Pet Chatter

Rick is a 17.3 Teenaged Percheron Gelding. He lives in a natural herd environment where he is the leader. He is jet black and magnificent. He has a quiet dignity that inspires trust and deep affection. Majestic is what comes to mind when gazing upon his countenance.

Fortunately for him, his guardians are aware of just how special he is. I’ve communicated with him several times and always come away marveling. He is a beneficent leader and takes his role very seriously.

Photo courtesy of Serenity Equestrian Center

Pet Chatter: “Why don’t you come to visit when there is company? Your gift of connecting with people is deeply appreciated and your guardians want to share that.”

Rick: “I don’t come running like a dog. I’m the herd leader and I have my dignity. I do like visiting, but I’m more discriminating than the boys. I prefer to watch and make sure the visitors aren’t harming my herd. There are times when a visitor will pique my interest and then I’ll visit, but they’re special. If you ask me to interact with certain people I’ll comply, but my preference is to choose the ones that I’m drawn to.”

Pet Chatter: “You stood back and let Thyme rule the water? What made you do that? It was greatly appreciated.” (Thyme is a lower-ranking gelding in the herd.)

Rick: “Thyme needed to drink. It made him more secure to play dominance games. Even though it was just posturing, it helped him feel more secure and able to drink his fill. My job is to take care of the herd. Thyme needed to go through that ritual for his mental and physical well being. It did not in any way threaten my position as leader. I was setting a good example for the others which is also one of my responsibilities. When the herd functions as a team it is stronger and safer.”

Pet Chatter: “How do you feel about your saddle? Do you have any discomfort?”

Rick: “I prefer no saddle. The saddle squeezes me and is uncomfortable. It’s like wearing a girdle and I can’t fully breathe. I feel constricted and can’t enjoy our riding time. Everything else is fine. I love our wide-open spaces and all the yummy grass. I feel good about my herd and am pleased with the way things run so smoothly.”

[His guardian remarked that she had been over tightening the girth as the saddle tended to slip on his round barrel. Thus the girdle reference was quite meaningful.]

What about your herd? What interesting things have you observed? Are you able to detect different personalities or quirks? Please share your anecdotes in our comments section below.