Diesel’s Diary, The first week….

On the 28th of June we received a very special delivery. Finally it was time for Dakota Wildfire aka Diesel aka Schniesel to join us at Windchaser Ranch. I believe strongly that the babies should remain with their Dam for as long as possible, there is no better teacher in those first few formative months, but this makes for a long, sometimes frustrating wait.

The travel date was very organic, as Diesel will remain a Stallion his position with in a breeding herd is delicate and at 14 months it was time for him to spread his wings.

Transport was arranged with the amazing team at John Parker International Horse Transport, and as with Charlie they did an exceptional job. Knowing he was in such professional hands certainly took the worry out of the long journey for such a young horse. On arrival, although tired, he was no worse for wear.. And according to the groom his loading skills had improved considerably over the 4 day journey!.

I wondered what he thought as he took his first look. It must have been quite daunting. It was of little surprise that he was reluctant to unload faced with the gathering crowd as news spread of the arrival of this rare American Indian Pony!

It quickly became obvious the very big JP lorry would not be able to turn around at the gate, so we had to make the decision to unload him at the entrance to the road and lead him down to his new home. This meant a 500 meter walk on a tarmac surface with relative strangers in a hot new land!

We were very lucky to have the help of Paolo Camerlingo from Pcr Reining Horses to give us a hand. While I dealt with the paper work Paolo stepped in.We then set off, Diesel walked well, attentive to the changing light in the dapple shade the trees provided.

 

Once at the Ranch we left him to settle in the small grass round pen so he could acclimatise, eat and drink and both Diesel and I were able to take a deep breath. As he relaxed he took a moment to kick up his heels happy to be finally on Terra Firma..

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Our first few days were spent getting to know each other better, Spanish Mustangs are very people orientated and they bond deeply with those they trust, but they always have one special human. This was our time to forge that connection that will prove to be indispensable for our future together, especially as he will remain a Stallion!.. For the next couple of days we walked together, while he grazed I gently guided him, allowing him to get used to all the sounds (goats, geese, chickens and all) and investigate all the corners of his new home.

We spent time in the round pen where he could be free and choose to be close or wander and graze, and it was during these short sessions, without pressure, our connection was beginning to forge. In just 3 days we had a bond.

Although our relationship is incredibly important, it is even more important that horses are allowed to coexist with other horses. This is fundamental for their well being both mentally and physically. Herd dynamics, play and discipline all contribute to a well developed horse.
So it was now time to introduce Diesel to King, an 8 year old Appaloosa gelding. He will be Diesels paddock mate, partner in crime, confidant, best buddy, playmate and probably disciplinarian…

Introductions can be stressful and there has to be an element of safety first, King is a strong independent minded adult and Diesel is a cheeky confident baby! We gave Diesel free range of the round pen allowing him to back off if he felt unsure, King was on lead outside. As he approached Diesels curiosity got the better of him and approached for an exchange of breath. I was expecting posturing and squealing, this only occurred once and was short lived. For the rest of the time Diesel was more intent in stealing the grass out of Kings mouth! Or maybe they were kisses!

After a short time I brought Diesel out and we walked around together, with Giorgio leading King. They chose to keep a respectful distance but in all it was a very calm exchange.

The way both conducted themselves it certainly was a good sign that when they did go into the same paddock there would be minimal fuss.

 

The day arrived when Diesel went in with King! I was expecting a little excitement, but instead I got one tiny squeak from King and that was that! Not even when Diesel decided to see if King was his new Mommy! It was like they had known each other for ever. I could not have been more pleased, and although both these horses are barefoot if they got into it, particularly King being fully developed could do a lot of damage.

However things did take a turn, when Diesel during his extensive investigating of his new digs, found the only narrow hole up a bank that is so steep you can’t walk up it without being on your hands and knees. He got to the top just fine (it is fenced off at the top) but then decided that coming down was out of the question…. Which meant I had to scramble to the top, halter on, fence dismantled and a walk back round.

I have a feeling it was an excuse as this was the only part of the Ranch he hasn’t seen and for a very nosy yearling that would not do. So he went back in his little paddock and that afternoon Giorgio and Neil with help from Giuliana, ran a fence at the bottom of the bank..

Fence adjusted, our second attempted was on the cards. And as before it was pretty uneventful, King and Diesel exchanged breath, Diesel did try to mount King once which got him a sharp telling off and then back to grazing. After a little while Diesel began to investigate his new home a natural paddock with wooded area and seemed to be very happy, King was following him around which to most seems quite submissive but it did not take long before he asserted his authority, and believe me this is a good thing. A young colt that I hope to keep as a stallion needs to learn manners early on. It will be very interesting to watch how their relationship develops.

So all in all a pretty successful week. After the initial worry of how he would cope with the journey and hoping he would settle in well, all is quiet with the world. In these first few days he has proven to be as level headed as his Sire and as gentle as his Dam. I am in awe of this breed and particularly of my boys.

Special thanks go to:-

Martine at Spanish Mustangs UK without whom my life would be less the richer.
John Parker International Horse Transport for there professional caring service.
Paolo at Prc Reining Horses for his help and expertise.
Giuliana and Girogio for there friendship and willingness to do what ever is needed.

And Neil the most patient guy and best boyfriend EVER!