Originally Posted:  2/18/2009

We have a total of five horses.  Three mares (Gypsy, Anna Marie and Summer) and two geldings (Cody and Poco).  The geldings had been kept in a different pasture, far away from the mares….until a week and a half ago.  We decided to put the five horses in the same pasture.

It’s been interesting to watch the dynamics and personalities of the horses as they figure out their new herd hierarchy.  In the pasture by themselves Cody was the top horse.  But Sunday evening, Poco became his protector, keeping the girls fought off and protecting Cody, who seemed to not want to defend himself.

By Tuesday morning it was a completely different story.  Standing at the gate were the three girls and Cody.  At the other end of the pasture by himself was Poco.  I fed and had to take Poco’s food to the opposite side of the pasture as Cody.  They normally ate side by side, but Cody was not letting Poco anywhere near him.  I stood guard both morning feeding and evening feeding while Poco ate…keeping Cody and Summer (new best buds) away from him so he could eat in peace.

It’s sad to see Poco ousted, but I know in the horse world that could change tomorrow and he could be top dog….er, horse.