HORSE BEHAVIOR

 They watched my every move. They knew what time it was and stood there. . .  waiting. But I had other plans for the moment.

I walked to the farthest paddock, stood by the fence, clucked my tongue and called "come here!"
They just stood looking and wondering why I wasn't feeding them now. After all, it was grain time and they knew it.


Did you know horses have incredible memories? 
Every time you interact with a horse it is a teaching moment, because they don't forget a thing. It's important to always make that last memory a positive one, or one in which the human is in charge. They are also creatures of habit expecting the same thing done at the same time. 


We both stood our ground. They weren't moving and neither was I.  We kept eye contact, but noone moved. Not until I turned my back and looked the other way.
Curiosity took over and and Lilly came running to me. It was no longer a battle of wills.

Oftentimes, when horses are unsure or confused, they will not move. But as soon as you turn your back and release eye contact, they become curious and move towards you, as long as they don't feel threatened.

Big as they are, horses are prey animals, and the least little thing can scare them and their means of protection are flight.  They would never deliberately hurt you, but being in the way of a 1200 lb equine who may run and buck out of fear, can seriously injure and even kill a person.


No matter how well a horse is trained, and how experienced a horse person is, a horse is still a horse with horse instincts. Awareness and caution keeps people and horses safe.


As soon as Lilly came running, Leah followed. Horses are herd animals and when one moves to a different area, the others will follow.

Even though it was grain time, curiosity got the better of them, and they trust me. 

They stood and posed for some pictures. Thank you my sweet beauties! Now I need to go feed grain.
                                   happy day!

Linking to:
 Photo Challenge - Outdoors at RAZMATAZ. 
 Farm Friday at Wabi-Sabi Wanderings
 Farm Friend and Farmgirl Friday  

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY

   
                      ~ busted ~

(Please feel free to join in One Word Wednesday, just leave your link in the comments).

                                               happy day!

HAFLINGERS IN SUNSHINE

It is warm and sunny, only days away from Spring's arrival, and the horses are taking full advantage of the glorious sunshine.

Legs tucked under

 and head down

Lilly is enjoying an afternoon nap.


You will rarely see both of them lying down at the same time, although it does happen here from time to time. One is usually standing, always on guard, to guarantee their safety.

Horses, albeit their large size, are prey animals and always need to be aware of any imminent danger. Although there are no mountain lions in southeastern Massachusetts, it is the way of the horse, to be alert, aware and ready to take flight at all times.

Lilly is usually the one lying down and Leah the one standing. Leah IS relaxing though, notice her hind leg bent?

How do you enjoy the sunshine?
  
                       happy day!
               
              Linking up to farmgirl blog hop 

WORDS

A poem for today . . .

The horses paw and prance and neigh,
Fillies and colts like kittens play,
And dance and toss their rippled manes
Shining and soft as silken skeins;...
~Oliver Wendell Holmes


happy day!

THROUGH THE WINDOW

Coats deepened to chestnut

 fuzzy for winter warmth.

 Their season,

void of flies and hot sun.

  Spending time outdoors

 in all elements

as nature intended .

  ~mjs

I'm playing Tuesday Through. . .The Winter Window hosted by Swedish House . 
This is the view looking out the barn window. 

Curious Lilliana Rose ( Lilly) is looking at me, while Leah Arielle ( Leah) is much too busy with her hay.

happy day!

    

COMMUNITY- REVERB 10

Day 7 prompt: Community

Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

Life is richer when you can share it with kindred spirits. I met my community when we started living without school, online at first and then connections were made locally. But it doesn't matter if you see each other weekly, every other month, or once a year. What is important is that connection, that community of individuals you can count on, who understand, who have the same values and live the way you do. Sure, we all have our differences, but believe with all our heart that our children need to live with respect, choice, trust, and freedom. 


I can go to a gathering with my community and be calm and relaxed, the way you feel when you want to go home and you finally get there. A peacefulness prevails.


I can be assured that no child will be talked down to, nor any words of "Because I said so" uttered.  Children are given as much respect as the adults and are listened to wholeheartedly. You will never hear anything said to a child that wouldn't also be said to another adult.  


Choices are given from what to wear to what to eat. Perhaps dessert is eaten before a meal or a jacket is tossed on a chair with the words, "I'm not cold".  


Choice is a way of life and children are trusted to  know what they want and need. . .  with guidance should they need it. There are no demands that a jacket be worn or the insistence of a meal be eaten before dessert.  Have you ever eaten something sweet before a meal? Isn't it great????  And a child will come get his jacket if he needs it. Just trust.


 Family is of utmost importance and everyone truly likes being with their children. There are no raised eyebrows and rolling of eyes and big sighs as if their children were a burden and exhaust them. You won't hear them talking about their child in front of them unless it is ok with the child, and never, ever in a negative tone. There is no talk of grounding or other punishment.


Everyone gets along together, all ages, from adults to babies, there is no hierarchy or authoritarian rule. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? 
It is true and it is a glorious way to live.


My community of kindred spirits has deepened in 2010. I have met more people online, and in person. It has been life changing and life enriching, to have met them and getting to know them more and more. I value them in my life and am honored to call them friends.  .


One particular fun  summer day stands out in my mind

I plan to connect with the local horse community in 2011. I feel energized and inspired when I am with other horse people. We talk the same talk. None of my friends who live near me have horses.  I want to make it my plan for the next year, to connect and re-connect with other equine lovers and owners near me.

reverb 10 -- reflect on this year and manifest what's next.

happy day!

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY

~ tenderness ~

(Please feel free to join in One Word Wednesday, just leave your link in the comments).

                                           happy day!

ONE WORD WEDNESDAY

         ~ Watching ~