04/07/2023
SAFIR’S ARRIVAL - Saturday 1 July 2023
After a long, lonely 2.5+ hour road trip from Brisbane to the Sunshine coast, alone in the float, dealing with serpentine roads, and stops and starts with roadworks, SAFIR arrived safely at her new home on Sunday.
She offloaded calmly and looked relaxed and confident as she surveyed her new surroundings.
DIVA and LADAGO had been locked up in the lower paddock in order to allow SAFIR to explore the layout without being bombarded by these new “friends” all at once. Both DIVA and, surprisingly, even LADAGO (who is almost 33 years old) pranced around excitedly in their paddock – desperately trying to meet this new horse – SAFIR completely ignored them both and started exploring the fence line of the top paddock.
LADAGO – being partially blind and hard of hearing, didn’t waste much time or energy on SAFIR, and returned to his rest place under the mango tree. Soon enough, DIVA also lost interest since she was being so rudely ignored, and decided to ignore SAFIR too.
SAFIR spent most of the day hanging out alone near the gate where she had originally entered the paddock. No doubt a little uncomfortable in her new surroundings and hoping she could go home soon.
Later in the afternoon, I allowed DIVA to come out and meet SAFIR. She came rushing up to SAFIR, and they both introduced themselves, giving the odd squeal for a few minutes. Then, they both settled down comfortably and continued grazing together. Seeming to ignore each other, but undoubtedly they were both sussing each other out and communicating in their own way together.
How interesting!
Towards evening, I was starting to get a little concerned that SAFIR had not had anything to drink. I had left a bucket of water near the top for her, but she hadn’t touched it, and the dam and the large drinking trough were down in the bottom paddock – she hadn’t ventured in there yet.
As if they had heard me, I noticed DIVA setting off at a determined walk, with SAFIR following closely behind. I knew immediately that DIVA was taking her down to the water trough for a drink.
Sure enough, DIVA walked into the paddock and straight up to the trough. SAFIR was a little hesitant going through the gate (for fear of being trapped perhaps?) but then she boldly followed DIVA'S lead and went up to the trough, and had a good sip of water.
Then, DIVA firmly told her to leave, (setting up immediate boundaries and authority), and SAFIR obediently left the trough and joined LADAGO under the tree, while DIVA continued guarding the water trough for a while longer. When she finally left and went off to graze, SAFIR gratefully returned to the trough and had a good long drink.
Later that afternoon, just before feed time, I noticed SAFIR following DIVA around the paddock fence line. DIVA was giving her a tour of the property – showing her all the tricky spots, good grazing areas, shady areas, the dam, etc... on the property.
What incredible social animals these horses are!
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• How do you respond when you join a new group of people?
• Are you Anxious? Confident? Shy? Friendly?
• Do you hold back and just observe? Waiting to be invited to join the group?
• Or do you just confidently walk in, introduce yourself and make yourself a part of the group?
• Which of the 3 horses do you feel you relate to most in these circumstances?
