An Upset in the Status Quo

As you know from my last post you know that Irish is being a bit of a bully with Carmen. I think that there's a few reasons-

1. Herd dynamics: there is always a hierarchy with horses. It might be subtle but it's there.

2. Weather: It.Won't.Stop.Snowing. Which means that the turn out space is limited. The horses are
feeling a bit cooped up and I don't blame them. Winter is like a house guest that won't leave.

3. Irish is missing Lexie. I know I'm anthropomorphizing here but I truly believe that he misses her. He's looks in her stall every morning and just seems to be looking for her.

I've taken to putting out 3 piles of hay spaced far apart so that Carmen can have access to hay without being chased away.

Today I let them out late because it had been (surprise!) snowing. They pranced around a bit and Irish had a great time rolling. Before Carmen would watch him with a look of horror. Today she sniffed, pawed, sniffed, pawed and then rolled. She looked like she find it surprisingly refreshing.

Carmen went to pile of hay and Irish chased her off. She went to go around to the other one and he body blocked her.  She turned around and I said 'For heavens sake give him a kick'. At that point she let fly with both heels-missing him but definitely a warning shot across the bow.
'whoa'  Irish backed up like he was on fire.

I swear that I  saw a light bulb go off over Carmen's head. With a squeal and a leap she chased him down into the small paddock while I laughed. She looked at me  like a cat that ate the Canary.

Last time I looked out Carmen was eating at the hay pile of her choice while Irish is down by the barn with a bemused expression on his face.

I am enjoying this young mare. Whenever I'm outside her gaze is locked on me. If a approach the gate she comes right down. While this may change once the grass is in I'm loving her attention.