This game came about by chance, at a time when Xena and I were still relative strangers. I was at the barn one evening to visit her, except she wouldn’t come to the door of her stall to see me. I was hesitant about entering the stall — a nervous horse in a confined space can be a dangerous situation. So instead I settled for peering through the bars; watching as she ate her hay. Whenever she raised her head, I’d move to the right for a better view. But at the same moment, Xena would move to the left, positioning her head behind the doorframe and water bucket.

After bobbing and weaving 3 or 4 times, it was obvious she was trying to hide from me, but at least I was getting a response. I began to wonder, could I encourage her to mirror me in a game of peek-a-boo? We continued to sway back and forth, with me admittedly resorting to baby-talk, “I see you Xena!” followed by me quickly ducking behind the door panel. With each sway the game drew her forward, her hay now forgotten. I was rewarded 10 minutes later, when she peeked around the door frame, wearing a shy, curious expression.

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