Kelli recently discovered the hole in the fence the deer had made along the west drive in the big field, adjacent to the marsh paddock. The marsh paddock lacks around 1000 feet of fencing in order for the horses to use it. So it’s currently off limits.
Although Jocelyn and I could see her as we drove down to feed, we didn’t realize Kelli was on the other side of the line. As we put everybody into their stalls, Kelli showed up outside the lower paddock 2 pasture fence. I’m glad she’s not one to get upset. She could see everybody eating. She also knew she could retrace her steps and come around through the gate. This is where horse sense can be bothersome. She preferred for us to make an opening in the fence so she could come directly through. I agree with her – once the marsh paddock is ready for use, I intend to also put in a gate in the paddock 2 line, just about where she was standing.
In our excitement of seeing Kelli “loose”, neither of us locked Joey’s stall door. You see, we set certain doors open and the horses go in on their own. We lock them as they get settled. Shortly after Nyla and I drove down to see what could be done with the electric fence (it was off at this point), to let Kelli inside, Joey ran down to join us. Here’s the concern with that: Joey likes to trail blaze with Kelli, if he got out, they’d go for a tour.
So, how does one hold a 32 lb dog, step on 2 electric lines, and keep one horse inside while trying to get the other horse to come inside? Too bad Joey wasn’t the horse on the outside. He’s the limbo king and knows when the electricity is off and it‘s safe to touch the lines. He’d have come right through for me while I held the lines up. However, Kelli doesn’t trust the safety of “off” and she was not willing to squeeze under the lines, nor was she willing to hop over them while I held them down. I ended up standing there talking to the two of them.
Soon, Joey got bored with the lack of action and went off to eat apples. Meanwhile, Kelli and I patiently visited as we waited for Jocelyn to release everybody and walk down to help us. When Joey saw Jocelyn join me, he thundered back to “help” us. So, there I was, standing on the lines, with Nyla on one shoulder, and Jocelyn’s Parelli carrot stick in my other hand to discourage Joey from hopping over and joining Kelli. Jocelyn masterfully set the lead around Kelli’s neck and gently, slowly talked her over the lines, one step at a time.
After we re-set the fencing, we found both Joey and Kelli waiting for us to open their stalls. Joey had not finished his meal. Once we released them, Kelli lingered with us for quite some time. She didn’t feel a need to join the others who were eating apples nearby. This was significant since she is one of the biggest apple lovers in the herd. It felt good to be her first choice of company.
Endy, having watched all of the excitement from his stall and who had already enjoyed his apples, also joined us for some attention. Kelli, is usually greets him with a smile, was a bit possessive of us and gave him some dirty looks. Endy smiled and ignored her.
Serenity Equestrian Center and Feathered Dream Drum Horses are family owned and run. Serenity’s Equine Therapy program is not a therapeutic riding school, but focuses solely upon the emotional wellness of the visitors. Visit (right click) Serenity Equestrian Center to learn more about SEC. Proceeds from Gayla’s personal coaching at EFT Lady and Prayer Lady support the feeding, housing, and clothing of SEC’s herd. Private donations also support the herd’s needs and go toward the playground and building funds. Make a Donation at PayPal. Thank you!
Tags: EFT, EFT Lady, Feathered Dream Drum Horses, Gayla, Prayer Lady, Serenity Equestrian Center, Serenity’s Equine Therapy, Veterans
