Becoming a Manny (Male Nanny)

It has been very wet lately and 'Mr F's field is rather waterlogged. 'Jackie' is concerned that it may take too much of a hammering. It is their front field, a small and special field that all the walkers will see and where new horses are introduced to the yard. Therefore it has to be kept in good shape.

There is now hardly any grass left in it anyway. 'Jackie' has asked me if I would be OK if 'Mr F' would go in with her boys. Some months ago I already thought that would be the ideal solution, for 3 reasons:

1. 'Mr F' will be a good adult horse to be with for a foal as he will not accept bad behaviour. Yet at the same time he is very patient and kind.
2. It will be good for 'Mr F' to be around young horses.
3. Having the tree together will later also make it easier for 'Jackie' if she wants to take one of hers out of the field for training because there will always be a companion for the one left behind. Although 'Rookie' is already fine on his own.

I know that there won't be any troubles with 'Rookie', the smaller one of the foals - both of which are 8 months old. But I am not so sure about 'Zac'. Right now he seems to be stuck in a 'punk' zone, or a typical teenager zone. Everything is not right, ears back most of the time. However, 'Rookie' even though quite a bit smaller, is telling 'Zac' what to do so 'Zac' isn't a bossy kind of horse. He does have the temperament of his Shire mother 'Ester'. He isn't keen on running around, compared to 'Rookie' who finds it ever so easy to buzz around like a mini rocket on his short legs. 'Zac' on the other hand is already almost the size of 'Mr F' and he finds running around cumbersome. Why rush when things can be done slowly?

'Rookie' has been right next to 'Mr F' in the stable and they have had weeks of getting to know each other closely.

Contemplating what 'Jackie' just asked me I answer: "OK. I did some months ago wonder if they could go together eventually. To make this as smooth a change as possible, could 'Zac' spend the next few nights next to 'Mr F' in the stables? This way they do get a chance to get to know each other close up as well."

Putting all three together will mean the end of being independent with regards to field companion. 'Mr F' has just learnt to be on his own in a field without going completely crazy. Yet he began looking very bored and sullen. It wasn't something I wanted to keep doing, I was only too happy for him to have some field mates again. He simply thrives when being 'in charge', in control of things, when he has a herd to move around. From a timing point of view things will be easy as 'Jackie' and I basically have the same turn out turn in times. "You won't be able to leave him behind on his won once he is with the youngsters. Will you mind bringing 'Mr F' in together with yours should I not be able to get here in time? And I will do the same of course."  'Jackie' was fine with that.

As I leave for the night I look at his small field again and it is beginning to look rather bad. It'll be better for 'Mr F's frame of mind to be with other horses. Even if they are foals.