It is always fascinating for me to see how working animals, especially on farm, work things out. Red and Chloe have had some challenging times here. Chloe has stepped on Red more than once by accident, and Red has responded by nipping at Chloe’s leg, which causes her to lower her head and charge at Red sometimes.

During one brawl, Chloe stomped Red on his back, causing some spinal damage – this the laser treatments and massage, he is healing beautifully. Red came up nipping and Chloe lowered her head and tried to run him over. He moved quickly out of the way.

But it got fairly tense for awhile, Red does not back down and neither does Chloe. People forget that ponies were bred as war animals, Genghis Khan rode them across Asia, so did his army. Chloe is a tough animal, she grazes in all kinds of weather, and does not take it lightly when any animal is in front of some grass she wants to eat.

I’ve seen her brush the donkeys aside with a swing of her head and clear a bunch of sheep out of her way with a snort or stomp.

Red is the consumate profession, he only causes harm when he must, and otherwise, holds no grudges and is patient and appropriate. He pays more attention to Chloe than he did at first, and will get out of her way (not by much) if she is running towards him.

Red never makes eye contact with a horse or pony, in the animal wold that is considered a sign of aggression. He always has his eyes on the sheep, is often still and focused. I’ve seen the donkeys, and now Chloe, come to trust and accept him.

He holds his ground when she is grazing near him, and she has accepted his presence. She loves Fate, who delights in rushing through Chloe’s legs. Red doesn’t try that, but I notice there is a truce between these two strong-willed working animals now, they are often next to each other without trouble.

I love seeing the way Red works through problems without ever forgetting his primary mission, to keep an eye on the sheep. I’m happy for the truc.