New Kids on the Block...

From Jim: The backyard bunch has grown by four new members. It's always fun to watch the herd reshuffle the deck when there's a change. Best friends make sure that their status is known. Geldings protect "their" mares. Mares make it clear that they're "not interested", even if they instantly come into heat. There is a fair amount of cronking and squealing. There is almost never any violence. A mare kick or two, which almost never hits anyone and an occasional chase and bite-that's about it. The herd folds in the newest members and life goes on. The arrival of pairs really helps. The new guys have each other and can hold onto to that as their circle of herdmates grows. Love to watch the arched necks and nose touches, with the grunts and squeals and front foot stomps. If you watch closely, you can see the pressure/release dominance process. Who moves who is a very significant issue to equines. Rank order is assumed, just needs to be established. Every once in while, we have to adjust the herd assignments we make. Some critters are really aggressive and others way to passive for the bunch we place them with. It's sure nice to have enough herd groupings to be able to find a good fit. Here lately, our newcomers have been older horses and they are very happy to simply get along. Abundant feed is another help in easing in additions to the herd. There's always more than enough, spread out enough, that everyone can find some hay without too much pushing and shoving. That still happens, but it's not about eating. It's about dominance and ends pretty quickly if there's adequate room and plenty to eat. We find it takes around two days for the integration of added horses to be completed. Once this happens, the herd has reformed and it's members are clear on where they belong. Take on out for care or training or, once in awhile, a ride, and you'll hear about it from the rest. There's always a grand reunion. We've seen six or seven greeters need to put their noses on the returning critter. It is a real privilege to be able to watch these wonderful animals behave in the way they were intended to live. Of, and go love on your horse! They think you're a herdmate and kind of expect it. You'll both enjoy it!