It was an exciting week last week at Spanish Mustang UK, the babies started the weaning process. I had been invited by Martine to help out and it would have been a fantastic thing to have experienced, watching Diesel taking his first steps to adolescence. Unfortunately it was not to be, but as promised Martine gave me a step by step account.
Diesel meets Uncle Mickey
The first stage was to put the babies in adjoining paddocks.
Diesel had been sharing his life so far with Harley and they have formed a very close bond. Harley has been very protective of Diesel. It was going to be very interesting to see how he would allow Mickey and Dillion, the other two foals, to interact with Diesel.
Diesel was very eager to meet and play with his new friends, But as expected, Harley was less sure and his protective instinct of his friend made it difficult at first. The video shows clearly Diesel’s desire to get to know Mickey (also his Uncle!) but Harley was less sure.. Interesting to note that Diesel in turn let Harley know that he was not happy with his intervention…
The day was filled with the expected flurries and callings. The mares were unsettled obviously with Adena, Mickey’s mum (also Charlie’s mum) finding it the hardest.
Mickey on the chase of Dillion
Diesel on the run
The first day ended with the divide still evident, with the two pairs feeding separately. Without any untoward reactions that would cause too much concern in leaving them together, they were left to settle into their first night as an evolving bachelor band.
Divided but together
The following days were interesting watching the complex ebb and flow of relationships as they found their positions within the new community they were creating.
New alliances
Diesel and Dillon are the least confrontational, Mickey is playful with a bit of a bullying undertone, which is challenged by Harley. Harley has shown himself as the surprising dominant member.
It is great to see how social Diesel is, here he shares his food with his new friend Dillion. They are finding strength from each other as bonds emerge.
Old habits die hard
Harley, however, is never far away… and the old friendships are not forgotten.
As Diesel takes a rest, Harley will stand over him watching out for him as he always did.
Their connection is still the strongest of the four and I think will remain so for quite some time to come.
The gangs all here
As we approach the end of the first week the herd have settled into it’s new dynamic. The mares are calmer and less uncomfortable.
The babies, are slowly turning into the local “youth”, finding the natural pecking order.
A certain harmony in each others company has naturally developed
It has been a surprisingly nervous time, another milestone in his life pasted. As Diesel grows into this new phase, he will be able to develop with this strong group of boys. This is life for now until he is old enough to travel and join Charlie (his Dad) and me.. My little Indian Pony is blossoming into a true War Horse…..
If you want to find out more about the work Spanish Mustang UK does to conserve this magnificent breed take a look at their website and facebook page.
Foals still Available :- Lakota Ghostdancer aka Mickey (Wanbli Iyan x Adena) Blue roan medicine hat colt born 7 April 2015 and Praire Storm aka Harley (Teton Thunderwolf x Restless Wind) Blue eyed dun roan colt, born 21 April 2015 are still available, for more information please click here – Spanish Mustangs UK sales
All photos and Video courtesy of Spanish Mustangs UK
