We've been running on very little sleep and a lot of people for quite awhile now, and it finally took its toll on me today. I went out to feed this morning; beautiful day, quiet, well-behaved horses. Maybe too quiet. They were being so good standing at their bowls eating....
I've been haltering Washoe and tying him lightly to the post by his bowl, to keep him from sneaking over to Estes' bowl as soon as I would walk away to get their hay. He's been doing really well, as long as he has the halter on. Today he stood so quietly, even after I got the hay and gave them each some apple chunks, that I forgot I had him tied and I walked back across the street to the Lodge.
Suddenly I hear Compass calling my name (she is on horseback getting ready to take a ride out) and yelling something about Jesse and the fence. I turn back in time to see the whole side of the buck fence tip over. Yep, ever seen eight sections of fence topple? It's quite a site! Apparently Jesse had gone around to Washoe's side of the feeder (which had slid way too far down the hill over the last few weeks), crowding him into thinking he was in too close of proximity to the picky mare. They both got their feet tangled in the wooden portion of the feeder and in the melee to free their feet, the lead rope tangled in the fence, breaking as the fence toppled. Horses were flying everywhere!!!
As luck would have it, one of our male guests and his 21 yo son were also out and came running to help. While I calmed the horses down, got Washoe into the little side pen and convinced Jesse to NOT jump the whole contraption, they managed to upright a section of the fence. The three of us were actually able to get the thing set back up, section by section and put the feeder back where it belonged. Fortunately, our horses like their pen well enough that we didn't have them scattered across the countryside. A lot of Mustang snorting from Ranger, some huffing from Estes who wanted the hay laying under the fence, major bucking antics and racing around from Jesse, but that was the extent of the excitement. I turned Washoe loose from his pen and they all went back to eating - from the monster feeder.
Tonight I go out to feed....and everyone lines up at the proper bowl at the fenceline...just like nothing had ever happened! You gotta love a happy herd.
Juanita
Good for your crew! So glad none of them got hurt or loose! Feeding time always seems to be the trickiest, no?
ReplyDeleteWhew!
Rachel - I have been working on "table manners" all summer just as ground work, then a friend's horse had a bad case of choke (needed vet care intervention) because two of her horses were 'greedy' over the same food bowls. I resolved to continue my vigilance and it has paid off in multiple different ways.
ReplyDeleteJuanita
Funny...no, fatigue and horses probably aren't a good combo. ;) I've almost lost my herd before--scary stuff! I'm glad you had helpers there. That was good of the father and son to jump in and help.
ReplyDeleteGlad no animal was injured in the making of this post:o) LOL
ReplyDeleteI have been taking to heart your suggestions for training. I have been using a clicker when I fill my quad, it is amazing how well it works. :o) *snort* J.K.......
Wish we could have made it to HCR this year...
Wrecks happen. At least your bunch hasn't figured out how to work in tandem. One fainting left while the rest of them fainted right and took off. I've had that happen a few times and usually end up losing the whole herd. LOL
ReplyDeleteEeeek, scary! Glad they're so forgiving and lined right up for dinner.
ReplyDeleteAww... they love you guys! Of course, who could resist Beel? I bet it was Juanita's magic.
ReplyDelete