New Pasture!

I turned some of the horses out into the new pasture this afternoon. I only turned out three because the new cross fence isn't done and I knew if I turned out all six, I would have to hunt them down at feeding time. Well I chose to turn out the boys today. My reasoning is that Colty always comes when you call and Cash can't bear to be away from Sadie. Jacob's steer rounded out the trio. After grooming, I turned each horse out the gate. They immediatly dropped their heads and began grazing. No problem. Soon Sadie realized that Cash was gone and she could not get to him. She began calling wildly and galloping around the pasture. Val joined in for a bit and then decided that it wasn't worth it. Cash heard Sadie's call and came thundering back over the hill to the adjoining fence. He ran the fence line trying to get back to Sadie. My daughter (it's her horse) and I watched incredulously as Cash ignored the knee deep grass to come at Sadie's call. I guess thats love. Well finally after about 10 minutes, Cash headed back to the pasture. Sadie began calling again, but Cash did not respond. Sadie became more and more upset (she even stomped her foot). Ren made the comment, "UhOh, Cash will be sleeping on the couch tonight." That is exactly what the situation reminded me of - an old married couple with the whipped husband. He finally gets a backbone and the wife can't stand it. Well Cash wandered back some time later to "check in" and Sadie gave him the cold shoulder. "Just like a woman", my husband joked. Finally it was time to feed and I went to the gate to call the boys back. I hollered Colty's name and just like the great boy he is - he came. I really love that horse. I need to get some pictures of him and post them. He isn't the best specimen of horse, but that doesn't matter. I love him just the way he is!

The Scratching Post

Spring is here and with it comes itchy horses. No matter how much we curry and brush, the hair seems neverending. My Daughter's horse, Cash, has come up with a unique way to get scratched. When I turn him back out after feeding, he makes a point of putting himself (16.3 hands and 1250 lbs) between me and where ever I am going. He will do this until I stop and scratch his belly. If I send him on, he gives me such a wounded look. It has been great practice for his Showmanship patterns. In his attempt to get a belly scratch, he will perform all of the manuvers perfectly without any halter. I only wish he would pivot as well on a leadrope!