The new herd dynamics

Well, now that Snookie is gone, I am left to ponder how the dynamics will change.  Cha'cote was finally in a place where he was not terrified of the girls, and would rest with everyone under Snookies favorite tree, with Snook and Rose just a few feet away.  He also was getting to the hay before Spirit about 50% of the time, without Spirit dominating it away from him.  I used to feed Snookie and Rose at one end of the pasture and Cha'cote and Spirit at the other.  Because I was always feeding enough hay for Snookie to never be hungry.....everyone else is fat porkers.  Now....left with feeding them the proper amounts, if I split the pasture in two, there are not enough flakes for them to eat together and someone would always be left out.  Last night I fed them all under the same tree, and Rose was not quite sure what to do, it was not her normal place to eat.  She went from pile to pile, with the other two scatter about waiting for her to make up her mind.

I decided this morning to feed them all in Snookies spot....and cha'cote was afraid to go over there.  So I went out and walked there and he followed.  I moved Spirit so cha'cote would feel comfortable to stay, and it seems to be working out.  Rose is not pushing them around....yet....so I think they will be ok this morning.  I feel like it is important, in the face of great change, that I feed them together, so they can bond as a new herd with a new leader.  Should they squable and someone be shoved of the food for good, I will re think it for sure.  But for now, it is sink or swim.....this is your new herd....work it out.

Rose is still calling for Snookie and is looking to me for comfort.  I hate that I wont be here to be a part of the new bond, but maybe it is better that way.  It is what it is, and I think we all will survive.

I think now that Snookie is gone, Rose may come back to me as the leader.  Fingers crossed I get my levels horse back.
Savvy On
Michelle