Hi. This is Dude again. This is third part of my story of how my move from Shadow Creek Stable to Klein Farm transpired. I’ll take you through my transition to joining the herd. If you missed it, look for Parts 1 and 2 posted Dec. 8 and Dec. 14.
First few days at the new farm: The first afternoon Victor came and bugged me. I wasn’t ready to be with him so ran away from him. He thought I wanted to run with him so kept running after me. We ran laps around this big pasture and got very sweaty. Finally, Victor seemed satisfied and left me alone. I still wanted to watch more so I went to other end of the pasture again. When the herd came down to my end, I ran to the other end.
At the end of the day when the others went into the barn, I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do so just stayed at the end of the pasture. Chris came out with a halter to bring me in. I like Chris. He’s very easy going. It was nice in my stall and there was hay and I could observe the others across the aisle in their stalls. I’m still nervous and on edge since this is all very new. Ann and her friend Jim came to see me. They brought carrots. YUM!!!
Jeanne and Chris checked on me several times the first couple of nights. They are very good caretakers and really wanted me to feel at home here. When they let me out the next morning, I knew I needed more time to watch so went the end of the pasture. Sis called to me several times but I was still not ready to join the herd. She is such a great lead mare and has accepted me in the herd.
Again Victor and I ran together and then rolled in the mud together. I am getting the idea he just wants to play and isn’t trying to boss me around. Sis brought the herd down to my end again. She was trying hard to make me feel welcome, but I needed more time to watch so I ran to the other end. I still don’t quite understand the routine, so Ann came out to get me at the end of the pasture. She did some energy healing on me and it felt so good. I have been pretty tense these past few days. She also gave Sis some energy healing to help with the transition.
Ann was out with a coaching client today and I watched the session from afar. It was fun to watch her work and see the client learn and grow. I look forward to joining her when I’m comfortable. Today I understood that I need to come to the barn when it’s time to come in. I now trust there will be hay and good people to greet me.
After a few days: Today when I went out I went to a hay pile up by the barn instead of running to the other end of the pasture. Sis herded the others to the other end so I could eat. She is really taking care of me. I am so grateful. Victor again wanted to run and I let him practice his leadership. He’s been at the bottom of the herd with all mares for so long, poor guy! I think we will be good buddies and I don’t need to compete with him.
Today, I’m ready to join the herd. Victor came out and went to the pile next to me. I stayed near the herd all day and connected with Sis and Victor. Tonight when we went into the barn, Victor waited for me rather than going right to his stall. He really wants to be friends.
Victor and I again ate next to each other this morning and Sis and Cosmo joined us too. There was no jockeying for hay piles. Sis made sure I felt safe and unpressured while we ate. I was with the herd all day and feeling very accepted and included. I can relax now. I got the time and support I needed to feel comfortable. These humans did it right, with the guidance of us amazing horses of course!
Thank you for reading my story! I hope you learn how wise we horses are and may you see the connection you have with all living things.
May the horse be with you,
Dude
Carrot Coach 