The Herd's Acceptance

Last night when I went out to do chores, I couldn't find Junior. I thought maybe he'd wandered out into the pasture (he's discovered that Zeke won't torment him if he's in the pasture). I figured I'd get some of my chores done before I went to get him. With the wind as fierce as it was, most of the herd was tucked into the leanto off the barn. They saw me moving around and came out. Sure enough, Junior came out. He'd been stuck in the back the entire time. I'm not sure if  he'd wanted to be in there with everyone else or not. I'm guessing not.

At least most of the big herd has incorporated him into the herd as one of their own. I figured the pushier horses might boss him around but they don't seem to care one way or another. Now if I could only get Zeke to stop bothering him.

Although last night it was rather cute. Junior was hiding in the leanto with just his head sticking out and Rain came over. I was worried cuz Rain can be mean. Nope. He stopped short of Junior's bubble and reached his neck out to touch noses with Junior. That sight very much warmed my heart. Rain has accepted him.

I normally put Junior and Bo in the barn but with the wind, figured I'd put a couple more in the barn. I opted for Rain, which still gave Junior most of his stalls to move around and get away from anyone. I'd planned on putting Zeke in the barn as well but he wasn't cooperating so I let Jim in. Everyone else stayed out. Call me mean I guess.

We are supposed to get more subzero temps so some are going back in the barn tonight. But then we are supposed to start getting a warmup. I heard a wonderful rumor that we could be in the 50s by the weekend!

The blankets are definitely coming off! I can't wait to see everyone's colors again. I used Junior's blanket for two purposes.  One: as a buffer in case someone would take after him and bite him. Two: to make it difficult for the herd to figure out who is who (between him, Brego, and Bo). But I'll be pulling his blanket off on Friday so we'll see if that causes any drama. I doubt it but I'll still worry.

Here's to hoping this is the last cold day/night of the 2014-2015 season!