Horses don't like changes in their routine. Feed 'em at the same time, do the sames routine with catching, grooming, etc. and they are happy to stay in the groove. Change things up, and they get a little sideways. Today, for example, I wanted to bring the mares in off pasture one at a time and groom them, do their feet, then put them in their pen for the night. Normally, I lead all three of them together and just put them in their pen. But Velvet needs some alone time, and Belle needed a little spot of thrush treated, so I changed things. Belle first, then Velvet- who had issues about not being with at least one buddy! One thing I did with each of them was measure them for height using my leg measurement. Belle is 15 hands, Velvet will grow to be 15-2, just like her mama, and Chickory will be 14-2.
Chickory. Well, this girl likes her routine, and lately Velvet has been upsetting the order of things by dominating Chickory, so my little dunny girl has her nose out of joint. Pouting, if you will. She was the last one left in the pasture tonight, and this is what I got when I went to catch her:
and a little of this...
and some of this.....
and a tad more of this.....
Eventually I had enough, and succumbed to pressure -I went for the oat bucket. Even then she was really suspicious, and 5 minutes of standing with my back to her was more than she could bear- she wanted the oats more than her freedom. Actually, I really enjoyed watching her strut her stuff, running around with her tail flagged.
When I was watching her I noticed that her neck looked a little stiff, so when I brought her in I checked, and she has sore muscles on the right side, so I massaged her. Then, using the oats, I got her to stretch- she can only bring her head back as far as her cinch area. So she'll have to get used to the new program- although I might take her in first next time.
I got some good play time in with the dogs too- I love my job, it lets me be at home by 1 PM so I have all afternoon to do things. I managed to get a good shot of Sammi doing something that she apparently inherited from her papa- when she is concentrating, she sticks her tongue out.
16 comments:
Chicory...what a stinker! Sure is pretty when being one, though. lol!
I don't enjoy Apache running like that in her paddock probably because our ground is so rock hard that when she runs it sounds like booming thunder. And because of all the trees up there, I get a little freaked out when she runs out of view...and then pops out from behind a tree near me, bucking and snorting.
You could say I'm a little hoof shy...
~Lisa
Aw, Lisa, I don't blame you! Chickory doesn't buck, even when playing I rarely see her buck.
What a great shot of Sammi! Funny because I too stick my tounge out a little when I am concentrating!lol.
Hope Chickory gets with the program soon
I like that Sammi dog. Wish I could focus like that.
lol sammi, so cute! I just want to pet her pretty face.
It all comes down to food and a little attention..:-))
LOL yup she got that from daddy!
Great pics!
Ed, actually it was a baseball that she was concentrating on. She gets very intense at play time, which I'm sure is going to transfer to work time when I get her on sheep.
Isn't it amazing how our critters absolutely thrive on routine?
You're such a good momma, Shirley!
And yes, that is a great shot of Sammi - I'm impressed... camera in one hand, baseball in the other! :)
That pic of Sammi, so cute!
I always mix things up with my horses, never catching the same one first (or last) and even feeding in a different order, so when something I cant control (like getting home super late) ahppens, they arent in a panic. It seems to work well for me.
haha!
I can't say much...cause I thrive on routine too! :)
Your pup is too cute!
It's all about the routine, isn't it.
Funny Sammie. My cat does that too.
I'm trained but there are times when the routine gets messed up. I let them know they just have to live with it....and they let me know they don't want to live with it.....we agree to let me win. Great shot of Sammi,she is changing again.
As Janice said,
"I let them know they just have to live with it....and they let me know they don't want to live with it.....we agree to let me win."
Exactly! Chickory was letting me know her displeasure, but in the end she caved in. Ha!
I tend to stick out my tongue when I concentrate too! ;o) It must be a sign of intelligence!
Aww!!! sammi! that's cute! :D
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