So, as Charlie had settled so well we thought it time he had a paddock mate. He has been accustomed to equine company living with his family band and it is my belief that horses do much better when kept with other horses, not just visually over a stable door but the interaction and communication between horses is a vital element to their peace of mind and overall well being.. more on this in a later post.. back to Charlie’s new friend..
The potential paddock mate pool, is greatly reduced as Charlie is barefoot, has always been barefoot and always will be barefoot. In other words it is my intention never to have Charlie shod (again more on this in a future post).
Just sorting out the hierarchy.
This means he really should be partnered with other barefoot horses, mainly due to the damage a shod horse can do if they get into a disagreement, and when you put 2 horses together for the first time the likelihood of a heated equine discussion is pretty much guaranteed. Especially as Spanish Mustangs notoriously prefer their own kind…
But as Charlie is the only Spanish Mustang in Italy – this was not going to be possible.
Charlie and his assistant.
Luckily at the yard there is Biscotto (biscuit to you and me), he is a 2 year old colt and still barefoot.. Well as predicted the introduction was noisy (very noisy) but, as all Mustangs should, Charlie took control and soon had the measure of this Quarter Horse. After a while they settled down and now although they maybe not be best friends, Charlie tolerates him. Between you and me, I think he actually likes having him around.
