the donkey made me do it. . .

I have had a hard couple of days. I have had to make some very hard decisions for both myself and Shyloh.

Upon tons of reflection, internal arguments, and doubt, I am moving Shy from the barn we are currently at to another location. The new place has a multi-acre (not sure how big, but it's big!) pasture for outdoor board, filled with trees, trails, a very slightly sloping uphill land, another Haflinger (!!), and a . . .wait for it. . . a donkey (!!!!).  The pasture is so big that when I went walking around it to check it out, I didn't even see the other horses! 

I have said before, Shy truly loves to be outside. I had doubts about stalling her, but I do believe that was the best thing for her at the time. She has had a stall for a year. I do think she enjoys her stall and I enjoy the time we spent there, but she needs to move those legs. Shy's stall time has had her interacting with people daily, being handled by different people, and she has really come a long way with her shyness. 

Now, I think it is time for her to be back outside. It is a more natural environment and she will be on the move most hours of the day. This will be good for muscle maintenance and her gut as opposed to being stall bound, especially through the winter. I am not worried about her being cold. . .

Look at all that hair already! Winter won't be a problem.

 She will have shelter in the form of a large three sided run in, with just a roof on the opposite side of the run in, as well as natural protection from all the trees. 

My few fears involved in moving are that

• she won't be handled daily (turn in/out)
• she might think she is wild and free pony for real
• I won't be able to find or catch her

But then, I must assure myself that we have reached a point in our relationship that this won't be a problem. I was at the new place around feeding time one day (they feed on a schedule), and the other equines knew that and were waiting (quite calmly and patiently) at the gate to be let in the feeding area. I felt good about that. Shy will come to learn the schedule and rather quickly I am guessing since it had to do with food.

I am hoping this is the right thing to do. I hate to be taking Shy away from her horsey friends, I hate to be leaving my friends, but I know I need to do what is in Shy's very best interest. I feel that this is a good move for us. And, there are trails on the property, as well as a burger/ice cream joint up the road with a hitching post for horses! Fun! And to quote an officer I work with who patrols that area "The burgers are made by Jesus and sent from heaven." 

I am an anxious mess, but I have to remember, Shy takes all horse related things in stride. She probably won't care at all and just assimilate into the little herd like she has been there her whole life. We shall see. . .I am hoping to make the move over the weekend or early next week.

New adventures await us!

Princess Shy