Relative Something

The last horse to be featured from our little herd is, Legacy, aka “Legs.” I saved him for last because he already tends to command the most attention. I think partly, that is because he is a gray in an otherwise chestnut herd, but mostly it is because he is the leader.

One of the ways I notice that he is in charge is how often he stands solid, appearing oblivious to the antics of the other three when they are doing their merry-go-round game of working out their pecking order. He doesn’t bother to look up from eating while they jostle and jump, jockeying for position. Another way Legacy’s leadership is evident is the fact that he is first to approach when the herd comes over to greet people.

Legacy is pretty inquisitive and can be a bit of a mischief-maker. When we happen to be cleaning up the paddock while they are in there, he will wander over to supervise our activity. Then he will sniff at the tools or the wheelbarrow, which leads to grabbing things with his teeth, as if he is going to pick up and help.

He noticed Cyndie had hung a shirt over the fence that she had shed when she got too warm. He smelled it, grabbed it with his teeth and pulled it to the ground. Then for good measure, he wanted to paw at it with his hoof, before I rescued it from a muddy manure mess.

It is very clear when Legacy is trying to communicate something. He will make a very obvious approach to address me, and as I stand in front of him, trying to read his message, he seems to grow impatient with me. He often stomps his hoof to make a point.

I usually turn and go find Cyndie to ask her to come figure out what he wants. Sometimes it is that he wants to be fed grain or expects some treats, but one time it was that they all wanted to come into the barn and get out of the cold rain.

Legacy is a wise old leader. We are very lucky to have his watchful eye managing the safety of the herd for us. He does his job well.