Saturday, October 20, 2012

in with the herd!

Today was the big day. . .the introduction to the herd!
It did not go quite as I thought it would. . . better actually, but with some mishaps. All the horses were way back in the pasture, past the trees, and around a bend. I started following Shyloh back through the trees, but I eventually ended up leading Shy. She stopped short of the edge of the trees, then galloped back to the front of the pasture. I got her, put her halter on and led her back. When I got within a reasonable distance, I took her halter off and she galloped back again! Whew. . .I was sure getting my exercise today! I tried a third time, but this time I unhaltered her closer to the herd, when they began to take interest in her. 

One horse went up to Shy, there was no drama, so I walked away. Mike had come up to see the new barn and had no idea where I was. I got him and we walked back to see how Shy was doing. She was off by herself grazing, but at least she hadn't run to the front. Tony, the donkey seemed to take a liking to Mike and followed him all around the pasture. It was cute!


As we were leaving the pasture, Shy and Tony followed us back to the front. Shy hung out near the front for a while. In an adjoining paddock was Buddy the Belgian. Shy and Buddy hung out for a while. 

Then, the rest of the herd got thirsty and headed to the front to get some water. This is where the trouble started. Two other mares, Rainy Day, a Tennessee Walker and Shay, a bald face mare  tried to show Shy who was boss (at this point, the other Haflinger, Lucas, was being ridden by his owner). Shy ran away from them, but always came back, and even threw a buck/fart out. 

A few times, Shy even hid out in the woods to get away from the mean mares. . .



After their thirst was satisfied, the whole herd headed back out. Shy followed them. By now, the other Haflinger was back. Him and the two mares seem to be the meanie clique. And Shy had hooked up with a gelding Paint, Dancer and another mare, Analeese. These two were calm and at the bottom of the herd. 

Shy and her new friends went off in one direction and the rest of the herd headed elsewhere. I think Shy will be fine. I will see tomorrow how many marks she has on her. . . 

I also got all my stuff, except for my saddle, in my new tack locker!

Oh yeah. . .and today is my birthday!!

23 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday! Glad to hear her introduction was pretty non-dramatic.

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    1. Thanks!
      It was easier than I expected. I knew there would be some chasing, striking, bucking (no squealing though), but it wasn't too bad.

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  2. Boo mean mares! Hopefully the herd dynamics will settle out quickly.

    Happy birthday!!

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    1. Thank you!
      I am sure they will settle. Shy is pretty passive, but wills stick up for herself when needed. I don't think she has any desire to be top mare.

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  3. Ohhh yay yay!!!!!! I'm so glad it worked out. Also BIG Happy Birthday!!!

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    1. Thanks!
      At least she made some horsey friends, right? She doesn't need to be in the popular horse clique, haha.

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  4. That was a pretty good first day! Cheers! And... a very Happy Birthday!!

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    1. Not too bad, right? I should sleep much better tonight.
      Thanks!!

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  5. Happy Birthday. Camryns says she'd love to come there and have Shy's back for her. Apparently there isn't a no tolerance for bullies rule in the pasture ;)
    Give her a hug from us.

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    1. Thank you! A Haffie's should stick together. Shy is not sure what Lucas' problem is! She will get a hug tomorrow, if she isn't a mud ball. . .okay, even if she is a mud ball!

      Camryn can come stick up for Shy any day :)

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  6. Cute! Where did you move to?? I bet Shy will LOVE LOVE LOVE being out and about. She's made for turnout :)

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    1. That giant pasture was one of my main reasons for moving. We are kinda near Metro Airport. I wish I lived out your way, much more land and nicer barns. But, I gotta do with what I can.
      I think she will settle in nicely and be a happy horse.

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  7. Happy birthday!
    If Shy sees herself at the bottom of the herd, with the other non-dominant horses, the Boss Mares won't see her as a threat so she should be safe. Pity herself and Lucas didn't hook up, tho, they would have made a nice pair. Have fun today!

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    1. Thanks!
      I think the herd is just trying to work itself out and the boss mares want her to know who is boss. It ill be fine :)

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  8. Happy Birthday Allison - sending you muleteer birthday hugs! Sounds like Shy had a pretty good first day with her new pals. Fingers crossed all was well when you returned :-)

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    1. Thank you! I am interested to see how will work out in a month or so.

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  9. Happy Birthday.

    Introducing a new horse to a herd is always difficult, but this sounds like it went pretty smoothly. I like the "feel" of the new place from what you've described and hope you and Shy will like it.

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    1. I already love it! And I talked to a few people today that are more than willing to help with Shy.

      Thanks!!

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  10. Happy Birthday :)

    Awww, Shyloh is so cute, I love the pictures of her :)

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  11. Awwww!!! She did such a good job on her first day. It is so scary when you move them to a new herd. Glad it went well.

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