Cha'cote update....tears of joy

History again, he was in a 12x24 stall for 6ys before I got him.  He sat here for a year and a half, in his 30x30 corral alone.  I tried for about 6mos, every weekend, putting him in with the herd during the day, to aclimate and re-naturalize him to herd life, as he was terrified of other horses and too fearful to make the journey to the water trough on his own.  About 6mos after I got him, I would catch him every once in a while in the cool crisp early morning hours playing in his corral.  He had just enough room to just barely get up a slow canter circle, a few bucks and kick out at his water bucket as I was filling it. 

He has now been in the pasture with the herd for about 3 mos.  Most of his time is spent standing in one corner of the pasture.  It breaks my heart to see him like that, but I knew he would eventually come around, even if it took forever.  He has only explored the upper half of the small pasture on his own, and only a handful of times been chased thru the unknown parts of down below, much to his horror.

Well this morning, around 6:30, as I laid in bed dreading getting up for work, the dogs were barking un-relentlessly.  I finally got up and looked out the window to holler at them to shut it....when I saw them all facing the pasture.....hmmmm.....I looked over toward the pasture to see a most glorious sight.  Cha'cote PLAYING!  He was galloping the length of the upper part of the pasture, with everyone else staring at him like he was a fool.  He was bucking and snaking his head and kicking up quite a bit of dust.  I stood and enjoyed the sight before me for a few minutes, and then thought about catching it on camera.  By the time I got dressed and to the kitchen window, he had slowed down a bit and Rose had joined in the fun.  Sorry no video this time, the crummy view thru my window and screen caused poor quality after uploaded, but I knew if I went outside they would see me and stop, so I guess just I gets to relive it again and again.    I am just thrilled that he finally has the room to truley enjoy his morning play urges and can BE a HORSE.  Makes me wish I had a hidden camera out there for these early morning treats that obviously go on while I am still in bed!

Savvy On
Michelle