Alexios Gets A Live-In Teacher

Yesterday we moved Poesia into the pen with Anastacia and Alexios. One big reason for doing this is that it is time for our young colt to start learning to become a good horse citizen. Anastacia is very permissive with him, allowing him liberties that really are not acceptable in horse society. This has been because they are alone in the pen together and there have not been other horses around that his behavior would impact. He is getting very pushy about things and it is important that he learn some equine manners. This involves understanding that it is not acceptable to invade the personal space of other horses without permission. In fact, doing so is a sign of aggression. There are many subtle cues that will invite him into that space but they need to be displayed before he makes advances. Because he is so young, his lessons will be taught with more gentleness than they would be were he older.

The first order of business was to feed everyone.

They were very happy for the grain though Alexios does seem a bit distracted.

Poesia has always eaten faster than the other horses so she was soon trying to push Anastacia away from her feeder.

This was not acceptable as Anastacia still has greater nutritional needs, so Deb intervened. Poesia was not too pleased about this but she did back off.

Her reward was some extra attention, something that has always pleased her.

Next, she decided to rearrange things a little. The best hay in this round bale was on the bottom, so she tipped it over.

This made it much easier to access the choicest hay.

Pleased with the results of her efforts, she started munching.

Soon, she decided to saunter over and see what scraps might have been left behind by Anstacia.

Initially, Alexios behaves appropriately, just standing quietly while she approaches.

Then he decides that he needs put on his baby stallion act.

This was a mistake, and Poesia is letting him know.

She makes it very clear that he needs to know his place. She is threatening to kick though it would take a much larger transgression for her to follow through on that.

He backs away just enough to let her know that he understands.

Then he looks away, which is one way that horses indicate that they do not want a confrontation.

She heads back to the hay, and he takes a little time to process the encounter.

A little while later, after everyone has been gathered around the hay, Poesia decides that she'd like a drink of water.

Alexios takes this opportunity to approach her again.

This time he maintains a respectful distance.

Poesia, when she is done drinking, strolls past him.

Then she heads back toward the hay.

Alexios really seems to be thinking about all that has happened.

He wanders back to momma's side and makes no attempt to approach Poesia again.

Instead, he nurses while the two mares munch on hay.

He is learning fast but will probably continue to test limits in all sorts of new ways. This is a major change for him as he's been used to having the run of the pen. Now, he will need to be more respectful. Poesia is a very wise mare who will help him to learn what is necessary to become an accepted member of the herd.