Today Silver was desperate to meet the newbie. He stood by the gate, waited and whinnied. So I thought “why not”.
I expected a bit of chasing and hierarchy establishment.
But this was totally unacceptable and my heart bled when I saw what was going on. We had words and a few reminders. I brought Loki out who is Silver’s worst enemy and he slunk off in a disintegrating heap. I thought it would do Stardust good to see that Silver had an Achilles heel.
I fed everyone and Stardust wandered about saying he couldn’t find his food. I had put out five bowls between four of them and still he was lost.
After a while, I led him to the shed so he could eat his food unhassled or bullied. He had a good pile and I hope it made him stronger.
I introduced him to carrots, kisses, hugs and talking. He liked all of that and was following me about by the end, rather than walking away.
As a friend said this afternoon “He needs to feel worthy” and it is very obvious that he doesn’t.
I hope this is his “hatching a cunning plan” face.
The others were a bit boisterous so I ran them round for a while to get it out of their systems and to stop them from involving Stardust. After that, they ignored Stardust and he had a quiet afternoon with them all.
But it is still Storm he follows and loves.
Anyway, tonight, I went to check on them in their little paddock and shed. Stardust seemed to be the main shed occupant and he was not budging for anyone. Good for Stardust. I am going to measure him tomorrow and buy him a rug.
It’s still Silver he follows and loves? Isn’t that Storm?
Yes, you are right – I’ve changed it
unrequited love is tough
As the Minnions are such a close knit group, perhaps they’re not very amenable to an interloper.
Stardust certianly looks as if he’s hatching something. Revenge possibly. Poor boy.
Ah establishing herd dynamics when a newbie is added is always stressful for the human observer. Hopefully they sort it out between them soon and the four fuzz-queteers can have fun as a group
Moving is always stressful. I think Stardust will come into his own in time. He might always be a quiet boy…there should be room for that too, no?
Maybe he could spend some time with the geldings or girls? Would that help with confidence building?
poor little Stardust! fingers crossed things will get better for him.