Settling In - In the new role of 'Grand Dad'

'Mr F' is taking up his new role of 'Grand Dad' in his stride. As always, he is very clear in his language. 'Kitten' has meanwhile accepted 'Tolka' and they graze together. 

Even though tiny herd, it is interesting to observe the dynamics among them. Sometimes it's a fine line between observing and interfering ... 'Mr F' quite often looks at me if he has just dealt with 'Tolka'. Instincts tell me that he is kind of saying: "Look, THAT is how you deal with things." - somewhat pointing out that I am not always clear enough when among them. 

There are also scenarios where, for sheer safety reasons, I cannot allow there to be any 'fisty cuffs' while I am near so I have had to sort out 'Mr F' quite a few times because little 'Tolka' (who is as a character growing very fast!) doesn't know where to jump to avoid 'Mr F's teeth ... he can't jump into 'Mr F' and he won't jump into me. That is always a good thing to know; just like with 'Luke' - both putting quite some effort into not stepping on my feet, even when I am ignorantly in their way.

'Tolka' is yet another very unusual character - although I find myself saying this about each of them. Nevertheless, he is a very soft, very inwardly stable and secure character and VERY trusting. So much so that I am quite certain should he evern fall into the wrong hands, he will withdraw and I feel he may then loose his nice and soft attitude. He is a very strong young character, yet very unasuming. He has a great charm and is still so beautifully innocent because he has not yet had to deal with ignorant humans. It will be interesting to see him develop as he grows.

Considering the age difference of 20 years between 'Mr F' and 'Tolka', there is much playing and tomfoolery going on, such as going round the horse trailer that is in the field - round and round and round again. Quite a few times when I witnessed their shenanigans it was 'Mr F' who instigated it all.

 'Tolka' very quickly was included in the grooming ritual. He too would join if I would instigate it. It is interesting to observe how they are 'asking' / 'inviting' each other to do that. 

This is the line up that is a regular occurance by now - 'Mr F' 'pushing' them on from the back, 'Kitten' pushing on 'Tolka' who is the one that has to check stuff out ... they basically send him out as scout. 'Mr F' certainly doesn't want any extra energy used ... he is rather good at making others do the work for him ... including me!

'Kitten' ... she is coming to check out what I might be doing kneeling on the floor with the camera (bug hunting). Of course food is always important ... 

Still makes me smile when I am on the ground because 'Mr F' comes quite close and usually eats right next to me and quite often chooses the plant on which I had just seen a rather unusual bug ... and now I have 'Tolka' doing just the same. Macrophotography with these guys around is tricky! ;)

They will be moving to another field soon, this was just an introductionary field so they could get used to each other and for the move to be as calm as possible for all but especially for 'Mr F'.

So far so good.