As Marigold settled into her new digs at SAFE, we kept a single line of panels up between her and Wednesday to let them get to know one another over a fenceline. There is always a bit of risk involved when introducing horses, and with Marigold’s small stature and recent weaning being factors, we wanted to play it safe. We had picked Wednesday to be her buddy knowing how she had acted around Alvaro – playing the role of stern, but fair, auntie with an adeptness that was beyond her four years.
When the time came to introduce (a rare, dry day, when they would be less prone to slipping and sliding around in the paddock if things got heated) we kept Wednesday on a line in the event we needed to correct any rough behavior.
We needn’t have worried a single moment.
When we first opened the panels between them, little Marigold was more interested in exploring the side of the paddock that had been closed off to her than socializing. Wednesday was intrigued, but mostly just content to hang out with her human handler. When Marigold did approach, it was with a bout of respectful clacking, acknowledging Wednesday as Large and Having Seniority. Neither attempted any funny business, and both quickly moved on from one another.
When we released them, there was more of the same. They both spent time exploring their expanded space, and then settled into a hay bag. At one point, Wednesday decided that she wanted to eat where Marigold was, and with the quiet, firm grace we had come to expect from her, politely told Marigold to ‘get lost.’ These corrections are essential for young horses like Marigold to learn proper social skills, and ensure her success in future herd settings. Not every horse is as kind and patient as Wednesday, and she’d do best to learn her cues now or risk some real faux pas later.
Since that day, the two have made an amicable pair, enjoying spending time in their backyard and palling around together. We’re grateful for mares like Wednesday who help us raise cool little fillies like Marigold.
