We have a scheme where people can work with us in exchange for rides and training. This is a ride for the work for riding workers. We had a great day and look how fabulous our horses look. We had 11 horses out this day, and a well earned very good Xmas afternoon tea at the end of it.
Horses generally have rest periods and active periods of eating and play as a group. These horses are all resting, but there is always one or more horses standing to keep watch for trouble. They sleep for short periods at a time and can often be seen resting their noses on the ground like Ginger Bear is in this photo. This day we witnessed Thymie and Star actually dreaming with their legs moving and neighing in their sleep. It was just a few minutes and they woke again from their dream. They also sleep on their feet. There is a great deal to learn from observing a horse herd. Indeed this is how Monte Roberts and others learned a lot of their horsemanship.
Jimmy is now not only remaining on the ground but is stretching his neck towards Babs for a scratch. This makes his big neck muscles vulnerable to Babs and is another sign of trust and comfort around her. She has approached respectfully and with her energy even and down, which tells Jimmy she is not in predatory mode. Isnt this exciting. But be careful if you try this. Give your horse plenty of space if they startle and need to get to their feet quickly.
This is Babs and Jimmy. She has approached Jimmy gently and with her scent being presented to him first. Jimmy is accepting Babs into his space while he is lying down. This is a mark of trust and acceptance of Babs as part of his herd and as a friend not a foe. A horse on the ground is easy prey for a predator, so if he was not feeling safe with Bab’s approach he would be up like a shot. Instead he stays there and allows her to scratch his ears.
Babs and I captured this scene one morning on our way to work. This is the horse herd at rest, and obviously happy for us to join them.
