A lot of visitors to the barn ask about the horse play and whether horses ever get hurt out with their herds. I realize it looks like we get a little wild when we are all turned out, and most people only want to be near us when we are in a stall, or in a halter. What these people don’t understand is that being with a herd, running mostly free, actually calms us down! We need the company and touch of other horses, we feel more confident in a group and we feel safer with horse leaders than with humans. We are horses!
A new gelding arrived last week named Casper. It seems like we have a lot of new horses lately (sadly, mostly mares). The poor guy – he is quite handsome, grey like Magic and Bo – is afraid of everything. Finn told me that he was afraid of his stall, of his water, of his halter, you name it. But as soon as he got into the big field with the other geldings, he was a different horse – happy and confident. It’s amazing to watch this guy in the middle of the action, having fun and just being one of the guys.
It has been more than a year and a half since I arrived at the Sanctuary fearful of everything. I can relate to Casper! While no doubt the people think their attention has helped (it might have a little), what has settled me in is my herd. Of course I am the leader! Magic and I are always together, and I lead him, Chance and a band of mares. While the mares drive me nuts (especially Sara), keeping them all safe and in order makes me strong and confident, and frankly makes it easier to deal with the people. I love being a horse!
I am Thor and I am an Equamore horse.
