He has been displaying some unusual behavior which I am not yet able to read/understand.
Scenario 1 - yesterday's 'groundwork' session with 'Mr F'
Upon entering the field, 'Luke' was clearly very eager to have mine and 'Mr F's attention and thought it would be a great idea to squeeze himself between us while we were trying to work. Their field was the only flat field that would allow for some ground work. Plus it was full with poles, hurdles and other obstacles that are great to work with.
After 'Luke' had been told off a couple of times by myself and 'Mr F' he realized that he was in the way and wandered off. From a distance he kept watching us with great interest.
It was unusual for 'Luke' to interrupt, he normally just follows around keeping a acceptable distance. I could have separated the two for the exercises but I had it in my head that 'Luke' should learn to not interferre when I am in the field.
So, to end the day's session, I went on to do some physio routines with 'Mr F'. I was just reaching down to 'Mr F's front legs for stretching exercises when I saw 'Luke's shadow on the ground approach. I looked up only to see him with his front leg already on 'Mr F's back!
Mr 'Mr F' was NOT pleased and in warning began to raise his hind leg, which had the desired effect of getting 'Luke' off his back.
Later on I was pondering over the meaning of this.
Among dogs it generally means that they are trying to dominate other dogs, but does it mean the same with horses? Although 'Luke's face was very cheeky, playful. Perhaps 'Luke' thought I was playing with 'Mr F'. After all they do nibble each others legs quite often when they initiate some game play. I watched it many times. Interesting ...
Scenario 2 - during the evening routine, same day:
Both boys had their feed I put them into their field. Sometimes I feed them in the field but often I take them out and change surroundings so both get used to the fact that circumstances can change.
All went fine, eating, grooming, walking around the trailer, etc.
We arrived back at the field. This time we had company in shape of a group of calves in the opposing field.
Earlier this afternoon I accompanied 'Lillian' and 'Luke'. We were basically 'babysitting' the two, me and 'Mr F' both walking. 'Luke' was not yet ready to go out on his won with 'Lillian'. when we took both of them out for a walk/ride earlier ('Mr F' acting as 'Luke's babysitter). We do that quite regularly so that 'Lillian' can slowly work on 'Luke' (6 years of age) being a riding horse.
I then proceeded to go to the bottom of the field to check if they had enough water. I was half way down the field when I heard heavy hooves pounding the ground behind me. Nothing unusual as both sometimes trot leisurely around while I am in the field minding my own business. However, this time it sounded rather more eager and coming near fast.
When I turned around to face into the direction of the sound, 'Luke' was already facing me, with is front legs lightly lifted up in the air!
Now I have to say that at this moment I desperately tried to:
a) keep calm and not panic - bear in mind I am only 5' tall and 'Luke' is of considerable size.
b) hide the above mentioned feelings and pretend to be brave and calm
c) search through my 'mental library' of information in reference to signs of anger in a horse, 'Luke' did not actually seem angry but what did he want?? He had a very goofy face on.
My reaction was to say loudly ' 'Luke'! Stop!' and I firmly stood my ground. As he stopped he squeezed his nose into my neck then turned and made a big loop around me in a very odd, kind of skipping trot. Then he approached me again! I hadn't moved and looked straight at him.
Meanwhile 'Mr F' noticed what was going on and came trotting over but 'Luke' was already in front of me. I reacted in the same manner as above. 'Luke' stopped and and then came close with his head stretched and tilted sideways, mouth wide open (similar to when they 'yawn'), ears pointing in all directions except backwards ... and then he started nibbling my arm very gently!
'Mr F', now standing next to us, seemed quite alright although curious as to what was going on. He looked at me and then gave 'Luke' a quick 'nip' (nothing serious) and 'Luke' wandered off. Both began grazing as though nothing happened and continued pretending that nothing happened while I proceeding with my initial plan of checking the water.
For me, it was an interesting set of events!
Did he want to play? I had noticed some similar behaviour between the two of them. But why would he want to include me to play? Perhaps I am spending so much time in their field that I have somewhat become part of the crew and he did want to play indeed.
'Luke'
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