Ticked at me or what?

Peeperpuppy · Ticked at me or what?

Tonight I had an interesting encounter.

I was sitting here at my computer playing Farmville. The weather's kind of misty & not outdoor activity friendly. I got a new camera. And was fiddling with it & thinking. This is the kind of weather that stirs something in me & I get restless so I opted to go take some pictures.

My 3 horses were out. I'd have preferred to take pictures without them knowing what I was up to. Instead they heard me. I'll try to load the photos. There was this lovely moment where Mis posed for me. My hand shook a mite so it's not the greatest pic but her expression was just beautiful. A few minutes later she was humping up - not really bucking but threatening a kick at Gunny. Gunny's a pain in the butt for Mis... well for the lead mare (her sister) too. But they bicker like sisters. I commented how beautiful Mis was as she stood on her hind legs, very balanced, very war horse. Neck coiled up. I got this flash of something... this happens with me. Something maybe from another time & then it was gone. I said something aloud like, "this weather stirs you too."

As is my habbit when I feed the horses I take time to stroke the jaw or face of each one. I don't hassle them while they eat. Just a moment while they eat that I remind them how much I love & appreciate them. I went to stroke Mis' forhead & she coiled very much as if she considered attacking me. Anger just plain radiated off her so much that I took my hand back to the safety side of the fence. She even bashed her face into the metal gate where her bucket hangs. I felt this anger, fury, viciousness in her before but this set me back.

Harley, the lead mare kept driving Mis off to a different bucket. I asked aloud, "Are you pissed at me? If you are I don't understand." She poked her nose back in her bucket & gave me slitty eyes but didn't do anymore bashing. I asked, "You okay with me petting you now?" She tipped her head sideways & I gently stroked her neck & then her jaw. I shook my head & said, "Mis, I'm sorry but I just don't understand."

She relaxed & I gave her a touch more grain for relaxing & then I went to give the other 2 their little rub. Mis gets more of my personal attention than they do. Now sitting at my desk I have this overwhelming feeling of upset & sadness. Not that she hurt my feelings. It doesn't really feel so much like it's about me.

Now this could be that the mare's getting tired of me being so dumb.
Maybe she was ticked at Harley & Gunny & I just caught the backlash but I'm bummed. She's been silent lately & that bothers me too.

bit

Peeps, you do have moments of connection. Eclipse is a very distant horse, most of the time. She has her moments, but mostly she is unto herself. She's kicked me, trying to kick another horse. She's bitten Kelsey on the head, going for another horse. Grouchy old mare. I don't think it's personal, it's how she is. She's lots better than she was. If she was a human, she'd prefer not to hug. She'll greet me, say hello, and allow me to stand with her while she grazes. If I get too touchy, she'll walk away.
I don't get the feeling it's personal with your horse. Probably just got sick of having to mess with a horse while she's eating. I still referee when the horses are eating, so no one has to worry about being pushed off their bucket. The ones that are submissive appreciate it, the ones that are dominate learn to wait until everyone is done to switch buckets.

thelmanelle

Bob is similar...he walks up to me to greet me, but not too much petting, no hugs. Groom to a limit. Not a touchy horse. Belle and my others are all for hugging...

4theloveofjake

My main girl Willow, my bestest riding teacher, my 'beauty queen, is not touchy feely either. Walks away when I don't have a treat and doesn't think twice. (this is subject to change when itchy bug bites need scratching and she needs me for a human scratching post to get to those ears)
Powder is ok with rubbing and about one hug then he's off to find some more stuff to eat
Then there's Jake, my touchy, feely, scratchy, follow behind me shadow, licking machine and soul mate.
They are all so unique and once we understand who they are and what they like and what makes 'em happy, we can exist in a mutually understood peace.
I also guard during feeding time. I think that creates alot of trust in you from the underdogs and respect from the top dog.
This is how I have bonded closer to Powder as I stand beside him til he finishes and he sees me subtley telling Jake, with my eyes and body language, no, wait, don't even try it. He knows.
My only advice is don't take it personal because they don't. Each encounter is fresh and to live in the moment because they do. When in horseville, do as horses do

misstux

Scout's not touchy feely either. If I get that way with him, he takes it as a sign that I am submissive and he is the leader, so I rarely go there any more with him.

Peeperpuppy

I'm having quite a time loading photos... I keep getting an error.
Tonight I had a diff horse. I rolled down the drive after work. I rolled my window down & was playing with my new camera. She actually played peek-a-boo from behind a fence post & was a whole new girl. She showed me the problem. Harley's got a bur up her butt about something & Mis is the one taking the brunt of her irritation.

I also have the FUNNIEST picture of Gunny... I called them in from the pasture tonight & it's a source of irritation that Harley & Mis will hustle & Gunny just does NOT believe it's a good thing to hurry to supper. Ears back, sour face stomping with the attitude of WHY does she wait until we're at the back stinkin pasture to call.

Tonight was comedy hour & Mis seems to be reassuring me that I'm not her current problem.

Yes_But_Neigh

Peeperpuppy

If you go to general chat & look at the link I have pictures loaded to photo bucket. I'll try to get back here & copy the link so you can see. After I posted about the incident here, about 2 in the morning I heard a lot of noise in my head from the pasture. Irritation & 'not you' messages. The next day when I got home, she played peekaboo from behind a fence post. And every since she's been showing me how Harley (the herd boss) is picking on her. Apparently she's settled Gunny's hash because Gunny is showing her a little more respect than previously. Harley's moody & I think it's due to her cycle. Mis isn't in the mood so it irked her & I was in the wrong place at the wrong time & Mis resented Harley's interference (this is my understanding of things).