November horses: Chevolive

For most of the last year, Olive has been spending her days out in a field with a big group of mares.

She had lots of friends and was really happy out there.

About a month ago there was... an incident.

I wasn't present, but I did see the aftermath. It was bad, and although I would argue that human error - not Olive - was to blame, the net result was that Olive lost her group turnout privileges. This was right at the same time that her feet were hurting so instead of exploring other options, we laid low and spent a month turning out in the small, individual paddocks.

That was a bad month.

Olive is feeling a lot better these days, so I asked for - and was granted - permission to turn her out in the "Bad Girl Field." 

This space used to be the main mare field. Then Cheval moved in.

This giant draft cross mare rules her territory with an iron hoof. I can not tell you how many people have unsuccessfully tried to put a horse in her space. She is a beast.

But, you know, Olive's not exactly a pushover herself. Plus, she and Cheval already had a good over-the-fence acquaintanceship. 

 A couple weeks ago, I decided to give it a try.

Olive was so happy to be back out in a bigger space. 

She zoomed all around the pasture and right past Cheval.

Catch me if you can!

Then everyone settled down...

and a funny thing happened.

Cheval and Olive decided they were besties,

and that's how it's been ever since.

The rest of the "bad girls" are not nearly as enamored with Olive, but truth be told, it doesn't matter.

Cheval loves her,

and Cheval is in charge.

I'm so happy this is working out.

Long live, Chevolive!