Day 1: Swing Your Partner
Yesterday was the first day this year we put on the fly masks. All was well until the geldings came in from the pasture and decided to see if they could get the fly masks off of each other. What fun! First D got Zen’s mask off and was running around with it teasing him. I saw that, went outside and put Zen’s mask back on extra securely. When next I looked out there, Zen had taken off D’s fly mask and was teasing him with it. I was in the middle of making dinner, so I just let it be. Then, as I was waiting for something to cook, I looked outside and D had a hold of Zen’s mask and was forcefully leading him around in a circle and up-and-down the paddock; Basically swinging Zen around by his face mask, without his feet leaving the ground. I think it was a show of strength for Mr. D, because this morning D was moving Zen from the hay instead of being chased away by Zen. The dynamic between those two has shifted. What a hoot! And what a great testimonial for Duramask!
Yesterday was the first day this year we put on the fly masks. All was well until the geldings came in from the pasture and decided to see if they could get the fly masks off of each other. What fun! First D got Zen’s mask off and was running around with it teasing him. I saw that, went outside and put Zen’s mask back on extra securely. When next I looked out there, Zen had taken off D’s fly mask and was teasing him with it. I was in the middle of making dinner, so I just let it be. Then, as I was waiting for something to cook, I looked outside and D had a hold of Zen’s mask and was forcefully leading him around in a circle and up-and-down the paddock; Basically swinging Zen around by his face mask, without his feet leaving the ground. I think it was a show of strength for Mr. D, because this morning D was moving Zen from the hay instead of being chased away by Zen. The dynamic between those two has shifted. What a hoot! And what a great testimonial for Duramask!
Day 2: Mud Blindness
As I was doing chores, I heard the sound of panicked hoofbeats running toward the barn. One of my mares came in with her fly mask caked with mud on both sides from rolling in the spring mud. Surely her vision was impaired. She came right up to me in a request for help. I took the mask off, brushed all of the mud off inside and out with a stiff brush, then put it back on her. I saw her body relax as a sense of trust and gratitude washed over me directly from her. She was now at ease, as she blew out a sigh of relief.
When I turned back to my chores, the other mare, her pasture mate, was suddenly at my elbow with a similar mud blindness problem. I repeated the mask brushing process and again felt a wave of relief and gratitude coming from the second mare as I returned her cleaned fly mask to her head. Then they both stood under the shelter of the barn and hung out with me, contentedly munching a bit of hay, despite the sweet spring grass that awaited them. I felt contented and loved.
One time like this may have been considered a fluke, but twice in a row in such a short time is a little hard to ignore. This reminded me that horses are intelligent, trusting beings. They do their best to communicate with us. They know that when they are loved and cared for they can depend on our help. We just need to be quiet enough to observe, connect and listen. Then enjoy the wave of gratitude that comes from the love of a horse.
Day 3: Self-ejecting Fly Mask
“Look, my fly mask came off all by itself. Will you put it back on please? Thanks.”
“Look, my fly mask came off all by itself. Will you put it back on please? Thanks.”
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End of Day 3: Unmasked
“Oh no, look, I’ve been unmasked! Will you put it back on please?”
This is becoming exhausting. 🤔 Yes, Zen is just standing at the gate with his foot by the fallen mask, waiting for me to notice, get his message and help him out. Horses are very patient with us slow humans. It amazes me that the mask is still useable. Some bite marks, but still all in one piece. This is no doubt the result of him being swung around by D again. Missed the video op!
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A Glimpse
This is just a glimpse of what everyday life with horses can be like. If you are steeped in awareness, observing, connecting and listening, it can be a life full of fun, kindness and loving gratitude. If you want to find out how, see our website http://www.naturalwhisperings.com
Copyright 2018 Joanna DeRungs (All Rights Reserved)
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