinking.

Sammi, the cute curly, came back for a refresher. Gosh, he’s grown! At two or so, he imagines himself a ladies’ man.

In your dreams, Sam. You’re no longer a stud.