Naughty Horse (Now)

So, even though Chester Bean was outside all day today, apparently he didn't feel like exercising. Just standin' at the round bale was all the day required, apparently.

Once the afternoon chores were done (graining, watering, bringing 17 horses in, re-watering, walking/hanging the hose, etc) in 12 degree weather, I did my usual assessment - I looked around at all 17 stalls and made sure everyone was happy. Sixteen heads were bowed, the barn full of contented munching.

Who was NOT settled in for the night?

Yup.

Chester Bean.

He stood with his head high, peering through the slats of his stall, breathing with anticipation.

I checked him...water bucket full, plenty of hay, grain bin licked clean, fresh poop in the corner. I went into the stall and rubbed my Spotted Beast's neck. He nuzzled my jacket, displeased with the lack of carrots in the pockets. He wasn't acting up...he just wasn't himself. Call me 'crazy', but when you've raised a horse from a foal to a six year old, you're pretty much in-tune to their moods.

I took The Bean out, took his turn-out blanket off, and hooked him to the lunge line. He trotted around me for two laps and then pitter-pattered around me pretending to be a world class western pleasure horse (Side Note: This will NEVER happen, no matter how much The Bean pretends to be a western pleasure horse.)

I gave up on lunging. I led Chester around, letting him sniff the footing of the indoor arena...maybe he needed a good roll. After all, that blankie can be itchy when worn for a while.

Nope. No roll. Strange for a horse who can barely wait to be unsaddled before enjoying a good post-workout roll.

I was out of guesses. Chester didn't want to trot, roll, or buck. I didn't try a good grooming...Chester HATES to be groomed. I re-blanketed him and led him to his stall. I opened the door, led him halfway in, and then he pulled back, spun on his heels, and tore around the indoor arena like the proverbial bat out of hell.

I have one philosophy about this behavior. If Horsey wants to run, Horsey will run...until I tell Horsey he can stop running. Period. Horsey needs to understand that being with Human and acting respectful is waaaaaay more fun than running and running and running.

Out came the lunge whip. Snap.

Chester ran, jumped, spun, reared, bucked, slid, and did rollbacks that would put a reining champion to shame. Until I told him he could come back and be in my presence.

All of this took less than a minute. I stopped chasing him and he turned and walked to me. I took him by the halter and led him into his stall. He mosied on in and immediately began munching his hay.

I guess all Chester really wanted was a moment of channeling a wild mustang before he could settle in for the night. Oh Kayeeee.