She shows up with this huge bag full of dried bread and horse treats and starts feeding both Baasha and Bellis, and then she groomed Bellis thoroughly. She loves donkeys so much, almost as much as Arabian horses.
I was wondering if she'd brought her camera, I didn't want to ask because I don't want her to think I expect photos from each visit. I was so glad she did. She asked if we could go out to the pasture for some photos. Why of course!
She took some great photos of Bellis grazing placidly on the lead line and Baasha had SO much fun - I let him loose and he tore around joyfully, never coming too close, just dancing by and grazing, then ripping around and tossing his head - it was if he was saying FINALLY SPRING! I love that Bellis doesn't worry if he gets too far away, whew.
He didn't want to be caught afterwards (this is not typical for him) but we simply took Bellis out and then he was happy to be haltered and come along.
Of course it was tempting to just let Bellis loose and leave them but I want to wait til Thursday, so they have 4 full days of separation, and 5 nights together with a wall between them. Last night Baasha lay down in his stall for the first time in 3 days. I was wondering when he'd feel comfortable enough to lie down in there again.
Michi took Bellis and I took Baasha and we went for a neighborhood walk over to the old pony party place. No more horses - what a shame, the prettiest stable I've ever seen, and they built it without permission too close to the watershed, so it stands empty now. The pony party people are long gone, and the renters are not interested in having pets. If you remember photos of this place you'd be appalled too - it's a crying shame. The redbrick stalls and paddock in the middle of them were built by an architect, and you can see the difference. Cathedral ceilings in stalls? Full glass upper walls to the ceiling in stalls? Stalls built large enough a horse could canter, the stalls were built in a circle with a brick Winter paddock in the center, so the horses can all see each other even when locked up. Nothing but wooden fenced fields and woods all around - no neighbors at all. It's for sale at just under a million Euros, if only horses were allowed to live there again.
Michi said, "Baasha is looking for the other horses" and I could see that, we both were. So sad!
Bellis got lots of attention as we ran into people - everyone loves donkeys, apparently.
A neighbor said "Please come by anytime, I'll put coffee on!" and held her baby out to touch Bellis and Baasha. Baasha froze and thoughtfully examined the baby - he is fascinated by babies, but I noticed he had one ear on Bellis the entire time.
Bellis really marched out on our walk - she loves walks. She pushes her face into a halter like, "Let's go!" I feel bad for her in that little paddock so I gave her another tree. Baasha and Bellis were chewing on it at the same time, with electric wire between them! So cute.
What really got to me was when I left both Baasha and Bellis with Michi in our driveway - I came back out of the house and Baasha was grooming Bellis along her back. Bellis just stood there.
Michi says Bellis is being careful around Baasha because she's not sure what he's gonna do to her. I see that Baasha is being careful with Bellis because he's still unsure about her. He doesn't run right up to her like he did with the 2 ponies we had here. He runs up but stops so she doesn't feel nervous.
After this day I feel so much better. This is really gonna be fine. Both animals have respect for each other and it's just gonna get better from here. Feedtimes of course I have no idea about yet but I'm reassured because Bellis isn't food driven. She regularly walks away from breakfast or dinner to see what it is I'm doing. She's more curious than hungry, even at mealtimes.
Pictures? I'll get to them later. You will love them.
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9 comments:
Nothing wrong with that picture! Neat sense of motion and Baasha looks so fierce (if dirty...;-D).
I can't wait to see the pictures. I love reading about Baasha and Bellis!
It sounds like they are settling in well. I love the energy in that last picture of Baasha. He's adorable.
Good stuff. Grooming Bellis is a good sign for sure.
Dan
PICTURES! WANT PICTURES!
You know what they say about blogging:
"If you don't post photos, it didn't really happen."
Sounds like they will get along :)) I like that picture too, he looks so pretty in movement.
Lovely picture. I look forward to more. Arabians never stop being beautiful.
Can't wait to see the pictures! What a cute story.
I love that picture!! And I can't wait to see the rest of them. :D
Aww I'm so happy Baasha was grooming Bellis. How sweet! I knew they would be buddies. I love reading about them because of the similarities I see between my two. Donkeys really are so placid and laid back. :D I really don't see her causing any problems for Baasha. :)
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