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!!