Sunday, April 4, 2010

Another new face, herd conversation and Hoppy Easter!

This is Little Dude.



He's at the barn for training. But he may end up for sale. His owner is older and want a very quiet ride. And Little Dude is a bit... over aware, I guess is the polite way of saying it.


He's handsome, isn't he? A bit bossy in the paddock, I had to send him around a few times, now he's pleasant. But I can see he'll be a testy thing.

And here's another shot of Smokey. I seriously love this guy.



As young thing and quiet by nature he's been getting the run around pretty badly. Even in the feeding stalls they were pinning ears and giving him heck. I was getting irritated at this, and left the boss gelding in after feeding for a while to see how everyone else got along. They were fine, mostly.

Then I had a talk with boss gelding as I let him out.

Look, I know you're the boss, but you don't have to be a jerk. You can be a kind alpha - everyone knows you're in charge.

I set him loose and he stood there awhile with me, then slowly walked off.

Then something weird happened. They stopped chasing Smokey. All day.

Just call me ... the herd negotiator.




Just something fun for your Easter viewing:


5 comments:

Once Upon an Equine said...

The boss gelding must have taken your words to heart.

Peeps sure have come a long way.

Unknown said...

Over-aware can be a good thing. The sign of a busy mind. I think these guys can learn to do some pretty tricky stuff. For the rider, though, it can be difficult to remain the most interesting thing in the environment. Not everyone wants to.

Fragrant Liar said...

Aahh, what's an Easter without a Peeps Show?

Madame Herd Negotiator.

Leah Fry said...

Over aware is the sign of a busy mind, as Cara said. I have one like that. Thinks way too much. Interesting, but you have to welcome the challenge. I'm an older rider and he pushes me out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing.

Dove said...

Um hello handsome dog here!!! what am I a chewed up bone? Come on these are horses!!!
~Under appreciated dog Dyno