Mixing it up

We have had wet weather the last couple of days. 

Wet turned to white for a couple of hours today

I have been keeping an eye on the herd dynamics lately, as it seems Jayne isn't allowed to go in the shelter especially if I feed in there. And since a few inches of rain have turned the pens soggy, I pretty much have to feed in there. So I decided to try putting her in with Moondance . He has been weaned for over a month now. 

So far, so good.... She did kick at him once but then settled in. I checked later in the day and they were standing quietly. I had their hay in the big tub as well as along the back wall and Jayne pretty much rooted all the hay out. so I took the tub out. 

Moondance seemed to enjoy having company. He did a little performing for me 😄

This afternoon at feeding time, I hung out and watched both sets of horses. Jayne wasn't letting Moondance in the shelter, she kicked at him a couple of times. And in the big shelter, Gussie wasn't letting Belle in  to eat. Darn those red heads! So I did a switcheroo. Jayne and Moondance went in with Belle in the big pen/shelter, and Gussie earned isolation in the foaling pen/shelter. I watched for quite a while to make sure this was a good arrangement. Moondance tried one slurp on Belle so I smacked his butt and then once things settled down he didn't try again but just went to eating. 

Even if he does try to nurse, Belle doesn't have any milk and I hope she will discourage him. If she does come back in to milk I will have to separate them again.

Meanwhile....

Gussie seems quite happy to have alllll that hay to herself! It will be interesting to see if this changes her herd bound behaviour and separation anxiety.