'Jess' - 'Mr F' magic required

'Luke' has left us for a while to make room for 'Jess'. 'Jess' is a youngish mare who behaves in a very stroppy, bordering on spoilt manner. One has to watch out when moving around her and I have been warned that she has been known to kick and bite, humans and animals alike. She does have considerable behaviour issues also with other mares, particularly with 'Madame'.

'Jess' is here because 'Lillian' (who is 'Luke's owner) wants to work with her and improve 'Jess's jumping skills.

So, the decision was made that 'Mr F' was to become her companion and we all hope that he would 'do his thing' - i.e. be a good influence. The great thing about 'Mr F' is that although he is top of the pecking order, he is very tolerant and laid back. If he does get annoyed with other horses, all he does is sway his head really meaningfully and they all move away from him (with the exception of 'Luke' who just looks at him in a very forlorn manner 'I don't know what you mean ...'). I have not seen 'Mr F' kick another horse, not even when all 5 where together for the very first time. Air kicking, yes, but not physical contact, its below him to get involved in a brawl, he doesn't need to.

And so, as the days go by, I am observing 'Jess' with interest. Initially I was apprehensive to have her put in with 'Mr F', especially as it meant I had to deal with her too. But when she arrived I forgot all about my apprehension and all was fine.

She was quite unsure about me to start with and would eye me up while fidgeting about in the stable. If she could she would dash outside through the back door, turn around and stick her head around the corner to see what I was up to. As time passes, she is slowly getting used to me and eventually stopped running outside to hide. 

I have not yet touched here, deliberately. She is slowly showing an interest and I want her to do the first step. Her ears are still back when I turn up but once I talk to her, she shows interest and seems more relaxed. She can't quite yet make up her mind whether I am friend or foe.

'Mr F' is not really interested in 'Jess', they acknowledge each other but then 'Mr F' prefers to be with boys. The only mare he seems to like is 'Madame'; he likes her and she doesn't harrass him for attention. And they are not too far appart age wise.

I am curious to see how 'Jess' develops.