Like many parts of the country, we are getting a serious winter storm today. With a layer of ice already on the ground, the heavy, wet, snow has made it even more likely to inadvertently go ice skating.
When I checked the horses, they were happily eating hay at the west end of the pasture, sheltered by trees while snow piled up on their backs. As the storm grew in intensity, they decided to migrate to the east end of the pasture where they have a run-in shelter. That is all except Merlyn, the 16.2 Thoroughbred.
In order to get to the run-in they must cross over a small stream. Merlyn was convinced that the ice was too bad to cross. He paced and pawed and snorted as he watched the herd now comfortably waiting out the storm in their shelter. This went on for more than an hour.
Finally, Arlo, the mini stallion, accompanied by Jasmyn, headed back up to Merlyn. Arlo calmly trotted right across the stream and went up to Merlyn and invited him to wrestle. Then he turned around and went back across the stream. I could hear him shouting “Come on, it’s not so bad. If I can do it, you can do it.” Emboldened by his friend, Merlyn hesitatingly jumped across and rejoined the herd at the run in.
The entire episode was incredibly fascinating. It was a clear demonstration of the camraderie that exists in the herd and their ability to reason and figure out a solution.
I knew that Arlo and Merlyn were buddies but I had no idea the depth of their relationship. What a privilege it was to witness.
Tags: herd dynamics, miniature horse, Technorati Tags: pet chatter, thoroughbred
Thank you for your help! Nice post with some well thought out points.