The Big Move

I worked Saturday through Weds am at 730am. I work 12 hour shifts so I am really only awake and home from 4pm to 6pm during that time period. I had moved all of my things before I started work and we finished the fences. Dickie moved over there yesterday. I figured it would be uneventful since he was already turned out with the horse he was moving with a few times. Today I went over to the barn to pick up my friend's horse. She is the Clydesdale/Appy cross who I have been riding. The herd integration was shockingly low drama. I didn't think we would have major problems because Dickie seems to get along with everyone and my friend's horse is really low key and non marish. She said her mare had been turned out with a variety of horses and just keeps to herself. My friend had to work late so she wasn't there when we picked up her horse. 

We had them in a smaller paddock just off the barn so it would be easier to step in if there is drama. There is also less room to get up real speed and go into a fence. Turns out we could have turned them out on a 50 acre ranch with rock piles every where and not worried about the horses getting hurt. They just started grazing like they are old buddies. The cute arab mare occasionally pinned her ears in jealousy if Dickie tried to love on Josey. They were maybe five total squeals and less half assed threats to kick. I wasn't expecting much strife but I thought they would at least do a dramatic lap around the pen or make noise. I was hoping maybe being turned out with two mares would help him learn some manners but they seemed fine with letting him invade their space. Here they are enjoying the last few hours of daylight. 

Dickie wanted to share the same blade of grass as Tari. She didn't seem to mind. 

Hi mom!!!

There was lots of nose sniffing without even a hint of mare squeal. For some reason horses seem to know Dickie is a baby and will tolerate just about anything from him. 

He had a field of grass and still wanted treats. 

Dickie stood over Josey while she rolled. 

This is Tari channeling her inner border collie and herding "her" horses around the paddock. She didn't chase them, she just calmy told them it is time to go wait for dinner by the barn and used ear pinning and the stink eye to get them there. 

The herd coming over to see if I will feed them. 

Josey has a big squishy butt and Dickie promptly decided it felt good to rub his whole neck and shoulders on her. He would bend his knee and put his full wieght on her. She wasn't impressed but tolerated it better than I would have. 

I think they will have one more day in the small paddock then it will be time for the big pasture. I am so happy we were able to move!!! I can't believe I will be getting everything I need and so will Dickie. It made my heart happy when I drove up to see him grooming Tari. He was missing being able to touch other horses. I plan on heading out tomorrow to work Dickie and ride Josey. Today I just let them settle in and organized our tack. Tomorrow they go back to work.